If your business is struggling with excess inventory, you're not alone. U.S. retailers are holding $1.43 trillion in inventory, with overstocks causing $472.5 billion in lost sales. This surplus not only occupies space but also drains cash flow through storage, insurance, and taxes. The solution? B2B platforms that convert surplus into cash by connecting sellers with a vast network of buyers.
Here’s a quick look at five platforms that stand out:
- ForthClear: Automates dead stock detection (flags unsold items after 60 days) and uses Stripe escrow for secure payments. Supports cross-border sales with tariff estimates.
- BoxFox: Simplifies liquidation with automated pricing and buyer matching. Offers fast cash recovery and a large buyer network.
- BULQ: Ceased operations in late 2025 but was known for fixed-price listings, manifest accuracy guarantees, and partnerships with eBay for easy resale.
- B-Stock: Connects sellers to 500,000 buyers globally. Offers auction-based sales and secure post-delivery payments.
- Surpluss: Focused on U.S. wholesale buyers, it handles logistics internally, ensuring faster settlements.
Each platform offers a unique approach to inventory liquidation, balancing automation, buyer reach, and financial security. For small businesses, ForthClear’s low fees and automation tools are appealing. Larger enterprises may benefit from B-Stock’s auction model and vast buyer base.
B2B Surplus Inventory Platform Comparison: Features, Fees, and Buyer Networks
Quick Comparison
| Platform | Key Strengths | Fee/Cost Structure | Buyer Network | Payment Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ForthClear | Dead stock detection, escrow payments | 5% per sale, no monthly fee | Growing, verified buyers | Stripe escrow (14-day hold) |
| BoxFox | Automated pricing, buyer matching | No fee disclosed | Large, diverse buyers | Fast payouts |
| BULQ | Manifest accuracy, eBay integration | Flat-rate shipping | eBay buyers | eBay Money Back Guarantee |
| B-Stock | Auction model, global buyers | $99/month for SMBs | 500,000+ buyers | Post-delivery payment release |
| Surpluss | Logistics support, fast payouts | Not disclosed | U.S.-focused wholesale | Internal payment processing |
Choosing the right platform depends on your business size, inventory type, and cash flow needs. Smaller businesses may prefer cost-effective options like ForthClear, while larger companies might benefit from B-Stock’s scale and auction features.
1. ForthClear
ForthClear offers businesses a way to turn surplus inventory into cash efficiently while minimizing the risks associated with B2B transactions. By combining automation with a network of verified buyers, the platform ensures sellers can recover value from unsold inventory without unnecessary complications.
Automation Features
ForthClear integrates seamlessly with Shopify, automatically flagging inventory that hasn’t sold within 60 days. This early warning system allows businesses to act quickly, liquidating slow-moving items before they lose more value or become obsolete. The process of listing products is straightforward, requiring just a few clicks.
For businesses not using Shopify, ForthClear provides a bulk CSV upload tool. This tool simplifies the process by including an auto-image search feature, which automatically finds product photos during uploads, saving sellers significant time and effort.
This automation not only streamlines operations but also works hand-in-hand with financial safeguards to secure cash flow.
Financial Security
To ensure secure transactions, ForthClear uses Stripe Connect escrow payments. When a buyer places an order, the payment is held in escrow by Stripe until the shipment is verified. Buyers have a 14-day window to inspect the inventory and confirm it matches the agreed-upon quantity and condition. For sellers, this system eliminates the risk of non-payment. Once the delivery is confirmed - or after the inspection period ends without disputes - funds are automatically released, minus a 5% fee.
In addition to domestic transactions, ForthClear makes international sales more accessible.
International Support
ForthClear supports cross-border sales, offering built-in tariff estimates to simplify international transactions. While sellers are responsible for arranging shipping, the platform provides upfront calculations for customs and duties, taking the guesswork out of global sales. To attract larger orders, sellers can use the tiered bulk pricing feature, offering discounts like “Buy 50+ units, get 20% off.” This approach encourages international buyers to purchase in higher volumes, helping sellers improve cash flow more effectively.
2. BoxFox
BoxFox simplifies the process of surplus inventory liquidation by automating key tasks like appraisal and buyer matching. These tools, combined with a vast network of buyers, help sellers convert excess stock into cash quickly and efficiently.
Automation Features
BoxFox leverages automation to make handling surplus inventory faster and easier. Sellers just upload their inventory details, and the platform takes care of the rest. It automatically appraises items, suggests pricing, and uses a buyer-matching algorithm to connect listings with the most relevant buyers. This automated process eliminates the need for time-consuming market research, speeding up the path to cash recovery.
Buyer Network and Reach
With access to a large network of buyers, BoxFox creates a centralized marketplace that offers better returns compared to traditional liquidation methods. Sellers can offload significant amounts of inventory quickly, reducing storage costs and freeing up capital that might otherwise be stuck in unsold stock. This quick turnaround helps improve cash flow by turning overstock into immediate revenue.
Cash Payout Speed
BoxFox ensures payments are processed without unnecessary delays. While the exact payout timeline depends on the agreed terms, its verification system is designed to prevent hold-ups - an essential feature for businesses needing quick access to cash.
3. BULQ
Note: BULQ officially ceased operations in late 2025 after a decade in business. However, its methods and features still offer valuable insights into how surplus inventory platforms operate.
Automation Features
BULQ collaborated with eBay to simplify the reselling process through its Bulk Inventory Solution. This tool automatically created listing drafts for wholesale lots, prefilled with essential details like brand names, product descriptions, original retail prices, and UPCs pulled directly from the manifest.
Sellers could generate these drafts in bulk using the eBay Seller Hub or order confirmation emails. Adding photos via mobile further streamlined the process, cutting out hours of manual entry. This made it quicker and easier to move items from purchase to resale.
Buyer Network and Reach
By partnering exclusively with eBay, BULQ gave sellers immediate access to eBay's extensive U.S. marketplace, connecting them with millions of potential buyers. The automated listing system ensured inventory reached the market faster, reducing the time between acquiring and selling goods. As Kerry Franciscovich, a dedicated eBay seller, explained:
"When you buy from BULQ you can see exactly what you're purchasing. There is a box, a condition, a category, a price point for every reseller out there".
Financial Security
To protect buyers, BULQ offered a 98% manifest accuracy guarantee. If there were discrepancies in condition or quantity exceeding 2%, sellers could contact Customer Care, typically receiving a response within 1-2 days. Additionally, purchases made through the eBay partnership were covered by eBay's Money Back Guarantee. Sellers had up to 7 days from delivery to report any issues, emphasizing the importance of inspecting inventory promptly.
These features illustrate effective strategies in surplus inventory management, many of which continue to influence other platforms today.
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4. B-Stock
Buyer Network and Reach
B-Stock connects sellers with a massive network of 500,000 verified business buyers across 130 countries. The platform handles an impressive 16,000 items per hour, which helps businesses clear out inventory in just days rather than weeks. Notably, nine of the top 10 U.S. retailers use B-Stock to manage and sell their secondary market inventory.
Every day, over 100 new "Buy Now" listings are added to the platform. Amberly Bliss, Owner of Retail Deals, shared her experience:
"I feel so confident shopping and bidding on items knowing that I am going to get what I paid for. And if not, there's a killer customer service team that's going to make sure everything's alright in the end."
This extensive network is supported by strict transaction protocols, ensuring smooth and secure operations.
Financial Security
B-Stock acts as a trusted middleman for transactions. Winning buyers send payment to B-Stock, which holds the funds until the shipment is confirmed, then releases the payment electronically. All bids are legally binding, and buyers must be verified businesses with valid resale certificates.
To minimize surprises, sellers are encouraged to provide detailed manifests that include brand names, quantities, and condition codes. If any issues arise, a dedicated customer service team is available to resolve disputes.
Cash Payout Speed
Payouts are processed as soon as orders are delivered and confirmed. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) using B-Stock Supply, there’s a $99 monthly subscription fee but no setup costs.
Sellers can choose between "Seller Arranged" or "Buyer Arranged" shipping options, enabling them to select the most efficient method for faster deliveries and quicker payouts. This streamlined process helps sellers turn inventory into accessible cash quickly. Additionally, the "Buy Now" feature allows for immediate sales, speeding up the conversion of inventory into funds compared to waiting for auction closures.
Automation Features
B-Stock goes beyond its vast network and secure payment processes by offering automation tools to simplify bidding and listing. Features like Proxy Bidding automatically increase bids on behalf of buyers up to their maximum limit. Sellers can also use the "Make an Offer" feature to automate negotiations or the "One-to-Many" listing option, which matches inventory with the highest-paying buyers based on predefined rules. With 15 years of B2B resale data, SMB sellers can refine pricing and lotting strategies to maximize returns.
5. Surpluss
Buyer Network and Reach
Surpluss primarily operates out of California, connecting sellers with a broad network of wholesale buyers and liquidation partners across the United States. With a strong focus on the West Coast, the platform offers services to retailers, brands, and eCommerce sellers who need to move inventory quickly. Their end-to-end solutions include everything from sourcing buyers to coordinating logistics, making the entire process more seamless. This well-established network also helps speed up payment processing by consolidating transactions.
Cash Payout Speed
Surpluss takes pride in its ability to deliver quick financial settlements. By handling logistics and payment processing internally, sellers can offload large quantities of inventory in a single transaction without juggling multiple buyers. This streamlined system not only minimizes administrative hassles but also ensures sellers gain faster access to their funds, improving cash flow.
Automation Features
Surpluss also leans heavily on automation to improve efficiency. Their automated listing tools can accelerate the time it takes to bring products to market by up to 65%. Additionally, the platform optimizes freight management and syncs inventory in real time with POS and eCommerce systems. This ensures listings remain accurate, prevents overselling, and simplifies operations for sellers.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Choosing the right platform for your business comes down to understanding how each one balances cash flow speed, operational features, and costs. Here's a breakdown of the strengths and challenges for three popular options: ForthClear, B-Stock, and BULQ.
ForthClear charges a 5% fee per sale and uses Stripe escrow to hold funds until delivery is confirmed. It stands out with automated tools like dead stock detection, which flags items unsold for over 60 days, and a bulk CSV upload system that includes an auto image search for faster listings. To ensure secure transactions, all buyers and sellers are verified. However, as a newer platform, its network is still expanding.
B-Stock operates on an auction-based model, with some listings exceeding $100,000. It offers transparency with detailed manifests that include MSRP and per-unit costs. For those using B-Stock Supply, there’s a $99 monthly fee, which also comes with dedicated listing consultancy. Payments are only released after delivery is confirmed, which enhances security but may delay cash flow. The platform’s large pool of nearly 500,000 vetted buyers is a major advantage, though competition and large minimum bids can be challenging.
BULQ uses a fixed-price model and guarantees manifest accuracy, giving sellers confidence in the listed product details. It also offers flat-rate shipping, making budgeting straightforward. While the fixed pricing eliminates auction-related risks, it can also limit the potential for higher profits in competitive markets.
Here’s a quick comparison of the platforms:
| Platform | Pricing Model | Escrow/Payment Protection | Buyer Verification | Key Strengths | Notable Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ForthClear | 5% per sale | Stripe escrow (14-day hold) | Verified buyers and sellers | Dead stock detection; no monthly fee | Newer platform with a growing network |
| B-Stock | Auction-based ($99/month for Supply) | Post-delivery payment release | Nearly 500,000 vetted buyers | Data-rich manifests; large buyer pool | High competition; large minimum bids |
| BULQ | Fixed-price | Manifest accuracy guarantee | Sourced from major U.S. retailers | No auction risks; flat-rate shipping simplifies budgeting | Limited competitive pricing potential |
This comparison highlights the financial and operational trade-offs of each platform, helping you decide which aligns best with your business needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best platform for your business comes down to factors like inventory size, cash flow needs, and overall business scale. For small businesses, ForthClear stands out with its low 5% per-sale fee and no monthly charges, making it a low-risk option. Its dead stock detection feature, which flags items unsold for over 60 days, is a handy tool for identifying products that need to be cleared out quickly. This is ideal for businesses prioritizing efficiency while keeping upfront costs low.
For medium-sized businesses, platforms offering auction-based models or direct liquidation might be a better fit. These options strike a balance between maintaining pricing control and ensuring quick turnover, though each comes with its own trade-offs in terms of recovery rates and transaction speed.
Large enterprises handling high volumes, like full truckloads, often require fast-moving solutions. B-Stock Enterprise, for example, can process up to 16,000 items per hour and leverages 15 years of pricing data to help maximize returns. For those with specific needs, platforms like BoxFox use automated appraisal and buyer-matching systems, while Surpluss offers comprehensive logistics support and faster listing options.
Protecting your brand remains a top priority, especially for premium or sensitive inventory. Many platforms address this with secure escrow systems, which help safeguard against fraud and minimize risks like channel conflict.
FAQs
How does ForthClear make transactions safe for surplus inventory sales?
ForthClear prioritizes secure transactions with its escrow payment system, which safeguards buyer funds until the delivery is successfully confirmed. On top of that, the platform only allows verified sellers to list their surplus inventory. This approach adds a layer of trust and dependability, ensuring a safe and straightforward experience for users engaging in surplus stock trading.
How does BoxFox simplify surplus inventory liquidation with automation?
BoxFox simplifies surplus inventory liquidation with its smart automation tools, making the process faster and less stressful for sellers. One standout feature is the automated bidding system, which handles bids automatically during the three-day auction. This means sellers don’t have to constantly monitor the auction or worry about missing out on potential deals.
Another useful tool is the platform’s valuation algorithm, which provides an instant market-based price estimate for uploaded inventory. This eliminates the hassle of manual calculations and gives sellers a clear idea of their inventory's worth. Adding inventory is also a breeze - sellers can import spreadsheets directly from their point-of-sale system or use the iPhone app, which automatically creates listings and integrates them into the auction process.
These tools take the headache out of liquidation, helping businesses free up space, save time, and improve cash flow with minimal effort.
Why did BULQ shut down, and how does this affect surplus inventory platforms?
Currently, there’s no clear explanation as to why BULQ stopped operations or what this means for the larger world of surplus inventory platforms. If you’re searching for dependable alternatives to buy or sell surplus stock, look for platforms that prioritize features like secure payment options, verified supplier networks, and real-time communication tools. These can help simplify and improve your inventory management process.
