Overstock vs Surplus vs NOS
Procurement decisions hinge on knowing exactly what condition a lot is in. On a liquidation marketplace the labels are not interchangeable. Here is what each one means and what to verify before you buy.
The labels, defined
| Label | What it means | Typical condition |
|---|---|---|
| Overstock | Excess inventory a supplier over-bought or no longer needs to carry. | New, unused |
| Surplus | Stock freed up by a cancelled order, project change, or consolidation. | New, unused |
| NOS (New Old Stock) | New, never-installed product from an older production run or discontinued line. | New, may have aged packaging |
| Discontinued | A model the manufacturer no longer produces. | Usually new |
| Closeout | A supplier clearing a line, often at the steepest discount. | New |
Why it matters for procurement
Most overstock, surplus, and NOS lots are new product priced below comparable MSRP. The savings come from the seller's need to move inventory, not from a defect. Discontinued and NOS lots are often the only way to match casters already in service when a manufacturer has moved on to a new model.
What to verify before you buy
- Stated condition on the listing, which is disclosed for every lot.
- Quantity available, since overstock is one-time and not restocked.
- Specs that matter for your application: load rating, wheel material, and mount type.
- Freight method, shown up front on each listing.
How Overstock Casters labels lots
Every listing is admin-reviewed and states condition, quantity, and specifications before it goes live. Inventory is sold as-is, so the listing is the source of truth. Browse supplier closeouts, discontinued casters, or the full overstock marketplace.