Every AV pro has run into the same question while shopping for gear: What exactly is B-stock, and is it worth it?

You’ll see the label on audio gear, lighting fixtures, projectors, cameras, and more. The price looks great, the specs look right, but it’s not always obvious why the unit isn’t listed as brand new.

If you’re looking to upgrade equipment, expand your inventory, or stretch your budget without sacrificing performance, this guide breaks down everything you need to know before buying B-stock.

What Does B-Stock Mean?

B-stock refers to professional AV equipment that is fully functional but not sold as brand-new retail inventory. These units often come from:

• Manufacturer returns
• Dealer demos
• Open-box items
• Lightly handled showroom or training inventory
• Products with minor cosmetic imperfections
• Factory-reconditioned units
• Trade-ins that meet strict testing standards

The important part: B-stock items perform at the same level as new products. What makes them “B-stock” is nearly always cosmetic, not functional.

This can include things like:

• Small scratches
• Cosmetic blemishes on housings
• Light surface marks
• A bent corner on a chassis or accessory
• Slight packaging wear
• Re-boxed items that no longer have original packaging

Because these units can’t be marketed as new, they are sold at a discounted price, meaning you get pro-level gear for less.

How B-Stock Differs from New, Used, and Refurbished Gear

To understand B-stock, it helps to compare it with other product categories you might see while shopping for AV equipment.

New Units

Brand new gear comes directly from the factory, untouched, sealed, and typically with a full manufacturer warranty. These are perfect for permanent installs or buyers who want pristine cosmetics.

Used Gear

Used gear usually comes from long-term ownership. Conditions vary widely. You may see minor cosmetic damage, deeper scratches, dents, or parts that have been swapped over time. Some used items are great; others need repair. Most sellers don’t test them to performance standards.

Refurbished Products

Refurbished products are items that were repaired, serviced, or returned to meet reliability standards. They may have been repaired to restore full functionality.

B-Stock Gear (How It Fits In)

B-stock sits between “new” and “refurbished,” but closer to new. It typically has:

• No meaningful cosmetic issues, or very light cosmetic issues
• No performance issues
• Full functionality
• Reliable operation based on testing
• A reduced price because of cosmetic issues or re-boxing

Professionals often buy B-stock because the performance is identical to new, but the savings are significant enough to help stretch budgets without compromising sound, image quality, or durability.

Why Do Manufacturers and Dealers Create B-Stock?

There are several reasons equipment becomes B-stock:

1. Open-Box Returns

A buyer opens a unit, decides it doesn’t fit their setup, and sends it back. The unit functions perfectly, but the packaging has been opened.

2. Cosmetic Imperfections

A minor mark or scratch that occurred at the warehouse, on a showroom display, or during transit can create a B-stock product even though performance is unaffected.

3. Demo or Display Models

Items used for short-term demos at trade shows, training sessions, or sales floors often become B-stock units.

4. Overstock or Stock Units Rotation

Manufacturers sometimes convert excess inventory into B-stock to move it faster through authorized resellers.

5. Reconditioned Units

A product may have had minor cosmetic blemishes, or a non-critical part replaced. Once repaired and tested, it becomes B-stock instead of refurbished because the condition is near-new.

6. Returned For Packaging Issues

If a product no longer has its factory accessories or original packaging, it may be labeled B-stock even though the unit is flawless.

What Conditions Can You Expect on B-Stock Gear?

B-stock does not mean poor condition. Instead, you can expect items to look and perform like gear that’s been handled briefly but not used long-term.

Key features of common cosmetic conditions include:

• A small scratch or two on the chassis
• Rub marks on metal housings
• Light rack rash
• Minor cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect operation
• Cosmetic issues that are barely noticeable from stage distance
• Slight bends on brackets or road-case edges
• Non-retail packaging

What You Won’t See

You shouldn’t see:

• Internal component failures
• Overheated parts
• Missing major accessories
• Damaged I/O
• Compromised safety or performance

Reputable sellers verify all functions before reselling anything as B-stock. At AVGear, we source B-Stock units directly from the manufacturer, who classifies and verifies their condition. All B-Stock items we offer have been manufacturer-verified and are guaranteed to meet the standards for resale. 

Do B-Stock Items Come With a Warranty?

Most buyers are surprised to learn that many B-stock products include a warranty. Some offer the full manufacturer warranty; others offer a seller-backed guarantee.

Since this varies by brand and model, AV professionals should always check:

• Type of warranty
• Length
• What is covered (functionality, repairs, parts replacement)
• If the unit is marked as final sale

AVGear provides clear descriptions so buyers know exactly what they’re getting before checkout.

Are Accessories Included With B-Stock?

It depends. Some B-stock models come with:

• All original accessories
• Limited accessories
• Replacement accessories
• Or only essential cables/brackets

If an item originally shipped with racks, clamps, mounts, or special adapters, the listing will specify what is included and what is not.

B-stock can be a great way to pick up high-cost accessories at a reduced price, but professionals should always read the included accessories list carefully.

Who Buys B-Stock in the AV World?

Many categories of AV professionals rely on B-stock equipment because it delivers the same performance as new at a better cost structure. Top buyers include production companies, rental houses, live event companies, film/production teams, houses of worship, DJs and musicians, and so much more. Even in industries like music retail, B-stock guitars are highly sought after because players want maximum value with minimal cosmetic variations.

For AV pros, B-stock gives you the chance to upgrade rigs, expand inventory, or replace aging instruments without blowing up your annual gear budget.

Is B-Stock Right for Your Projects?

To answer that, consider your use cases:

When B-Stock Makes Perfect Sense

• Touring environments where cosmetics won’t show
• Rentals, as light imperfections don’t impact customer satisfaction
• Fixed installs where equipment isn’t visible
• Backup units
• Redundant rigs
• Expanding a large inventory quickly
• Budget-conscious upgrades
• Building a starter kit for freelancers

When You Might Prefer New

• High-visibility corporate installs
• Environments requiring uniform appearance
• High-end architectural AV design with exposed components

If appearance is a priority, you may want pristine units. But for most applications, especially behind screens, inside racks, or hung from trusses, B-stock is an ideal fit.

The Benefits of Buying B-Stock for AV Professionals

• Lower Costs: B-stock delivers near-new gear at a discounted price, allowing buyers to stretch budgets across more equipment.
• Same Performance: Functionality is fully intact. You get equal performance to new units without the retail cost.
• Faster Inventory Expansion: Companies can build larger fleets without doubling their equipment costs.
• Great for Redundancy: Backup units keep shows running and help prevent downtime.
• Perfect for Road and Install Work: Most cosmetic issues become invisible once the gear is in place, flown, racked, or mounted.
• Warranty Availability: Many B-stock items include warranties or return options for added peace of mind.

Interested in Buying or Selling B-Stock Gear?

B-stock is one of the best ways for AV professionals to save money while still getting gear that performs like new. 

When sourced from a trusted reseller like AVGear, with trained technicians, clear grading, and a transparent buying experience, you know exactly what you’re getting. We offer a large rotating B-stock inventory across audio, video, lighting, staging, and production categories. 

Pick up B-stock gear while keeping costs low and performance high. Browse our current listings.