Selling pre-owned items through Amazon presents a unique business opportunity for those interested in increasing their profits.
Sometimes, a buyer might return an item, and it does not come back in ‘new’ condition. This would lead it to be classed as used, which presents this opportunity for you to still try and get some money back.
The platform’s marketplace extends beyond new products, offering sellers the chance to list second-hand goods in select categories.
Starting an Amazon business with used items requires minimal upfront investment whilst providing a path to future growth.
Many sellers find this approach an excellent starting point to build their presence on the platform, generate income, and learn the essential aspects of e-commerce trading.
Which Categories Accept Used Items on Amazon?
Amazon accepts used items across many product categories whilst maintaining strict quality standards.
Many sellers can benefit from listing pre-owned items in select categories.
Books are amongst the most popular used items on Amazon. Sellers can list pre-owned books in various conditions, from like-new to acceptable. Music, including CDs and vinyl records, also allows used listings.
Consumer electronics offer significant opportunities for used sales. This includes cameras, mobile phones, computers, and various electronic accessories. These items must be fully functional and meet Amazon’s condition guidelines.
The following categories welcome used items:
- Musical instruments
- Amazon device accessories
- Automotive parts
- Camera equipment
- Computer hardware
- DVDs and Blu-rays
- Video games
- Office supplies
- Outdoor gear
- Pet supplies
Many valuable collectibles can be sold as “collectible-like new”:
- Entertainment memorabilia
- Sports memorabilia
- Rare music items
- Select books
Some categories strictly prohibit used items:
- Beauty products
- Health items
- Food and groceries
- Jewellery
- Clothing and shoes
- Baby products (except non-apparel items)
- Toys and games
- Watches
Used items must meet specific condition standards:
Like New/Open Box
- Perfect working order
- Original packaging present
- Minor damage possible
- Instructions included
Very Good
- Limited signs of use
- Good working condition
- Small cosmetic flaws acceptable
- May have repackaging
Good
- Shows regular wear
- Fully functional
- May lack original packaging
- Some parts might be missing
Acceptable
- Visible wear and tear
- Basic functionality intact
- Damaged packaging
- Non-essential parts may be absent
Amazon prohibits selling items that are:
- Damaged beyond normal use
- Missing crucial components
- Dirty or unhygienic
- Counterfeit or replica products
- Promotional samples
- Past expiration dates
- Manufacturer-restricted items
Each used item needs precise condition grading.
Sellers should grade conservatively to meet buyer expectations. A product in seemingly perfect condition might be better listed as “Very Good” rather than “Like New”.
Electronics and media products make up a large portion of used sales. These categories often have the most detailed condition requirements to ensure buyer satisfaction.
The used marketplace creates value for both sellers and buyers. Sellers can find new homes for pre-owned items, whilst buyers can purchase quality products at reduced prices.
Where to Source Second-Hand Items for Amazon Sales
Many places exist to find used products for selling on Amazon.
Local charity shops offer loads of items at low prices, making them perfect spots to start sourcing inventory. Books often sell for as little as 25p each, and some can fetch £40 or more on Amazon.
Car boot sales and estate sales present brilliant opportunities to find unique items. Early morning shopping at these events helps secure the best deals before other buyers arrive.
Popular places to source used items:
- Charity shops
- Car boot sales
- Estate sales
- Local Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree listings
- Library sales
- Amazon Warehouse deals
Old electronics prove quite profitable when sourced from charity shops. DVD players, VCRs, and corded phones remain in demand with many buyers willing to pay good prices for working units.
Product quality matters greatly when selecting items to resell. Each item needs proper testing to ensure it works correctly. Missing parts or damaged goods are not acceptable for Amazon listings.
Retail shops can provide opportunities through clearance sales and markdowns. Shopping end-of-season sales helps find new items at steep discounts perfect for resale.
Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace make it easy to find local sellers with bulk lots of items. Meeting in safe public places keeps these transactions secure.
Online marketplaces such as eBay offer ways to buy wholesale lots of used goods. Searching completed listings helps determine which items sell well on Amazon.
How to Sell Refurbished Products Through Amazon’s Pre-owned Programme
Selling refurbished items on Amazon requires meeting specific qualifications through their specialised programme.
Sellers must prove their expertise and reliability before gaining approval.
The basic requirements include showing £40,000 worth of refurbished product purchases within 90 days. For home, garden and kitchen categories, sellers can stretch this requirement to 180 days.
Quality Standards
- Order defect rate must stay below 0.8% over 90 days
- All items need thorough inspection and testing
- Products must look and work like new
- Proper packaging is essential
Apple Products Selling refurbished Apple devices needs £2 million in Apple-specific purchase invoices from the past 90 days. This higher standard helps ensure quality control for premium electronics.
Every refurbished item needs proper documentation with eight detailed photos. These must show:
- Original packaging
- Inner protective materials
- Top and bottom views
- All four sides of the product
Product guarantees play a vital role in building trust. Sellers must back their items with Amazon’s refurbishment guarantee, taking full responsibility for any claims.
Strict standards protect buyers and maintain marketplace quality.
Sellers need to demonstrate consistent performance and reliable service before joining the programme.
Proper packaging prevents damage during shipping. Items arrive in branded boxes with appropriate padding and protection. This attention to detail helps maintain the like-new condition of refurbished products.
The programme focuses heavily on electronics and devices. Popular categories include:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Gaming consoles
- Smart home devices
How to Sell Second-Hand Items on Amazon
Selling used items on Amazon requires careful attention to product conditions and listing details. A seller needs an Amazon Seller Central account to begin.
The platform offers two account types: Individual accounts with no monthly fee and Professional accounts with a £25 monthly subscription.
Sellers must search for the existing product listing using the ASIN code. Amazon does not allow creation of new listings for used items if the product already exists in their catalogue.
The condition rating system helps buyers know what to expect:
Used – Like New:
- Perfect working order
- Original packaging
- All parts included
- No signs of wear
Used – Very Good:
- Light wear and tear
- Complete packaging
- All essential parts included
- Minor cosmetic damage
Used – Good:
- Moderate wear
- May lack original packaging
- All core parts included
- Some cosmetic damage
Used – Acceptable:
- Heavy wear
- Missing packaging
- Basic functions work
- Visible damage or repairs
Adding a detailed condition note strengthens buyer trust. These notes should list any scratches, dents, or missing items.
Steps to list a used item:
- Log into Seller Central
- Select ‘Manage Inventory’
- Click ‘Add a Product’
- Enter the product’s ASIN
- Choose ‘Used’ condition
- Select specific condition grade
- Write condition notes
- Set price and shipping method
Sellers can choose between two fulfilment options:
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
- Merchant fulfilment
Product titles must match the original listing. Proper keyword placement in condition notes helps visibility. Clear photographs of the actual item boost sales chances.
Success tips:
- Research competitor prices
- Monitor customer reviews
- Update stock levels promptly
- Answer buyer questions quickly
- Follow Amazon’s condition rules exactly
Accurate pricing matches condition and market demand. Regular account maintenance and quick customer service help maintain good seller ratings.
Ready to Sell Used Items on Amazon?
Selling used items through Amazon offers a profitable way to start an e-commerce business. The platform accepts pre-owned products across several categories, with used books being an excellent starting point for new sellers.
Sellers can choose between two fulfilment methods:
- Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon stores, packs and ships items
- Fulfilment by Merchant (FBM): Sellers handle storage and shipping themselves
Important requirements for used items:
- Products must be in working condition
- Items should be clean and undamaged
- All parts must be present
- Original packaging is preferred
Setting competitive prices is vital for success with used items. Research similar listings and factor in Amazon fees to determine profitable pricing.
A clear return policy helps manage customer expectations. Sellers need to:
- Respond promptly to customer queries
- Process refunds within stated timeframes
- Handle returns professionally
- Maintain accurate item descriptions
The best-selling used categories include:
- Books
- Video games
- Electronics
- DVDs and Blu-rays
- Musical instruments