Amazon is known for being a one-stop shop for almost anything and everything you’d need – from clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, toys, gadgets, home items, and so much more.
Some people don’t know you can buy used or preloved items from Amazon. It’s just like eBay, which was very popular until Amazon eclipsed it.
Now you may wonder what it’s like to purchase used items on Amazon and what to expect regarding your order:
Here’s What You Need to Know About Used Items on Amazon:
When you purchase used items from Amazon, there is little risk. Amazon doesn’t allow items that are defective or malfunctioning to be listed on the website. If you receive a used item that doesn’t look or work as expected, Amazon has a guarantee that lets you file a claim to get a refund.
What Quality to Expect from Used Stuff on Amazon?
Being wary about purchasing used stuff from anywhere, including Amazon, is normal.
While purchasing used items can save you a lot of money compared to shopping for brand-new items, you can’t help but wonder if the items are in good condition once you receive them.
Even though you know you can return the items and get a refund, the hassle of requesting a refund and shipping the items back makes purchasing used items less attractive.
When you buy a used item on Amazon, you can expect it to be fully functional. It may have some physical signs of wear or cosmetic damage depending on its condition, but these won’t impact the item’s functionality.
Used products on Amazon go through a quality check before they’re listed on the website, so there’s no risk of receiving a used item that wouldn’t work.
To give you an idea of the item’s condition, if it looks new or worn, Amazon has five different used conditions or classifications.
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What Exactly Do the Conditions Mean on Amazon?
There are five different used conditions of Amazon items, and you’d see it on the product description near the product name, so it’s impossible to miss.
This gives you an idea of what to expect from your purchase.
Here’s what each of the conditions means:
Renewed
This condition is selected for items inspected and tested by Amazon. They’re expected to look and work as if they’re new.
Items with these used conditions show minimal to no signs of wear. You can also expect them to have no visible cosmetic imperfections, not even a hairline scratch, when held 12 inches away.
They may come with accessories if mentioned in the product description.
These items come with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, which lets you get a replacement or request a refund within 90 days if they don’t work as expected.
Used – Like New or Open Box
Items with this used condition are expected to come in their original packaging and work with little to no damage.
Even though the original protective or plastic wrapping may be missing, you can expect that the original packing is still intact and in good condition. Instructions will also be included.
Used – Very Good
This condition is selected for items that have undergone limited use but have been well-maintained and cared for.
These items may show limited signs of wear, including small dents or scratches, which shouldn’t affect the functionality.
The original packaging may no longer be intact, or the items could’ve also been repackaged. There may be missing accessories, which should be indicated in the item description.
Used – Good
Amazon items with this used condition are expected to be functioning properly.
You can expect them to be in good condition, but they will show signs of wear due to frequent use.
They may be repacked or come in damaged packaging. You can also expect these items to have missing parts or accessories or cosmetic damages, which shouldn’t affect the functionality.
Used – Acceptable
This condition is used for items with obvious signs of wear but is still fully functional.
These items are fairly worn and may have cosmetic damage, such as dents, scratches, and visible markings.
They may come in damaged original packaging, or they may be repackaged. These items may also have missing parts, accessories, and instructions.
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Can You Return Used Products Bought On Amazon?
In most cases, if the used product doesn’t look or isn’t functioning as expected, you can return it to Amazon.
The item should be returned within 30 days of receiving it.
However, some products may have different policies, so it is always best to check the terms and conditions of the purchase before completing the order.
If the item is classified as Amazon Renewed, meaning it came from an Amazon Warehouse, it comes with a 90-day guarantee.
If the item doesn’t look or work as it should, you can return it within 90 days of receiving it. The return shipping for the item would also be free of charge.
If the item is a Renewed Premium product, it comes with a 1-year guarantee.
Does Amazon Check Vendors Shipping Used Products?
Another important factor that does shopping for used items on Amazon essentially risk-free is that they thoroughly check these products before listing them.
Amazon checks all used products sold by Amazon Vendors under the FBA program.
This is to ensure that the products are fully functional. This also helps Amazon classify the products more accurately, whether new, good, good, or acceptable.
There are two programs for selling used products on Amazon: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM).
So only those products listed under the FBA program go through basic quality checks. Amazon will check if the packaging is intact and if it looks now. If it’s sealed, Amazon won’t open the packaging to test if the product works.
If a third-party seller sells the item under the FBM program, then the seller handles the fulfillment of the order and shipping of the items.
Amazon hasn’t checked these items, but this is where the 30-day guarantee comes in. If you received a used item that doesn’t work, you could file a claim to get a refund.
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What Are Your Options if You Receive a Used Product that’s Broken?
Sometimes, you may get a used product that does not work as expected.
Even though this doesn’t frequently happen with Amazon, there’s always the possibility of getting a defective or broken item – be it brand new or used.
If you receive a used product that’s broken, you can return the item for free, or you can file an A-to-Z Claim. This depends on who sold you the product – whether it’s Amazon or a third-party seller.
Here’s how the two options work:
If the Used Product was Sold by Amazon
For a used item under the FBA program, you can return the product within 30 days from the day of receipt so you can get a refund if it’s broken or not functioning as expected.
If the item is Amazon Renewed, it has a 90-day guarantee wherein you can return it for free within 90 days. If the item is Renewed Premium, the guarantee period is one year.
Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your Amazon account.
- Go to Your Orders and choose the specific order with the issue.
- Select Return or Replace Items, and select the specific item you want to return.
- Choose a return method and follow the prompts.
- Print the return label and return authorization.
If a Third-Party Seller Sold the Used Product
If the item you purchased came from a third-party seller, it comes with an A-to-Z Guarantee. This lets you file a claim if the used item you received is broken or not working as expected.
Here’s how to file a claim under the A-to-Z Guarantee:
- Log in to your Amazon account.
- Go to Your Orders and locate the order.
- Choose “Problem with Order” and select your specific problem from the dropdown list.
- Click Request refund.
- Enter any additional information that you want to include.
- Click Submit to finalize your request.
It may take Amazon up to a week to review these refund requests under the A-to-Z Guarantee. You can check the status of your request by logging in to your Amazon account and selecting the order.
Once Amazon has decided about your request, you will be notified through the email address associated with your account.
Sources:
Did You Know? Amazon Has A Huge Use Product Market
Marketplace Item Condition Guidelines