How to Sell Certified Refurbished Products on Amazon Renewed?
A complete guide for sellers who want to grow their business by selling high-quality refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products.
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
Sep-2025#19
Amazon Renewed is a program where sellers can sell refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products. These are items that customers have returned, used lightly, or had their box opened, but they are still in very good condition. Before being sold on Amazon, every product is examined carefully to make sure it works properly and looks almost like new. Only products that meet Amazon’s high quality and performance standards are allowed to be listed under this program.
For sellers, Amazon Renewed is a great way to reach more customers. Many buyers look for products that are more affordable than brand-new ones but are still reliable and backed by Amazon’s trust. By joining this program, sellers can increase their sales, while customers get well-tested products at lower prices.
In this article, we’ll explain in detail what Amazon Renewed is, how the program works, who is eligible to participate, and the steps needed to start selling certified refurbished products on Amazon. This will help you understand the program and learn how it can help grow your business.
What is Amazon Renewed?
Amazon Renewed is a section on Amazon where customers can buy products that look and work like new but cost less. These items go through strict checks and testing to make sure they meet Amazon’s quality standards before being sold.
Here are the types of products you’ll find on Amazon Renewed:
a. Refurbished: Products that were returned or had minor issues but have been carefully repaired, cleaned, and tested by professionals. They work just like new.
b. Pre-Owned: Products that were used earlier by someone else, but are thoroughly tested and confirmed to be in good working condition.
c. Open-Box: Products that customers returned soon after buying. They are often in very good or even unused condition. They are inspected before being listed again.
Every product on Amazon Renewed comes with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, which means you can return or replace the item if it doesn’t meet your expectations. This gives buyers confidence, as this guarantee means that if the product does not meet expectations or has issues, customers can return it and get a refund or replacement.
By shopping on Amazon Renewed, buyers can get high-quality electronics, gadgets, home appliances, and more at lower prices compared to brand-new items—without compromising on reliability. It’s a smart option for people who want trusted products while saving money.
Why Sell Products on Amazon Renewed?
If you are thinking about selling refurbished or pre-owned items, Amazon Renewed can be a good option. Here are a few reasons for selling on Amazon Renewed.
1. Access to a Large and Growing Market
Shoppers today are becoming more open to buying refurbished products because they get the same quality at a much lower price. Many people are budget-conscious but still want reliable items, whether it’s electronics, home appliances, or gadgets. By selling on Amazon Renewed, sellers can reach these customers who are looking for affordable yet reliable options. This growing demand creates new opportunities for sellers to increase sales and expand their customer base.
2. Amazon Renewed Guarantee
Every product sold under the Amazon Renewed program comes with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee. This gives buyers confidence that the product is tested, inspected, and certified to look and work like new. When customers trust that they are getting quality, they are more likely to complete their purchase. Over time, this trust leads to customer loyalty, which directly increases sales and encourages repeat buying.
3. Increased Visibility on Amazon
Products listed under Amazon Renewed are displayed in a dedicated section, making them easy for shoppers to find. Customers searching for refurbished products don’t have to filter through multiple listings—they can directly browse the Renewed section. This extra visibility helps sellers attract more buyers without the need to spend money on marketing. Greater visibility means more clicks, more traffic, and ultimately more sales, giving sellers an edge over competitors not enrolled in the program.
4. Brand Growth and Strong Reputation
Sellers who maintain high standards and consistently provide good refurbished products can build a strong reputation on Amazon. Positive reviews and ratings add credibility, and over time, buyers recognize the seller as reliable. A strong brand presence helps sellers not only grow within Amazon but also build long-term customer loyalty that can benefit their business outside of the platform. The more trust a brand earns, the easier it becomes to attract loyal, repeat customers.
5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Selling
Selling refurbished products is not only profitable but also environmentally beneficial. By giving products a second life, sellers help reduce electronic waste and support eco-friendly practices. Many customers today prefer to shop from businesses that care about sustainability, so this also improves the seller’s image. Sellers can highlight this in their marketing to attract environmentally aware shoppers, which further enhances their brand’s image.
In short, Amazon Renewed helps sellers reach more customers, gain trust, improve visibility, grow their brand, and support sustainability—all while increasing their profits.
Categories You Can Sell Under Amazon Renewed
Amazon Renewed allows sellers to list refurbished products in several categories, including:
1. Phones
2. Cameras
3. Headphones
4. Kitchen Appliances
5. Power Tools
6. Personal Computers
7. Tablets
8. Televisions
9. Video Game Consoles
These products must meet Amazon’s quality and refurbishment standards to be eligible for the program. To know more about the complete list of permitted products, visit the official Amazon Renewed program policies page.
Who Can Sell on Amazon Renewed?
Amazon Renewed is not open to every seller. Since customers expect high-quality refurbished products, Amazon only allows sellers who can meet strict standards. This program is designed to give buyers confidence that the refurbished products they purchase are as good as new. To join, sellers must meet several important conditions:
1. Experience in Selling Refurbished Goods
You need to prove that you already have experience dealing with refurbished items. Amazon asks for invoices showing at least $50,000 worth of refurbished product purchases within the last 90 days. This shows you have experience and knowledge, and can handle bulk orders.
2. High Standards of Quality
Every product you sell through Amazon Renewed must go through a thorough process. Items have to be fully tested, properly cleaned, and restored so that they look and work like new. The goal is to make sure customers get reliable products that perform well, even though they are not brand-new. So, customers trust the program and keep buying.
3. Warranty on Products
To protect buyers, all refurbished products must come with a minimum 90-day warranty. This warranty gives customers the confidence that if something goes wrong, they can get the item repaired, replaced, or refunded. Sellers must be ready to handle these warranty claims quickly and professionally.
4. Approval from Amazon
Even if you meet the above requirements, you cannot start selling right away. You must apply for the program and wait for Amazon’s official approval. Only after getting accepted can you list products under Amazon Renewed. Amazon carefully reviews each application to make sure the seller can maintain the program’s high standards.
In short, Amazon Renewed is only for experienced, professional sellers who have real experience with refurbished products, follow strict quality checks, and can provide their products with a warranty.
How to Sell Certified Refurbished Products on Amazon Renewed?
Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to start selling on Amazon Renewed.
Step 1: Qualify for Amazon Renewed
The first step is to apply for the Amazon Renewed program. Amazon only accepts sellers who can prove that they can meet its high standards.
What you need before applying:
a. A professional seller account (Individual accounts are not allowed).
b. Solid experience in selling refurbished, pre-owned, or used products.
c. A strong track record of good customer service and order performance.
Tip: If you are brand-new to refurbished sales, Amazon may not accept your application. A smart approach is to start by selling “Used – Like New” items, build credibility with buyers, then move to Amazon Renewed.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You need to submit your application through the Amazon Renewed program page and provide several documents.
Documents required:
a. Invoices from the last 90 days showing at least $50,000 worth of refurbished product purchases.
i) For Apple products, the requirement is much higher: $2.5 million worth of invoices.
ii) For certain categories (Home, Kitchen, Tools, Garden), invoices can be up to 180 days old instead of 90.
b. You must also show sample images: the product from all sides, packaging, accessories, etc., to prove the items meet Amazon’s “Excellent condition” grade.
Tip: Amazon only accepts invoices from authorized suppliers or distributors. Invoices from small marketplaces like eBay or local classifieds are not valid.
Step 3: Meet Quality Standards
Amazon Renewed products must feel “like new” to the customer. This means they must pass strict quality checks.
Your products must:
a. Function exactly as new items do.
b. Be free from visible scratches, dents, or defects.
c. Pass all functionality tests (battery, screen, speakers, ports, etc.).
d. Include original or new accessories, such as chargers, cables, or manuals.
Example:
a. Good: A refurbished iPhone with a brand-new battery, no scratches, and an original Apple charger.
b. Bad: A refurbished laptop with a dent on the lid and no charging cable.
Tip: Create a detailed inspection checklist for every product (screen test, sound test, battery life, port check, Wi-Fi connection, etc.).
Step 4: Add a Warranty
Amazon requires every Renewed product to come with at least a 90-day warranty.
Why this matters:
a. It builds trust with buyers.
b. It ensures customers are protected if something goes wrong.
Pro Tip: Consider offering a longer warranty (6 or 12 months). This will make your products stand out from competitors, improve customer trust, and increase your chances of winning the Buy Box.
Step 5: List Products Correctly
Once Amazon approves your application, you can start listing Renewed items using the Certified Refurbished ASIN Creation Tool in Seller Central. You must follow Amazon’s strict listing rules.
Listing guidelines:
a. Add the word “(Renewed)” at the end of your product title so buyers know it’s a refurbished item. Example: Samsung Galaxy S21 (Renewed)
b. Do not add warranty details in the title or bullet points.
c. Do not use your seller name as the product brand unless you actually own that brand.
d. Use clear, professional images showing the front and back of the product, including accessories and packaging.
Tip: Use lifestyle images along with plain white-background photos. Show buyers the product being used in real life to increase trust.
Step 6: Set Competitive Prices
The Renewed items must be at least 5% cheaper than the new version of the same product. Example: If a new product costs $200, your Renewed version must be priced at $190 or lower.
Tip: Use Amazon’s Automate Pricing tool so your Renewed product always stays slightly cheaper than new listings. This helps maintain eligibility and improves chances of winning the Buy Box.
Step 7: Fulfill Orders the Right Way
You have two options for order fulfillment:
a. FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): Amazon stores your items, packs them, and ships them with Prime. This usually increases sales.
b. FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant): You manage storage, packing, and shipping yourself.
Tip: Whenever possible, choose FBA. Customers prefer Prime shipping, and Amazon prioritizes FBA listings for visibility and sales.
Also Read: Is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide for Sellers
Step 8: Maintain Strong Performance Metrics
Amazon Renewed sellers must maintain strict performance standards. Falling below them could get your account suspended.
Your account metrics must stay below:
a. Order defect rate (ODR): Below 0.8%
b. Pre-fulfillment cancellation rate: Below 2.5%
c. Late shipment rate: Below 4%
Tip: Regularly check your Seller Dashboard in Seller Central to monitor your performance and fix any issues quickly.
Step 9: Stay Compliant with Amazon Rules
Amazon takes Renewed seriously. They may do test purchases to check your product quality, and if issues arise, they can remove you from the program.
What to observe for:
a. Customer complaints about product condition.
b. Missing accessories or damaged packaging.
c. Failing to provide proof of invoices when asked.
Tip: Collect customer feedback regularly. If you’re removed from the program, you’ll need a strong Plan of Action (POA) explaining how you’ll fix issues to regain access.
Pros of Selling on Amazon Renewed
If you are thinking about selling refurbished or pre-owned items, Amazon Renewed can be a good option. Here are a few benefits of selling on Amazon Renewed.
1. Builds Customer Trust
Customers are often careful when buying refurbished items. But with Amazon Renewed, they feel safe because every product comes with Amazon’s guarantee. If something goes wrong, buyers know they can return the product easily. This guarantee makes people trust you more, even if they are buying a used or refurbished item.
2. Sell in Popular Categories at Lower Prices
Many customers want the latest phones, laptops, or appliances, but cannot always afford the high cost of brand-new products. By selling Renewed items, you can offer these same popular products at a lower price. This allows you to reach price-sensitive buyers and still make good sales, especially in competitive categories like electronics.
3. Access to a Large Customer Base
Amazon is one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, and thousands of people search for affordable options every day. Listing your products under Amazon Renewed means your items get visibility among millions of buyers who specifically want deals and discounts. This increases your chances of getting regular sales.
4. Lower Return Rates
Surprisingly, renewed products often get returned less than new items. This is because refurbished items are carefully tested and inspected before being listed, so they are less likely to have defects. Fewer returns mean less stress, fewer shipping costs, and more profits for you as a seller.
5. Less Price Competition With New Products
In the new product category, thousands of sellers often compete to win the Buy Box by lowering prices. But in Renewed, the competition is lower since you are targeting a different type of customer—those who want a working product at a cheaper rate. This gives you more flexibility in pricing and helps you stand out more easily.
6. Eco-Friendly Selling
When you sell refurbished items, you are helping the environment by giving products a second life instead of letting them go to waste. More and more buyers today like to support eco-friendly businesses. Selling on Amazon Renewed allows you to attract these environmentally conscious customers while also reducing waste.
Cons and Challenges of Selling on Amazon Renewed
But just like any other program, selling on Amazon Renewed has challenges. Here are a few cons of selling on Amazon Renewed.
1. Tough Approval Process
To join Amazon Renewed, sellers must meet strict rules. Amazon asks for invoices that prove your products are refurbished properly, and sometimes they may even request product samples for testing. This process can take time and effort, making it harder for new or small sellers to get started.
2. Very High Quality Standards
Amazon requires every Renewed product to look and work almost like brand-new. Items must go through thorough inspection and testing before they are listed for sale. If your products don’t meet these high standards, Amazon can remove your listings or even suspend your account, which in turn can seriously impact your business.
3. Less Profit Margins
Renewed products are usually sold at a lower price than new ones. This means you make less profit per item. You may need to sell a much larger quantity to make the same earnings as selling new products, which can be tough if you don’t have a high sales volume.
4. Fewer Categories Allowed
Not all product types are accepted in Amazon Renewed. Mostly electronics, appliances, and tools are allowed, while many other categories are excluded. This means your choices for what to sell are limited, and you may miss out on opportunities in other profitable categories.
5. Customer Doubts
Even though Amazon gives a guarantee on Renewed products, many buyers still hesitate. Some customers believe refurbished products are less reliable or may not last as long compared to new items. This negative perception can make it harder to win their trust and get sales.
6. More Chances of Returns or Complaints
Customers expect Renewed products to look and work like new. If they feel the item doesn’t meet that promise, they might return it or leave negative feedback. Handling these returns often takes extra checks and adds to your workload. Complaints can also lower your seller rating, making it more difficult to compete.
Best Tips for Selling on Amazon Renewed
1. Get Amazon’s Approval First
You cannot sell on Renewed until Amazon approves you. This process is strict, so prepare everything in advance. Keep invoices from trusted suppliers, proof of product quality, and test reports if needed. Amazon may even ask for product samples, so it helps to have them ready. If your paperwork is clear and complete, the approval process becomes smoother, and you can start selling faster.
2. Always Focus on Quality
Quality is the most important rule for Renewed sellers. Every product must look and work almost like new. Test each item carefully before selling. If something is broken, repair or replace the parts. Clean the product so it looks fresh, and pack it neatly. Try to include accessories like chargers, cables, and manuals because customers expect them. High-quality products bring good reviews, fewer returns, and more repeat buyers.
3. Be Honest in Your Listings
Buyers want to know exactly what they are getting. Write clear, simple, and accurate product descriptions. Do not make promises that your product cannot keep. Use high-quality photos that show the actual refurbished product and packaging. Always add the phrase “Amazon Renewed” in the title or description. This way, customers know the item is refurbished but still safe because of Amazon’s guarantee. Honesty builds trust and reduces returns.
4. Give Great Customer Support
Excellent customer service makes you stand out. Reply quickly to customer questions and messages. Be polite and helpful if they need guidance with setup or troubleshooting. If they want to return something, make the process simple and stress-free. When customers feel supported, they are more likely to leave positive reviews and buy from you again.
5. Keep Prices Attractive
Most buyers on Amazon Renewed are looking for value. They compare prices before making a decision. Check your competitors regularly and set your price at a fair level—low enough to attract customers but high enough to make a profit. Sometimes, lowering your margin a little can increase your sales. You can also offer small extras, like a free cable or a simple accessory, to make your product more appealing without cutting prices too much.
6. Pick the Right Products
Not every product is a good fit for Renewed. Focus on items that are always in demand, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, kitchen gadgets, and other tools. These products have strong resale value and sell very quickly. Avoid outdated or uncommon items, because they may sit unsold for months. Choosing the right products helps you earn faster and reduces the risk of wasting money.
7. Handle Returns Properly
Returns are part of selling on Renewed, so be ready for them. When an item comes back, check it carefully. Fix any issues, re-test it, and clean it before reselling. Never send back a product that doesn’t meet Amazon’s standards. Mishandling returns can lead to unhappy customers, negative reviews, and even account suspension. Check every returned product properly.
8. Keep a High Seller Rating
Your seller rating is very important on Amazon. It affects how much buyers trust you and how visible your listings are. Always ship on time, use good packaging, and reply to customer questions. A small delay or poor packaging can affect your rating. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, as positive feedback pushes your store higher in search results and helps bring in more buyers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Low Product Quality
Many sellers fail because they sell items that are scratched, broken, or have missing parts. Renewed products must look and work almost like new. If you don’t test, repair, clean, and add all the needed accessories, customers will complain. Poor quality means bad reviews, high returns, and even account suspension.
2. Unclear or Misleading Listings
Some sellers don’t mention that the product is “Amazon Renewed.” Hiding this makes buyers feel cheated and can lead to more returns. Some sellers write poor descriptions or use only stock photos instead of real ones. This reduces trust and lowers sales. Always be honest, show real product pictures, and clearly mention that it’s an Amazon Renewed item.
3. Poor Customer Service
Not replying to buyer messages or replying too late makes them unhappy. Being rude or unhelpful also affects your ratings. Another mistake is putting returned items back on sale without fixing them. Poor service increases complaints and can get your account in trouble.
4. Wrong Pricing
Many sellers overprice their products. Renewed buyers usually compare prices, so if yours is too high, they won’t buy. On the other hand, pricing too low without checking your costs can reduce profits. Tools like ChannelMax Repricer can help you set smart prices automatically, so you stay competitive without hurting your margins. Some sellers also miss chances to add value with bundles or small extras. A smart pricing plan helps you keep sales steady.
5. Bad Product and Business Choices
Some sellers waste money on outdated or low-demand products that don’t sell. Others don’t track results like sales, reviews, or returns, and continue making the same mistakes. Poor packaging and late shipping also cause problems, leading to damaged products and angry customers. To succeed, choose products in demand, pack carefully, ship on time, and keep track of your performance.
To wrap up, selling on Amazon Renewed can be a smart way to grow your business, especially if you deal with refurbished or pre-owned products. This is becoming more popular day by day and gives access to a huge customer base, and there is lower competition compared to selling new items. The approval process is strict, but meeting Amazon’s requirements can bring many benefits, like better visibility in search results, increased customer trust, and higher sales.
Sellers who follow Amazon’s quality standards and provide reliable products can build a strong reputation, attract repeat buyers, and grow their business steadily. With the right approach, Amazon Renewed can be a profitable and long-lasting way to expand your sales and reach more customers.
Also Read: All About Selling Used Items on Amazon
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
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