Over the past couple of years, the independent distribution channel has suffered a crunch in cash flow. As a result, the funds available to purchase "lots" of inventory have diminished. At the same time, the OEM and CEM community has realized there is a great opportunity in turning surplus and obsolete inventories into cash.
The business model that generates the highest rate of return is the consignment model, whereby a qualified independent distributor invests the time and effort to organize a "Lot" of inventory in a controlled distribution warehouse while the OEM/CEM continues to own the product.
*The Result may depend on the stock itself. IC, Memory, Diodes, and Transistors are of course what sell the most.