Selling used or refurbished items can feel tricky if you don’t know where to start. Amazon Renewed offers a way for sellers to legally and safely list refurbished products while reaching millions of buyers.
Amazon is best known as a platform for new products, and most sellers assume anything used isn’t allowed. What many don’t realize is that Amazon Renewed exists specifically for refurbished items that meet strict quality and performance standards.
This program is still relatively unknown, but it provides a way for sellers to expand inventory options and increase sales without competing directly with new items. It also helps build trust with buyers because Amazon vets the products and guarantees quality.
In this blog, our Amazon agency explains how sellers can successfully list and sell refurbished items on Amazon Renewed while reaching millions of value-conscious customers. We also share step-by-step processes, best practices, and tips to maximize sales and maintain product quality.
Table of Contents
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What Is Amazon Renewed?
Amazon Renewed is a program that allows sellers to list refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products that have been professionally inspected and tested to work like new. This gives buyers confidence that they’re getting high-quality products without paying full retail prices.
Refurbished and secondhand products are becoming increasingly popular, with 93% of Americans shopping online for used items. Amazon Renewed makes it easy for sellers to meet this demand by providing a trusted platform where buyers can purchase like-new items safely.
Products eligible for Amazon Renewed include electronics, phones, computers, tablets, cameras, and more, as long as they pass the required cleaning, testing, and inspection standards. With the program’s guarantee, buyers know their purchases will work properly, and sellers gain access to a larger, value-conscious audience.
Pros and Cons of Selling Refurbished Items on Amazon Renewed
There are clear benefits and potential drawbacks to selling refurbished items on Amazon Renewed. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages is key to deciding whether this program makes sense for your business and your growth goals.
The Advantages of Selling Refurbished Items on Amazon Renewed
The second-hand product market is expected to reach $854.57 billion in 2030 and continue growing, but market size isn’t the only reason sellers should consider Amazon Renewed. There are clear business advantages to listing refurbished items on this program that make it worth exploring.
- Access to a large, value-conscious customer base
- Increased customer trust through Amazon’s inspection and guarantee
- Higher profitability compared to standard used listings
- Better visibility in dedicated Renewed sections
- Leverage of Amazon’s fulfillment and shipping infrastructure
- Monetization of returned or excess inventory
- Contribution to sustainability by reducing e-waste
- Less competition due to strict seller qualification requirements
The Disadvantages of Selling Refurbished Items on Amazon Renewed
Like any Amazon program, selling on Amazon Renewed also comes with its own challenges. Understanding these disadvantages helps sellers weigh the risks before committing to the program.
- Limited inventory, especially for popular or in-demand models
- Potential hidden defects despite testing and inspection
- Higher return rates due to customer dissatisfaction or product issues
- Customers may assume refurbished products are of low quality
- Strict approval process and ongoing quality requirements
- Less control over pricing due to Amazon’s Fair Pricing Policy
- Possible brand image concerns for premium or luxury items
- Risk of customer confusion between Renewed and new listings
How to Sell Refurbished Items on Amazon Renewed
Selling on Amazon Renewed can be challenging if you don’t know the requirements and processes, since Amazon has strict standards for approval and product quality. However, once you understand what’s needed, you can successfully list refurbished items, gain customer trust, and grow your sales on the platform.
Product Requirements for Amazon Renewed
Before listing products on Amazon Renewed, it’s important to meet strict quality standards. These rules ensure that every refurbished item looks, works, and functions like new while providing a consistent customer experience.
- Must be capable of repair, refurbishment, or remanufacturing
- Products must be inspected, cleaned, tested, and restored to original manufacturer specifications
- Only OEM parts may be used for repairs or replacements
- No visible cosmetic damage from 12 inches away unless otherwise allowed
- Display products must be free of dead or stuck pixels; camera lenses must be flawless
- Batteries must have at least 80% of original capacity (90% for Renewed Premium)
- Must include all original or equivalent OEM accessories; consumables must be new
- End-user data must be completely removed according to recognized data sanitization standards
- Products must be packaged securely in original or new packaging with “Renewed” labeling
- Products and accessories must be compartmentalized to prevent movement or damage during shipping
- Must comply with region-specific requirements, including electrical standards and local regulations
- Must meet Amazon Renewed Guarantee requirements, including 90-day minimum warranty
Allowed Product Categories on Amazon Renewed
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
|
Wireless Devices |
Smartphones, Smartwatches, Tablets |
|
Personal Computers |
Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, Keyboards, Mice, Graphic Cards |
|
Audio & Video |
Headphones, Speakers, Soundbars, Home Theater Systems, Media Players |
|
Cameras & Photography |
Cameras, Lenses, Tripods, Stabilizers |
|
Office & Networking |
Printers, Scanners, Routers, Modems, Desk Chairs |
|
Small Appliances |
Coffee Makers, Food Processors, Vacuum Cleaners, Irons |
|
Power & Hand Tools |
Drills, Saws, Pneumatic Tools, Pressure Washers |
|
Automotive |
Alternators, Fuel Injectors, Sensors, Shock Absorbers |
|
Musical Instruments |
Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Violins, Keyboards, Drums, Brass Instruments |
|
Fitness & Health |
Fitness Watches, Exercise Bikes, Electric Razors, Electric Toothbrushes |
|
Home & Garden |
Lawn Mowers, Hedge Trimmers, Leaf Blowers, Air Conditioners |
|
Video Game & VR |
Consoles, Controllers, Virtual Reality Headsets |
|
Renewed Premium |
High-end electronics and devices meeting Premium criteria (1-year warranty, 90%+ battery) |
Getting Started with Amazon Renewed Step-by-Step
Selling on Amazon Renewed can be simple, as long as you meet all the product requirements. The process is straightforward and designed to guide qualified sellers through each stage from application to listing and fulfillment.
Step 1: Get Ready to Sell on Amazon Renewed
Make sure you have experience handling refurbished or pre-owned products and can meet Amazon’s quality expectations. All items should be cleaned, repaired if needed, and tested to work like new before applying.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Apply to the Amazon Renewed program through your Seller Central account. Approval usually takes around 10 business days, though it can take longer depending on the type of product or brand requirements.
Step 3: Create Your Renewed Listings
Once your application is approved, you can start adding your products using the Certified Refurbished ASIN Creation tool in Seller Central. Ensure each listing follows Amazon Renewed guidelines for condition, images, and descriptions.
Step 4: Price Your Products
Set your Renewed products at least 5% below the price of new equivalents to comply with Amazon’s fair pricing standards. You can automate this pricing through Seller Central to adjust based on changes to the new product’s price.
Step 5: Fulfill Orders and Maintain Quality
Ship orders using FBM or FBA, including all necessary accessories. Continuously monitor your performance and adhere to quality standards using the Renewed Seller Dashboard to avoid any issues with selling privileges.
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Best Practices for Selling Refurbished Items on Amazon Renewed
No matter how experienced you are, selling refurbished products on Amazon Renewed requires consistent attention to quality and customer expectations. Following best practices helps protect your seller account, improve reviews, and boost sales over time.
1. Price Strategically
Set your refurbished products at least 20% below the original new price to attract value-conscious buyers. This pricing ensures your items remain competitive while still protecting your profit margins.
Monitor the Buy Box and adjust prices to stay within 2% of competitors selling similar Renewed products. This balance helps maintain sales velocity without undercutting your potential earnings.
2. Offer a Sufficient Range of Products
Start with at least 15 SKUs to provide customers with multiple options and increase the chance of sales. A broader catalog signals reliability and professionalism to buyers.
Diversify across product categories where possible to reduce dependency on a single item. This also helps your store capture different customer segments and grow overall revenue.
3. Run Promotions and Deals
Participate in Amazon’s “Best Deals” promotions to increase visibility and attract buyers looking for bargains. Promotions create urgency, helping move inventory faster.
Offer time-limited discounts or bundle deals on Renewed products to encourage larger orders. This strategy can improve your sales rank and generate repeat business.
4. Use Amazon Advertising
Use Sponsored Products campaigns to drive targeted traffic to your new Renewed listings. Combining automatic and manual campaigns helps identify high-performing keywords for your products.
Continuously optimize bids and refine keywords based on campaign performance. This increases ad efficiency and reduces wasted spend while improving listing visibility.
5. Maintain High Operational Standards
Ensure products meet Amazon’s strict “like-new” standards, including cosmetic quality, battery health, and proper packaging. Following these guidelines reduces returns and negative reviews.
Implement proactive warranty support and quick replacement procedures for defective items. This approach keeps customers satisfied and protects your account metrics like Order Defect Rate and Negative Review over Orders.
FAQs About Amazon Renewed
Why Amazon Renewed Could Be Your Next Revenue Stream
Amazon Renewed is a great opportunity for sellers looking to turn refurbished items into profitable products. It gives you a chance to reach millions of value-conscious customers while maintaining trust through Amazon’s quality standards.
With Amazon’s massive existing customer base and the credibility of the Renewed program, sellers can expand their business without worrying about low-quality perception. The platform provides a structured way to sell refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products while maximizing revenue potential.
Do you need help getting started or navigating the Amazon Renewed program? Contact our full-service Amazon agency and let our experts guide you step by step to grow your sales confidently.
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