Buying surplus food inventory has its challenges, especially for anyone new to food buying, handling, storing, and reselling. You’ll need to make sure any food you purchase is safe, that the price is in line with your business goals, and that you understand your options when it comes to receiving customer support.
Evaluate expiration dates and shelf life
While most shelf-stable foods stay safe well beyond the “best by” date, some goods — like cereal, cookies, and pasta — will eventually turn stale. Canned goods will last for years beyond the best-by date, as will frozen items. Older frozen foods, however, can dry out and lose their original consistency and flavor.
Pricing and Cost Analysis for Buying Surplus Inventory, Food Liquidation Compare Prices with Regular Market Prices
Compare the price of the items offered and what they cost at regular wholesale or retail. Then use that data to determine if it makes sense to proceed with the purchase.
Calculate Cost Savings and Evaluate Budget Alignment
Don’t fall into the trap of making a purchase just because you’re being offered a good deal. If you have to buy excess inventory in a certain quantity to get the price you want and that will cause you to exceed your budget — and perhaps struggle with storage and distribution issues — rethink the purchase. It may be out of alignment with your budget and goals.
Evaluate the Level of Customer Support and Assistance
How helpful, responsive, and proactive has the supplier been? Does this vendor answer your phone calls and address the issues you bring to their attention? When deciding whether to work with a food supplier, it’s important to develop a good working relationship. If they don’t work to earn and keep your business, move on.
How Marvell Foods Can Help You Buy or Sell Surplus Food
As a trading company specializing in brokering discontinued, out-of-date, unsold, and overstock food items, Marvell Foods has been offering incomparable service to both buyers and sellers of surplus foods for 30 years. Whether you’re a discount retailer, food bank, or government institution looking to purchase surplus food or a manufacturer, food processor, co-packer, and other food producer seeking to earn ROI on rejected foods or products sitting in your inventory, Marvell Foods can help.
Check out our case studies to learn more about how Marvell Foods implements real, innovative solutions to maximize profits for clients just like you, and then contact us or give us a call at 561-213-2289.