Sports Equipment at Amazon Return Stores
Sporting goods and fitness equipment are a growing presence at bin stores. Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and how to get the best value.
The Sports Section at Bin Stores
Fitness and sports equipment has been one of the fastest-growing categories in e-commerce over the past several years. With that growth comes a corresponding increase in returns — and a steady stream of sports and fitness merchandise flowing through the liquidation pipeline to bin stores.
Whether you're setting up a home gym, upgrading your outdoor recreation gear, or just looking for sports accessories at a discount, bin stores offer genuine opportunities in this category.
Fitness Equipment and Accessories
What You'll Commonly Find
Resistance Training Accessories:
Resistance bands (flat and tube style)
Ankle weights and wrist weights
Pull-up bars (door-mounted)
Ab rollers
Jump ropes
These small items are among the best fitness buys at bin stores. They're simple, durable, easy to inspect, and carry real retail prices ($15–$40) that make even Day 1 bin prices a solid value.
Yoga and Flexibility Gear:
Yoga mats (varying quality — squeeze test for density)
Yoga blocks and straps
Foam rollers (full size and travel)
Stretching mats and exercise mats
Cardio Accessories:
Heart rate monitors
Fitness trackers (standalone devices)
Pedometers and GPS accessories
Weights and Benches:
Dumbbell pairs or small sets (these are heavy — check for return policies on large items)
Kettlebells
Weight collars and barbell accessories
Large Fitness Equipment
Full-size treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes are rare in standard bins but may appear as separate items in larger bin store locations. If you find one:
Verify it powers on and the display works
Check the belt/stride mechanism for smoothness
Confirm any digital features are functional
Factor in transport — these are heavy and require a vehicle accordingly
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Team Sports
Soccer balls, basketballs, and footballs
Baseball gloves and batting accessories
Rackets (tennis, badminton, pickleball)
Protective gear (shin guards, batting helmets)
Balls are easy to evaluate — check for proper inflation and structural integrity. Rackets should be checked for frame cracks and string integrity.
Water Sports
Snorkeling sets
Water shoes and swim accessories
Inflatable pool and beach items
Note on inflatables: Impossible to fully test at the store. Assess the packaging for puncture risk and buy at a price that justifies the uncertainty.
Camping and Outdoor Gear
Headlamps and flashlights
Camping cookware
Hydration packs and water bottles
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag liners
These are consistently good bin store buys. Check headlamps and electronics for battery operation. Stainless steel water bottles and camping cookware are low-risk and high-value.
Cycling Accessories
Helmets (with the safety considerations noted below)
Bike lights
Cycling gloves and accessories
Cycling computers and GPS units
Safety Considerations for Sports Equipment
Helmets: A Special Case
Helmets — bicycle, skiing, skateboarding, and similar protective headgear — should be purchased with caution at bin stores. Helmets that have been in a crash may appear structurally intact but have compromised internal foam that no longer provides adequate protection. Unless a helmet is clearly brand new and has never been worn, buying a used helmet carries risk.
If you buy a helmet, ensure it has not been in an impact, is the correct size, and meets current safety certifications (CPSC for bikes, ASTM for skiing, etc.).
Kids' Sports Equipment and Safety
For children's sports gear — protective padding, helmets, goggles — apply the same careful inspection you'd use for any children's safety equipment. Look for current safety certification marks and check that adjustable components function properly.
Climbing Gear: Do Not Buy Used at Bin Stores
This is a firm guideline: do not purchase climbing ropes, harnesses, carabiners, or belay devices at bin stores. These safety-critical items should only be purchased new, from certified sources. There is no way to assess internal wear, UV damage to ropes, or gate function reliably on a bin store floor.
Reselling Sports Equipment
Sports equipment is a good resale category, especially:
Brand-name fitness trackers and GPS watches (Garmin, Fitbit)
Quality resistance training sets (still packaged)
Sports electronics
Popular racket sports equipment (pickleball paddles are especially hot right now)
Hiking and outdoor gear from known brands
eBay and Facebook Marketplace are both strong platforms for sporting goods resale. Local sales work especially well for larger items.