Are you looking for a way to make some extra cash from the comfort of your home? Do you have a lot of used products that are just collecting dust in your closet, garage, or attic? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you!
In this blog post, I will show you how to start selling used products on Amazon in 2024. Amazon is one of the largest and most popular online marketplaces in the world, where millions of buyers and sellers connect every day. You can sell almost anything on Amazon, from books and electronics to clothing and toys. And the best part is, you don’t need any experience or special skills to get started.
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Before we dive into selling used stuff on Amazon in 2024, it’s important to know which kinds of things you can actually sell as used items on Amazon.
1. Find categories of used products eligible to be sold
Amazon has rules about which categories of products are eligible to be sold as “used” to ensure safety and customer satisfaction. Here are the categories where you can sell used items on Amazon in 2024:
- Amazon Device Accessories
- Amazon Kindle
- Automotive & Powersports
- Collectible Coins
- Consumer Electronics
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Industrial & Scientific
- Musical Instruments
- Office Products
- Outdoors
- Personal Computers
- Software
- Video Games
However, some categories, like baby products, beauty products, clothing, groceries, and more, don’t allow the sale of used items. Keep in mind that even when selling something as “used,” it must meet Amazon’s guidelines for used products.
2. Understand Amazon’s Used Condition Guidelines
Amazon has specific Guidelines for describing the condition of used products you want to sell:
- Used – Like New or Open Box: The product works perfectly, comes in its original packaging (which may have minor damage), and includes instructions.
- Used – Very Good: The product is well-maintained, lightly used, and still functions properly. It might have minor scratches or cosmetic issues. The packaging could be different or damaged. If any accessories are missing, you need to mention it.
- Used – Good: The product works well but shows regular wear and tear. It may have marks or minor cosmetic damage. It might come in different or damaged packaging and could be missing parts, accessories, or instructions.
- Used – Acceptable: The product still functions, but it’s pretty worn. It might be in different or damaged packaging and could have scratches, dents, or other signs of use. It might be missing parts, accessories, or instructions.
Amazon doesn’t allow the sale of products that are dirty, moldy, extremely stained, unusable due to damage, in need of repairs, copies, fakes, promotional items, expired, marked as unsellable by the manufacturer, or close to expiring.
When listing a used product, it’s a good practice to choose a condition slightly lower than what you think it is. For instance, if you believe it’s “Like New,” list it as “Very Good.” This way, customers may be pleasantly surprised rather than disappointed. How to Get job at Amazon in 2023?
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3. Find used products to sell on Amazon
You can discover used products to sell on Amazon from various places. Here are some common spots to find secondhand items for resale:
- Thrift Stores: Places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift shops often have a variety of used items, including clothing, electronics, and household goods.
- Garage Sales: Garage and yard sales are fantastic places to find inexpensive used stuff that you can sell on Amazon.
- Flea Markets: Flea markets are like treasure hunts for used and vintage items. You can often haggle with sellers to get a better deal.
- Estate Sales: Estate sales offer a mix of items from a single household, from furniture to collectibles.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Letgo are great platforms to find used products. You can negotiate prices and arrange local pickup.
- Wholesale Suppliers: Some wholesalers specialize in selling refurbished or returned products. You can build relationships with these suppliers for a steady supply of used items.
- Liquidation Auctions: Liquidation auctions offer pallets or truckloads of customer returns, overstock, and refurbished items. Websites like Liquidation.com and B-Stock Solutions host these auctions.
- Local Classified Ads: Check local classified ads in newspapers or online for people selling used items, often at lower prices than retail.
- Networking: Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who might have unused items they’re willing to part with, sometimes for free or at a discount.
- Retail Arbitrage: Visit retail stores during clearance or end-of-season sales, or when they’re discontinuing items. You can find new items at significantly reduced prices.
Always research the products thoroughly, check their condition, and ensure they meet Amazon’s guidelines for used items. Also, consider your competition and pricing strategy for each product category to maximize your profits.
4. Join Amazon Renewed program
Amazon has a special program called Amazon Renewed for selling used and refurbished products, but not all sellers can join. Typically, experienced sellers are eligible because Amazon has strict rules to ensure trustworthiness and product quality.
To qualify for Amazon Renewed, you usually need to:
- Provide invoices showing you’ve bought at least $50,000 worth of refurbished products in the last 90 days (or 180 days for some categories).
- If you’re already selling on Amazon, you should have a low Order Defect Rate (ODR) of 0.8% or less over the past 90 days.
- If you want to list factory-refurbished products without a manufacturer warranty, you must share at least 8 images of a sample unit for Amazon to review. These images should show the product and its packaging from different angles.
- Your company must offer the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, and you’re responsible for any claims made under this guarantee.
- If you intend to sell Apple products in the Consumer Electronics categories, you need to show invoices from the past 90 days totaling $2.5 million in Apple refurbished products.
These requirements are in place to make sure that products in the Amazon Renewed program are of high quality and come from trustworthy sellers.
5. list used items for sale on Amazon
After joining Amazon Renewed program, you are ready to listing your used products for sale on Amazon.
Listing used products for sale on Amazon is a simple process, illustrated with an example:
Step 1: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account
a. Go to Amazon Seller Central and click “Sign up.” b. Choose between Individual or Professional plans, based on your expected sales volume. c. Provide personal and business information, including tax details. d. Set up payment methods and bank account information.
Step 2: Log In to Your Seller Account
Use your account credentials to log in.
Step 3: Start a New Product Listing
Look for “Add a Product” in your seller dashboard and click on it.
Step 4: Search for Your Product
Type the product’s name or description in the search bar (e.g., “used iPhone”).
Step 5: Select Your Product
Choose the matching product or create a new listing if not found.
Step 6: Fill in the Details
Provide essential information about your used product, including its condition, price, quantity, and shipping options.
Step 7: List Your Product
Once all details are filled, click “List Your Product” to make it available for sale.
Real-Life Example: Imagine you have a gently used PlayStation game to sell. After logging in, search for the game, input details like its condition, price, and shipping options, and then click “List Your Product.” Now, gamers looking for that game can find it on Amazon, and you can make a sale.
6. Optimize Product Listings for Visibility
When creating product listings, make them engaging and informative. Don’t forget to include important keywords. Use bullet points to highlight key features and use clear, high-quality images.
Imagine you’re selling a smartphone. Instead of a basic title like “Used Smartphone for Sale,” opt for a more descriptive one like “Gently Used iPhone X – Unlocked – 64GB – Excellent Condition.” In the description, highlight its features, such as the excellent camera quality, speedy performance, and long-lasting battery life. Use bullet points to list these features and include clear photos of the phone from various angles so potential buyers can get a complete picture of the product.
7. Use Effective Pricing Strategies
When determining the price for used products, it’s crucial to strike a balance between competitiveness and profitability. Here’s a simplified approach:
Step 1: Research the Market
Check out similar products already listed for sale to gauge the going rates.
Step 2: Set a Competitive Price
Based on your research, select a price that’s competitive yet ensures you make a profit. Avoid extremes; aim for a reasonable middle ground.
Step 3: Consider Your Product’s Unique Qualities
If your product possesses special qualities, like being a rare collectible or having extra accessories, you can often charge a bit more.
Step 4: Brand and Condition Matter
Well-known brands and products in excellent condition usually command higher prices.
Step 5: Keep Profit in Mind
While competitiveness is vital, ensure your selling price allows for a reasonable profit margin.
Real-Life Example: Let’s say you’re selling a vintage vinyl record. After researching similar records selling for $20 to $30, you discover that yours is in excellent condition and a rare edition. You decide to list it for $25, striking a balance between competitiveness and profit, given its uniqueness and condition.
8. Manage Customer Reviews and Feedback
Collecting positive reviews is crucial for building trust and credibility. To achieve this, provide excellent customer support, promptly address any issues, and kindly request reviews from satisfied customers.
9. Stay Updated with Amazon’s Policies and Changes
Amazon’s policies and systems can evolve, affecting your selling approach. Stay vigilant by monitoring Amazon’s Seller Central for any modifications and modify your strategies accordingly.
Imagine it as driving a car: if the road conditions change or there’s construction, you adjust your route to reach your destination. Likewise, when Amazon alters its rules or seller procedures, you must adapt your selling strategies to ensure your business remains successful.
Conclsuion
I hope this information has answered your questions about selling pre-owned products on Amazon! From my perspective, I suggest starting with secondhand books because they are cost-effective to acquire and widely available.
While Amazon allows sellers to list items as used in specific categories, it’s crucial to be cautious when selecting what to sell. Your items must still be in good working order to be eligible for sale. If you’re uncertain about the condition of an item, you might want to explore other platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
If you have more questions or need further assistance with selling used products on Amazon, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below!