The BOLO Insider

Shampoo & Conditioner Product Line Discontinuation

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:30:44 GMT

One of my favorite things about a clearance section is the information it can give you.

I stopped in to grab groceries and made a quick lap around to the clearance section. Noticed a conditioner marked down to $4.00. Listed for $18 on Amazon.

Similar to what I’ve seen at Ollie’s and now I’m seeing them pop up at Big Lots.

I reached out to the manufacturer and confirmed it’s discontinued.

The RA Trip That Paid Off

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:31:13 GMT

I’ve been wanting to make a sourcing run in an area I hadn’t hit yet. Kept putting it off and wondering what was out there. Finally took the day off work and went.

It paid off.

$530 profit from one Dollar General and much more

Dollar General Clearance, Ollie's 15% off everything and more BOLOs

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:30:12 GMT

I want to take a step back and just say, what a time it is to be a reseller. It really does feel like the golden age right now. There are so many opportunities out there.

It’s no secret many resellers have quit over the past couple of years and it’s showing. We’re only 3 months away from Q4. There’s no better time to be a reseller than right now.

A lot going on this week so here’s a breakdown of what’s happening.

Also, don’t forget to use the beta-app if you’re overwhelmed with all the BOLOs. You can filter by store to help your hunt.

$1 BOLO at Dollar General

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:30:43 GMT

This discontinued product (aka BOLO!) is currently at Dollar General for $1.00

Check out the eBay sold listings:

$29.99 for a 4-pack
$35.97 for a 4-pack
$59.99 for a 12-pack

The story how I found this product starts right here

1,000 Subscribers

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:35:58 GMT

I want to take a second to say thank you.

This newsletter just hit 1,000 subscribers. When I started this less than a year ago, I had no idea it would grow into what it is today. I wanted to share what I was finding and help people make money doing the same thing.

I remember the first few articles wondering if anyone was even reading. Now the messages from subscribers telling me they found a BOLO at a local store or that they made their first sale on a discontinued product, or that the database helped them on a sourcing trip are the messages that keep me going.

To every person who subscribed, shared the newsletter with a friend, sent me feedback, or just read along every week, thank you.

I know there are a hundred other newsletters and communities you could spend your time and money on. The fact that you chose this one pushes me to keep making it better.

The database hit 300+ products. The newsletter keeps growing. And I have a lot more planned. But for today I just wanted to stop and say thank you.

Not going to let this Friday pass without a BOLO though. Here’s this week’s Free BOLO Friday:

BOLO: Herbal Essences Bio Renew Curl Defining Cream - Mango & Aloe (6.8 oz)

Average cost: $5.99. Selling on eBay around $35 for a 2-pack. Appears to be discontinued by Herbal Essences.

Found at a local chain grocery store. Another product on my radar every time I walk into the beauty aisle.

Happy hunting!!

Thinking about going paid? You get instant access to every article I’ve ever written plus the database.

Subscribe now

Please understand that product discontinuation information can change without notice. Companies may reverse discontinuation decisions, resume production, release updated versions of discontinued products, or make other changes that affect product availability and market value. The discontinuation status of any product discussed in this newsletter should be independently verified before making purchasing decisions.

This newsletter reflects my personal opinions and experiences only. I am not a licensed professional advisor (financial, business, legal, or otherwise), and nothing here should be considered professional advice. All content is for educational purposes only, may contain inaccuracies, and market conditions can change rapidly. Product reselling involves financial risks, including potential losses. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on this content. I am not liable for any outcomes, profits, losses, or consequences. Consult qualified professionals (e.g., accountants, attorneys, or certified advisors) before making significant business or financial decisions. All activities are at your own risk.

Discontinuation Alert: Dryer Sheets and Dishwasher Pacs

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:31:06 GMT

Three discontinuation alerts this week. Two are confirmed. One is under investigation but the signs are pointing in that direction.

All three are common household products you’ve probably walked past a hundred times without thinking twice. Two of them are sitting at Ace Hardware right now.

FBF: Hidden Hardware Store Gems

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:02:12 GMT

Welcome to another edition of Free BOLO Friday. Let’s get right to it.

This Week's BOLO: Noxon 7 Metal Polish (12 fl oz)

Average buy price: $4-5
Selling for: $70-95 on eBay

A rare one, but the recent eBay sold listings tell you they’re still out there.

The more you add to your BOLO list, the more you know what to look for when you’re walking these old hardware stores.

A Quick Sourcing Tip

The #1 question I get: where should I be looking?

You won’t find this at a new Ace Hardware, True Value, Do it Best, etc. The newer locations turn over inventory fast and they don’t carry the slow movers.

You need to be hunting the old, established stores. The franchised locations that have been open for 20, 30, 40 years. The mom and pop shops that have been around since before big box stores existed.

That’s where products like Noxon sit. Stuff like this gets buried in the cleaning aisle, on the bottom shelf, behind a row of WD-40, collecting dust for years. The staff stops restocking. Nobody’s reorganized that section in years. That’s the sweet spot.

When you walk in, you’ll know. Older lighting, narrow aisles, the smell of old wood and grease, maybe a cat on the counter. Places that look like this:

Another week, another one to add to your list.

What Paid Subscribers Are Doing

That right there is why I do this. That’s from one BOLO.

The paid version has more BOLOs, sourcing strategies, and the beta-app database. If you’re interested, the link is below. If not, Free BOLO Fridays will keep coming either way.

Subscribe now

Happy hunting!!

Amazon Ungating: What's Worked For Me

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:31:14 GMT

Today we’re covering one of my most asked questions: Amazon ungating

You’ll see people online guaranteeing approvals or charging crazy prices for guides or services.

This newsletter is none of that.

I want to be clear up front. Everything below is what has worked for me. It’s not a guarantee it’ll work for you. I’m just showing my experience with what’s worked and what hasn’t.

Free BOLO Friday: $7.59 into $100

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:02:02 GMT

Before I get into this week’s BOLO, I want to take a second to say thank you.

If you’re reading this, you’re a subscriber. Free or paid. You’re here and that means something.

To be honest, starting this newsletter was something I was afraid to do. I sat on the idea for a long time before pulling the trigger. But I’ve learned you can’t let that kind of fear hold you back. You have to take the jump.

It hasn’t even been a year yet and this newsletter has turned into something bigger than I expected. That’s because of you.

It’s been a fun ride so far and there’s a lot more to come.

So seriously, I just want to say thank you.

Now, this week’s BOLO

I mentioned I was going on a road trip and the road trip delivered.

Found this OxiClean for $7.59 and the latest eBay sold listing was $100 for one tub.

Now that’s a BOLO. I literally fist pumped in the aisle when I saw this lol

Two sourcing reminders:

See the D on the tag? Make sure you’re looking for these little indicators when you’re in the store.
Look at that dust sitting on the top of the tub. Beauuuutiful!

A Quick Note On The Paid Version

If you’ve been curious about the paid tier, here’s what’s inside:

BOLOs across eBay and Amazon
Strategies and confirmation methods
Full access to the beta-app with the database

Here’s a message I got recently from a subscriber on their first run with the app:

That’s the kind of stuff that makes this fun for me.

If you’re interested, the link is below. If not, no worries. Free BOLO Fridays will keep coming either way.

Subscribe now

Happy hunting!!

I Found $420.66 In Profit At One Ace Hardware

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:31:16 GMT

If you found this haul, you could have covered your entire yearly BOLO Insider subscription and then some.

All it took was one stop at Ace Hardware.

Here’s every single thing I found. We’ll calculate the total estimated profit BOLO by BOLO.

Free BOLO Friday: Hardware Store Treasure

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:31:13 GMT

If you don’t know already, I love a good old hardware store. The kind with creaky floors, handwritten signs, and inventory that looks like it hasn’t been touched in years. There’s so much gold that can be found in stores like these.

And this is one of them.

BOLO: Minwax Antique Oil Finish

Minwax still has this listed on their website but it’s been hard to find for quite some time. They’re still out there though, sitting on shelves at old hardware stores collecting dust.

Next time you’re in one, don’t just walk the cleaning aisle. Check the stains, finishes, and wood care section too. Products like this sit on those shelves for years.

How to Find These Stores

A common question I get is how do I find mom and pop hardware stores or older chains?

I use Google Maps. Type in “hardware store” and start looking for names you don’t recognize. Skip past the Home Depots and Lowes. Look for the independent, locally owned spots. That’s a good place to start.

I also like pulling up the pictures on the listing before I go. You can usually tell from the photos what kind of store it is. Small storefront, hand-painted signs, the kind of place that looks like it hasn’t changed in 20 years. Those are the ones I want to hit.

But don’t skip the Ace, True Value, and Do it Best stores either. Just look for the ones that have been around for a while.

You never know what you might find.

One subscribers said it best: “If you haven’t sourced discontinued products before, it opens up a whole new door. Every store becomes a sourcing opportunity.”

Subscribers get more BOLOs, strategies, confirmation methods, and the beta-app database with 300+ products. You get access to every article as soon as you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Happy hunting!!

15 hours. 19 stops. 293 miles. $2,679 spend. Here's What I Found

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 27 May 2026 21:31:11 GMT

I took a road trip to source in uncharted territory this weekend. If you didn’t know already, rural areas are gold mines for discontinued products.

Small pharmacies, old hardware stores, grocery stores that haven’t updated their shelves in years. The kind of places most resellers don’t think to hit.

I found a ton of BOLOs like this floor cleaner:

Pledge Clean It Gentle Wood Floor Cleaner - Lemon scent (27 oz)

That was one of many discontinued finds. Here’s what else made it in the car:

Free BOLO Friday: It's a Treasure Hunt

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:31:43 GMT

Sourcing discontinued products is like a treasure hunt. You’re looking for hidden treasure sitting in plain sight. Others are walking right past these products every day without knowing what they’re worth.

This week’s BOLO is a perfect example.

BOLO: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Wash Deep Cleansing Coconut Milk (8 oz)

Something I want you to think about. If you walk into a store looking for one specific product, you might not find it. But if you walk in knowing 100 different BOLOs, your chances of finding something go way up.

That’s how I approach every sourcing trip. I’m not going in hoping to find one product. I have a catalog of discontinued products in my head and in the database. The bigger that catalog gets, the more you find. A product you’ve never heard of before catches your eye because you recognize the brand. A clearance tag on a shelf makes you stop and scan it. A price tag with a line through it makes you pull out your phone.

The more you add to your discontinued product catalog, the more productive your sourcing trips become. You stop walking past money on the shelf.

That’s what the Free BOLO Friday series is all about. Helping you build that catalog one product at a time.

Enjoying Free BOLO Friday? There’s a lot more on the other side, including access to the beta-app which is getting close to 300 BOLOs!

Subscribe now

Happy hunting!!

Is the Same UPC Always the Same Product?

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 20 May 2026 21:31:07 GMT

Something new came up in my sourcing and I want to dedicate this week’s article to it. There’s an assumption most of us run on without thinking about it:

same UPC = exact same product

Is that assumption always right? Well I came across an example where the UPC stayed the same, but customers were treating the new version as if it were a different product entirely.

I want to walk through what I found because it’s something you should be aware of. A brand can redesign packaging, drop a featured ingredient callout from the front of the label, and keep the same UPC. From the brand’s system, nothing changed. From a customer’s perspective, the product they used to buy is gone.

A BOLO in the Shaving Aisle

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:31:20 GMT

Anddd we’re back with another edition of Free BOLO Friday. This week’s BOLO is….

BOLO: Nivea Men Clean Shave Gel - Vanilla & Bourbon Scent (7 oz)

Average cost: $5.50

Click to see the eBay sold listings

Found at a local grocery store. The key indicator on this one was the line through the price tag. If you’ve been following along, you know what that means.

For anyone new, when a grocery store puts a line through the price tag, it typically means that product has been flagged in their system to no longer be restocked. The store is selling through what they have left and once it’s gone, they’re done carrying it. It doesn’t always mean the brand has discontinued it but it’s a simple way to find leads when you’re in the store. When you see that line, check the comps.

Another product to add to your list when you’re out sourcing local grocery stores and pharmacies!

Enjoying Free BOLO Friday? There’s a lot more on the other side, including access to the beta-ap

Subscribe now

Happy hunting!!

Root Cause Sourcing: When the Store Tells You Something Before the Brand Does

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:32:01 GMT

Most resellers think discontinued sourcing works in one direction. You hear a product is discontinued, then you go hunt for it.

But there’s another way that catches a lot of people sleeping. I call it root cause sourcing.

The idea is simple. You spot a product sitting in a bargain outlet, discount store, or an off price retail chain first and you let that be the trigger to figure out why it’s there. Every product at a bargain outlet has a reason for being there. If you can figure out the root cause, you can make smarter plays.

Bargain outlets like Ollies, Grocery Outlet, Big Lots, even places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross, Five Below, etc. are where manufacturers offload inventory they’re trying to clear. By the time a product hits those shelves, something happened on the brand side. Sometimes it’s a packaging change. Sometimes it’s overstock. And sometimes it’s an early hint that that product is discontinued.

If you can figure out the why, you’re ahead of most sellers. You either know the product is going to get harder to find or you know to walk away. Either way, you’re making a better call than buying blind.

This week I’m walking through a major brand you’ve definitely seen at your local grocery store, drugstore, or big box retailer. One of their products turned up at Grocery Outlet, which kicked off the research. By the time I was done, I had confirmation that the entire product line is being discontinued.

I’ll break down which line it is and how I confirmed the whole thing using root cause sourcing.

Featured on the Clear the Shelf Podcast

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:31:08 GMT

No Free BOLO Friday this week. Instead, I want to share something I’m pretty excited about.

I was featured on the Clear the Shelf podcast and we covered a lot of ground. If you’ve been following the newsletter, a lot of these topics will sound familiar but hearing them talked through in a conversation format hits a little different.

We talked about the buy and hold strategy, how I confirm discontinuations, the database, ungating on Amazon, using eBay as a sourcing tool, Dollar General clearance events, and a bunch more.

If you want to check it out, here’s the link:

Clear The Shelf Podcast

I appreciate Chris & Chris for having me on. It was a fun conversation and I hope you get something out of it!

Chapters:
00:00 - The Bolo Insider Database: What It Is and How It Works
04:22 - "His Revenue Tripled" (Subscriber Results From the Database)
06:17 - $2 Product, 243 Units, $15 Each: The Math on Discontinued
08:49 - Five Signs a Product Has Been Discontinued
14:25 - "Just Call and Ask": Confirming Discontinuation With Brands
16:24 - Buy and Hold vs. Quick Flip: How to Decide
20:04 - Cash Flow Management: Funding Your Hold Cycle
22:54 - Using eBay as a Sourcing Tool (Not Just a Marketplace)
25:00 - Your First Trip: Google Maps, Dusty Shelves, and Price Tags
29:18 - Dollar General Clearance Events: Digging Through the Dust
31:06 - 12 for 12 on Amazon Ungates: The Full Strategy
35:56 - 155 Days, 50+ Attempts: What Kept Him Going
38:37 - Combining Brand and Walmart Invoices (Did It Work?)
45:53 - The Case for eBay: Brands You Can't Sell on Amazon
49:03 - eBay Algorithm Hack: End + Sell Similar vs. Relist
55:51 - Using Claude AI to Automate RA Receipt Processing
59:05 - Lightning Round: Bargain Outlets, Air Purifiers, and Dreams

If you’re not already a paid subscriber, you can join here:

Subscribe now

Happy hunting!!

Grocery Outlet Bangers

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 06 May 2026 21:31:03 GMT

Today’s newsletter is simple. No fluff, just straight BOLOs.

Free BOLO Friday: DG Clearance Weekend Special

Zach Altmyer — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:31:19 GMT

Dollar General’s second clearance event is here

So today I’m dropping a special DG BOLO you don’t want to miss.

The BOLO: Lysol Concentrate Disinfectant - Original Scent (12 fl oz)

These won’t be at every store but don’t pass these up if you find them in the clearance section. Remember what I said about the treasure hunt, dig through the boxes, check on top of shelves, and look below them!

If you’re a paid subscriber, don’t forget to use the Database Beta App to filter DG BOLOs before you head out this weekend.

If you’re not a paid subscriber yet, you can get access here:

Subscribe now

Good luck and happy hunting!!

Dollar General BOLOs for Clearance Event 5/1 - 5/7

Zach Altmyer — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:31:06 GMT

Dollar General’s second clearance event of the year has been announced for this upcoming weekend. So I did some early scouting.

You won’t believe what I found sitting in the clearance section.

$3.49/unit

Listed on Amazon for $90+ a bottle.

Check it out!