At my local flea market there are two vendors who sell returned merchandise. One described to me that he spends hours each week scouring auction sites for his merchandise. Retailers are so liberal now with returns that they are flooded with goods that are totally fine, unused, changed mind, color looks different in person, gifts, realized can't afford, etc. The cost of restocking this merchandise plus the effect of time lapse on style or current assortment makes it more profitable to just sell out the back door through online auction outfits who sell to flea market vendors etc.
I have picked up our Breville toaster ($25), a 4" memory foam mattress topper ($15), Patagonia slimline down jacket ($25), Queen size silk filled comforter ($25), Twin down blanket ($15). These products were "new, replaced in box", while many were not ever opened. Outside tag reads "customer changed mind".
We live in a very spoiled society.
