Not all inventory is created equal. TrustedParts.com defines five distinct inventory types to give buyers a clear, accurate view of available authorized stock while creating a level playing field that rewards distributors committed to authorized sourcing.
How Electronic Component Inventory is Handled on TrustedParts.com
To help buyers identify what type of inventory is available, electronic components listed on the site are organized into five types:
- Actual Stock (In Stock)
- Drop-Ship
- On Order
- Value-Add/Can Build
- Factory Stock
Actual Stock (In Stock)
“Actual Stock” means that inventory is under the control of a distributor, not committed to a customer, and able to ship in 24 hours. When a distributor specifies a quantity available of Actual Stock, it is sorted to the top in the search results on TrustedParts.com.
It is essential that distributors supply an accurate Actual Stock quantity. TrustedParts.com administrators monitor the website diligently to ensure compliance, and penalties may be incurred for non-compliance.
In the case that two or more participating distributors (or multiple divisions within the same parent company) list the same physical inventory as stock, it is considered “Multi-Brand Inventory.” One distributor may claim this stock as unique, while the others will display the stock with a “Duplicate” label in search results.
Drop-Ship
“Drop-Ship” inventory is physically located in a third-party warehouse, but it is under the control of the distributor prior to sale and can ship within 72 hours.
Master distributor inventory cannot be classified as Drop-Ship stock since it is not under the control of a single distributor prior to sale.
On Order
Components “On Order” have been ordered from the factory by the distributor. These parts are not yet committed to any customers.
Value-Add/Can Build
“Value-Add/Can Build” items require some assembly or value-add prior to shipment and, as a result, have a lead-time. However, all of the materials necessary for these items are in the distributor’s stock.
Factory Stock
“Factory Stock” inventory is physically located at the manufacturer’s facility or that of a master distributor. It is not yet committed to any distributor or other customer.
To ensure buyers can receive purchased stock as soon as possible, Factory Stock products are only displayed if no other types of inventories are available from any authorized distributor. This also helps prioritize unique inventory from stocking distributors.
The Difference Between Factory Stock and Drop-Ship Stock
Some distributors have asked for clarification between Drop-Ship and Factory Stock. A key difference is that components classified as Drop-Ship must be under the control of the distributor prior to sale to a buyer. In other words, the inventory must already be reserved for the distributor and not available for other distributors to claim.
TrustedParts.com Inventory Types Help Support the Authorized Channel
As a nonprofit, TrustedParts.com is committed to providing buyers with the simplest and most well-informed view of authorized electronic component inventory. Our inventory classifications are a key part of that mission, helping ensure clarity, consistency, and transparency across the platform.
Authorized distributors: Are you interested in learning how to better utilize the tools available on TrustedParts.com? Check out our Features for Distributors page. You can also review our documentation on inventory requirements and definitions to make sure your inventory is displayed accurately in search results.
If you’re a buyer, check out our Features for Buyers page to learn more about the benefits of using TrustedParts.com to source your authorized electronic components.
Search with confidence on the trusted source for authorized inventory.
