According to ThredUp's 12th Annual Resale Study, the U.S. secondhand apparel market expanded seven times quicker than the broader retail clothing market in 2023 and is projected to hit $73 billion by 2028. Selling on Amazon Renewed can help you tap into this booming market and drive significant sales growth.
Selling refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products on Amazon Renewed can be lucrative. To get started, sellers must meet specific criteria and follow a structured process to gain acceptance into the program. Here's how to navigate the pathway to success and start selling on Amazon Renewed.
Understanding Amazon Renewed
Steve Downer, Amazon Vice President, describes it succinctly - "Amazon Renewed is a great option for customers who want high-quality, pre-owned products." Amazon Renewed is a marketplace for 'like-new' products, allowing customers to purchase refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box items at a reduced cost. These products undergo a rigorous inspection and refurbishment process to confirm that they meet Amazon’s high standards for quality and performance.
The process includes a thorough diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts, and detailed cleaning. Customers can shop with confidence, knowing these items are backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, which includes a 90-day warranty. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes Amazon Renewed an excellent choice for those seeking reliable, high-quality products at a fraction of the cost.
Eligibility Categories
To sell on Amazon Renewed, products must fall into one of the following categories:
Refurbished: Items restored to working condition and appearance.
Pre-owned: Products that show signs of use but are still functional.
Open-box: Items returned by customers, usually within the return period and minimally used.
What Can You Sell?
To qualify as a seller of refurbished and pre-owned products, you must adhere to Amazon Renewed’s program policies, product quality policies, and warranty requirements. Sellers must also meet performance standards and accept the program's terms and conditions. Once qualified, you can sell high-quality, like-new products at great prices to customers in the following categories:
Mobile Phones
Kitchen Appliances
Cameras
Power Tools
Home Appliances
Television
Tablets
Personal Computers
Video Game Consoles
These categories allow sellers to reach a broad audience looking for reliable, affordable alternatives to new products.
Standards for Condition and Inspection
All products listed on Amazon Renewed must be inspected, cleaned, and repaired by a qualified technician or a specialized third-party refurbisher. They should look and work like new, with no visible cosmetic imperfections (scratches, dents, etc.) when held 12 inches away.
Amazon Renewed Guarantee
Amazon backs products sold through Amazon Renewed with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, guaranteeing peace of mind for your customers. If they are not satisfied or if the product doesn’t work as expected, it can be returned within 90 days (or one year for Renewed Premium and Automotive items) for a full refund or replacement, though replacement availability may vary.
This guarantee not only provides a risk-free shopping experience but also reinforces customer trust by ensuring that every item meets high standards of quality and performance. With Amazon Renewed, you can confidently purchase high-quality refurbished products, knowing that a reliable and responsive support system backs them.
Also Read: How To Start Selling on Amazon in India
Requirements to Join Amazon Renewed
Joining the Amazon Renewed program involves meeting stringent criteria to affirm that only high-quality, reliable sellers participate. Here are the essential requirements:
Seller Account Criteria
Maintain an Order Defect Rate (ODR) of 0.8% or less over the past 60 days. This reflects your ability to provide excellent customer service and product quality. For existing sellers on Amazon, this metric should be maintained over the trailing 90 days.
Provide Invoices
Submit invoices showing at least $50,000 worth of qualifying refurbished purchases within the last 90 days. For categories like Home, Tools, Lawn & Garden, and Kitchen, invoices can be from the previous 180 days. This demonstrates your capacity to handle significant volumes of refurbished products.
Proof of Experience
Show proof of experience selling refurbished items through past sales records and customer feedback, highlighting your expertise in the refurbished product market.
Submission of Images
Submit a minimum of 10 images of a sample unit and its packaging. For factory refurbished items with no manufacturer warranty, submit at least 8 images showing the product and packaging from various angles. These images help Amazon evaluate the quality and condition of the products you intend to sell.
Amazon Renewed Guarantee
Your company must back all refurbished products with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, being responsible for all claims under this guarantee. This allows the customers to shop with confidence, knowing that their purchases are protected.
Special Criteria for Apple Products
For listing Apple brand products in the Consumer Electronics category, provide invoices totaling $2.5 million in Apple refurbished products from the trailing 90 days.
Meeting these criteria ensures that only the most capable and experienced sellers can join Amazon Renewed, maintaining high standards and customer satisfaction.
Steps to Get Accepted to Sell on Amazon Renewed Program
Getting accepted into the Amazon Renewed program involves several steps, from creating a seller account to meeting program criteria and applying.
Step 1: Create an Amazon Seller Account
To get started, create an Amazon seller account if you don’t already have one. You’ll need:
A business email address
A credit card
Government-issued ID
Tax information
A valid phone number
An active bank account
Optionally, enroll in the Amazon Brand Registry for added benefits
Step 2: Meet Amazon Renewed Program Criteria
Make sure that you meet the specific criteria for the Amazon Renewed program, including:
Maintaining an ODR of 0.8% or less.
Providing invoices for $50,000 or more in the last 90 days.
Meeting higher criteria for Apple products, which require at least $2.5 million in invoices.
Offering a 90-day warranty for all refurbished items.
Step 3: Apply for Amazon Renewed
Submit an application through the Amazon Renewed program website.
Approval typically takes up to 10 business days. Once approved, you can create new listings or add renewed products to existing listings.
Finding and Sourcing Products
Identifying and sourcing the right products is crucial for success on Amazon Renewed. Focus on high-demand, low-competition items not sold directly by Amazon. Consider sourcing from:
Liquidation Companies: Great for finding bulk items at a lower cost.
Manufacturers: Direct sourcing often results in better prices and quality control.
Wholesalers like Alibaba: Reliable for a steady supply of refurbished items.
Use tools like SellerMate for product research to establish competitive pricing and comprehensive product inspection.
Benefits of Joining Amazon Renewed
Joining Amazon Renewed offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your selling experience and profitability:
Less Competition
Only sellers who meet the stringent standards of the Amazon Renewed program and can consistently maintain the quality of their items are eligible. This selective process means less competition, providing a substantial opportunity for those accepted to succeed.
A Huge Pool of Customers
Amazon’s U.S. marketplace receives over 2 billion visitors every month, boasting the highest conversion rates compared to any other e-commerce giant. This massive customer base allows you to display your renewed products to a wide audience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and sales.
Leverage Amazon’s Proven E-commerce Solutions
Amazon provides various tools and services that can help you grow your business. These include lending facilities, the Amazon Featured Offer option, and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) services. These offerings enable you to sell your refurbished products across Amazon’s entire global marketplace, making it easier to manage and expand your business.
Boost Recovery Rate for Returned Products
Selling refurbished items allows you to recover costs from returned products, improving your overall profitability. This is a great way to maximize the value of items that might otherwise be considered losses.
Appeal to Value-Conscious Customers
Amazon Renewed attracts customers who are looking for high-quality products at a lower cost. Offering such products can help you expand your customer base to include these value-conscious shoppers.
Increase Product Exposure
Amazon Renewed marketing efforts provide increased product exposure, helping your items reach a broader audience. This visibility can lead to higher sales and greater brand recognition.
Leverage Customer Trust
Take advantage of the trust customers have in Amazon’s selling technology and guarantees. This trust can translate into higher sales and greater customer satisfaction, as buyers feel confident in the quality and reliability of your renewed products.
Final Thoughts
Selling on Amazon Renewed presents a valuable opportunity to grow your business by tapping into a market of cost-conscious customers seeking high-quality, refurbished products. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
Meet the Criteria: Ensure you meet Amazon’s stringent criteria, including maintaining a low Order Defect Rate and providing proof of substantial experience and purchase volume. This not only opens the door to the program but also positions you as a trusted seller.
Leverage Advanced Tools: Utilize Amazon’s advanced tools and marketing resources to enhance your product visibility and reach a broader audience. This can lead to increased sales and a stronger presence in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Focus on Quality: Maintaining high standards for product quality and customer satisfaction is crucial. This will help you stand out in the Amazon Renewed program and build a positive reputation among buyers.
Optimize Your Listings: Ascertain your product listings are accurate, well-presented, and comply with Amazon’s guidelines to maximize your chances of winning the Buy Box and attracting more customers.
Adhere to these best practices and utilize the resources available to you for a successful and sustainable business on Amazon Renewed.
Ready to take the next step? Book a demo with SellerMate today and discover how our AI-powered tools can help you optimize your Amazon ads and streamline your selling process. Let us assist you in maximizing your potential and achieving your business goals.
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