Selling on Amazon is always fun! People talk a lot about private label or retail arbitrage when selling new items, but somehow everyone is silent about how to sell used products on Amazon. In this article, we’ll take a look at the process of selling used products on Amazon.com and where to find items for sale.
Does the platform allow to sell used products on Amazon?
Yes. Whether you’re selling items you found on sale from someone’s garage or from your own home, Amazon allows sellers to sell used items on the platform. In fact, some people make a living just by selling used books on Amazon.
However, not all used items can be sold on Amazon. Items in some categories may only be sold as new. For example:
- goods for children (excluding clothing)
- beauty products
- groceries and delicacies
- health and personal care products
There are four types of used products on Amazon:
- Used – new or open box
The item is in excellent working condition, with original packaging intact and in good condition with possible minor damage, with or without original protective packaging. Instructions must be included.
- Used – very good
The item has been well treated and is still in good working condition. It may show limited signs of wear, i.e. minor scratches or cosmetic imperfections. The original packaging may be damaged or the product may be repackaged. Any missing accessories must be clearly identified for each item.
- Used – good
The item is in good condition and fully functional, but shows signs of wear and tear from constant use. It may arrive repackaged or with damaged packaging. It may have markings and minor cosmetic damage. There may be missing parts, accessories or instructions.
- Used – acceptable condition
The item is still functional, but has been worn, repackaged, or in damaged original packaging. Has signs of wear such as scratches, dents, worn corners, or identification marks. Parts, accessories and instructions may be missing.
HOWEVER! Collectibles are subject to a different set of conditions. Collectibles are those that are of more value than the product itself. For example, an item may have an autograph.
Where can I find and sell used items on Amazon?
If you want to become a serious source of income from the sale of used goods, it will take a lot of research and running around. Here are just a few places to help you get started.
- Around your house
Want to loosen up? List your favorite items on Amazon and get some of that money back.
- Garage sales and thrift stores.
If you’re good with valuables, head to garage sales and thrift stores. Barcode products are much easier to deal with because you can easily determine how much you can potentially earn if you have the right scanning app.
- Liquidation trays.
Disposal pallets are a great resource for new or similar new products. You can buy or bid online.
- Social media.
People who are just cleaning up or moving to a different location tend to sell their used items for less, so keep an eye out for posts like this. Facebook Marketplace is a good place to check.
How to list and sell used products on Amazon?
Listing used items on Amazon is similar to listing new products, except you need to write in the condition that the item is “Used”.
Step 1: Sign up as an Amazon Seller
You can choose between a professional and individual account.
The professional account charges you a flat fee of $39.99 per month, while the individual account charges you $0.99 as a unit fee when you sell something. So here’s a rule of thumb: when you’re selling over 40 units a month, choose a professional account. Otherwise, an individual account will suffice
.
Step 2: Decide how you will fulfill orders
You can choose either the FBA program (Amazon does everything for you) or FBM (you collect and ship the items yourself). If you are just selling a few items and don’t plan on making selling on Amazon a serious source of income, you can choose FBM.
Step 3: Add your products to existing listings
When you sell used items, chances are there is already a listing for that product. Since Amazon doesn’t allow multiple product pages for the same item, all you have to do is use those listings.
Go to sellercentral.amazon.com and select “inventory” → “add products”. After that you will be taken to this page
:
Search for a product or enter ASIN, EAN, ISBN (for books) or UPC. If you want to know the ASIN of a product, go to Amazon.com and find the listing. You will find ASINs here:
Step 4: Create a shipping plan
If you choose FBA, you need to create a shipping plan to send your inventory to Amazon.
Best practices for selling used products on Amazon
- Choose the condition of your product wisely.
It is good practice to specify a condition that is one step below the actual condition so as not to disappoint customers. For example, if your product is “Used – Like New”, you can list it as “Used – Very Good”. This may influence the customer’s decision to buy, but it’s better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.
- Fill in a note to the condition.
Set the client’s expectations correctly by completing the optional Condition Note. Specify traces, damages, etc.
- Provide stellar customer service.
Amazon strives to be the most customer-focused company in the world and expects its sellers to live up to its standards, whether you own a private label or simply resell used items. Therefore, respond to inquiries as quickly as possible and resolve issues accordingly.
- Keep your prices competitive.
Sellers can make very big profits when selling used goods. This is especially true when you find gems at garage sales and thrift stores, so try to keep your prices competitive.
Summing up
There are many benefits to building and growing your brand on Amazon, but selling used items can also be very lucrative. It takes constant effort to find products to sell, but if you put in the effort, it can be worth the effort.
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