Amazon is not only a global marketplace for new products but also a best-selling platform to sell used items. With millions of active users and a trusted reputation, Amazon provides a convenient and secure space for individuals to declutter their homes and monetize their pre-owned goods. Whether it’s books, electronics, or household items, you can sell used items and digital products (yes, you can sell digital products on Amazon) to reach a vast customer base and make money on Amazon.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of how to sell used items on Amazon, handling all of your wonders, including:
- Step 1: Set up an Amazon Seller account
- Step 2: List your used items on Amazon
- Step 3: Decide the fulfillment method FBA & FBM
Let’s get started on your journey to selling used items on Amazon!
Can I Sell Used Items on Amazon?
If you’re wondering whether you can sell used items on Amazon, the answer is generally Yes. However, it’s important to note that not all products can be sold as used on the platform. Certain restricted categories or products with specific condition guidelines may require approval or be ineligible for the used item listing.
Here’s an overview of what types of used items are eligible and what types are not permitted on Amazon.
What types of Amazon used items are eligible?
To ensure that sellers don’t list prohibited used items, Amazon provides a comprehensive list of items that can be sold in used condition. Here are some of the approved categories for selling used items on Amazon:
- Amazon Device Accessories
- Amazon Kindle
- Automotive & Powersports
- Books
- Camera & Photo
- Cell Phones & Accessories
- Consumer Electronics
- Home & Garden
- Industrial & Scientific
- Kindle Accessories and Amazon Fire TV Accessories
- Major Appliances
- Music
- Musical Instruments
- Office Products
- Outdoors
- Personal Computers
- Pet Supplies
- Software
- Sports
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Video, DVD & Blu-Ray
- Video Games
What types of Amazon used items are not permitted?
However, there are certain categories where selling used items is not allowed on Amazon. This platform provides a clear list of these restricted item categories. Here are some examples of item categories that cannot be sold in used condition on Amazon:
- Baby Products (excluding apparel)
- Beauty
- Clothing
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Grocery & Gourmet Food
- Health & Personal Care
- Independent Design
- Jewelry
- Shoes & Handbags
- Sports Collectibles
- Toys & Games
- Watches
Many sellers who want to sell used stuff on Amazon may wonder: Can you sell used clothes on Amazon? As you can see, the answer is “No”. These categories above are not eligible to sell used items on Amazon due to safety, hygiene, and quality concerns. They require strict adherence to safety standards, and selling used items in these categories can pose risks to customers. Additionally, the condition and hygiene of used items in these categories may vary significantly, making it difficult to ensure a consistent and satisfactory customer experience.
Therefore, before listing any used items on this top marketplace for selling products, you should review the Seller Central guidelines and policies. That helps you to ensure that you have complied with them to avoid any potential issues with your listings.
How Does Amazon Classify Used Items?
Amazon has a classification system to categorize used items based on their condition. This system helps buyers understand the quality and condition of the used products they are considering purchasing. Here are the different classifications used by Amazon for used items:
1. Items “Like New” on Amazon
When a used item is listed as Like New on Amazon the product is in excellent condition and appears almost indistinguishable from a brand-new item. These items typically show no signs of wear or damage and include all original accessories. The original packaging might have slight damage, or the item could be repackaged. The extent of package damage is clearly specified for each item.
2. Used items in “Very Good” condition
Used items classified as “Very Good” are in great condition but may have some minor cosmetic imperfections or signs of wear. They might have been lightly used or returned by a customer after minimal use. Despite these minor flaws, they still function perfectly and come with all necessary accessories unless stated otherwise.
3. Used items in “Good” condition
Used Items in “Good” Condition have moderate wear and tear but are still fully functional. They may exhibit visible signs of use, such as scratches, scuffs, or dents, but these do not affect the item’s functionality. The packaging of the item may be damaged or repackaged. Not all accessories must be included, and they might not be in pristine condition.
4. Amazon used acceptable items
“Used Acceptable” is a classification for items with significant wear and tear. These products may have visible damage or heavy signs of use, but they should still be functional. They may come with damaged or repackaged packages. Buyers should expect noticeable cosmetic flaws and may need to replace missing or damaged accessories.
5. Amazon renewed selling pre-owned or refurbished items
Amazon Renewed is a program where Amazon offers pre-owned or refurbished products by their vendors, not. Qualified suppliers have inspected and tested these items to work and look like new ones. They must show minimal to no signs of wear or visible cosmetic damage when viewed from 12 inches. Each item should have a minimum 90-day supplier warranty with all the accessories.
Amazon Renewed products are backed by Amazon’s customer support and return policies. So, buyers can offer a replacement or refund within 90 days of order if the item does not meet their expectations.
If you want to know: Does Amazon sell used items? This part is the answer for you. However, the one who offers renewed products is the marketplace, not the Amazon retailer.
When are used Amazon items unacceptable? According to Amazon’s guidelines, the following conditions are not permissible when listing items on their platform:
- The item exhibits dirt, mold, heavy staining, corrosion, or other indications of being unclean.
- The item has damage that affects its functionality and usability.
- The item lacks essential parts or accessories necessary for proper usage (excluding instructions).
- The product requires repairs to restore proper functioning.
- The item is a replica, counterfeit, copying, or imitating an original product.
- The item was produced solely for promotional purposes, such as a sample or advance reading copy.
- The item has expired or nearly expired.
- The item has been explicitly marked as unsellable by its manufacturer.
When listing a used product for sale on Amazon, it is crucial to indicate its condition to ensure a positive customer experience accurately. It is vital to avoid any discrepancies that may result in dissatisfaction, such as listing an item as “Used-Like New” when it falls under the category of “Used-Good.”
How to Sell Used Items on Amazon
You might wonder how to sell an item on Amazon that has been used, so this part is written for you. Selling used items on Amazon involves several steps to get started. Here’s a guide on how to sell used stuff on Amazon:
Step 1: Set up an Amazon Seller account
First, you need to create an Amazon Seller account. Visit the Amazon Seller Central website and create an Amazon Seller account by providing the required information, such as your business details, contact information, and payment preferences. You may need to choose between a professional or individual seller account, depending on your selling volume.
Step 2: List your used items on Amazon
To begin the listing process on Seller Central, navigate to the Inventory section and click Add a product.
Paste the ASIN of the cordless drill you wish to sell on the Add a Product page.
Once you search for the product’s ASIN, it will be displayed on the following page, allowing you to set the overall condition as either New or Used. Select Used accordingly.
Proceed by clicking on Sell this product. On the Offer page, provide the necessary information about the item you’re selling, including the price, condition, and fulfillment method. Pay close attention to the Condition section, where you will choose the option that accurately represents the condition of your used item based on the condition guidelines mentioned earlier.
After selecting the appropriate used condition, you can add a condition note if desired. Although this section is not mandatory, we recommend you provide additional details about the item’s condition.
Step 3: Decide the fulfillment method FBA & FBM
Amazon offers two primary fulfillment options: FBA vs FBM.
With FBA, Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service. You send your used items to Amazon fulfillment centers, and they will handle the rest. This method can simplify logistics but comes with associated fees. Learn more about which fees you need to pay for becoming a FBA seller with our article about Amazon seller fees.
FBM means you handle the entire fulfillment process yourself, storing and shipping the items directly to customers. Choose the fulfillment method that aligns with your preferences and operational capabilities.
The Best Used Products To Sell On Amazon
Looking to sell used items on Amazon? Discover the best categories with high demand and profit potential that can help you maximize your selling success on the platform.
1. Books
Used books are popular on Amazon because they offer cost-effective alternatives to new copies. Customers often search for specific titles, out-of-print editions, or rare books that may not be readily available elsewhere. Selling used books allows you to tap into a large market of avid readers and collectors, offering them well-priced options for their reading enjoyment. Do you want to start a business on Amazon with books, check our guide on how to sell books on Amazon for more information.
2. Electronics
Electronics are among the best-used products to sell on Amazon due to their high demand and potential for profit. Many customers are looking for discounted electronics such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, and gaming consoles. As long as the devices are in good working condition and accurately described, they can attract buyers seeking affordable options.
3. Video Games
The used video game market is thriving, making it a lucrative category to sell on Amazon. Gamers frequently look for pre-owned games, consoles, and accessories as a budget-friendly way to expand their gaming library. By offering well-maintained used video games at competitive prices, you can attract gamers who are eager to explore new gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
Tips For Selling Used Items On Amazon
Selling used items on Amazon is not a hard task, but it does require a strategic approach to stand out among competitors. In this section, we will share valuable tips that help you successfully sell used items on Amazon and maximize your profitability.
- Adding a condition note: Providing detailed information about the item’s condition helps build trust with potential buyers. Being transparent about any flaws or missing accessories sets clear expectations and reduces the likelihood of returns or negative feedback. This can enhance your selling performance by fostering customer satisfaction and positive reviews.
- Choosing the appropriate product condition: Selecting the right condition for your used items ensures that buyers have accurate expectations when purchasing. Misrepresenting the condition can lead to customer dissatisfaction, negative feedback, or even claims of false advertising. By accurately describing the condition, you establish credibility as a seller and increase the chances of positive customer experiences.
- Providing excellent customer service: Responding promptly to customer queries and addressing any issues or concerns professionally and helpfully contributes to a positive buying experience. Satisfied customers are more likely to review positively and suggest your products to others. Excellent customer service can improve your seller metrics, such as response time and customer feedback ratings, boosting your overall selling performance.
- Keeping prices competitive: Offering competitive prices for your used items can attract more potential buyers. When pricing your products, consider factors such as the current market value, the item’s condition, and the prices of similar listings. Competitive pricing can increase the visibility of your listings, encourage more sales, and potentially lead to higher profits. However, it’s important to strike a balance between competitiveness and profitability to ensure a sustainable business.
Sell Used Items on Amazon – FAQs
- Can I sell any used item on Amazon?
Yes, you can. It’s allowed to sell used items to Amazon. However, please notice that there are restrictions on certain categories. To ensure compliance, review Amazon’s guidelines and prohibited item categories from determining if you intend to sell used items on Amazon.
- What condition guidelines should I follow when selling used items?
When listing used items, it’s important to accurately describe their condition. Amazon provides condition guidelines, ranging from “Like New” to “Acceptable,” to help you select the appropriate option based on the item’s state. Adhering to these guidelines ensures transparency and avoids potential customer dissatisfaction.
- How do I price my used items competitively?
To price your used items competitively, research similar listings and consider factors such as the item’s condition, market demand, and current prices. Offering a competitive price can attract buyers and increase your chances of selling quickly. Regularly monitoring the market and adjusting your prices accordingly can help you stay competitive.
- What is the process for shipping used items to buyers?
When a buyer purchases your used item, you can choose between Amazon’s fulfillment options: Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM). With FBA, Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping. With FBM, you handle these aspects yourself. Follow Amazon’s shipping requirements and use their shipping tools to ensure a smooth shipping process for your used items.
Conclusion
In short, many sellers choose to sell used items on Amazon since it can be a profitable venture if done strategically. By following the proper guidelines we suggest, you can attract buyers and build a successful business.
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