How Bin Store Prices Compare to Amazon Retail
Just how much cheaper are bin stores compared to buying the same items new on Amazon? The numbers across categories will surprise you.
The Price Gap Between Bin Stores and Amazon Retail
The entire proposition of bin stores rests on one foundation: that items from the liquidation pipeline are available at prices dramatically below what those same items cost new on Amazon. But how dramatic is the gap, really?
Let's look at this across specific categories with realistic price examples. The numbers reflect what informed shoppers actually encounter on typical visits to bin stores at various stages of their pricing cycles.
Understanding the Comparison
A few important caveats before the numbers:
Condition difference: Items at bin stores are returns or overstock, not guaranteed new. The price gap reflects this uncertainty.
Cycle position matters: The bin store price varies by what day it is in the pricing cycle. Day 1 ($7–$10/item) offers less discount than Day 4 ($1–$2/item).
Selection isn't guaranteed: You can't choose to buy a specific model at a bin store — you buy what's there. Amazon retail gives you any item you want.
With those caveats in mind, here's how the numbers look:
Electronics Comparison
Bluetooth Speaker (Mid-Range)
Amazon retail (new): $45–$65
Amazon Warehouse (like new): $32–$45
Bin store (Day 1, functional): $7–$10
Bin store (Day 3, functional): $3–$5
Savings vs. retail: 80–93%
True Wireless Earbuds (Non-Apple Premium)
Amazon retail (new): $60–$100
Amazon Warehouse: $40–$70
Bin store (Day 1): $7–$10
Savings vs. retail: 83–90% at Day 1 price
Smart Plug (4-pack)
Amazon retail: $18–$30
Bin store (Day 2): $5–$7
Savings vs. retail: 70–83%
Kindle E-Reader (Basic)
Amazon retail: $100
Bin store (Day 1, functional): $7–$10
Savings vs. retail: 90–93% if functional
Kitchen and Appliances Comparison
Air Fryer (3–4 qt)
Amazon retail: $55–$90
Bin store (Day 1): $7–$10
Bin store (Day 3): $3–$5
Savings vs. retail: 88–95%
Electric Kettle (Basic to Mid-Range)
Amazon retail: $25–$50
Bin store (Day 1): $7–$10
Savings vs. retail: 72–86%
Instant Pot (6 qt)
Amazon retail: $80–$100
Bin store (Day 2): $6–$8
Savings vs. retail: 91–94%
Set of Silicone Kitchen Utensils
Amazon retail: $20–$35
Bin store (Day 4): $1–$2
Savings vs. retail: 91–97%
Clothing Comparison
Athletic Leggings (Generic Brand)
Amazon retail: $20–$30
Bin store (Day 1): $7–$10
Bin store (Day 3): $3–$5
Savings vs. retail: 67–90%
Basic T-Shirt Pack (3-pack)
Amazon retail: $18–$25
Bin store (Day 3): $3–$5 for the pack
Savings vs. retail: 73–88%
Winter Jacket (Mid-Range Quality)
Amazon retail: $60–$120
Bin store (Day 1): $7–$10
Savings vs. retail: 88–94%
Beauty and Personal Care
Electric Toothbrush (Mid-Range Oral-B/Philips)
Amazon retail: $50–$80
Bin store (Day 1): $7–$10
Savings vs. retail: 86–91%
Mid-Range Skincare Serum (Name Brand)
Amazon retail: $30–$50
Bin store (Day 2): $5–$7
Savings vs. retail: 84–90%
Toys Comparison
Brand-Name Action Figure Set
Amazon retail: $25–$40
Bin store (Day 1): $7–$10
Savings vs. retail: 72–82%
Board Game (Mid-Range)
Amazon retail: $25–$45
Bin store (Day 3): $3–$5
Savings vs. retail: 88–93%
Understanding the True Value Calculation
The percentage savings look extraordinary, but they must be interpreted with the condition caveat in mind. A 90% savings on a non-functional Bluetooth speaker isn't actually a savings — it's a $7 waste.
The real value formula for bin store shopping:
True value = (Retail price × condition probability) − Bin price
If a speaker retails for $60, you assess it as having a 70% chance of being functional (based on appearance), and the bin price is $7:
Expected value: $60 × 0.70 = $42
Price paid: $7
Value gained: $35
Even with significant condition uncertainty, the math usually favors bin stores strongly for recognizable items at reasonable bin prices.
When Amazon Retail Still Wins
Bin store savings are real, but Amazon retail wins in specific circumstances:
You need a specific model and can't wait for it to appear in bins
You want a warranty and returns guarantee
The item is high-stakes (medical devices, safety equipment)
You need it delivered
The item's condition is critical and can't be adequately assessed at a bin store