Bulq Shut Down July 2025: Switch to Forthclear

TL;DR: BULQ closed in July 2025. If you bought liquidation inventory there, choose your next source by the stock, condition and delivered cost you need. Forthclear is a separate B2B surplus marketplace: buyers can browse current listings and request a quote; merchants can list their own surplus for sale. It does not guarantee replacement BULQ stock or buy your inventory outright.

Last updated: September 2026

Disclosure: Forthclear publishes this guide and operates the marketplace described below.

Are you buying inventory or clearing your own surplus?

Those are different jobs. A reseller replacing a source of retail returns needs suitable lots to buy. A merchant with overstock needs a way to offer that stock to other businesses. Start with the path that matches your job.

Your goal	What to check	Your next step
Buy stock to resell	Product mix, condition, quantity, seller location and a delivered quote	Browse current Forthclear inventory and check whether a listing fits
Sell your own overstock	Your inventory details, minimum order, asking price and shipping arrangements	Create or sign in to a seller account
Resolve an old BULQ order	Your original order records and the original seller or payment provider's support process	Use the contact details in your original records; Forthclear cannot access BULQ accounts or handle its orders

For former BULQ buyers: check the lot before choosing the marketplace

Forthclear lists surplus from businesses. Inventory varies by seller and changes over time. A listing is not a promise that the same products, grading standards or pallet mix you bought from BULQ will be available.

Open the current inventory, then select a product to read its description, available quantity, condition, bulk pricing and shipping details. If you need mixed retail-return pallets, confirm that a seller actually offers that format. Do not infer it from the word “liquidation.”

1. Check the contents. Ask for the SKU list, unit counts, photos and any missing accessories. Clarify whether the listing covers one product or a mixed lot.
2. Clarify condition. Ask what “overstock,” “returns” or “refurbished” means for this lot, what testing was performed and which defects are known.
3. Confirm quantity and packaging. Check the minimum order, carton or pallet quantities, and whether the seller can supply your requested amount.
4. Get the delivered cost. Request the item price, shipping, applicable taxes or duties, collection requirements and delivery estimate before committing.
5. Check the terms. Read the order and inspection terms and resolve missing details with the seller. A low unit price does not establish the condition or resale value of the goods.

For a practical comparison, divide the total delivered cost by the number of units you reasonably expect to be saleable. Keep your own assumptions about defects and resale prices explicit; the advertised retail price is not a forecast of what you will earn.

How to request a quote on Forthclear

Choose a listing and select Request a Quote. The quote form asks for your work email and quantity, with an optional message and additional details. You can request a quote without creating an account. Include your delivery location and the condition or packaging questions that matter to your purchase.

A quote request starts a conversation; it is not an order or a guarantee of availability. Review the seller's response and the final terms before deciding to buy.

Browse inventory and request a quote

For merchants clearing overstock: how Forthclear fits

Forthclear lets businesses offer surplus, dead stock and seasonal excess to bulk buyers. It is free to list. Sellers pay a platform fee of 5% of the item subtotal when an item sells; payment processing and shipping costs also matter when estimating your net proceeds. Listing does not guarantee a sale, purchase price or time to sell.

1. Create or sign in to your marketplace account.
2. Prepare accurate product names, SKUs, quantities, condition, photos and asking prices. Use manual entry or a CSV/Excel import for your inventory.
3. State minimum quantities and any bulk-price tiers. Describe defects and packaging clearly so a buyer can evaluate the lot.
4. Respond to quote requests and agree on the quantity, price and shipping arrangements.
5. Complete the required Stripe connection and identity verification before seller payouts. Check the current payment and inspection terms before completing an order.

Shopify merchants can choose stock to list from inside Forthcast. Forthclear's standalone marketplace does not offer a direct Shopify inventory import. Stock is not automatically pushed to clearance merely because it has been unsold for a set number of days.

Start listing surplus inventory or read the buyer and seller workflow.

Frequently asked questions about switching from BULQ

Is Forthclear a like-for-like BULQ replacement?

No. Forthclear is a separate marketplace for business surplus. A former BULQ buyer should check the current listings for the required products and lot format. A merchant looking to sell excess inventory can use Forthclear to offer that stock to buyers.

Can Forthclear retrieve my BULQ history or resolve an old order?

No. Forthclear does not operate BULQ and cannot access its order records. Refer to the documents and contact details from your original purchase.

Does Forthclear charge buyers a marketplace fee?

Forthclear charges no buyer platform fee. The price of the goods and any shipping, taxes or duties still need to be included in your purchase calculation.

Does Forthclear buy my surplus directly?

No. You list inventory for other businesses to consider. You retain responsibility for accurate listing details and the agreed fulfilment arrangements.

Choose your next step

Buying stock? Check current inventory and request a quote for a suitable listing. Selling surplus? Open your seller account and prepare an accurate listing.

Related reading

• Where Forthclear differs from BULQ
• What to check inside liquidation pallets
• How Costco liquidation auctions on B-Stock work
• How excess inventory ties up capital