How to Sell Used Items on Amazon
Selling used items online can be a great way to make some extra money or even start your own business. Since used products are usually cheaper, many buyers would prefer to purchase items that are used rather than buying them new from places like Walmart, Facebook, eBay or any other marketplace for a higher price.
With the rise of e-commerce, selling used items is now easier than ever, and one of the most popular platforms for selling these items is Amazon. In this article, we are going to explore a few Amazon categories for selling used items, provide some guidelines on where to find used products, and how to sell those items on Amazon.
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Amazon Categories That Allow Used Items
Amazon has a wide range of categories that allow the sale of used items. However, some items cannot be sold after they have been used, due to the impossibility to guarantee high quality, hygiene considerations, and possible dissatisfaction of target buyers, for example. Anything that cannot comply with Amazon rules and regulations will be returned. Here is a list of items you shouldn’t try selling if they’re used.
Used Products that Cannot be Sold on Amazon:
Baby Supplies
Beauty Products
Clothing & Apparel
Collectible Coins, Sports and Entertainment Collectibles (these might be vintage items, but should look like new and be in great condition)
Fine Art
Grocery & Consumables
Health & Personal Care
Independent Design
Jewelry
Shoes & Handbags
Toys & Games
Watches
However, there is also a long list of items you can sell in the used category with no additional license required, and here they are.
Used Items that Can Be Sold on Amazon:
Books, Video Games, DVDs, CDs, and Vinyl Records
Other Electronics
Household & Kitchen
Sports and Outdoors
Toys and Games
If you do plan to sell products from these categories, Amazon still has strict guidelines for the condition of used items that can be sold on its platform. Below, we will review the main requirements for selling used items.
Amazon’s Used Condition Guidelines
Amazon’s policy includes strict guidelines for the condition of used items that can be sold on its websites. Any used products must meet one of the following conditions:
Like New or Open Box
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
“Open Box” condition means that the product has not actually been used. It is in perfect condition and has the original packaging and manual. It might be not sealed but should look like new.
“Very Good” condition assumes some minor signs of wear, and may be repackaged or missing some not important accessories. Do not forget to mention the missing parts in your description clearly!
“Good” condition means that they are free from serious damage and defects, and they are fully functional. The product can be refurbished, and may be missing some parts or a manual, and have some identifying markings.
Even if the item was obviously used or is missing some important details (like a charging cable), it can still be sold on Amazon, but it must be listed as a “Used – Acceptable” condition.
Note: NEVER try to sell items that are dirty, corroded, seriously damaged, counterfeit, or non-functional. Products that are promotional, expired, or those marked by a manufacturer as “unsellable” items are forbidden to be sold as well.
The most important task is correctly identifying the state of your items and including essential information about any damages or missing details in your listing.
Where to Find Used Product Ideas to Sell on Amazon
In order to sell something on Amazon, you need to find a product idea and check its profitability so as not to waste your time and money in vain.
Use AMZScout’s Product Database to find ideas about what to sell
AMZScout offers a wide range of tools and tricks that can help you find profitable products to sell on Amazon fast . For example, the Product Database tool can help you find ideas for what to sell.
1. Navigate to the AMZScout Product Database. If you are not already registered, you will find a sign-up form. Fill out the form to initiate your free trial.
2. Define the characteristics of your product. If you want to narrow down the products you're looking at, you can use the filters to set specific criteria. You can filter your results by areas like average ratings, among other things. If you don't know which criteria to use, check out the Product Selections for some pre-made selections, or you can use the recommendations provided.
3. To get your results, click Find Products.
4. Create a list of the things that you are most interested in selling.
To check the profitability of your chosen products and perform a deeper analysis of that niche, you need to use the AMZScout PRO Extension. Just follow these three easy steps:
1. Get the AMZScout PRO Chrome Extension by installing it.
2. Visit Amazon and open the Extension.
Once you’re there, use the search bar to look for a product or category you wish to analyze.
Once the results have loaded, click the AMZScout icon located in the left corner.
3. Examine the data for those products to gain greater insight. If you are uncertain as to what metrics to assess for the products you see, we have created a list of suggestions to guide you.
The PRO Extension can be used to analyze the following indicators:
Analyze sales trends. To make sure the product you're considering is a consistent seller, click the arrow to the left of it and select Product History. This will show you the item's sales for the past two years. Avoid choosing items that only have strong sales during certain times of the year, as these are more likely to be seasonal items.
Determine your profits from sales. To view the potential profits on any product, click the arrow to the left of it and then select Profit Calculator. Enter any of your costs associated with the product (purchase price, shipping, etc.) and the Extension will calculate your Amazon fees and display your profit margin per sale.
Check the Niche Score. To access a breakdown of the profit, demand, and competition for the niche, click on the Niche Score in the top right corner of the extension. The ideal score to look for is 7 or higher.
Check the Product Score. To review the demand, sales, and competition for a single product, click the Product Score rating. This rating is available for both resale and white-label sourcing.
These tools provide enough metrics to help you understand the potential of a niche and selected product, so before purchasing something to sell, you will have a full picture of what exactly you need.
Where to Find Used Products to Sell on Amazon
Now, it’s time to discover how you can get these kinds of products.
1. Garage sales and thrift stores
One of the best places to start is by finding garage sales and thrift stores locally. These sites are often located right near your house, have a wide range of used items that are in good condition and can be sold for a profit.
By buying these items (or even getting them for free) you can sell them at a higher price online later. However, it’s important to check right away if the condition is good enough and if they will be accepted by Amazon.
2. Resell from eBay + Other Platforms
Another great way to find used products to sell on Amazon is by reselling TOP-purchased items from other platforms. For example, a good option is to pay for items from Shopify, eBay, and Etsy. Many sellers on eBay offer used items that are in good condition, and these items can often be sold for a profit on Amazon when sold for a higher price.
When reselling items from other platforms, it’s important to make sure that they meet the used condition guidelines stated by Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). It’s also important to make sure that you are not violating any copyright or trademark laws by reselling items that are protected by intellectual property rights, and comply with the rules related to taxes.
3. Sell Your Own Stuff
One of the easiest ways to get started selling used items on Amazon is by selling your own things. You might have some old books or video games that you never use anymore. This is a great way to start without the need for a separate warehouse or purchasing bulk products, and this requires no prior sales experience.
There are always people who need something you never use. Try to get rid of these things in a profitable way: list them on Amazon and exchange them for cash.
When starting with this option, make sure that you accurately describe the condition of the item and provide clear, high-quality photos showing that the product is worth purchasing.
How to List Used Items on Amazon
Listing used items on Amazon is a pretty simple process similar to the usual listing creation on any Amazon marketplace. We have prepared a small guide on how to do this correctly:
1. Sign up as an Amazon seller
In order to sell on Amazon, you need to create a seller account. This can be done by visiting the Amazon Seller Central website and following the on-screen instructions.
2. Add your product
Once you have created your seller account, you can add your product to the Amazon catalog. This can be done by clicking on the Add a Product button and entering the relevant information about the item, such as its title, description, and photos.
Remember you don’t need to create a new listing if the listing for the same product in a “new” condition exists. Just add it to this listing with the correct ASIN. Be careful to choose the appropriate condition when listing any used product.
3. Create a shipping plan
After you have added your product to the Amazon catalog, you will need to create a shipping plan. This will involve selecting the shipping options that you will offer to customers, as well as setting your shipping price.
Once you have created your shipping plan, you can set the price for your item. It’s important to do some research to determine a fair price for your item, taking into account factors such as the condition of the item, the demand for the item, and the competition.
After you have listed your item on Amazon, you will need to wait for it to sell. It’s important to be patient and t also prepared to adjust the price or shipping options, if necessary, to attract buyers.
Conclusion
Selling used items on Amazon can be a great way to make money or even start a business. By following the guidelines and using the tools and resources available, you can find the hottest and most profitable products to sell on Amazon, and list them in a better way that attracts buyers.
Whether you are reselling items from other platforms or selling your own stuff, the key is to be patient, do your research, and provide high-quality products and services to your customers.
