Selling used goods on Amazon can transform a closet full of unwanted items into a profitable venture. In 2025 the marketplace’s enormous customer base and improved tools mean that individuals and small business owners can compete on a global stage without building their own website. This guide walks you through everything you need to know from picking eligible products and opening your account to pricing, listing, shipping and growing your business. Throughout the post you’ll see practical tips, tables for quick reference, and insights from Amazon’s own guidelines and industry experts.

Why sell used goods on Amazon?

Amazon is the world’s largest online marketplace, and buyers increasingly seek bargains and sustainable alternatives to new products. Used items often sell quickly if they’re in good condition and competitively priced. Selling second‑hand goods is also environmentally responsible because it extends a product’s life instead of sending it to a landfill. Unlike garage sales or local classifieds, Amazon gives sellers exposure to millions of customers and access to fulfillment services like FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) that handle packing and shipping for you.

Determine whether your items are eligible

Not every type of product can be sold pre‑owned. According to Amazon and marketplace experts, certain categories are open to used items while others are off limits. The tables below summarise what you can and cannot sell in the used condition.

Eligible used categories

Category  Examples

• Books & Media, Books, textbooks, video games, DVDs, CDs and vinyl records.
• Electronics Cameras & photo equipment, cell phones, consumer electronics, personal computers, Kindle accessories and
• Fire TV accessories.
• Home & Garden ,Furniture, kitchenware, small appliances, tools, home improvement and garden equipment.
• Outdoors & Sports ,Sporting goods, camping gear, bicycles.
• Office & Industrial, Office supplies, industrial & scientific items.
• Musical Instruments, Instruments and related equipment.
• Software,Legitimate pre‑owned software with transferable licenses.
• Pet Supplies ,Non‑perishable supplies and accessories.
• Video & Audio,DVDs, Blu‑ray discs, video games and consoles.
• Automotive,Certain accessories (must function perfectly).

Categories you must avoid

Prohibited used categories | Reason

• Baby Products (excluding apparel), Health and safety concerns.
• Beauty & Personal Care ,High risk of contamination .
• Collectibles (coins, entertainment memorabilia, fine art) ,Must be graded or new.
• Grocery & Consumables, Expiration and hygiene risks.
• Health Products & Supplements,Strict regulations and hygiene requirement.
• Independent Design & Fashion (certain subcategories) Often require new condition.
• Jewellery & Watches, Must meet stringent authenticity and quality standards.
• Shoes & Handbags,Apparel categories generally require new condition.
• Toys & Games (subcategories) ,Hygiene and safety concerns for children.

Avoid these categories because Amazon will remove listings or even suspend your account if you sell prohibited used goods.

Understand condition guidelines

Amazon divides used items into four conditions: Like New, Very Good, Good, and Acceptable. Condition guidelines in Amazon’s seller documentation and third‑party summaries provide clear definitions. Being honest about condition protects your seller rating and reduces returns.

Like New or Open Box – An item that has been opened but not used. The original packaging may be missing the protective wrapping, but the item and packaging are in pristine condition with no signs of wear. Instructions and accessories are included, and the product is suitable for gifting.

Very Good – A well‑cared‑for item that has seen limited use. It is fully functional, complete and unmarked, but may show minor signs of wear. Amazon’s guidelines emphasise that very good items should work perfectly.

Good – The item shows wear from consistent use but remains in good condition and fully functional. It may have identifying marks or other signs of previous use.

Acceptable – Fairly worn but functional items. They may have scratches, dents and worn corners, and may be missing non‑essential accessories. Sellers should disclose all defects.

Set up your seller account

Before you list anything, you need an Amazon seller account. Amazon offers two plans: Individual and Professional. The choice depends on how many items you plan to sell each month.

Plan Monthly or per‑item fee  Features  Who it’s for

Individual – $0 per month + $0.99 per item sold  Basic listing tools; no access to advertising or the Buy Box, Hobbyists or beginners selling fewer than ~40 items/month.

Professional –  $39.99 per month and no per‑item fee ,Access to advertising, bulk listing uploads, advanced reports, eligibility for the Buy Box and full FBA support, Sellers planning to scale or sell more than 40 items/month.

The WA‑H Academy resource emphasises that Individual plans are pay‑as‑you‑go and low‑risk for beginners, while the Professional plan unlocks features like advertising, buy box eligibility and bulk listing tools. You can upgrade or downgrade at any time.

To register:

1. Visit Amazon Seller Central and choose your plan.
2. Provide your legal name, address, phone number, bank account and tax ID. No business licence is required.
3. Verify your identity using Amazon’s approval process. Have your ID and bank statement ready.

Once your account is activated, you can list products and manage inventory through Seller Central.

Decide between FBA and FBM

Amazon offers two fulfilment options: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). The choice affects your workload, fees and shipping speed.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

With FBA, you send your inventory to Amazon’s warehouse. Amazon then picks, packs, ships and handles returns. The CedCommerce guide explains that FBA fees include fulfilment fees (picking, packing, shipping and returns) and monthly storage fees based on weight and size. Advantages include:

Prime access – FBA items qualify for Amazon Prime, giving you exposure to millions of subscribers and increasing the chance of winning the Buy Box.

Hands‑off logistics – Amazon’s team handles shipping and customer service, letting you focus on sourcing and marketing.

Better customer trust – Buyers often prefer FBA items because of fast shipping and reliable returns.

However, FBA has downsides:

High storage fees – Long‑term storage fees and penalties apply if inventory sits in Amazon’s warehouse for more than six months.
Less control – You cannot control packaging or add personal touches, and occasional shipping mistakes are outside your control.

Not ideal for small sellers – If you sell fewer than 40 units per month, FBA fees may erode profits.

Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)

FBM means you store and ship products yourself. You create your own shipping plan, purchase postage and handle customer service. CedCommerce notes that sellers pick, pack and deliver orders following Amazon’s guidelines. Benefits include:

Full control – You can choose packaging, include thank‑you notes, and ensure quality by packing items yourself.
No storage fees – You avoid FBA storage penalties and can hold inventory as long as you want
Lower costs for small sellers – When shipping a handful of items, FBM often yields higher margins.

The main drawbacks are increased workload (managing shipping and returns) and slower delivery times compared with Prime‑eligible FBA items.

Which fulfilment method is best?

Start with FBM if you’re selling a few personal items or items that are heavy and expensive to ship, because you can use your own packaging and postal options. Move to FBA if you plan to scale, want to attract Prime shoppers and don’t want to handle logistics.

Wholesale lots – For advanced sellers, buying liquidation or wholesale lots can provide inventory at a low cost. Research each product’s demand before investing.

Assess demand and competition

Use Amazon’s Best Seller Rank (BSR) and sales rank charts to gauge how well similar items sell. Tools like ScoutIQ, AMZScout, Jungle Scout or Keepa show historical pricing and sales volume. When assessing used books, check their BSR or scan them with a tool like ScoutIQ. Avoid products with declining demand or high competition unless you can differentiate with price or service.

Price your used items

Pricing is both science and art. The Dollar Stretcher offers these general guidelines:

– Analyze the item’s condition and brand. High‑demand brands and pristine items can command higher prices.

– Research comparable listings on Amazon and other marketplaces to find a competitive range.
– Use the original price as a reference. Gently used items typically sell for 50–75 % of their original price, while more worn goods fetch 20–50 %.
– Stay flexible. If an item doesn’t sell after a week, consider lowering the price or adjusting shipping terms.
– Present items attractively. Clean them, take clear photos from multiple angles and write an honest description. Good presentation justifies your price.

Conclusion

Selling used items on Amazon is an accessible, eco‑friendly way to earn money in 2025. By understanding eligible categories, adhering to condition guidelines, choosing the right seller plan and fulfilment method, sourcing profitable products and creating honest listings, you can succeed on this marketplace. Start small with items you already have, use the tips and tables in this guide to avoid common pitfalls, and invest in your growth with tools and automation. Your unused books, electronics or sporting goods could soon find new homes and put cash in your pocket.