This glossary explains the words and phrases you meet when buying ex-display, ex-demo, clearance and refurbished stock in the UK. Use the search box to jump to a term, or browse A to Z. Each definition is written plainly so you know exactly what a listing means before you buy.
A
A-stock
A-stock is brand new, first-quality merchandise in perfect condition with original packaging, sold at full retail price without any discounts for imperfections.
Affiliate link
A unique URL that tracks referrals from a partner website, so the partner earns a commission if a user clicks the link and makes a purchase.
Aggregator
A website or service that collects product listings from multiple retailers or marketplaces into one searchable catalogue for comparison shopping.
As-is
As-is means the item is sold without any guarantee of condition or functionality, and the buyer accepts all faults, with no right to return or refund unless misdescribed.
As-new
As-new describes an item that is in mint condition, showing no signs of wear, and is functionally identical to a brand new product, usually sold with original accessories and packaging.
B
B-stock
B-stock is inventory that has minor cosmetic flaws or packaging damage but is fully functional, often sold at a discount from the manufacturer or retailer.
Base unit
A floor-standing kitchen cabinet that supports a worktop and typically contains shelves or drawers, with a standard height of around 720mm plus plinth.
Best offer
Best offer invites a buyer to propose their own price for an item, which the seller may accept, reject, or counter, commonly used for clearance or ex-display stock.
Blum
Blum is a brand of high-quality Austrian hardware, including soft-close hinges and drawer runners, commonly fitted in premium ex-display kitchens.
Boxed
Boxed means an item is supplied in its original retail packaging, which may be unopened or resealed, and the product is typically in new or like-new condition.
Brown goods
Brown goods are electronic items for entertainment and communication, including televisions, radios, and stereo systems.
Bundle offer
Bundle offer combines several related items into a single package sold at a lower total price than buying each item individually, often used for clearance stock.
Burn-in
Burn-in is a permanent discolouration or ghost image on a screen, caused by prolonged display of a static image, most common on older plasma and OLED TVs.
C
Cancelled order
A cancelled order is an item that was picked, packed, or dispatched for a customer but the order was voided before it was delivered, leaving the product in resalable condition.
Carcass
The rigid box or main body of a kitchen cabinet, without doors, drawers, or worktops, made from board material such as MDF or particleboard.
Certified refurbished
Certified refurbished denotes a product that has been professionally restored to a like-new condition by the manufacturer or an authorised centre, typically including a warranty and all original accessories.
Chaise
A chaise is a long, upholstered seat section that allows a person to sit with their legs extended, often attached to one end of a corner sofa.
Clearance
Clearance stock is inventory that a retailer is actively discounting to sell quickly, often because it is overstocked, seasonal, or being replaced by newer models.
Click and collect
Click and collect allows a customer to order online and then collect the item from a designated store or warehouse, often within a few hours or days.
Collection only
Collection only means the buyer must arrange to pick up the item from the seller's location at an agreed time; no delivery service is offered.
Consumer Rights Act
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is UK legislation that gives consumers statutory rights regarding the quality, fitness for purpose, and description of goods, including remedies for faulty items.
Cooling-off period
Cooling-off period is the statutory time frame, usually 14 days, during which a buyer can cancel an online or distance purchase for any reason and receive a full refund.
Corner sofa
A corner sofa is an L-shaped sofa designed to fit into a corner of a room, typically with two seating sections joined at a 90-degree angle.
Cornice
A decorative moulding fitted along the top edge of wall units or tall units to give a finished appearance where the cabinets meet the ceiling.
Cosmetic damage
Cosmetic damage refers to superficial marks, scratches, dents, or scuffs that affect the appearance of an item but do not impact its functionality or performance.
Customer return
A customer return is an item that has been bought and sent back by a previous buyer, often within the statutory cooling-off period, and is resold after inspection and repackaging.
D
Dead on arrival
Dead on arrival means the item arrives in a non-working condition or with significant damage that prevents use, triggering immediate return and refund rights.
Dekton
Dekton is a brand of ultra-compact surface made from a blend of glass, porcelain, and quartz, used for worktops and splashbacks due to its resistance to heat, stains, and UV light.
Delivery radius
Delivery radius is the maximum distance from the seller's location within which they will deliver an item, often with extra charges for locations beyond.
Discontinued
Discontinued means the manufacturer has ceased production of the item, and remaining stock is sold at a reduced price while supplies last.
Dismantling
Dismantling is the process of taking apart an item into smaller pieces, often required for moving or to fit through doorways, and may be done by the seller or buyer.
Display model
Display model is an item used for visual presentation in a store, which may have been handled or switched on frequently, and is sold at a clearance price with possible imperfections.
Distance selling
Distance selling refers to a transaction where the buyer and seller do not meet in person, such as online or phone orders, and which grants the buyer additional cancellation rights.
DOA
DOA stands for Dead on Arrival, meaning the item is found to be non-functional or damaged upon delivery, and the buyer is typically entitled to a replacement or refund.
E
End-of-line
End-of-line refers to products that are the last remaining units of a specific model or range, often sold at a discount to clear warehouse space for new stock.
Energy rating
An energy rating is a standardised label, from A to G, showing the energy efficiency of an appliance, with A being the most efficient.
Ex-catalogue
Ex-catalogue describes an item that was listed in a mail-order or online catalogue but is now discontinued or returned, sold as clearance stock with possible cosmetic flaws.
Ex-demo
Ex-demo describes an item that was used by a retailer or manufacturer for demonstration purposes, often in a showroom or at an event, and is sold as used with potential signs of handling or operation.
Ex-display
Ex-display refers to an item that was previously set up and shown in a retail store to demonstrate its features to customers, and is now sold at a reduced price due to minor wear from handling or light use.
Ex-display kitchen
A complete kitchen that was fitted in a showroom for demonstration purposes, sold as a single unit at a reduced price, often requiring removal and reinstallation.
Ex-display label
A tag or sticker on an item indicating it was previously used as a showroom model and is therefore sold at a discount with possible minor wear.
Ex-display model
Ex-display model is a specific unit that was placed on a shop floor or shelf for customers to view and touch, and is sold with possible cosmetic marks or missing accessories at a lower price.
Ex-display shed
An ex-display shed is a garden shed that has been assembled and shown in a store, typically sold at a discount with possible minor marks or missing packaging.
Ex-display sofa
An ex-display sofa is a sofa that has been used in a retail showroom for customer testing, typically sold at a discount with possible minor wear or fading.
Ex-display TV
An ex-display TV is a television that has been used for demonstration in a retail showroom, often with reduced packaging and minor cosmetic wear.
Ex-hire
Ex-hire is a term for goods that were rented to customers for a period, such as furniture or equipment, and are now sold secondhand with typical usage marks.
Ex-rental
Ex-rental refers to an item previously hired out to customers, such as a tool or appliance, and is sold used with signs of wear from multiple rentals, often with a warranty.
Ex-showroom
Ex-showroom means an item that was displayed in a manufacturer's or retailer's showroom, typically in pristine condition but sold at a discount because it is no longer current stock.
Ex-VAT
Ex-VAT means the price shown does not include Value Added Tax; the full amount payable will be calculated at checkout once VAT is added.
F
Factory second
A factory second is a product that fails the manufacturer's quality control for cosmetic reasons, such as minor scratches or dents, but functions perfectly and carries a full warranty.
Feather-filled
Feather-filled cushions are stuffed with soft bird feathers, offering a plush, sink-in feel that requires regular plumping to maintain shape.
Fixed-back
A fixed-back sofa has a single, non-removable back cushion or a solid backrest, offering a firmer and more uniform support.
Flat-pack
Flat-pack refers to furniture sold in a disassembled state, packed flat in a box, requiring the buyer to assemble it themselves using provided instructions.
Flat-pack furniture
Flat-pack furniture is sold in a disassembled state, packed in a box with instructions and hardware for the buyer to assemble at home.
Floor model
Floor model is an item that was set up on a retail sales floor for customer interaction, such as a sofa or television, and is sold with wear from being sat on or switched on repeatedly.
Foam-filled
Foam-filled cushions contain polyurethane foam, which provides firm support and holds its shape well over time.
Freestanding appliance
A freestanding appliance is a kitchen appliance that stands alone and is not built into cabinetry, allowing it to be moved or replaced independently of the kitchen units.
Fully working
Fully working indicates that the item operates correctly in all its primary functions and has no known faults or defects at the time of listing.
G
Grade A
Grade A is a classification for used or ex-display items that are in excellent condition, with minimal or no visible wear and fully functional, often including original packaging.
Grade B
Grade B is a classification for items that show moderate cosmetic wear, such as scratches or dents, but are fully functional and sold at a further discount.
Grade C
Grade C is a classification for items with significant cosmetic damage or heavy wear, which may have missing parts or require minor repairs, sold as is at a low price.
Graded stock
Graded stock is inventory that has been inspected and assigned a quality rating, such as A, B, or C, based on its cosmetic and functional condition for resale.
Guide price
Guide price is an estimated selling price provided for comparison, not a fixed or guaranteed figure, often used for items where condition or market value varies.
H
Hacker kitchen
A Hacker kitchen is a kitchen manufactured by the German company Hacker, known for its high-quality materials, precise engineering, and modern design, often sold as ex-display.
Handleless kitchen
A handleless kitchen is a kitchen design that eliminates visible handles, using mechanisms like J-pull grooves or push-to-open systems for a smooth, uninterrupted front.
I
Imperfect
Imperfect describes an item with a visible blemish, mark, or minor damage that does not affect its functionality, offered at a lower price than the perfect equivalent.
In-frame kitchen
An in-frame kitchen is a style where cabinet doors sit inside a solid wooden frame around the carcass, creating a traditional, furniture-like appearance with visible gaps between doors.
Inc-VAT
Inc-VAT means the price shown already includes Value Added Tax, so the displayed figure is the total amount you will pay at checkout.
Integrated appliance
An integrated appliance is a kitchen appliance, such as a dishwasher or fridge, designed to be concealed behind a cabinet door that matches the kitchen's front finish.
Integrated appliance (built-in)
An integrated appliance is designed to be installed flush with kitchen cabinetry, often with a front panel to match the cupboard doors.
J
J-pull
A J-pull is a handleless door profile with a J-shaped cutout on the back edge, allowing the door to be opened by hooking fingers into the groove.
K
Kerbside delivery
Kerbside delivery means the item is delivered to the kerb outside the property, and the buyer is responsible for moving it inside.
Kickboard
Another term for plinth, specifically the removable board at the base of kitchen units that provides a toe space and conceals the cabinet feet.
L
Laminate worktop
A laminate worktop is a budget-friendly work surface made from a particleboard core with a decorative plastic laminate layer, resistant to moisture but not to heat or sharp knives.
LHF
LHF stands for Left Hand Facing, indicating that the longer section of a corner sofa or chaise is on the left side when you stand in front of it.
Liquidation stock
Liquidation stock is merchandise sold off by a company that is closing down, going bankrupt, or clearing out excess inventory, usually at steep discounts.
Listing
An individual product entry on a website that includes a description, price, images, and seller details for an item offered for sale.
Log cabin
A log cabin is a timber building constructed from interlocking logs, designed for permanent or semi-permanent outdoor use. Ex-display or clearance log cabins may have been erected for shows and might have slight cosmetic imperfections.
Loss leader
Loss leader is a product sold at a price below its cost to attract customers into the shop or website, with the expectation they will buy other items at full price.
M
Manufacturer refurbished
Manufacturer refurbished means the product has been returned to the factory, where it is fully tested, repaired, and repackaged by the original manufacturer, often with a new warranty.
Manufacturer warranty
Manufacturer warranty is a guarantee provided by the original maker covering defects in materials or workmanship for a specified period, often transferable to a second owner.
Markdown
Markdown is the reduction in price from the original ticket price, expressed either as a fixed amount or a percentage, to reflect the item’s ex-display or clearance status.
Marketplace
An online platform where multiple independent sellers list their own products for sale, with the platform owner facilitating transactions but not holding stock.
MDF
MDF, or medium-density fibreboard, is an engineered wood product made from wood fibres compressed with resin, used as a stable and cost-effective core for furniture.
Modular sofa
A modular sofa is a seating system made from individual sections, such as corner units and armless chairs, that can be rearranged to fit different room layouts.
Multi-buy
Multi-buy is a promotion where you get a discount or a reduced price when you purchase more than one of the same item, such as two for a set price.
N
New other
New other is a condition label for an item that is new but not in its original packaging, or has been opened for display, but has never been used or installed.
Non-returnable
Non-returnable means the item cannot be sent back to the seller for a refund or exchange, usually due to hygiene, customisation, or being a clearance ex-display item sold as seen.
O
Occasional furniture
Occasional furniture refers to small, portable pieces like coffee tables, side tables, and lamp tables that are used for specific tasks rather than daily seating.
Open-box
Open-box means an item whose original factory seal or packaging has been opened, often for inspection or return, but the product itself is unused or like new.
Outbound listing
A product listing that a seller publishes on an external platform, such as a marketplace or price comparison site, to attract buyers from outside their own website.
Overstock
Overstock refers to products that a retailer holds in greater quantity than current demand, leading to reduced prices to encourage sales.
P
Palletised delivery
Palletised delivery means the item is shipped on a wooden pallet, usually via a courier, and left at the kerbside or in a driveway; the buyer must unload and move the item.
Pelmet
A pelmet is a horizontal board fitted above kitchen wall units or a window to conceal lighting, fixings, or the top of curtains, often found on ex-display kitchens.
Plinth
A horizontal board fitted at the bottom of base and tall units to cover the legs and create a finished look, typically 100mm to 150mm high.
Pre-assembled
Pre-assembled means the item is fully built by the manufacturer or seller before delivery, so it arrives ready to use without any assembly required.
Pre-owned
Pre-owned describes an item that has had a previous owner, sold in its current condition, which may show signs of wear, and is typically priced lower than the new equivalent.
Preloved
Preloved is a synonym for pre-owned, often used to suggest the item has been gently used and well cared for, but it still carries the same meaning of being secondhand.
Pressure-treated timber
Pressure-treated timber is wood that has been chemically treated under pressure to resist rot, decay, and insect damage, making it suitable for outdoor use. In clearance items, ensure the treatment is still effective and the wood is not warped.
Price match
Price match is a promise by the seller to adjust the listed price to match a lower price found on an identical item from a competitor, subject to terms and conditions.
Product registration
The process of submitting your purchase details to the manufacturer, often online, to activate the warranty or receive product updates.
Proof of purchase
A document or receipt that confirms you bought an item from a specific seller on a particular date, required to process a warranty claim or return.
Q
Quartz worktop
A quartz worktop is an engineered stone surface made from crushed natural quartz mixed with resin, offering a non-porous, stain-resistant, and durable work surface.
R
Rattan
Rattan is a natural material made from the stems of climbing palms, often used to weave furniture. Ex-display rattan furniture may have faded or frayed areas due to exposure.
Recliner
A recliner is an armchair or sofa with a mechanism that allows the backrest to tilt backwards and often includes a footrest that extends.
Recommended retail price
Recommended retail price is the price that the manufacturer advises retailers to charge for a new product, used as a baseline for comparing discounts on clearance or ex-display items.
Reconditioned
Reconditioned is a term used interchangeably with refurbished, describing a product that has been restored to a like-new working condition by the manufacturer or a certified technician.
Reduced to clear
Reduced to clear means the item has been marked down significantly to sell quickly, often because it is discontinued, end-of-line, or needs to free up warehouse space.
Refurbished
Refurbished means a product that has been returned, professionally inspected, and repaired to full working order, often with a warranty and sometimes in non-original packaging.
Renewed
Renewed is a term used by some retailers to indicate a product that has been tested, cleaned, and verified to work like new, typically with a warranty and often in a plain box.
Reserve price
The minimum price a seller is willing to accept for an item at auction; if bidding does not reach this amount, the item is not sold.
Restocking fee
A charge deducted from your refund when you return an item, typically a percentage of the purchase price, to cover the seller's costs of processing and repackaging the returned goods.
RHF
RHF stands for Right Hand Facing, indicating that the longer section of a corner sofa or chaise is on the right side when you stand in front of it.
Rigid-built
Rigid-built means the item is constructed as a single solid unit and cannot be disassembled, often requiring larger delivery access.
Room of choice
Room of choice means the delivery team will place the item in any room you specify on the ground floor or accessible by lift, subject to access.
RRP
RRP stands for Recommended Retail Price, which is the manufacturer’s suggested selling price for a new item before any discounts or promotions are applied.
S
Saving vs new
Saving vs new shows the difference in money between the price of this ex-display or clearance item and the full price of a brand new equivalent product currently sold elsewhere.
Scatter-back
A scatter-back sofa has loose, separate back cushions that can be removed and repositioned for comfort.
Seat depth
Seat depth is the horizontal measurement from the front edge of the seat cushion to the backrest, determining how much leg support the seat provides.
Secondhand
Secondhand means an item that has been used by a previous owner, sold as is, and may have signs of wear, but is still functional and sold at a reduced price.
Seconds
Seconds are items that have minor cosmetic flaws or slight imperfections, sold at a discount because they do not meet the brand's usual retail standards.
Self-assembly
Self-assembly is the process where the buyer must put together the item from its component parts, typically using tools and instructions provided.
Seller warranty
Seller warranty is a guarantee offered by the retailer or seller themselves, covering repairs or replacements for a set time, which may differ from the manufacturer's terms.
Shaker kitchen
A Shaker kitchen is a style of kitchen with flat, recessed panel doors and a square frame, inspired by traditional Shaker furniture and known for its clean, timeless look.
Shop damaged
Shop damaged refers to an item that has sustained physical damage, such as a crack or dent, while in a retail store, and is sold at a reduced price with the damage noted.
Shop-soiled
Shop-soiled describes an item that has become dirty or marked from being handled or stored in a retail environment, but is otherwise new and functional.
Show site model
A show site model is a product that has been used as a display example at a trade show or exhibition, often sold at a discount. It may have been assembled and disassembled multiple times, so check for missing parts or minor damage.
Showroom model
Showroom model is an item that was exhibited in a showroom for customers to inspect, often in near-mint condition but discounted because it is not brand new in sealed packaging.
Showroom wear
Showroom wear means the light surface markings, fingerprints, or minor handling marks that happen when an item is on display and handled by customers, without affecting how it works.
Slab door
A slab door is a completely flat, unadorned cabinet door with no paneling or grooves, offering a sleek, minimalist appearance in modern kitchens.
Snuggle chair
A snuggle chair is a large, deep armchair designed for one person to sit or curl up in comfortably.
Sofa bed
A sofa bed is a seating unit that converts into a bed, typically by folding out a mattress frame stored within the sofa.
Soft-close
Soft-close is a hinge or drawer mechanism that uses hydraulic damping to slow the closing action, preventing doors and drawers from slamming shut.
Sold as seen
Sold as seen means the item is sold in its current condition, with all visible faults, and the buyer has inspected it or accepts it without recourse for any defects.
Sold listing
A product entry that has been purchased and is no longer available, often kept visible to show the final sale price and market value.
Solid wood
Solid wood furniture is made entirely from natural timber, with no engineered wood or veneer layers, offering durability and the ability to be sanded and refinished.
Splashback
A splashback is a protective panel fitted behind a hob or sink area, usually made of glass, tile, or metal, to shield the wall from water and grease stains.
Summer house
A summer house is a garden building typically used as a retreat or entertainment space, often with large windows and a veranda. In ex-display stock, it may have been a showroom model and could show signs of minor wear or assembly.
Surplus stock
Surplus stock is excess inventory that a business no longer needs, often sold to discount retailers or directly to customers at below wholesale prices.
T
Tall unit
A full-height kitchen cabinet that stands on the floor and reaches ceiling height, often used for housing ovens, fridges, or pantry storage.
Tested and working
Tested and working means the item has been checked by the seller or a technician to confirm it powers on and performs its core tasks without error before being offered for sale.
Third-party seller
A business or individual who lists products for sale on a platform that they do not own or operate, such as a marketplace.
Ticket price
Ticket price is the original retail price that was attached to the item when it was first offered for sale, from which clearance markdowns are calculated.
Trade price
Trade price is the cost paid by a business to purchase stock from a supplier, typically lower than the retail price, and may be offered to customers in special clearance events.
Two-man delivery
Two-man delivery involves two delivery personnel who bring the item into the property, typically to the ground floor or first accessible room, and may assemble if pre-arranged.
U
Unboxed
Unboxed describes an item sold without its original packaging, often as a loose unit or in generic packaging, which may be new or used and is priced accordingly.
Unwanted gift
An unwanted gift is a new, unopened item that was received as a present and is sold by the recipient or a third party at a reduced price.
Upholstery
Upholstery is the fabric, leather, or other material covering the padded frame of furniture such as sofas and chairs.
Upstand
An upstand is a narrow strip of material fitted vertically between the worktop and the wall to protect the wall from splashes and cover the gap.
V
Veneer
Veneer is a thin layer of real wood applied over a cheaper core material, such as MDF, to give the appearance of solid wood at a lower cost.
Verified seller
A seller whose identity and business credentials have been checked and confirmed by the platform, reducing the risk of fraud.
W
Wall unit
A kitchen cabinet designed to be mounted on a wall above worktop height, used for storage and usually shallower than base units.
Warranty transfer
Warranty transfer is the process of moving an existing manufacturer or seller warranty from the original buyer to a subsequent owner, subject to the warranty's terms and conditions.
Was/now price
Was/now price shows the previous selling price (the 'was' amount) alongside the current reduced price (the 'now' amount) to highlight the saving available.
Watchlist
A personal list of items you are interested in, allowing you to track their prices, availability, and auction status without committing to buy.
Wear and tear
Wear and tear describes the gradual deterioration that occurs from normal use over time, such as fading, light scuffing, or minor abrasions, which is expected in secondhand or ex-display goods.
White goods
White goods are large domestic appliances such as washing machines, fridges, freezers, and ovens, traditionally finished in white enamel.
White-glove delivery
White-glove delivery is a premium service where the item is delivered, unpacked, placed in the room of choice, and all packaging removed, with no assembly usually included.
Worktop
A worktop is the horizontal surface fitted on top of kitchen base units, used for food preparation and available in materials like laminate, quartz, or Dekton.