The trend of selling used items online is growing, especially as people opt for second-hand purchases amid rising inflation.
Amazon has recognized this trend and created opportunities for eCommerce sellers. While selling refurbished goods on Amazon is not a new concept, the introduction of Amazon Renewed has distinguished new items from pre-owned, like-new, and repaired products, categorized as “open-box,” “pre-owned,” and “refurbished.”
This not only gives sellers a chance to make a significant profit from selling refurbished items but also enables buyers to discover excellent deals.
In this guide, you’ll learn what renewed means on Amazon, how it works, and how to grow your business by selling on Amazon Renewed.
What is the Amazon Renewed Program?
The Amazon Renewed Program allows sellers to offer products in three categories: pre-owned, refurbished, and open-box, giving customers access to high-quality items at discounted prices.
Pre-owned: These are lightly used items returned by customers. They may show small signs of use but are cleaned and tested to work like new. Example: A pre-owned smartphone with no visible scratches that functions perfectly.
Refurbished: These are returned products with minor defects that have been professionally repaired and tested. Example: A laptop with a replaced battery or repaired keyboard, fully functional and inspected to meet quality standards.
Open-box: These are products returned after being unboxed but never used. Often, they come from demonstration displays or customer returns. Example: An open-box coffee maker, unused but without its original seal.
Before being sold, every Renewed product undergoes thorough testing, cleaning, and inspection. Items are classified into three conditions:
Excellent Condition: No visible scratches or marks when held 12 inches away.
Good Condition: Minor scratches that are hard to notice from 12 inches away.
Acceptable Condition: Visible scratches when the screen is off, but they don’t affect functionality.
Regardless of the condition, all Renewed products function perfectly, have at least 80% battery life, and include necessary accessories.
They come with a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee, ensuring you can return or exchange the product if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
In a nutshell, Amazon Renewed offers a reliable way to buy quality-tested products—like smartphones, laptops, or kitchen gadgets—at lower prices, making it both affordable and sustainable.
What is Amazon Renewed Guarantee?
The Amazon Renewed Guarantee ensures that customers can buy renewed products with confidence, offering protection and support for items that may not meet expectations. It applies to all renewed products, which include pre-owned, refurbished, or open-box items.
Under the 90-Day Warranty, customers are eligible for a full refund or replacement if the product isn’t functioning as expected or doesn’t meet their satisfaction. For example, if a renewed smartphone has a defective speaker, the customer can request a replacement or a refund within 90 days.
For Renewed Premium items, such as high-value laptops, smartphones, or appliances, the guarantee is extended to 1 year. This ensures customers have a longer window for protection, making these premium options even more reliable. For instance, if a Renewed Premium MacBook experiences hardware failure within 12 months, the customer can claim a refund or replacement under the extended guarantee.
Additionally, Amazon offers free troubleshooting support, accessible via phone or chat. This feature helps customers resolve minor issues without having to file a claim. For example, if a renewed TV won’t connect to Wi-Fi, Amazon’s support team can guide the customer through potential fixes.
Warranty claims are resolved quickly to minimize inconvenience. However, it’s important to note that the guarantee is fulfilled by sellers, not Amazon itself. Sellers are responsible for honoring the warranty and ensuring customer satisfaction. While sellers can offer additional guarantees, Amazon is not liable for claims under these voluntary warranties.
The Amazon Renewed Guarantee combines refund or replacement options, extended warranties for premium products, and accessible support, making renewed purchases safe, affordable, and sustainable.
Selling on Amazon Renewed vs. Selling Used Items on Amazon
The main difference between Amazon Renewed and selling used items on Amazon lies in how the platforms operate and the benefits they offer to both sellers and buyers.
Selling through Amazon Renewed allows sellers to access a curated platform for pre-owned, refurbished, or open-box products that have been professionally tested and certified. Renewed sellers can compete for the Buy Box, giving their products higher visibility and a better chance of making a sale.
For example, a Renewed seller offering a refurbished smartphone with a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee can secure the Buy Box and attract more buyers compared to someone selling a used phone without certification.
In contrast, selling used items on Amazon involves listing products in “Used” condition directly on the main marketplace. These listings don’t qualify for the Buy Box, meaning they’re less competitive and rely solely on individual product visibility.
For instance, a seller listing a used laptop in “good condition” might struggle to stand out because it doesn’t come with Amazon’s guarantees or professional refurbishment.
Customer Trust is a key differentiator. Renewed products come with a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee (or a 1-year warranty for Premium Renewed items), providing buyers with confidence in their purchases.
For example, a customer buying a Renewed tablet knows they can claim a refund or replacement if the product doesn’t meet their expectations. Used items, however, do not come with this level of assurance, which can deter buyers.
Lastly, fees are higher for sellers on the Amazon Renewed platform because of the added benefits, including access to the Buy Box, quality control, and the guarantee. Sellers of used items, while paying lower fees, miss out on these advantages, making Renewed a more strategic option for those selling higher-value or professionally refurbished products.
Amazon Renewed focuses on quality, trust, and visibility, while selling used items offers simplicity but fewer benefits for both sellers and buyers.
What Products Can You Sell on Amazon Renewed?
The Amazon Renewed Program allows sellers to list refurbished or renewed items that meet Amazon’s strict quality standards.
Products must be in excellent condition, thoroughly tested, and work like new to align with customer expectations.
Amazon has identified 12 main product categories eligible for the program, covering a wide range of items. Let’s break it down with examples for clarity:
Smartphones & Tablets: Refurbished iPhones, Android devices, iPads, and other tablets are popular choices. For instance, a certified refurbished iPhone XR with at least 80% battery life and no visible scratches can be sold under Renewed.
Laptops & Computers: Renewed laptops, desktops, monitors, keyboards, and components like PC processors or graphics cards are common. For example, a professionally refurbished MacBook Air could fetch significant demand.
Home Appliances: Items like vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, refrigerators, and small kitchen gadgets like coffee makers are in high demand. A tested and renewed Dyson vacuum is a great example.
Audio & Video Equipment: Products include headphones, speakers, soundbars, and home theater systems. A renewed Bose speaker with minimal cosmetic flaws and full functionality is ideal for this category.
Gaming Consoles & Accessories: Items like PlayStation, Xbox, controllers, and gaming keyboards are very popular. Renewed gaming consoles must undergo thorough testing to ensure peak performance.
Cameras & Accessories: Cameras, lenses, camcorders, and microphones are included. For instance, a refurbished Canon DSLR camera with clean optics and full functionality is eligible.
Home & Kitchen: Products like mixers, blenders, dehumidifiers, and robotic vacuums fall under this category. A renewed KitchenAid mixer is a strong seller.
Tools & Outdoor Equipment: Power tools, lawnmowers, pressure washers, and chainsaws are excellent fits. A refurbished Black+Decker drill is an example of a successful product in this category.
Fitness & Wearables: Products like smartwatches, fitness bands, and exercise machines are included. A renewed Fitbit tracker with no operational issues works well here.
Office & Industrial Equipment: Printers, scanners, shredders, and office furniture qualify. For instance, a refurbished HP printer with all functions working is a strong contender.
Televisions & Home Entertainment: Renewed TVs, Blu-ray players, projectors, and universal remote controls are popular. A Samsung 4K Smart TV in renewed condition is a good example.
Musical Instruments: Products like electric guitars, keyboards, and recording equipment. A professionally renewed Yamaha digital keyboard with all keys functional is ideal.
By meeting Amazon’s quality requirements, sellers can list items across these categories while giving buyers confidence in purchasing certified, cost-effective alternatives.
Pros and Cons of Joining the Amazon Renewed Program
Sellers contemplating entry into the Amazon Renewed program must weigh the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the pros and cons:
Pros of Amazon Renewed
Reduced Competition: The stringent entry standards make Amazon Renewed an exclusive program. This exclusivity creates less competition, providing sellers with a unique space to showcase their refurbished products.
Access to a New Consumer Demographic: By becoming part of the Amazon Renewed program, sellers can tap into a different demographic of consumers. Those seeking refurbished items represent a market segment willing to embrace pre-owned products, potentially converting into loyal customers.
Backed by Amazon’s 90-Day Guarantee: One of the major advantages is that Amazon stands behind Renewed products with a 90-day guarantee. This commitment implies that Amazon will cover return costs for dissatisfied buyers during the initial 90 days after purchase, instilling customer confidence.
Efficient Order Fulfillment with FBA: Sellers can leverage the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program for seamless order fulfillment. This entails sending products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where employees handle picking, packing, and shipping orders. This streamlines operations and enhances customer satisfaction with reliable and quick delivery.
Cons of Amazon Renewed
May Not Suit Luxury Brands: For sellers dealing in luxury items, the Amazon Renewed program might need to align with their brand image. Luxury items often come with prestige and exclusivity, and being part of a refurbished program may resonate poorly with the target audience.
Products Displayed Alongside New Ones: Renewed products appear in search results alongside brand-new items. Sellers must work diligently to ensure customers can distinguish between the two. Proper product descriptions, images, and labeling become crucial to avoid confusion and maintain transparency.
Where to Buy Products for Selling on Amazon Renewed?
Finding quality products for selling on Amazon Renewed involves exploring various avenues. Let’s have a look at different sources to buy items for your Amazon Renewed business:
Wholesale Suppliers
Establish connections with wholesale suppliers specializing in refurbished or pre-owned items. These suppliers often maintain a diverse inventory, from electronics to home appliances. Regular communication and partnership can lead to a reliable source of quality products.
Manufacturers and Brands
Reach out to manufacturers or brands offering certified refurbished versions of their products. Some brands operate their refurbishment programs, providing an opportunity for direct sourcing by Amazon Renewed sellers. Establishing partnerships with such entities can secure a consistent supply.
Liquidation Auctions
Participate in liquidation auctions, either in person or online. These auctions feature bulk quantities of refurbished or customer-returned items, presenting a cost-effective method for sourcing products. Vigilance and research are crucial to ensuring the quality of objects acquired through this channel.
Here are some reputable Liquidation Auctions companies that you may consider:
Amazon Liquidation Auctions
Direct Liquidation
Liquidation.com
Walmart Liquidation Auctions
Amazon Return Pallets
Amazon regularly auctions off returned merchandise by the pallet, often without revealing the contents beforehand. While this can be a lucrative option, it requires careful consideration and a willingness to take on some level of uncertainty in terms of product specifics.
Customer Returns
Collaborate with retailers or wholesalers specializing in handling customer returns. If in good condition, these returned items offer a potential source for refurbishment and resale on Amazon Renewed. Building relationships with return processing centers can grant access to a steady stream of products.
How to Find Profitable Products to Sell on Amazon Renewed?
Selling on Amazon Renewed requires planning, especially because you need to prove to Amazon that you have sufficient inventory before getting approved. To succeed, it’s critical to choose the right products that meet demand while minimizing competition.
Here’s how to approach this step by step:
Focus on High-Demand, Low-Competition Products
Select products that sell hundreds or thousands of units each month but don’t have an overwhelming number of sellers in the niche. For example, a refurbished high-quality coffee maker from a well-known brand might sell well if there aren’t too many competitors. Avoid products that are too saturated, like generic phone cases, as they’re harder to stand out.
Avoid Competing with Amazon or Private Label Sellers
Steer clear of products sold directly by Amazon or third-party private label brands. Amazon dominates its own listings, making it nearly impossible to win sales. Similarly, private label sellers don’t allow other sellers to list on their product pages. Instead, opt for branded items like refurbished gaming consoles or kitchen appliances, which are not exclusive to private labels.
Price Competitively
To maximize your chances of winning the Buy Box, your product price should be within 2% of the current Buy Box price. For instance, if a renewed laptop is listed at $500 in the Buy Box, pricing yours at $505 or less ensures competitiveness. Pricing too high makes it harder to attract buyers.
Use Tools to Identify Product Opportunities
Tools like Jungle Scout and Helium 10 can simplify product research. Start with the Product Database to filter products based on criteria like demand, competition, price, and reviews. For example, you could filter for electronics with at least 300 monthly sales, under 4-star ratings, and priced between $100–$300.
Once you find potential products, analyze them further using tools like the Product Tracker. This feature helps you monitor sales trends and ensure consistent demand over time. For example, if a renewed vacuum cleaner consistently sells 500 units monthly, it could be a strong choice for sourcing.
Validate and Source Your Inventory
After identifying opportunities, confirm you can source these items reliably in bulk and at a price that leaves room for profit after fees. For instance, refurbished gaming controllers from trusted suppliers could be an ideal category to explore.
By following these steps, you’ll position yourself to succeed on Amazon Renewed by offering high-quality products that customers want, at competitive prices.
How to Join the Amazon Renewed Program? 4-Step Checklist
Create an Amazon Seller Account
If you don’t have a seller account, go to the Amazon website and create one on Seller Central. Choose a seller plan (Professional or Individual) and provide the necessary information, including a business email, credit card, government ID, tax details, phone number, and bank account. Consider joining the Amazon Brand Registry if applicable.
Meet the Criteria
Sellers must meet specific criteria to list Renewed products on Amazon, including:
- Order Defect Rate of 0.8% or less in the past 60 days.
- Supply invoices for refurbished purchases totaling $50,000 (or more for certain brands) in the last 90 days.
- Proof of experience selling refurbished items, showcasing sales volume and types of items sold.
- Products must be inspected, cleaned, repaired, and tested by a manufacturer or third-party refurbisher.
- Provide at least 10 images, including the shipping box, product box, items inside the box, and top-to-bottom product pictures.
- Meet the Amazon Renewed Quality policy and submit additional documentation about the inspection process.
Apply for Amazon Renewed
Once you’ve created your seller account and fulfilled the criteria, apply for Amazon Renewed. You can do this through the program website or by emailing Amazon at [email protected] and providing the necessary documentation. Amazon will notify you of approval within 10 business days.
Start Selling
Upon approval, add your Renewed products to existing listings or create new ones. Begin selling on Amazon Renewed and use this platform to reach customers looking for refurbished items.
If you feel confident in navigating these processes, go ahead and proceed, or you can hire an Amazon consultant from eMarspro if you find the tasks challenging.
eMarspro is a trusted leader in Amazon account management, backed by a team of seasoned experts with decades of experience helping sellers succeed.
FAQs About the Amazon Renewed Program
Can I sell products from any brand on Amazon Renewed?
No, not all brands are allowed. To sell products from well-known brands, you often need brand approval or invoices proving authenticity. For instance, selling refurbished Apple products requires authorization from Apple or proof of sourcing from certified suppliers. Without meeting these requirements, Amazon may reject your application for specific brands. Always check Amazon’s brand restrictions before sourcing products.
Do I need invoices to join Amazon Renewed?
You must provide invoices proving inventory to join the program. Amazon typically requires invoices showing a minimum of 10 units per SKU from trusted suppliers. The invoices should be from manufacturers, distributors, or authorized refurbishers—not random vendors. This ensures product authenticity and compliance with Amazon’s quality standards.
What testing requirements must renewed products meet?
Renewed products must undergo professional testing and inspection to ensure functionality. This includes checking all core features, replacing faulty components, and confirming over 80% original battery life for electronics. For example, a renewed laptop must boot quickly, have a functional keyboard, and deliver smooth performance before being listed.
Can I use my own packaging for renewed products?
Yes, but packaging must meet Amazon Renewed standards. Items can be packed in either original packaging or clean, neutral packaging. You must also include all essential accessories like chargers and manuals. For instance, a renewed smartphone must come with a charging cable and adapter, even if it’s not in the original box.
Can I sell on Amazon Renewed if I am already selling used items?
No, selling on Renewed requires separate approval even if you’re already selling used products. Amazon Renewed focuses on refurbished, tested, and certified items, whereas used items don’t require professional refurbishment or certification. Think of it as a more premium program with stricter rules.
Are there additional fees for selling on Amazon Renewed?
Amazon charges a Renewed Program Fee of $1.80 per unit sold in addition to standard referral and fulfillment fees. This fee covers the extra quality assurance and customer guarantee provided by Amazon. For example, if you sell a renewed vacuum for $150, your Renewed Fee will be $1.80, plus the usual selling costs.
Can I sell internationally on Amazon Renewed?
Yes, but you must meet the specific requirements of each marketplace. For example, selling on Amazon UK Renewed requires compliance with EU standards for refurbished electronics, while selling in the US focuses on meeting local demand. Additionally, ensure you can ship internationally and handle returns in the target region.
What happens if a customer returns a renewed product?
Returns are subject to the Amazon Renewed Guarantee. If a customer returns a product due to quality concerns, you’re responsible for processing the return, refund, or replacement. For example, if a buyer claims a renewed tablet isn’t functioning properly, you must honor the refund or replacement within the 90-day window.
How does Amazon Renewed ensure customer trust?
Amazon builds trust by offering the 90-day Renewed Guarantee for most products (or 1 year for premium items). This ensures customers can return products if they don’t meet expectations. Additionally, Renewed items must pass rigorous testing, making them comparable to new products in performance.
Can I sell open-box products on Amazon Renewed?
Open-box products are allowed if they’re unused and inspected to meet quality standards. For example, if a customer returned a TV without using it, you can list it as renewed after confirming it’s in “like-new” condition. Open-box items must also include all original accessories to qualify.
