If you're looking for an easy way to make some extra cash, why not sell your used goods on Amazon Warehouse? You don’t need to be a professional Amazon seller or have private-label products. It’s a platform that connects sellers with millions of buyers worldwide. Whether it’s old electronics, furniture, or household goods, selling on Amazon Warehouse is a straightforward process that gives you access to a massive audience of people looking for quality pre-owned items.
Amazon Warehouse specializes in pre-owned, open-box, and refurbished items, and the demand for these products is growing. Amazon attracts over 197 million visitors monthly, offering you a huge potential market. As a seller, you benefit from Amazon’s trusted reputation, which helps ensure your used goods on Amazon Warehouse are visible to buyers who are more likely to make a purchase. Selling here is not only about decluttering but also about reaching a highly engaged audience that’s actively seeking great deals.
Ready to turn your used items into profit? Let’s explore how Amazon Warehouse can help you get started.
What is Amazon Warehouse?
Amazon Warehouse is a dedicated platform where customers can shop for pre-owned, open-box, and refurbished items at discounted rates. It serves as a marketplace for quality second-hand goods, providing buyers with great deals and sellers with an easy way to reach a vast audience. This platform is especially popular for items like electronics, appliances, furniture, and other high-demand products that people often purchase.
Benefits of Selling on Amazon Warehouse:
Large Customer Base: Amazon's platform attracts millions of visitors monthly, giving your listings wide exposure to potential buyers.
Trust and Credibility: Amazon’s reputation assures buyers when purchasing pre-owned items.
User-Friendly Selling Tools: Amazon offers easy tools for creating listings, tracking orders, and managing payments, making the selling process simple.
While Amazon provides you with basic tools, platforms like SellerMate can offer advanced insights and automation for managing and optimizing your Amazon ads.
Flexible Fulfillment Options: Choose between handling shipping yourself or using Amazon's Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) service for a hands-off experience.
Product Inspection: Amazon checks products for functionality and visible damage before listing.
Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Items are listed immediately after inspection, leading to quicker sales.
Utilize advanced tools from platforms like SellerMate.ai to enhance your product visibility and sales outcomes.
Categories Eligible and Not Eligible for Selling Used Goods on Amazon
Before listing your used goods on Amazon Warehouse, it's essential to know which product categories are eligible for selling pre-owned items and which are not allowed. This helps ensure your listings meet Amazon's guidelines and avoid any violations.
Eligible Categories for Selling Used Goods on Amazon
The following categories allow the sale of used, pre-owned, or refurbished products. These items must meet specific condition guidelines outlined by Amazon.
Category | Details |
Books | Both used and new books are allowed. Ensure that the condition is accurate, especially for rare or collectible items. |
Electronics | Pre-owned electronics like phones, laptops, and tablets can be sold if they are functional and in good condition. Must disclose any wear, tear, or missing parts. |
Home & Kitchen | Used kitchen appliances, furniture, and home décor can be sold as long as they are clean and functional. |
Video Games | Pre-owned video games and consoles are accepted if they function properly. Include all necessary accessories and clearly state any wear and tear. |
Musical Instruments | Used musical instruments are allowed as long as they are fully functional and described accurately, including any damages or missing parts. |
Tools & Home Improvement | Tools, hardware, and home improvement items can be sold if they are in working condition and free of major damage. |
Sports & Outdoors | Pre-owned sports gear and equipment can be sold if they are functional and meet safety standards. |
Toys & Games | Used toys and games can be listed, but they must be clean, functional, and include all necessary parts. |
Categories Not Eligible for Selling Used Goods on Amazon
Some categories have stricter guidelines and do not permit the sale of used goods. These restrictions ensure the safety and quality of products sold on Amazon.
Category | Details |
Beauty & Personal Care | Used beauty products, cosmetics, and personal care items are not allowed due to hygiene and safety concerns. |
Grocery & Gourmet Food | Used or previously opened food products cannot be sold on Amazon. All grocery items must be new and unopened to ensure freshness and safety. |
Health & Wellness | Pre-owned health and wellness items, such as medical devices or supplements, are prohibited for safety reasons. |
Baby Products | Used baby items, such as cribs, car seats, and feeding accessories, are not allowed due to strict safety standards and potential health risks. |
Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry | Used clothing, shoes, and accessories are not allowed to be sold as used unless they are classified under Amazon Renewed, such as certified refurbished watches. |
Software & Computer Games | Pre-owned software and computer games are not allowed due to licensing and copyright restrictions. |
Personal Hygiene Products | Items such as razors, toothbrushes, and any other personal hygiene products cannot be sold for health reasons. |
Many buyers have raised concerns about Amazon selling used items as new. If you're curious about what other users have experienced, check out this Reddit thread where they share their stories and insights: Read the discussion here. It’s a great way to understand the challenges some buyers have faced when purchasing on the platform.
Preparing Your Items for Sale
Before listing your items on Amazon Warehouse, it’s important to prepare them to attract potential buyers and get the best possible price. Follow these steps to ensure your items are ready for sale:
1. Inspect and Clean Your Items: Start by thoroughly inspecting each item to make sure it’s in sellable condition. This includes ensuring it’s clean, functional, and free from any major defects. Amazon requires items to be categorized based on their condition, so be honest and accurate when selecting categories such as Like New, Very Good, Good, or Acceptable.
2. Repair if Necessary: If your item requires minor repairs, such as cleaning, replacing parts, or fixing cosmetic issues, it’s worth investing the time. Small fixes can significantly increase the value and appeal of your items. For example, replacing a missing charger or cleaning a dusty device can make a big difference.
3. Take Clear Photos: High-quality images are essential to attract buyers. Use good lighting and take multiple photos from different angles to show the condition of your item accurately. Include close-ups of any important details, such as logos or visible wear. The more information you provide visually, the easier for buyers to make confident purchasing decisions.
Optimizing your listing visibility can be seamlessly achieved with SellerMate.ai recommendations for better reach.
Grading System for Used Items on Amazon: Understanding the Labels
When selling or buying used items on Amazon, it's essential to understand Amazon's grading system. These grades provide clarity on the product's condition, helping sellers set accurate expectations and buyers make informed decisions. Let's break down each grade and what it means for both sellers and buyers.
Amazon 'Like New'
The "Like New" grade is the highest rating for used items and indicates that the product is in excellent condition. Essentially, this is as close to a brand-new item as you can get in the used category.
Appearance: The product looks almost untouched with no visible signs of wear or damage. It may have been opened or unboxed, but it appears new.
Functionality: The item works perfectly, and all features function as intended.
Packaging: It may come in the original packaging, which could show minor signs of wear, or it might be repackaged.
Accessories: All original accessories, manuals, and parts are included.
If your product is in "Like New" condition, emphasize this in your listing as it can justify a higher selling price and attract buyers who want a nearly new item at a discount.
Amazon 'Used - Very Good'
The "Used - Very Good" grade indicates that the product is in excellent working condition but might show minor signs of use.
Appearance: The item might have slight cosmetic blemishes, such as small scratches or scuffs, but these are minimal and do not impact functionality.
Functionality: The product is fully functional and has been tested to confirm it works as intended.
Packaging: The item may or may not come with the original packaging, and the packaging might show some wear.
Accessories: Most original accessories are included, but there could be one or two minor components missing. Any missing parts should be clearly stated in the product description.
Highlight that your product is in excellent working condition with only minimal wear. Include photos that showcase the item from different angles to help buyers understand its condition.
Amazon 'Used - Good'
This is the most common condition for pre-owned items, balancing affordability and functionality.
Appearance: The product has visible signs of wear, such as scratches, scuffs, or dents, but nothing that affects its overall functionality.
Functionality: It is still in good working order and performs as expected without any major defects.
Packaging: The item might come in a non-original box or packaging, which may have some damage.
Accessories: Essential accessories are usually included, but some minor ones may be missing. Make sure to specify what’s included in the listing.
Be transparent about any visible wear and provide detailed descriptions or photos of the product’s condition. Honesty will help build buyer trust and reduce the chances of returns.
Amazon 'Acceptable'
The "Acceptable" grade is for products that are still usable but show clear signs of heavy wear and may have missing parts.
Appearance: There are noticeable scratches, scuffs, dents, or other signs of heavy use. The item may have aesthetic flaws but should still function.
Functionality: The product works, but it might need to be smoother and more efficient.
Packaging: The item often comes in non-original packaging, which may be damaged or missing entirely.
Accessories: Some accessories might be missing, and it's crucial to indicate this in your product description.
Setting Up Your Amazon Seller Account
If you’re ready to start selling used items on Amazon Warehouse, the first step is setting up your Amazon Seller account. Here's how you can get started:
Sign Up for Amazon Seller Central
Go to Amazon Seller Central: Head to the Amazon Seller Central website and create an account.
Choose Your Selling Plan:
Individual Selling Plan: Ideal if you plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month. There’s no monthly subscription fee, but Amazon will charge a small fee per item sold.
Professional Selling Plan: Best for high-volume sellers. This plan comes with a monthly subscription fee but offers lower per-item fees and additional selling tools.
Provide Necessary Details
To complete your seller account setup, you’ll need to enter some important details:
Tax Information: Required for reporting and compliance with tax laws.
Bank Account Details: This is where Amazon will send your payments after each sale.
Address: Provide your business or home address as part of the account setup.
Understand Seller Fees
Amazon charges two types of fees for each sale:
Referral Fees: A percentage of the sale price, which varies by product category.
Closing Fees: A flat fee, usually applied to media items such as books and DVDs.
It’s important to understand these fees so you can price your items accurately and ensure profitability.
Integrating a SellerMate.ai can offer automation and additional advantages in managing your ads, ensuring your products get the right visibility."
Creating and Listing Your Products
Now that your account is set up, it’s time to list your products for sale. Here’s how to create listings that are clear, accurate, and attract buyers:
Selecting the Correct Category
Choose the Right Category: Ensure that your product is listed in the most relevant category. Proper categorization improves your item’s visibility and helps potential buyers find it more easily.
For example, if you're selling a used laptop, list it under Electronics rather than general merchandise.
Title and Description
Write a Clear Title: Include the brand, model, and condition in the title. For example, "Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2019) - Like New."
Create a Detailed Description: Include important product details such as features, dimensions, color, and any wear or missing components. A thorough description not only attracts buyers but also helps reduce returns by setting clear expectations.
Condition Description
Accurately Describe the Condition: Use Amazon’s condition guidelines—Like New, Very Good, Good, or Acceptable—to clearly state the product's condition. Misleading descriptions can lead to returns, negative reviews, and a loss of trust with potential buyers. Always be honest about wear, tear, or missing parts.
Uploading Images
Use High-Resolution Images: Upload clear, high-quality images of your product. Show all relevant angles and include close-ups of any flaws or signs of wear. The more visual details you provide, the easier it will be for buyers to make an informed decision, reducing the chances of returns.
SellerMate.ai can assist by providing custom insights into what keywords and descriptors attract more buyers.
Pricing Your Items
Setting the right price for your used items on Amazon Warehouse is key to making a quick and profitable sale. A well-thought-out pricing strategy ensures your items are competitive, while still taking into account fees and product condition. Here's how you can effectively price your items:
Research Similar Listings
Before setting a price, it's essential to see how similar items are being priced on Amazon Warehouse. This helps you stay competitive while aligning with the current market value.
Look for Comparable Items: Search for items similar to yours in terms of brand, condition, and features. For example, if you’re selling a used smartphone, look at listings for the same model in various conditions like "Like New", "Very Good", or "Good".
Use Filters: Narrow down the search results by filtering for used products. This gives you a clearer idea of how much similar items are being sold for, helping you find the right pricing sweet spot.
Example: If you're selling a second-hand iPhone 12 in "Very Good" condition, and you notice similar listings range between $450 - $500, you can price your item around that range to stay competitive.
Factor in Amazon Fees
Amazon charges sellers both referral and closing fees, which vary by product category. You’ll need to account for these fees when determining your final price to ensure you’re still making a profit.
Referral Fees: Amazon charges a percentage of the selling price as a referral fee. This can range from 6% to 15%, depending on the category. For example, electronics typically have a referral fee of 8%, while other categories might be higher.
Closing Fees: This is a flat fee applied to media items like books, music, or DVDs. Be aware of this extra cost if you’re selling products in these categories.
Shipping Costs (if applicable): If you’re fulfilling the order yourself (FBM), consider the shipping costs. These expenses will directly impact your overall profit.
Example: If you price your used iPhone 12 at $500, and the referral fee is 8% (which comes out to $40), ensure that the remaining $460 covers your cost and still leaves room for profit, especially if you’re also covering shipping costs.
Adjust Pricing Based on Condition
The condition of your item plays a significant role in its pricing. Buyers are willing to pay more for items in better condition, so it’s important to price accordingly.
Like New Condition: Items in “Like New” condition can command a higher price because they show little to no wear and are often as good as new. These items should be priced at the higher end of the spectrum.
Good/Acceptable Condition: For items in “Good” or “Acceptable” condition, where there may be more noticeable wear or minor functional issues, a lower price is appropriate. Make sure your pricing reflects the true condition so buyers know what to expect.
Example: If your iPhone 12 is in “Like New” condition, you can price it closer to $500. However, if it's in “Good” condition, with some cosmetic scratches, a price around $450 might be more realistic to attract buyers.
Packaging and Shipping for Used Items on Amazon: Ensuring a Smooth Transaction
When selling used items on Amazon, packaging, and shipping play a vital role in maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction. Proper packaging protects your items during transit, while shipping options and return policies can impact the buyer’s overall experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your used items reach buyers in the best condition.
Packaging Details for Used Items
Packaging is crucial for used items, as it ensures the product arrives safely and in the condition described in your listing. Here's what you need to consider:
Original Packaging vs. Alternative Packaging: If your product still has its original packaging, it can add value, especially for items in "Like New" or "Used - Very Good" condition. However, if the original packaging is missing or damaged, use sturdy alternative packaging that provides adequate protection.
Protective Materials: Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, foam inserts, or air pillows to cushion the item and prevent any movement during shipping. This is particularly important for fragile or electronic items.
Secure Sealing: Make sure the package is securely sealed with packing tape, especially at the seams, to prevent it from opening during transit.
Labeling: Clearly label the package with "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" if the item is delicate. This helps ensure the shipping carrier treats your package appropriately.
Shipping Options and Eligibility
Amazon offers various shipping options to accommodate different needs, but it's essential to understand which ones apply to used items:
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): If you use FBA, Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping for your products. This option gives your used items Prime eligibility, increasing their visibility and appealing to buyers who prefer fast shipping.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): With FBM, you handle the packaging and shipping yourself. This option requires more effort but gives you control over the process. Ensure you use reliable shipping carriers and provide tracking information to buyers.
Prime Eligibility: Products fulfilled by Amazon or meeting certain criteria can be eligible for Prime shipping, even if they’re used. This can significantly increase your sales, as many buyers prioritize Prime-eligible items.
Maximize your profits by understanding Amazon FBA fees. Get the details in this quick read: Explore the guide.
Return Policies and Guarantees
Amazon has strict return policies to protect buyers, but understanding these policies is crucial for sellers of used items. Here’s how it works:
Amazon’s 30-day Return Policy: Buyers can return items within 30 days of purchase, even if they’re used. As a seller, you need to be prepared to handle returns and process refunds or replacements promptly.
Return Conditions for Used Items: Ensure your listings accurately describe the product’s condition, as buyers are more likely to return items that don’t match their expectations. If an item is returned, it should be in the same condition it was delivered.
Guarantees for Buyers: Amazon offers the "A-to-Z Guarantee," which protects buyers if they receive an item that is significantly different from the description or is damaged. This means you need to be meticulous with your product descriptions and packaging to avoid any disputes.
Claiming Refunds for Defective Items
When buyers receive defective, damaged, or not-as-described items, they have the right to request a refund. Here’s how the process works:
Filing a Claim: If the buyer is unsatisfied with their purchase, they can file an A-to-Z Guarantee claim within 90 days of the estimated delivery date. The seller will be notified of the claim and is expected to respond and resolve the issue promptly.
Refund Process: Once the claim is verified, Amazon processes the refund, and the buyer receives their money back. In many cases, Amazon may intervene if the buyer and seller do not resolve the issue.
Conclusion
Selling used goods on Amazon Warehouse is a great way to reach millions of buyers and turn pre-owned items into profit. By following the right listing process and using strategic pricing, you can attract more customers and boost your sales. Make sure to optimize your product descriptions and photos for the best results.
Ready to make selling on Amazon even easier? Book a demo with SellerMate and learn how it can simplify your selling journey! Click here to book a demo.
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