When a part goes end-of-life or a lead time stretches past your build date, factory surplus is often the stock that is still available. Factory surplus means original-manufacturer parts that an electronics manufacturer bought for production and never used. This guide explains where that stock is sold, what to check before you buy a surplus lot, and how to find and request it on StockWake.
Where factory surplus comes from
Surplus appears when a manufacturer ends up with more parts than it will build with:
- a build or program is cancelled or reduced,
- a design change replaces a part before the stock is used,
- a minimum order or full-reel quantity leaves more parts than the job needed,
- a last-time buy for an end-of-life part turns out larger than the remaining demand.
The parts are usually still in their original packaging, but each lot has its own history, so the details matter more than with stock from a franchised channel.
Where buyers find factory surplus
- Directly from manufacturers. Some sell their own excess, usually in whole lots and to buyers they already know.
- Independent distributors and brokers. They buy or source excess stock and resell it. Our guide comparing authorized distributors, independent distributors and brokers explains what to ask a supplier outside the authorized chain.
- Online listing and stock-search sites. Holders publish what they have, so you can search by part number before you ask for a quote.
- Auctions and liquidators. They often sell whole warehouses at once, with little information about individual lots.
- BOM sourcing services. They match your bill of materials against stock held by several owners and quote the lines they can fill.
The routes differ mainly in how much you learn about the lot before you pay and who stands behind it if something is wrong.
What to check before you buy a surplus lot
- The full part number, including packaging and temperature suffixes, not only the top marking. See component top marking vs full part number.
- Date code and lot code, and whether they meet your quality requirements. See date codes and lot codes explained.
- Packaging and storage, such as original reels or trays, and moisture barrier bags for moisture-sensitive parts. See storing moisture-sensitive surplus components.
- Documents, such as a Certificate of Conformance or an inspection report. See CoC, inspection report or test report.
- Returns, including who handles them and whether the part is sold as NCNR (non-cancellable, non-returnable).
Buying factory surplus on StockWake
Most of our stock is factory surplus — original-manufacturer parts that electronics manufacturers bought and never used. Distribution stock supplements hard-to-find and end-of-life parts. All parts are original, not refurbished or recycled.
Every listing states where the lot came from, its date code (where known), quantity and the date it was last updated. You can search stock by part number or browse all categories.
Prices are not listed on the site. Send us the part numbers and quantities you need and we will email you a quotation in US dollars, including lead time and shipping cost. Quotations are valid for 7 days, subject to prior sale.
If the seller holds a manufacturer or distributor Certificate of Conformance (CoC), we provide it. If not, we provide our own outgoing inspection report. The quotation states which one applies. You may ask for an independent third-party lab test before shipment. The testing fee is paid by the buyer.
If you need many lines, upload your BOM instead of sending part numbers one by one. Our guide on getting one quote for a BOM with EOL and shortage parts explains how to prepare it.
Frequently asked questions
Are prices listed on the site? No. Prices are not listed on the site. Send us the part numbers and quantities you need and we will email you a quotation in US dollars, including lead time and shipping cost.
Is there a minimum order? There is no minimum quantity, but each order must be at least US$100 in value, excluding freight.
Can I have the parts tested before shipment? Yes. You may ask for an independent third-party lab test before shipment. The testing fee is paid by the buyer.
What if the parts are wrong or damaged? If parts are wrong, counterfeit or damaged, tell us within 30 days of delivery. We refund the parts and pay the return shipping. When a part is NCNR, the quotation says so, and the 30-day return policy does not apply.