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How to Sell Used Items on Amazon: Requirements + Best Practices for Sellers

Posted on Categories Academy

Selling used items on Amazon can be a profitable addition to an Amazon business — but it works very differently from selling new products.

Used selling requires stricter attention to condition accuracy, higher awareness of returns, and more disciplined profit tracking. Sellers who approach it casually often struggle with complaints and margin volatility. Sellers who treat it as a system can scale it reliably.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to sell used items on Amazon, the requirements you need to meet, and best practices that help sellers stay compliant and profitable.

Can Anyone Sell Used Items on Amazon?

In many cases, yes — but not always.

Amazon allows used items in many categories, but selling used products depends on:

  • the product category
  • brand restrictions
  • condition eligibility
  • your seller account status

Some categories allow used selling freely, while others require approval or prohibit used items entirely.

Before sourcing inventory, always confirm that the category and ASIN allow used condition offers.

Amazon Requirements for Selling Used Items

To sell used items on Amazon successfully, sellers must meet several platform requirements.

1. The Product Category Must Allow Used Condition

Not all categories allow used items.

Common categories that do allow used selling include:

  • Books
  • Media (DVDs, CDs, games)
  • Electronics (many subcategories)
  • Tools
  • Collectibles

Categories that often restrict or prohibit used items include:

  • consumables
  • health and personal care
  • baby products
  • topical products

Always verify category rules before purchasing inventory.

2. The Product Must Be Authentic

Used items must still be authentic.

Amazon may request proof of authenticity if:

  • a buyer files a complaint
  • the brand is gated
  • the category has high counterfeit risk

Documentation may include:

  • invoices
  • supplier records
  • purchase history

Selling authentic products consistently is critical to account health.

3. You Must Choose the Correct Condition Grade

Amazon requires sellers to select an accurate condition level.

The most common used condition options are:

  • Used – Like New
  • Used – Very Good
  • Used – Good
  • Used – Acceptable

Each condition has specific expectations around:

  • cosmetic wear
  • packaging
  • accessories
  • functionality

Condition accuracy is one of the most important success factors in used selling.

4. You Must Describe Condition Clearly

For many used categories, Amazon expects sellers to add condition notes.

Condition notes should mention:

  • cosmetic defects
  • missing accessories
  • packaging condition
  • functional limitations (if any)

Clear condition notes reduce return rates and customer complaints.

5. You Must Comply With Brand and Category Restrictions

Some brands are gated even for used items.

Approval may require:

  • invoices
  • account performance history
  • category-specific documentation

Selling restricted brands without approval can lead to listing removal or account issues.

How to Sell Used Items on Amazon (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a practical process sellers can follow.

Step 1: Find the Existing Listing (ASIN)

Most used items are sold on existing product listings.

To list a used item:

  1. search for the product on Amazon
  2. open the product detail page
  3. click “Sell on Amazon”
  4. select the appropriate used condition
  5. add your price and quantity

Used sellers typically do not create new listings.

Step 2: Select the Correct Condition

Choose the most conservative condition that accurately reflects the product.

If you’re unsure between two conditions, choose the lower one.

Conservative grading usually results in:

  • fewer returns
  • better feedback
  • fewer disputes

Step 3: Add Clear Condition Notes

Condition notes should be specific and factual.

Examples:

  • “Minor scratches on back, fully functional.”
  • “No original packaging, includes charger.”
  • “Cover shows light wear, pages clean.”

Avoid vague statements like “great condition” without details.

Step 4: Choose Fulfillment Method (FBA vs FBM)

Used items can often be sold using either fulfillment method.

FBA for used items

Pros:

  • Prime eligibility
  • higher conversion rate
  • Amazon handles shipping and customer service

Cons:

  • higher return risk
  • inventory may be returned unsellable
  • less control over customer communication

FBM for used items

Pros:

  • more control over inspection and returns
  • better for high-value or fragile items

Cons:

  • slower shipping
  • more customer service work
  • lower conversion rate in some categories

Many sellers use a mix depending on product type.

Step 5: Price the Item Based on Condition and Risk

Used pricing should reflect:

  • condition quality
  • competitor offers
  • return risk
  • expected profit after fees

The lowest price does not always win.

Buyers often choose slightly higher-priced used offers when:

  • condition notes are clearer
  • seller feedback is strong
  • fulfillment is reliable

Step 6: Inspect Inventory Before Shipping

Before listing or sending inventory to FBA, inspect items for:

  • missing parts
  • functional defects
  • cosmetic damage
  • incorrect accessories

Inspection reduces returns and negative feedback.

Best Practices for Selling Used Items on Amazon

Used selling is less forgiving than new product selling. These best practices help sellers stay profitable.

1. Be Conservative With Condition Grading

Overgrading is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make.

If an item has visible wear, it should not be listed as “Like New.”

Accurate grading improves:

  • buyer trust
  • feedback score
  • return rate
  • account health

2. Track Return Rates by Product

Used items typically have higher return rates than new products.

Track:

  • return rate per ASIN
  • reason for return
  • condition disputes

High-return products may require:

  • better condition notes
  • lower pricing
  • removal from your catalog

3. Understand How Returns Affect Profit

Returns reduce profit in multiple ways:

  • refunded revenue
  • additional shipping costs
  • unsellable inventory
  • disposal or removal fees

Tracking return impact is essential for understanding true margins.

4. Avoid Low-Priced Used Items With High Fees

Amazon fees apply to used items just like new ones.

Low-priced items often become unprofitable after:

  • referral fees
  • fulfillment fees
  • return losses

Used selling works best when there is enough price spread to absorb fees and risk.

5. Track Profit Per SKU or ASIN

Account-level revenue can hide problems.

Used sellers should track:

  • profit per item
  • profit per ASIN
  • return impact per product
  • time-to-sell

This makes it easier to focus on products that perform consistently.

Tools like sellerboard help sellers see profit and refund impact at the product level, which is especially useful when managing many used SKUs.

6. Monitor Unsellable Inventory

Returned used items may not be resellable.

Track:

  • unsellable units
  • removal costs
  • write-offs

Ignoring unsellable inventory often leads to overstated profit.

7. Keep Documentation for Higher-Risk Products

For electronics and branded items, maintain:

  • purchase records
  • supplier details
  • condition inspection notes

Good documentation helps resolve authenticity disputes faster.

Common Mistakes When Selling Used Items on Amazon

Mistake 1: Overpricing Poor-Condition Items

Buyers expect discounts for used products.

Overpricing leads to:

  • slow sales
  • storage costs
  • increased return risk

Mistake 2: Using Generic Condition Notes

Generic notes do not set buyer expectations properly.

Clear, specific notes reduce misunderstandings.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Feedback Trends

Negative feedback on used items often points to condition issues.

Address patterns early to protect account health.

Mistake 4: Not Tracking Profit After Returns

A used item can appear profitable until returns are factored in.

Always include return losses in profit calculations.

Key Metrics Used Sellers Should Track

To manage used inventory profitably, track:

Performance metrics

  • unit sales
  • time to sell
  • buy box share (if applicable)

Risk metrics

  • return rate
  • unsellable inventory
  • feedback score

Profitability metrics

  • net profit per item
  • net margin
  • return cost impact
  • storage and removal fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you need approval to sell used items on Amazon?

Some categories and brands require approval. Always check listing eligibility before sourcing inventory.

Can you sell used items on Amazon FBA?

Yes, many categories allow FBA for used items. However, used FBA inventory may have higher return and unsellable risk.

Is selling used items on Amazon profitable?

It can be profitable if you manage condition accuracy, pricing, and return rates carefully. Profit tracking is essential.

What is the safest category for selling used items?

Books and media are often considered lower-risk categories due to standardized condition expectations.

Final Thoughts: Used Selling Works Best With Discipline and Tracking

Selling used items on Amazon can be a strong business model — but it requires more discipline than selling new products.

Success depends on:

  • accurate condition grading
  • clear communication with buyers
  • conservative pricing
  • careful return management
  • realistic profit tracking

If you want clear insight into how used inventory affects your real profit, sellerboard helps Amazon sellers track net profit, refunds, and product-level performance — so you can scale used selling decisions with confidence.