There are many Amazon and USPS packages that never make it to their destinations. You can buy those packages online and in person — but watch out for scams.
If a Postal Service package hasn’t been claimed within 90 days, it’ll likely be auctioned on GovDeals, a company the US Postal Services contracts with to sell unclaimed items. Items could be sold in lots, rather than individually — so you may wind up with a bunch more stuff to sift through, resell or donate. On the site, you can browse categories you are interested in, such as sporting equipment, beauty supplies and clothing.
The website Liquidation lets you choose the company you’re interested in buying bulk packages from, including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. For some items, you can see what you’re bidding on, but other listings will only show you images of the boxes or pallets and the category it falls under, as well as an estimated retail price. Depending on the size and weight of the items you get, you can expect shipping to be upward of $100.
An Amazon spokesperson told CNET that if an undelivered package arrives back at Amazon, an employee removes the item from the packaging and inspects it to determine whether the item can be resold. If not, it’s sold to other customers or liquidators, returned to suppliers or donated to charitable organizations.
