Second-Hand Items On Amazon
Introduction
Whether you want to clear out clutter or turn treasures into cash, Amazon provides a robust platform for selling pre-owned goods. From electronics to books, clothing to collectibles, learn how to list, price, and ship second-hand items effectively. Join us as we explore tips, best practices, and success stories to help you maximize your selling experience on Amazon’s marketplace!
What You Can Sell
Here are the product categories on Amazon that allow you to sell used items:
- Books
- Video, DVD & Blu-Ray
- Music
- Video Games
- Consumer Electronics
- Cell Phones & Accessories
- Personal Computers
- Camera & Photo
- Amazon Device Accessories
- Kindle Accessories and Amazon Fire TV Accessories
- Software
- Office Products
- Home & Garden
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Major Appliances
- Industrial & Scientific
- Musical Instruments
- Sports
- Outdoors
- Pet Supplies
Amazon Condition Guidelines for Used Items
Used – Like New or Open Box: An item in perfect working condition. The original protective wrapping may be missing, but the original packaging is intact and in good condition, with minor damage possible. Instructions are included.
Used – Very Good: A well-cared-for item that has seen limited use and remains in good working condition. The item may show some limited signs of wear with minor scratches or cosmetic blemishes. The item may arrive with damaged packing or be repackaged and missing some accessories. Missing accessories are clearly defined for each item.
Used – Good: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and functions properly. The item may arrive damaged in packaging or be repackaged. It may be marked with identifying markings or minor cosmetic damage. It may also be missing some parts/accessories, such as screws (in the case of furniture) or an instruction manual.
Used – Acceptable: The item is somewhat worn but functions properly. The item may arrive damaged in packaging or be repackaged. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, and worn corners. The item may have identifying markings or show other signs of previous use. Item may be missing some parts/accessories such as screws (in the case of furniture) or a mouse or USB cable. (in the case of a laptop.)
How To Sell Second-Hand Items on Amazon
- Create a Seller Central Account: The first step in selling on Amazon is to set up a Seller Central account. This process involves providing essential personal and business information. If you don’t have a formal business entity, you can start as a sole proprietor and later incorporate. Choose between an individual seller account for occasional sales or a professional account for more severe business endeavors. You can adjust your account settings later if needed.
- Search for Products to Sell: After setting up your account, the next step is finding products to sell. This could involve identifying unused items around your home or sourcing products for a business venture. Tools like the Helium 10 Chrome Extension’s Xray feature can help analyze product pages for potential profitability.
- Add Your Used Product to a Listing: Once you’ve chosen a product, create a new product listing on Amazon or add it to an existing one if applicable. Enter the product details like barcode or name, select the ‘Used’ condition, and click ‘Sell’. Provide specific information such as product photos, titles, descriptions, and bullet points. Conduct keyword research to optimize your listing for search visibility using tools like Helium 10’s Magnet for keyword research and Listing Builder for optimizing content.
- Send Your Product to Amazon: Decide whether to handle storage, packing, and shipping yourself (Fulfillment by Merchant) or use Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service. For FBA, create a shipping plan for each item, label the package, and send it to an Amazon warehouse for storage and fulfillment.
- Manage Orders and Customer Service: Monitor your seller account for orders. Once sold, package the item securely and ship it promptly if handling fulfillment yourself. Provide excellent customer service by addressing buyer inquiries and issues promptly.
Sell Renewed Products with Amazon Renewed
The Amazon Renewed Program offers customers an easy way to purchase items in the ‘like new’ category. This program is supported by Amazon’s guarantee, ensuring customers receive high-quality items and enhanced customer service for up to 90 days after purchase.
For sellers looking to list used items, each product must undergo testing and certification by Amazon to meet stringent standards, including working like new, being in perfect condition, and having original packaging.
This valuable program allows sellers to offer ‘like new’ items such as phones, cameras, headphones, kitchen appliances, power tools, personal computers, tablets, televisions, and video game consoles.
To get started with the Amazon Renewed program, sellers must:
- “Supply invoices showing a minimum total value of $50,000 in qualifying refurbished purchases in the previous 90 days from the date of the application. You may black out the unit purchase amount on the invoices. Note that sellers intending to offer products related to homes, tools, or lawn & garden, kitchens may supply invoices showing a minimum total of $50,000 in qualifying refurbished purchases in the previous 180 days.
- If you are an existing seller on Amazon, we require an ODR of 0.8% or less in the trailing 90 days.
- Suppose you want permission to list factory refurbished items (with no manufacturer warranty). In that case, you must submit at least 8 images of a sample unit for product and packaging review (box in which the product will ship, inside packaging and padding, product from top and bottom, product from all four sides).
- Your company backs all of your refurbished products with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee and is responsible for all claims under the guarantee.
- For approval to list the Apple brand in Consumer Electronics categories, we require invoices dated from trailing 90 days that total $2.5 million in Apple refurbished products.”
What items can I not sell on Amazon?
Amazon prohibits the sale of various items to ensure compliance with legal regulations and to maintain marketplace safety and quality. Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages, live animals, counterfeit goods, hazardous substances, drugs and paraphernalia, particular food and dietary supplements, human parts, offensive materials, recalled products, and stolen property. Additionally, restricted items like automotive parts, beauty products, electronics, health devices, jewelry, and toys can only be sold under specific conditions or with appropriate approvals. To maintain compliance and avoid issues, sellers must regularly review Amazon’s policies and ensure their products meet all local, state, and federal regulations.
Does Amazon allow resale?
Yes, Amazon allows the resale of products, provided sellers follow specific guidelines to ensure compliance. Products must be authentic, accurately described, and meet Amazon’s condition guidelines for new and used items. Some brands and categories may have restrictions or require approval. Sellers must avoid intellectual property infringements, use correct product identifiers, and set competitive yet fair prices. Standard reselling methods include retail and online arbitrage, wholesale, and private labeling. Maintaining excellent customer service, compliance with Amazon’s policies, and thorough documentation are essential for successful reselling on the platform.
Where to find used items to sell on Amazon?
To find used items to sell on Amazon, consider sourcing from thrift stores, charity shops, garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, and local auctions. Online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can also be good sources. Additionally, check wholesale liquidation sites and clearance sales for discounted items. Ensure that the items are in good condition and comply with Amazon’s policies for used goods.
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