Amazon has a program called "Amazon Renewed" that allows sellers to sell high-quality refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products. However, when you start looking into this program, you might find that there is no clear information on how this program works or what it takes to succeed as a seller.
Many questions surround the Amazon Renewed program, such as “What does Amazon renewed mean?”, “What kind of products can you sell on Amazon Renewed?”, “How do you stay in the program?”. These are just some of the questions we will help answer in this article.
This review explains everything you need to know about becoming an approved seller, listing your first item for sale, pricing your items correctly, and making a profit with Amazon Renewed. This will be the only review you need to read to have success with Amazon Renewed.
Let's get started!
Amazon Renewed Meaning
Amazon Renewed is a program by Amazon that allows sellers to sell high-quality products that are "like new." Products in this program fall under three categories:
So, what does renewed mean on Amazon? Renewed means the products can be repaired or refurbished to look and work like new products. The repairable products must have mechanical or electrical components that can be upgraded or replaced to like-new or mint condition.
In most cases, the refurbishment process will include a diagnostic check, replacement of faulty components, thorough cleaning, inspection, and repackaging as necessary.
How to Start Selling on Amazon Renewed?
Step 1 - Register as an Amazon seller
The first step to selling certified refurbished products is to register as a seller on Amazon. To register for a seller account, click on "Sign Up" on this page.
Picture above: Amazon sellers Sign up page
Step 2 - Qualify
To sell on Amazon Renewed, you need to meet the following criteria:
Step 3 - Apply for Amazon Renewed
Go to the Amazon Renewed home page and click on "Send details."
Picture above: Amazon Renewed Sign up page
Fill in all the required information in step one (image below).
Pictured above: Amazon Renewed application step 1
In the second step, you will indicate the type of seller you are and confirm if you meet the quality requirements. You will also list the brands you can sell on Amazon Renewed.
Pictured above: Amazon Renewed application step 2
The final step is to confirm that all the information you have provided is accurate, then click "Submit application."
Pictured above: Amazon Renewed application final step
You will now wait for a decision from Amazon, which usually takes around ten business days.
You can also apply to sell Amazon renewed products by sending all the required details via email to renewed-application@amazon.com.
If you're approved to sell certified refurbished items on Amazon, the next step is knowing the product categories and the products to sell.
Amazon Renewed products categories
Once you're approved to join Amazon Renewed, you can list products in any of these categories:
Here is an image showing the products you can list on Amazon Renewed.
Pictured above: List of permitted products for Amazon Renewed
Some categories have requirements that sellers should follow. Here are the categories and the requirements:
Wireless
All products under this category must undergo a full diagnostic test and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) checks. It's not mandatory to include headphones and SIM cards.
Screen protectors should be used for devices where the screen can come in contact with other items. Screen protectors should be removable and should not be liquid screen protectors and tempered glass.
Smartphones that come with built-in cameras with mandatory shutter sound are not permitted. If a device requires a SIM card, sellers should provide an original or generic sim removal tool.
Game consoles
Gaming consoles must be fully functional, so they must be tested for overheating.
Personal computers
All Microsoft PCs, tablets, and laptops must have authentic software licenses and affixed with genuine labels. Mice and keyboards can be generic.
Small kitchen appliances
All surfaces that can come in contact with liquids and food must be sanitized and cleaned according to local standards and regulations or the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards.
All products must be dry before packaging, and they should not be stained. Moving parts such as trays and containers must be secured when in transit.
Printers and cartridges
Cartridges and external paper trays must be packed separately. Cartridges should be inside a plastic bag, and moving parts must be secured.
Power tools, lawn and garden equipment
A renewed product under this category can be sold without accessories, but this should be clearly indicated in the product listing. If a refurbished product is petrol-operated, it should be drained and packed in a plastic bag.
There are also brand requirements, for example sellers wishing to sell Apple refurbished products must follow the requirements on the image below.
Pictured Above: Apple refurbished products listing requirements
When adding a renewed product, follow the steps on the image below.
Pictured above: Adding a product to Amazon Renewed
Amazon Renewed guarantee
Amazon Renewed guarantee is honored by sellers and covers all renewed products except Amazon devices. Sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) automatically qualify for this guarantee.
This is a satisfaction guarantee, meaning if customers are not satisfied with a refurbished item, they can return it within 90 days. Returned products are either replaced or fully refunded. However, this guarantee does not cover tampering of devices, accidental damage, or theft.
Renewed items customers are encouraged to reach Amazon customer support via "Talk to the Expert." The expert can help with fixing the product before it is returned.
Amazon Renewed listing guidelines
All renewed ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Number) must follow these guidelines:
Pictured Above: Example of correct product title for renewed products
How to stay in the Amazon Renewed program
To maintain an Amazon renewed account, sellers must have:
Renewed Quality Score (RQS) is based on customer complaints. The complaints can be through emails, customer service calls, seller feedback, and product reviews. There are two types of RQS; seller and offer. Seller RQS is the quality score of a seller's renewed account and offer RQS is the quality score of products listed.
Sourcing for products
Most sellers on Amazon Renewed source for products from manufacturers, Alibaba, and liquidation companies.
Liquidation companies buy products from manufacturers and large retailers and refurbish them before selling them as refurbished stock. The companies include Direct Liquidation, Bulq, and BlueLots.
Some manufacturers sell renewed items to third-party sellers. We have an article on how to find high quality and affordable manufacturers that will help you when looking for manufacturers.
Alibaba has refurbished products for sale, so you can use the platform to purchase products. When buying on Alibaba, shipping costs can make or break your business. To learn how you can increase your profit margins by minimizing shipping costs read our guide on how to minimize Alibaba shipping costs.
Pictured above: Alibaba Refurbished Computer
When sourcing for refurbished items, ensure the products have gone through a thorough cleaning process and are tested to work properly.
Benefits of selling on Amazon Renewed
Sellers on Amazon renewed enjoy the following benefits:
Amazon Renewed FAQs
The short answer: No. Renewed means that the item is like new. Refurbished products may have some signs of wear on them but are in good working condition.
Yes, all renewed products sold on Amazon have a 90-day return policy. You can return items that don't work as expected due to functional issues but not those that are damaged during shipping.
Wrapping Up
Amazon Renewed is a program designed for refurbished items that are inspected and tested. This program is a great way to get started selling on this retail giant. If you follow all the steps we have outlined above you could join other sellers enjoying the above mentioned benefits of selling refurbished items.
To make more sales with this program, look for high demand products that have low competition. You can also increase your sales by ensuring your certified refurbished products are ranking on the first page of Amazon.
If you are brand new to selling, read our blog post on how to easily sell anything to anyone at any time.
With this review plus all the guides we have included, we hope that you can now start your ecommerce business and make profits. We hope that we have given you all the needed information and made the process as easy as possible for you to start selling on Amazon.
