What Are Amazon's Condition Guidelines?

Virginia Miller

September 15, 2024

In this article

Amazon has created condition guidelines to make the process more understandable for sellers. The conditional policies are for more than just sellers. The buyers also understand much about the process.

You might be familiar with the guidelines when you have sold products on Amazon for a more extended period. It is a crucial element for the sellers, ensuring their process and performance based on Amazon's policy. When a large percentage of items sold on the Amazon marketplace is new, it is considered renewed. In this process, the Amazon condition guidelines will let you know what you can sell and can't sell on this marketplace.

Moreover, the sellers must know the selected condition before applying for it. This is because it cannot be modified later. There are so many things to understand about the conditional guidelines of Amazon, for example, for used item amazon. Especially beginner-level sellers must be aware of the policies.

Understanding Amazon's Condition Guidelines

As an Amazon seller, following Amazon's condition guidelines is crucial for providing a good customer experience and avoiding issues with your account. This article explains what Amazon's condition guidelines are, why they matter, and tips for meeting the guidelines when selling products.

What Are Amazon's Condition Guidelines?

Amazon's condition guidelines outline the requirements products must meet to be sold under labels like "New," "Used - Like New," "Used - Good," etc. The guidelines describe the allowable defects and wear for each condition, packaging requirements, warranties, and more.

There are condition guidelines tailored to most product categories sold on Amazon. As a seller, you must accurately select the condition that matches the actual state of your inventory.

Why Do Amazon's Condition Guidelines Matter?

Following the condition guidelines helps ensure a smooth experience for buyers. When customers receive an item that doesn't match the stated condition, they may return it or leave negative feedback. This costs sellers time and money.

Accurately grading your items builds trust with customers and protects your Amazon seller account status. It also reduces returns and refunds down the line.

Tips for Meeting Amazon's Guidelines

Here are some tips for properly grading and preparing inventory to meet Amazon's expectations:

Inspect each item carefully before listing and note any defects or wear
Research the specific condition guidelines for your product category
When in doubt, select a slightly worse condition than you think
Include all original accessories, parts, and packaging or list as "Used" if any are missing
Remove any stickers, markings, or other signs of previous use when possible
Check expiration dates on consumables and do not sell anything expired

Amazon's Condition Guidelines by Category

New

New items must be:

In original packaging with seals intact
Never used or displayed
Undamaged and with all original parts/accessories
Covered by the manufacturer's warranty where applicable

Used - Like New

Used - Like New items may have minor cosmetic defects but must:

Be in full working condition
Show no signs of wear
Include all original parts, accessories, instructions etc. or be noted as missing in listing
Have original packaging, which may have light damage

Used - Very Good

Used - Very Good items may show some light wear but must:

Be in good working order with no defects
Have minor cosmetic defects described in listing
Include accessories unless noted in listing
Have original packaging, which may be damaged

[Additional condition summaries]

The Bottom Line

Closely following Amazon's condition guidelines for your products ensures happy customers, minimizes returns and refunds, and keeps your selling privileges intact. Take the time to thoroughly inspect and accurately describe any used items before selling them on Amazon.

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FAQs

What are Amazon's condition guidelines?

Amazon's condition guidelines outline the packaging, wear, defects, accessories, and warranty requirements products must meet to be sold under conditions like "New," "Used - Like New," etc.

Why is following Amazon's condition guidelines important?

Accurately grading your products builds trust with buyers, reduces returns and refunds, and protects your Amazon seller status. Listing items that don't meet the stated condition results in negative feedback and other issues.

What are some tips for making sure my products meet Amazon's condition guidelines?

Carefully inspect each item for defects/wear, research the specific guidelines for your product category, select a lower condition grade if you’re unsure, include all accessories/parts unless noted otherwise, and remove any stickers/markings when possible.

What are the guidelines for listing an item as "New" on Amazon?

"New" items must be in original packaging with seals intact, never used/displayed, undamaged with all parts/accessories, and covered by the manufacturer’s warranty if applicable.

What are some examples of what Amazon considers "Used - Like New?"

Items listed as "Used - Like New" may have minor cosmetic defects but must be in full working order with no wear, include all parts/accessories, have original packaging which may have light damage, and function like new.

Can I sell used products that have defects on Amazon?

Yes, Amazon allows selling used items with defects as long as you accurately list the issues and grade the condition accordingly. For example, a used electronic item with some scratches should be listed as "Used - Good."

What happens if I don't follow the condition guidelines when selling a product?

If you inaccurately grade items, customers may return products upon receiving them. Amazon may also suspend your selling account for repeatedly misrepresenting product conditions.