Inventory Management

Amazon Condition Guidelines: New, Used and Everything in Between

by Dirk Llorens Oct. 28, 2021

Amazon Condition Guidelines: New, Used and Everything in Between

 

Amazon’s marketplace has grown at an unbelievable rate. Many sellers focus purely on new items. Selling via Amazon’s FBA or FBM programs has allowed thousands of people to tap into the potential of the retail giant and use their brand to make spectacular sales.

 

It can be easy to forget that Amazon still caters to second-hand markets. Virtually anyone has the capacity to sell on Amazon, and items such as second-hand books and games are still thriving.

 

In fact, as this research by Statista shows, most people still purchase at least some of their books second-hand, and younger generations are continuing this trend.

 

 

People making a supplementary income on Amazon is something that has been covered in some detail on news channels, with this young seller sharing her tips.

 

If you want to list an item on the marketplace, whether it is straight from the manufacturer, or it has changed hands multiple times, you will need to list the condition of the item accurately. Failure to do so can lead to bad reviews and negatively impact your seller account health.

 

In this guide, we explain what each of the Amazon Conditions really means, to help you to find the correct condition description for your product and list in an accurate and compliant way.

 

Listing By Category

 

It is important to know before you list your product for sale that the condition can alter based on which category you are listing your product within.

 

Amazon has a “General” set of condition guidelines, as well as specific guidelines for things like music and books.

 

The guidelines or general products have seven categories for describing your products:

 

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

 

Let’s delve into what those mean in broad terms. Keep in mind that if you're in any doubt, it is a good idea to list your item down rather than overpromise. If you think your product is in good condition, someone else might disagree. Luckily, there are descriptions to help you out on the Amazon site. We’ve got a simplified version of those descriptions below.

 

  • New. This means a brand new item, and will need to include the original packaging and still come with the warranty that is described in the product’s listing.
  • Renewed. A renewed item is one that has been tested by an Amazon-qualified supplier. It needs to have no signs of wear or imperfections when you hold it 12 inches away. It doesn’t necessarily have to have the original box but it does need to be checked and sold by a performance-managed supplier so that it can come with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
  • Rental. A rental product has been inspected and graded by a qualified supplier and this means that it is in working condition and has no imperfections that could impact the way the product functions.
  • Used – Like New. The “used” categories are where things sometimes get a little confusing and some people disagree on condition. If you’re going to list something as “Like New” then make sure that the original packaging is intact and that the item is in perfect condition. It should be virtually indistinguishable from brand new.
  • Used – Very Good. This doesn’t have to have the original packaging or all of the accessories, though sellers should describe if they aren’t included. Limited signs of wear are acceptable.
  • Used – Acceptable. The item still needs to be functional. You can’t sell an item that doesn’t work and doesn’t do what it was intended to, but it doesn’t matter if it has some scratches or dents. Unfortunately, if you are in any doubt then you will need to list your product as ‘Acceptable’.

 

Books

 

Amazon has its own specific guidelines for books, both used books and collectibles. If you are going to sell a first edition of a book then it is imperative that you don’t misdescribe it in your listing.

 

To be listed as collectible, “a book should be unique in a way that could reasonably be assumed to increase the book's value to a collector such as first editions and first printings; signed, inscribed or scarce copies.”

 

If you are listing in the collectible category then you need to carefully check that the product fits the descriptions listed on Amazon’s seller guidelines:

 

For all other books, you can use the following guidelines. Keep in mind that these are designed to be in addition to the generic guidelines for Amazon condition.

 

Software and Computer Games

 

Software and computer games is another big market with second-hand trading. Games keep their value relatively well, and once someone has played through a game they may wish to sell it on.

 

Like books, there are some additional guidelines to consider when you are deciding on how to list your product. It can cost you money in valuing the product if you are only able to list it as “acceptable” but this is better than getting constant returns or taking a chance on your Amazon Account Health dropping.

 

 

Other Restrictions

 

Amazon has further restrictions and guidelines for listing the condition in other categories such as Toys and Games and DVD. You can see the full list of restrictions on Seller Central. Of course, some items cannot be sold in a second-hand state. Food and drink, for instance.

 

What If You Get Complaints?

There have been numerous reports of people receiving emails such as this one:

 

Dear Seller,

 

We removed some of your listings because of customer complaints about items listed at the end of this email.

 

Why did I receive this message?

 

Customers purchasing your products have complained that the items listed below appear to be used. Customers may perceive an item as used if the product has been opened, contains previous user data, or shows other signs of use such as scratches, dirt, or scuffs.

 

Amazon has several product detail and listing policies to ensure customers have a consistent buying experience and receive items in the condition they expect. Products listed in “New” condition are expected to arrive in brand new, unopened condition with no signs of damage or wear.”

 

This is one of the most frustrating things to happen as a seller. It can sometimes be a case of your word against a buyer’s, and a product could even have been damaged in transit. However, to minimize the risk of complaints, make sure you provide as much detail as possible and don’t over promise about the condition of your item.

 

Conclusion

 

Amazon condition guidelines should be there to help both the buyer and the seller, but you need to make sure you stick to the guidelines and provide an accurate product description.

 

If you delve into the world of selling second-hand items on Amazon, it can be very lucrative, but ensuring that you describe the items you’re selling as per the regulations is the best way to avoid disputes and possible negative feedback.