Mixed-SKU Phone Orders for Wholesale Buyers

A mixed carton is either a written assortment or a surprise. Wholesale only works in the first case.

Who this guide is for

Buyers offered a “mix” to hit MOQ or to clear a warehouse. If every line is already one model code, you do not need this page.

What a usable mix looks like

Line	Required	Accept	Clarify	Reject
Model code	Each distinct code	Counts listed	Marketing names only	“Assorted flagship”
Storage / color	Per code	Written	“We will balance”	Decided at the airport
Inventory state	Per line	Split unused / used / refurb	“Mostly new”	Hidden used in unused
Version	Per code	Firmware family named	“Global mix”	China and export unlabeled
Grade	Per used line	Scale plus photos	One letter for the carton	Grade A on locked units

Google’s Play Protect certification is per device record. A mix that includes uncertified units is not one Google-app product.

When a mix is rational

• You already sell each SKU.
• You can inspect identity and locks on used units.
• The leftover models have a named outlet.
• The Incoterm and place are the same as a single-SKU order.

When any of those fail, split the order or walk.

The mix also needs enough sample coverage. One phone cannot represent several model codes, software families, or inventory states. Group the lines by the checks they share, then choose samples from each group. Use the bulk QC checklist for used units rather than relying on the carton average.

How to recast the quote

1. Ask for a packing-list draft before the deposit.
2. Map each line to a channel and a version check.
3. Price unsellable lines at scrap or return, not at the average.
4. Compare the recast sheet with a single-SKU quote using the quote guide.

Add a channel beside each line. A model without a named outlet is not automatically worthless, but it should not receive the same expected selling price as a model you already move. Put uncertain lines into Clarify until you have a version check and an outlet.

Then run separate cost and profit groups. The landed-cost calculator can allocate the shared shipment, while the profit calculator should keep different selling prices and unsellable rates visible. Do not let a strong line make the whole carton look safe.

Common supplier wording

• “European mix, all unlocked”
• “You will like what you get”
• “Same price because it is one carton”

These phrases are not proof of a bad lot. They are incomplete quote language. Ask for the packing-list draft, model codes, counts, inventory state, version, and grade. Reject the mix when the supplier will not provide them before payment.

Check the final carton against the draft

Reconcile the shipment line by line before the balance. Note substitutions, count changes, and added colors. A substitute needs the same version, lock, certification, and channel checks as the original line. If the supplier cannot update the document, the carton is no longer the order you approved.

Related guides

• Wholesale phone MOQ
• New vs used vs refurbished
• Inventory planning
• RFQ template