How to Sell Used Items on Amazon: Guidelines for Beginners
Would you like to learn how to sell used items on Amazon?
If you have a garage of handbags, sports collectibles, toys, consumer electronics, home appliances, etc., you are sitting on a goldmine. You can sell all of your old stuff on Amazon.
What’s more, selling items on Amazon is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to sell used items on Amazon.
We will cover the following:
- Used Items You Can Sell on Amazon.
- Used Items You Can’t Sell on Amazon.
- How Amazon Sorts Used Items.
- Places to Find Used Items to Sell on Amazon.
- How to Sell Used Items on Amazon.
- Tips on How to Sell Used Items on Amazon.
Used Items You Can Sell on Amazon
Source: Pixabay
Before selling used items on Amazon, you should understand which ones are accepted. The good news is that Amazon accepts a wide range of used items. Below are the different categories of items you can sell:
1. Books
Books are one of the most popular categories of used items you can sell on Amazon. Whether you have novels, textbooks, or rare collector’s editions, you can list them for sale in the “Books” category. Ensure you accurately describe the book’s condition to attract the right buyers.
2. Electronics
If you have gently used major appliances, you can list them in the “Electronics” category. These appliances include personal computers, photo-cell phones, Amazon Fire TV accessories, video DVD Blu-ray, consumer electronics, etc. However, you should provide detailed information about their condition, specifications, and any included accessories.
3. Home & Kitchen
Do you have pre-owned home décor and kitchen appliances? You can list them in the “Home & Kitchen” category. However, ensure your items are clean and in good working condition. You should also provide accurate information about the appliances’ specifications, condition, and extra accessories.
4. Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
Amazon’s “Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry” category is great for selling used clothing and accessories. Whether it’s fashionable clothing, shoes, or stylish handbags, there’s a market for secondhand items on Amazon. When listing used clothing and accessories, you should accurately describe their condition.
Additionally, all used clothing and accessories must be clean and free from stains, odors, and damage. You should also provide accurate sizing information to ensure customers receive items that fit as expected.
5. Musical Instruments
You can list musical instruments, whether guitars, keyboards, or trumpets, under the “Musical Instruments” category. When listing used musical instruments, you must accurately describe their condition, including flaws, wear, or imperfections.
In addition, ensure the musical instrument is in good working order by checking for functionalities like keys, strings, or electronics. Also, list and describe any accessories or components that come with the instrument and verify its authenticity.
6. Sports and Outdoors
If you have sports equipment or outdoor gear you do not need, the “Sports & Outdoors” category is the place to sell it on Amazon. When listing sports and outdoor equipment, you must accurately describe their condition, including flaws, wear, or imperfections. Also, please ensure the equipment is in good working order by checking its functionalities.
7. Automotive
The “Automotive” category lets you sell used auto parts, tools, and accessories. However, you should note that detailed listings with part numbers and conditions are essential here. You must include condition details like flaws, wear, or imperfection. In addition, Clearly State the year, make, and model of the to avoid compatibility issues.
8. Video Games
Gamers love finding deals on used Blu-ray video games and gaming consoles in the “Video Games” category. To satisfy your gamer customers, describe the conditions of the video games and consoles while listing them.
9. Health and Personal Care
You can list certain health and personal care items, such as fitness trackers, in the “Health & Personal Care” category. But you must ensure that these items are safe and hygienic for sale before listing them. Also, it would be best if you described the conditions of the items accurately while listing.
Used Items You Can’t Sell on Amazon
Source: Pixabay
While Amazon welcomes the sale of used items in various categories, there are certain categories where selling pre-owned goods is prohibited. It would be best if you respected Amazon’s policies. The following are the categories of items you can’t sell on Amazon:
1. Grocery and Gourmet Food
Amazon has strict guidelines for selling food items, so it is no surprise that it prohibits the sale of used groceries. This rule ensures the safety and quality of food products for customers.
2. Beauty and Personal Care
While you can sell some health and personal care as used, certain products like cosmetics, skincare, and toiletries are not eligible. Amazon prioritizes customer safety and hygiene in this category.
3. Pet Supplies
Used pet suppliers, such as pet food, pet beds, and grooming products, are generally prohibited. Amazon ensures the well-being of pets by providing new and unopened products.
4. Baby Products
Amazon doesn’t allow selling used baby products, including baby food, diapers, and formula. However, some exceptions may apply to products that can be safely used, like baby clothing or strollers.
How Amazon Sorts Used Items
Amazon classifies used items into several condition categories to help buyers understand the condition of the products they are purchasing. Below is the classification of used items on Amazon:
- New: These items are brand new, never used, and normally come in original packaging with all accessories and tags.
- Used – Like New: Items in “Like New” condition are nearly indistinguishable from the new ones. They should show no signs of wear and tear and come with all original accessories and packaging.
- Used – Very Good: “Very Good” items have been used but are still in excellent condition. They may have minimal signs of wear and tear and should include all original accessories.
- Used – Good: Items in “Good” condition have been used and may show moderate wear and tear. They should be fully functional and without missing accessories.
- Used – Acceptable: “Acceptable” items have been used and show noticeable wear and tear. They should still be functional, but accessories might need to be included.
- Refurbished: Refurbished items have been professionally restored to work like new ones. They normally come with a warranty and are a reliable option for buyers looking for quality at a lower price.
- Renewed: Renewed items are similar to refurbished ones, professionally inspected and tested, and backed by a warranty. They are a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Used – Unacceptable: Items classified as “Unacceptable” due to their poor conditions can’t be sold on the platform.
Places to Find Used Items to Sell on Amazon
You can find used items to sell on Amazon from various sources. The following are places to look for used products:
- Your home: Start by looking around your house because many things you no longer need or use might be valuable to someone else.
- Thrift stores: Thrift stores and secondhand shops are great places to find used items cheaply.
- Garage sales: Attend garage sales in your neighborhood or nearby areas, as you can always negotiate lower prices.
- Flea markets: Flea markets often have various used products you can buy and resell on Amazon.
- Online marketplaces: Check other online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace for used items you can resell on Amazon.
- Estate sales: Estate sales can be a treasure trove of valuable used items, especially antics and collectibles.
- Auctions: Local auctions or online auction websites can offer used items for resale.
- Wholesalers: Some wholesalers specialize in bulk lots of used items, which can be a convenient source for inventory.
- Liquidation sales: Liquidation sales from retailers or online liquidation marketplaces can provide discounted used items in bulk.
How To Sell Used Items on Amazon
If you want to want to sell used items on Amazon, follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Get started with an Amazon seller account.
The first step to selling used items on Amazon is to create an Amazon seller account. You can sign up for a professional or individual account, depending on how much you plan to sell. If you are an occasional seller, the individual account is ideal for you, but if you intend to sell regularly, the professional account suits you.
Step 2: Choose your used items wisely.
Before you start listing your used items on Amazon, take your time to evaluate what you want to sell. Amazon has certain restrictions on what sellers can sell, so ensure your items meet their guidelines. Also, consider the condition of your items because the better the condition, the more likely they are to sell.
Step 3: Research and price your items competitively.
You can search for similar used items on Amazon to understand competition and pricing. Setting a competitive price will increase your chances of making a sale. Be honest about the condition of your items in your listings to build trust with potential buyers.
Step 4: List your items.
To list your used items on Amazon, go to your seller account and click on “Add a Product.” Follow the prompts to provide information about your used product, including its title, condition, and price. You can also add high-quality photos to attract more buyers.
Step 5: Fulfillment options.
Amazon provides sellers with two fulfillment choices: Fulfillment by Merchant and Fulfillment by Amazon. With Fulfillment by Merchant, you will handle storage, shipping, and customer service. But with Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon handles everything for you. You should choose the fulfillment method that best suits your budget and business.
Step 6: Shipping your item.
If you choose Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon will handle shipping for you. However, if you opt for Fulfillment by Merchant, you must ship the items yourself. In that case, please ensure you package your items securely and provide tracking information to buyers.
Step 7: Customer service and communication.
Be responsive to customer inquiries and provide outstanding customer service. Positive reviews and satisfied customers can enhance your seller’s reputation and increase your used items’ sales.
Step 8: Manage your inventory.
You can keep track of your inventory to avoid overselling or running out of stock. Amazon provides tools to help you manage your listings and inventory effectively.
Step 9: Promote your listings.
You should consider hiring an Amazon advertising agency to promote your listings and reach a wider audience. Also, you can share your listings on social media or other online platforms to increase visibility.
Step 10: Monitor your performance.
Check your seller account regularly for sales, customer feedback, and any issues that may arise. Monitoring your seller account will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure a smooth selling experience.
Tips on How To Sell Used Items on Amazon
Source: Pixabay
The following are useful tips on selling used items on Amazon:
- Accurate descriptions: Write detailed and honest descriptions of your used items, including any wear or flaws. Transparency builds trust with buyers.
- Quality photos: Use clear and well-lit photos from multiple angles to showcase your used items. Snapping high-quality pictures of your items attracts buyers.
- Competitive pricing: Research similar listings to set competitive prices. Consider factors like item condition, brand, and market demand.
- Accurate categorization: Place your items in the correct Amazon category to ensure the right audience sees them.
- Condition matters: Choose the right condition category, like “New” or “Very Good,” to match the state of your item accurately.
- Customer service: Be responsive to customer inquiries and handle returns professionally. Excellent customer service can lead to positive reviews.
- Shipping carefully: Package your used items securely to prevent damage during shipping. Provide tracking information for transparency.
- Promote listings: Consider using Amazon’s advertising tools to promote your listings and reach a broader audience.
- Positive reviews: Aim for positive reviews by delivering as promised and exceeding customer expectations.
- Brand authenticity: Ensure that the items you are selling are genuine and not counterfeit.
- Stay compliant: Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with their rules and regulations.
- Research and trends: Monitor market trends and seasonal demands to optimize your listings.
- Bundle items: Consider bundling related used items to increase the value and appeal of your listings.
Conclusion
Selling used items on Amazon can be a profitable venture when done right. By following Amazon’s condition guidelines, accurately describing your products, and providing excellent customer service, you can build a successful online business. So, start decluttering your space and turn those unwanted items into cash on Amazon today!
Frequently Asked Question
Can I sell used items on Amazon?
Yes, but Amazon has specific guidelines on what sellers can sell as used. Some categories, like groceries and prescription medications, are generally not eligible for selling used items.
How do I determine the condition of my used items on Amazon?
Amazon provides condition categories like “New,” “Used – Like New,” and “Used – Good” to help you describe the state of your items accurately. Review your items honestly, considering wear, functionality, and completeness.
Do I need to pay a fee to sell used items on Amazon?
Yes, Amazon charges fees for selling items on their platform. There are referral fees based on the item’s category and price.
