How to Sell Used Items on Amazon in 2024

In the Amazon seller community, we talk a lot about creating private label brands and reselling products through wholesale or retail arbitrage. We could stand to give more attention to the fact that you can actually sell used products on Amazon, too.

That’s not to say you can list any old item that you find lying around your house, like you could on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but Amazon does allow you to sell used products in certain categories. 

Listing used products on Amazon is a great way to start selling for free and building up the cash flow you need to eventually invest in a private label product

Let’s go over the process for selling used items on Amazon, including: 

What categories are eligible to be sold as used on Amazon?

Amazon only allows certain categories of products to be listed as “used,” and it’s for good reason. Amazon wants to be sure that the products being sold on its website — whether new or used — are safe, authentic, and meet customer expectations. 

Amazon isn’t a flea market — you can’t sell anything that is used or preowned. 

Here are the Amazon categories that allow used items: 

Product Category Conditions Allowed
Amazon Device Accessories New, Certified refurbished, Used
Amazon Kindle Used
Automotive & Powersports New, Certified refurbished, Used, Collectible
Baby Products (excluding apparel) New
Beauty New
Books New, Used, Collectible
Camera & Photo New, Certified refurbished, Used
Clothing New
Cell Phones & Accessories New, Used, Certified refurbished; Unlocked
Collectible Coins Collectible-Like New
Consumer Electronics New, Certified refurbished, Used
Entertainment Collectibles Collectible-Like New
Fine Art New (includes Primary and Secondary Sale artworks)
Grocery & Gourmet Food New
Health & Personal Care New
Home & Garden New, Certified refurbished, Used, Collectible
Independent Design New
Industrial & Scientific New, Certified refurbished, Used
Jewelry New
Kindle Accessories and Amazon Fire TV Accessories New, Certified refurbished, Used
Major Appliances New, Used, Certified refurbished
Music New, Used, Collectible
Musical Instruments New, Certified refurbished, Used, Collectible
Office Products New, Certified refurbished, Used, Collectible
Outdoors New, Certified refurbished, Used
Personal Computers New, Certified refurbished, Used
Pet Supplies New, Certified refurbished, Used
Shoes & Handbags New
Software New, Used
Sports New, Certified refurbished, Used
Sports Collectibles Collectible-like new
Tools & Home Improvement New, Certified refurbished, Used
Toys & Games New, Collectible
Video, DVD & Blu-ray New, Used, Collectible
Video Games New, Used, Collectible
Watches New

The Amazon categories that do not allow used conditions are:

  • 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

As you can see, you can list used items in plenty of categories on Amazon. Keep in mind that the items you want to sell still have to meet Amazon’s used condition guidelines

Amazon’s Used Condition Guidelines
  • Used – Like New or Open Box:
    The item is in perfect working condition with intact original packaging and in good condition with minor damage possible, with or without original protective wrapping. Instructions must be included.
  • Used – Very Good:
    The item has been well-cared-for, has undergone limited use, and is still in good working condition. It may show limited signs of wear, i.e. small scratches or cosmetic errors. The original packaging may be damaged, or the item could be repackaged. Any missing accessories must be clearly defined for each item.  
  • Used – Good:
    The item is in good condition and is fully-functional but shows signs of wear from consistent use. It may arrive repackaged or with damaged packaging. It may have markings and minor cosmetic damage. It may be missing parts, accessories, or instructions. 
  • Used – Acceptable:
    The item is still functional but is fairly worn, and has been repackaged or is in damaged original packaging. Bears signs of wear such as scratches, dents, worn corners, or identifying markings. Parts, accessories, and instructions may be missing.

According to Amazon, the following conditions are unacceptable to be listed on Amazon:

  • The item is dirty with mold, heavy staining, corrosion, or other signs of uncleanliness
  • The item has damage that impacts the ability to use it
  • The item is missing parts or accessories that are essential to use it (excludes instructions)
  • The product needs repairs 
  • The item is a copy, counterfeit, replica, or imitation of an original product 
  • The item was created for promotional purposes, such as a product sample or advance reading copy 
  • The item is expired or close to expiring, per its expiration date (including “best by” and “sell by” dates), or the expiration date has been altered or removed 
  • The item was designated unsellable by its manufacturer 

When listing a used product for sale, you must designate the condition in order to ensure a positive customer experience. That last thing you want is an unhappy customer because you listed something as “Used-Like New” but sent an item that would in fact fall under “Used-Acceptable.”

Typically, it is a good idea to list something as a condition below what you believe the item to be. For example, if you believe the item is “Like New”, list it as “Very Good.” That way, the customers’ expectations may be exceeded rather than unfulfilled. 

Where to find used products to sell on Amazon

If you’ve been following Jungle Scout for a while, you know we often refer to selling books on Amazon as one of the best ways to get started in ecommerce with little to no money. 

In 2024, books still comprise one of the most popular categories on Amazon. Selling used books is easy — many people have them lying around their homes, collecting dust. 

Interested in learning more about how to sell used books on Amazon? Check out our YouTube video on how to do it!

Check Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

You can also find an abundance of used books for very cheap — as low as $0.25 apiece — at thrift stores, book sales, library sales, and estate sales. You’d be surprised at how much some used books are worth. A book that you purchase for cents on the dollar can sell for $25, $50, even upwards of $100 on Amazon.

Other used items to look out for when you’re thrift shopping include consumer electronics like VCRs, DVD players, and corded phones. Many consumers love these old machines and are still willing to pay for them. 

Just make sure the items you purchase are in good, working condition. Thrift stores often sell items that wouldn’t be acceptable to sell as used on Amazon. If the item is missing parts or doesn’t work correctly, do not list it on Amazon. 

Follow our detailed retail arbitrage guide and our How to Sell on eBay guide to learn more about valuing items you find at retail stores to resell on Amazon.

READ MORE | Amazon Retail Arbitrage 2024 Guide

How to sell certified pre-owned and refurbished products

Amazon offers a program called Amazon Renewed, through which sellers can list pre-owned and refurbished items that have met Amazon’s performance and inspection criteria. 

Not every seller will be eligible to sell in the Amazon Renewed program. The strict requirements will typically only be met experienced sellers. Amazon does this to be sure the businesses selling like-new and refurbished items are legitimate and high-quality.

According to Amazon, you must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for Amazon Renewed:
  • “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 Home, Tools, or Lawn & Garden, Kitchen 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.
  • If you want permission to list factory refurbished items (with no manufacturer warranty) you need to submit a minimum of 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.”

How to list used items for sale on Amazon

This process is pretty much the exact same thing as listing a new item for sale. The only difference is that you need to make sure you enter in the correct product condition. 

I will show you a real-life example using a product from the tool category. Keep in mind that when listing a used product on Amazon, you probably won’t be creating an entirely new listing for it — rather, you’ll add your offer under an existing product listing in a “used” condition. You cannot create a listing for your used product if the same product is already being sold on Amazon — even if the existing listing only offers the item in “new” condition. 

For this example, I am going to list a used cordless drill. 

As you can see, the top offer is in “New” condition, which is also the offer that is currently in the Buy Box

Below that, you will see multiple “Used” offers customers can choose from. You will also see condition notes that explain any imperfections or issues with the product. 

In Seller Central, I’ll go to “Manage Inventory,” then “Add a product.”

In “Add a product” I’ll paste the ASIN of the cordless drill above.

Once I search for the product’s ASIN, it will appear on the next page with the option to set the product’s overall condition — new or used. I’ve selected “Used.” 

Next, I’m going to click on “Sell this product.”

On the Offer page, I’ll enter the information about the item I’m selling, such as price, condition, and fulfillment method. 

“Condition” is what you want to pay attention to. Here, you’ll select the option that best describes the condition of the used item you’re selling, per the condition guidelines I discussed earlier.

After choosing the correct used condition, you can add in a condition note if you choose. This section is optional but recommended. 

You also have the option to fulfill the used item via FBA or FBM

Ready to sell used items on Amazon?

I hope this answered your questions about selling used products on Amazon! I personally recommend starting with used books, as they are very cheap to source and easy to find. 

While Amazon allows sellers to offer items as used in certain categories, please be careful with what you list. The items still need to be in a good enough, working condition in order to be sold. For anything you are unsure of, I recommend listing on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

Do you have more questions about selling used products on Amazon? Let us know below!

Want to learn more about how you can use Jungle Scout to launch, grow, and run your Amazon business? Click the “Learn More” button below!

 

 

46 comments on “How to Sell Used Items on Amazon in 2024

  1. Can I sell my used almost new porcelain doll collection. They are in perfect condition. They where encased in a glass cabinet from a pet free and smoke free environment. I only have to replace the boxes and wrap them up perfectly. Please let me know. They are known as modern dolls from various artist such as Marie Osmond and Kristine Orange and others. They are not toys and not for children. They are for adults.

    1. Hi,

      For these items, you may have better luck on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You can likely sell them on Amazon but make sure they’re listed as ‘used like new’.

  2. Hello. I want to know what is everything i will need to start selling items on amazon. Also how to package the products and other things needed.

  3. I have patented and manufacture a Phone Screen Cleaner belt clip for Smart Phones, which I build from parts I make on a 3D printer. Is there a guideline for such a scenario regarding listing and packaging? Please advise!

    Mike Kiser

    1. Hi Michael,

      Packaging would be no different from any other product. Just make sure your product is protected to ensure it does not get damaged during transit.

  4. Hello, I have collectibles from San Diego comic con. Can I sell them on Amazon as new because I have never opened them? And can I sell if I only have 1 of each? In total I have about 70 collectible figures, pops, Funko?

    1. Hi Monica,

      If they’re new, you can sell them, but you’ll likely be restricted from selling Funkos and other collectible toys on Amazon. eBay or Facebook Marketplace would be the better bet for you.

  5. Hi, Brian,
    If we are the company that professionally sells used tires. Buy them, make diagnostics and sell. Can we sell those on Amazon?

  6. Hello Brian,
    Does one need an invoice to sell used items on Amazon?
    I’ve heard stories of people getting suspended or losing their accounts over selling used items without invoices.
    Does Amazon accept invoices from liquidation sites?

    1. Hi Marcos,

      From my understanding, you don’t need an invoice for most product categories. There are some brands where you will need an invoice or if you are selling certified refurbished products, you would need an invoice. But if you were selling products such as books, you wouldn’t.

  7. When I click on “sell this product” I get this:
    Collectible, Refurbished conditions
    You are not approved to list in this product category.

    1. Hi Gerald,

      I suggest doing some product research on Amazon to see what other sellers are offering. You can also use our software (Jungle Scout) to view potential monthly sales and revenue of the products you are interested in selling.

    1. Hi Bryan,

      Unfortunately, you cannot prevent that. Amazon from time to time will sell your old returns that they reimbursed you for as used on your listing.

  8. Hi
    I purchased the cubic exercise equipment for leg I find it no use to me after 3 try I paid I think $349 this is mire ideal for elderly people who sit slot or long time
    I!I’m too active for that even though I’m 82
    What can I do on this I’m not expert on doing selling stuff
    Lilian

    1. Hi Lilian

      For something like that, I suggest listing it for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The item will be shown to people who live nearby.

  9. i sell used automotive parts from exterior to interior, some are classic 60’s and up, some are 00′ up . i use my own packaging and would like to expand . will amazon be good for my business and should i sell on amazon with the type of used items i am selling?

    1. Hi,

      I think Amazon is worth testing out for your business. Used products still sell well for current products and believe automotive parts could do well. Throw up a handful of your best-selling products and see how they sell.

  10. Does Amazon hold your products in their warehouse or do you have to make the trip to an Amazon Facility to drop off in order for your products to ship?

    1. Hi Ryan,

      You can fulfill your orders in two ways. With FBA or FBM. FBA is fulfilled by Amazon, meaning you ship your goods to an Amazon fulfillment center, and when a customer makes a purchase Amazon ships the order out for you.

      If you choose FBM (fulfilled by Merchant,) you ship the orders yourself (or through a third-party fulfillment center.) You can create the shipping label within your Amazon seller central account.

      We have lots of articles on fulfillment on our blog, check them out!

  11. So, I have to have a minimum amount of products to sell?
    50 grand. Really. I thought most people on Amazon or trying to sell on Amazon were just normal people.
    Or only the rich can?

    1. Hi Andrew,

      That requirement is only for the Amazon Renewed program. There is no minimum amount of products to sell if you’re just selling regularly used products.

      Amazon has that requirement for businesses selling certified pre-owned or refurbished products.

      You are allowed to sell products as used, regardless of the quantity.

  12. I got few items some of them are brand new never used some are hardly used . At this time am selling my Carlton professional electric Couch new hardly used.

    1. If the products you are selling have been used before, you must sell them as used. Don’t try to sell them as new.

  13. Hello,
    Can we also win the buy box even if the products are used? Or do we only generate sells if the customer manually chooses to buy our used products? Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi Marlene,

      Some categories, such as Books, will have a separate Used Buy Box. Used products won’t share the buy box with new products. In most cases, a customer will have to manually choose the used option when there are new options available.

  14. I have sold used products in the past with success and was thinking of doing more. Are brand owners able to file IP claims against used items? I have never had that happen, but wondering if they are even allowed.

  15. I have a pair of shoes that mom bought but couldn’t wear them after age bought them.I have had them in the box since she got them.I can send a picture if Amazon buys things like this

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