Assess a lot of returned furniture by the number of identifiable complete products, rather than the number of packages or pallets alone. First assign boxes to a specific model, variant and individual item, then check the components and condition. If the contents cannot be established, record the uncertainty before deciding to buy instead of treating every package as a finished furniture item.
Create a record for each individual item
- Record the manufacturer, model, colour, dimensions and other variant details available on the label.
- Use the instructions or documentation to establish exactly how many packages make up this version of the furniture item.
- Give each individual item your own identifier and assign its packages to it, retaining photos of their labels.
- Compare markings such as 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 with the model and variant; matching package numbers alone are not enough.
- Keep package status separate from contents status: a collected set of boxes still needs its components checked.
Do not combine parts from similar models simply because their dimensions or appearance seem to match. Different drill holes, joints, board thicknesses or fastenings may alter the structural properties. Where several identical models have unreadable labels, further identification using documentation is needed, rather than guesswork.
Example: six boxes do not mean six furniture items
The following data is an illustration only, rather than a description of PALLEXA stock. We assume that model M-1 in the oak variant requires three packages, while model M-2 in grey requires one. The labels allow packages to be assigned to individual items.
| Individual item and variant | Packages present / required | Conclusion at this stage |
|---|---|---|
| M-1/01, oak | 1/3, 2/3, 3/3 | Complete set of packages awaiting a contents check. |
| M-1/02, oak | 1/3, 2/3; 3/3 missing | Item incomplete at package level. |
| M-2/01, grey | 1/1 | Complete set of packages awaiting a contents check. |
The example contains two items with complete sets of packages and one with a missing package. This does not yet mean two furniture items are ready for sale. A complete set of boxes may be missing fittings or structural components, and a board may be damaged.
What to check after assigning the boxes
For cabinet furniture, compare boards and structural components with the instructions: markings, quantities, edges, fastening points and signs of cracking or damp. Count fittings, runners, hinges, legs and required fastenings separately. A missing component that affects stability is not equivalent to a surface scratch.
For upholstered furniture, establish whether cushions, legs and connectors belong to the same variant. Inspect the upholstery, seams, visible structure and signs of moisture. A photo of a packaged product does not allow every surface or the internal condition to be assessed. If you cannot carry out an appropriate inspection, leave these matters recorded as unverified.
Assembly instructions must relate to the specific version. Do not replace missing structural components with arbitrary substitutes. Hold products with damage affecting stability or any other suspected hazard back from onward sale until a competent assessment has been made.
Plan space for assessment as well as storage
Before buying, establish the dimensions of the longest packages, weight, stackability and unloading requirements. You also need room to lay out components without mixing individual items, inspect upholstery and protect the product again. Do not assume that a lot fitting on a pallet will fit at one inspection station.
Transport affects your choice of lot when packages overhang the pallet, need special securing or cannot be stacked. Confirm these details before buying; consult the transport guide for detailed collection arrangements.
Information to request from the seller
Ask for the number of individual items by model and variant, the number of assigned packages, a list of missing parts and confirmation of whether packages were opened and contents checked. If the specification lists only boxes, record that the number of complete products has not been confirmed. This provides a basis for discussing the lot without equating a package with a product.
In your enquiry to PALLEXA, describe the types of furniture you can check and your warehouse and unloading limitations. This guide does not confirm furniture availability; the option to buy, completeness and documentation of a particular lot must be established individually.