Amazon Used Like New: What It Actually Means and How to List It Right

Amazon used like new is one of the most misunderstood product condition categories on the platform. Sellers list items in the wrong tier, get condition complaints, and lose their selling privileges — all because they didn't understand exactly what Amazon requires.

Whether you're selling books, electronics, or customer returns through FBA, getting the "Used - Like New" condition right is the difference between steady sales and an account health nightmare.

This guide breaks down the exact requirements for every major category, the mistakes that get sellers suspended, and how to price used products to actually win the Buy Box.

What Does "Used Like New" Mean on Amazon?

Amazon's "Used - Like New" product condition means the item is in perfect working condition but may have minor packaging damage. The original protective wrapping might be missing, but everything else — the product itself, the original packaging, all accessories, and all instructions — must be present and intact.

That's the official definition from Amazon's Marketplace Condition Guidelines. Here's what it means in practice.

"Like new" is not a guess. It's a specific set of requirements. The product must be fully functional with no scratches, dents, or cosmetic damage on the item itself. The original box must be present, though it can show minor shelf wear.

Every cable, manual, and accessory that shipped with the product originally needs to be included.

This is different from Amazon Renewed, which covers refurbished products through a separate program with its own application process and a 90-day replacement or refund guarantee. It's also different from listing a product as "New" — if the protective wrapping has been removed, even if the item inside is untouched, you can't sell it as new on Amazon.

It must be listed as Used - Like New instead.

Open box products fall into the same tier. If a customer returned an item and the only thing missing is the shrink wrap, that's a Used - Like New listing — assuming the product and packaging are otherwise in perfect condition.

Many buyers shopping online treat Amazon Used - Like New as a way to get near-perfect products at a discount and save money on purchases, typically from opened box customer returns. Given the nature of used inventory, that expectation means your product condition grading needs to be precise.

Customers buying Used - Like New expect the item to arrive looking and working like a new product — just without the original seal.

Amazon Used Like New vs. Other Product Conditions

Amazon has six main product condition tiers for sellers. Understanding where "Like New" sits in this hierarchy matters because listing an item in the wrong tier is one of the fastest ways to get condition complaints on the platform.

• New — Brand new, sealed in original packaging. Protective wrapping intact. No marks, labels, stickers, or damage of any kind. All accessories and instructions are present and sealed.
• Renewed (Refurbished) — Separate Amazon program. The item has been inspected, tested, and restored to working condition by a qualified supplier. Renewed products come with Amazon Renewed Guarantee and a 90-day return window for a replacement or refund.
• Used - Like New — Item is in perfect condition and fully functional. Original packaging intact with possible minor damage. Original protective wrapping may be missing. All accessories and instructions included.
• Used - Very Good — Item shows limited signs of wear or minor cosmetic damage. May have been repackaged in a non-original box. All important functions work. Still a quality product, just not pristine.
• Used - Good — Item shows signs of wear and may have cosmetic damage or scratches. Packaging may be damaged or missing entirely. The product functions properly.
• Used - Acceptable — Item is fairly worn and may have significant cosmetic damage, scratches, or dents. Non-essential accessories may be missing. Product still works as intended and remains usable.

The jump from "Very Good" to "Like New" is bigger than most sellers realize. You cannot repackage an item in a plain box and call it "Like New." Amazon explicitly requires original packaging for this tier.

Sellers often make the mistake of listing items as "Like New" when they should be "Very Good" — and that's where condition complaints start.

Generic guidelines only get you so far, though. Amazon has category-specific rules that change what "Like New" means depending on what you're selling.

Category-Specific Condition Guidelines for Used Like New

The biggest risk for sellers listing used products on Amazon is not knowing the specific rules for their product category. Amazon evaluates used products by testing their functional and physical condition before assigning a grade — and they expect sellers to do the same.

Books

An apparently unread copy in perfect condition. The dust cover must be intact with no nicks or tears. Spine shows no signs of creasing. Pages are clean with no notes, highlighting, or dog-ears of any kind.

If a remainder mark is present, you must mention it in your condition description. Electronic access codes that shipped with the book may not be functional — disclose this in your notes.

Common mistake: Listing books with minor highlighting as "Like New." Any marks on pages disqualify a book from this tier. That's a condition complaint waiting to happen.

Electronics and Cameras

The item must appear untouched and be in perfect working condition. Original plastic wrap may be missing but original packaging must be intact. All cables, chargers, and manuals must be included.

Some subcategories require Amazon pre-approval before you can sell.

Common mistake: Not testing the device before listing. A customer buying a "Like New" camera that doesn't power on when it arrived will file a claim. Test every function on every device.

Music, DVDs, and Video

The disc must be in perfect condition with zero scratches. Original artwork, liner notes, and case must be included and intact. The jewel case or box can show only minor shelf wear.

Software and Computer Games

Only full retail versions qualify — no OEM copies, no promotional discs. All original discs, packaging, and manuals must be present. The license key must be unused and valid.

Some software categories require Amazon pre-approval.

Cell Phones and Accessories

The device must be factory reset with no personal data remaining. All original accessories must be included and present. No visible wear or cosmetic damage on the phone itself.

Battery health should be near-original capacity.

Common mistake: Listing phones without checking battery health. A device that dies after two hours of use doesn't meet the "Like New" bar, no matter how good it looks.

Personal Computers

The hard drive must be restored to original factory settings. All original software must be reinstalled or included on recovery media.

Every component and accessory that shipped with the product must be present.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Condition Complaints

Most condition complaints are preventable. Sellers don't get flagged because they're deliberately trying to mislead buyers — they get flagged because they don't know the specific rules for their product category.

Here are the six most common mistakes:

1. Repackaging in a plain box. You can use non-original packaging for "Very Good" and below. But for "Like New," the original box is required. This single mistake accounts for a massive share of condition complaints on Amazon.

2. Missing accessories. If the item originally shipped with cables, manuals, a remote, or any other accessory, all of those need to be included and present. Missing a single cable drops the product condition to "Very Good" at best.

3. Not disclosing cosmetic damage. Even minor scratches or scuffs on the packaging need to be mentioned in your condition description. A customer who purchases a "Like New" item and finds undisclosed damage will file a return claim.

4. Assuming "works fine" equals "Like New." The item being functional is the minimum for any used tier. "Like New" also requires perfect visual condition and original packaging. A product that works but shows wear belongs in "Very Good" or lower.

5. Not testing electronics. Listing a device as "Like New" without verifying every function is a risk. Test power, connectivity, buttons, ports, screens — everything. If something is wrong, you'll find out through a buyer complaint or A-to-Z claim.

6. Books with any marks. Highlighting, margin notes, underlining, dog-ears, or writing on any page disqualifies a book from "Like New." No exceptions.

Red flags that should make you downgrade a product condition: notes mentioning missing essential cables, items labeled as "repackaged," or any sign the product has been previously used beyond simple unboxing.

What happens when Amazon gets complaints:

Amazon follows a progressive enforcement process. First offense typically triggers a warning email. Repeated issues lead to listing suppression for the specific ASIN.

Continued problems escalate to account-level review, selling restrictions on used products, and potentially full account suspension. Your Account Health Rating takes a hit with each complaint — monitor this page in Seller Central and address issues immediately.

How to List a Used Like New Item on Amazon

Listing a used item correctly takes seven steps. Most sellers overthink this process — the real work is in the inspection and condition notes, not the listing itself.

1. Inspect the item against your category's guidelines. Check the product, packaging, accessories, manuals, and cables against the category-specific requirements above. Be honest about the product condition.

2. Go to Seller Central and select "Add a Product." Search by ASIN, UPC, or product name to find the existing listing page on Amazon.

3. Choose "Used - Like New" from the condition dropdown. Only select this if the item genuinely meets every requirement for the tier. When in doubt, downgrade to "Very Good." Underselling condition is always better than getting a complaint.

4. Write detailed condition notes. Describe exactly what the buyer will receive, including any minor packaging wear and what accessories are included. See the Condition Notes section below for templates.

5. Set your price using condition-tier strategy. Price above "Very Good" offers but competitively within the "Like New" tier. See the pricing section below for the full framework.

6. Choose your fulfillment method. FBA gives the Prime badge and a significant Buy Box advantage. Items fulfilled by Amazon also ship faster, which matters to customers buying used products. FBM gives more control but typically means lower conversion rates.

7. Verify the listing is active. Check your Account Health dashboard for any condition-related suppression flags. If the listing doesn't appear on the product page, Amazon may have flagged the item or condition.

How Amazon Warehouse Competes With Your Used Listings

Amazon Warehouse is Amazon's own division that resells returned, warehouse-damaged, and open box products on the platform. It operates as a seller — which means it competes directly with third-party sellers for the same customers buying used items.

What Is Amazon Resale?

Amazon Resale is the buyer-facing marketplace where customers shop for quality used, pre-owned, and open box products at a discount. Amazon Resale includes items sold through Amazon Warehouse as well as items listed by third-party sellers like you.

Any third party seller with used inventory is competing in this marketplace. When a buyer visits Amazon Resale looking for a deal on used products, your listings appear alongside Amazon's own inventory.

Amazon Resale offers a 30-day return policy and great deals on products that have been thoroughly tested. For sellers, understanding that your used items are displayed in the Amazon Resale marketplace is important — because your competition isn't just other third-party sellers. It's Amazon itself.

Why this matters for your sales:

Amazon Warehouse frequently wins the Buy Box on used listings because Amazon's algorithm favors its own inventory. When Amazon Warehouse wins the Buy Box, your PPC ads become inactive — only Buy Box owners can run sponsored ads.

Negative reviews on Amazon Warehouse listings also affect your product's review score because reviews are tied to the ASIN, not the seller who sold the item.

You're often competing against your own returned inventory. A customer buys your product, returns it, and Amazon Warehouse relists it as used — sometimes at a lower price than your listing.

What sellers can do:

Uncheck "Refurbishment" and "Liquidations" in Seller Central's value recovery options. Monitor your ASINs for Amazon Warehouse listings. Focus on accurate condition descriptions, strong seller feedback, and competitive pricing to protect your position.

Beating Amazon Warehouse on price alone is difficult — Amazon controls their pricing — so differentiation through quality and reliability matters more.

How to Price Used Like New Items (and Win the Buy Box)

The used Buy Box is separate from the new Buy Box on Amazon. A Used - Like New item competes against other used offers, not against new product listings. FBA used items have an advantage over FBM used items — same as with new products.

Here's a six-step pricing framework for used items:

1. Set minimum and maximum price floors first. Before you enable any repricer, define your floor and ceiling. The floor protects your margins. The ceiling prevents overpricing when competition drops out, which can trigger Amazon's fair pricing policy.

2. Price by condition tier, not across tiers. Like New items command a premium over Very Good. Don't price them the same. The product condition justifies a higher price, and buyers buying Like New are willing to pay more for better quality.

3. Account for FBA vs. FBM. FBA sellers can price slightly higher because of Prime eligibility and buyer trust. An FBM listing at the same price will almost always lose the Buy Box to an FBA offer that ships faster.

4. Adjust by sales rank. Items ranked under 100K: moderate repricing focused on winning the Buy Box. Items between 100K-1M: balance between sell-through speed and profit. Items over 1M: patient pricing — don't aggressively undercut because the market is thin and you can save margin by waiting.

5. Filter out low-quality competitors. Sellers with feedback ratings below 95% or accounts under 90 days oldoften engage in unsustainable pricing. Don't race to the bottom matching sellers who will be gone in a month.

6. Monitor and reprice consistently. Prices on used items shift faster than new because inventory is one-of-a-kind. Check your competitive position at least weekly to protect your margins and maintain Buy Box share.

The repricing reality for used items:

Manual repricing works if you have under 50 SKUs. Beyond that, it's not sustainable.

Rule-based repricing lets you set condition-specific rules — like pricing 5-10% below the lowest FBA offer in the same condition tier. Algorithmic repricing factors in seller metrics, Buy Box history, and competition density. It can win the Buy Box at higher prices by considering the full picture, not just who has the lowest price.

A repricing tool that understands condition-tier competition is essential for sellers with used inventory. Without one, you're either paying too much attention to pricing or not enough.

Condition Notes: How to Write Them for Used Like New Listings

Your condition notes are the first thing a buyer reads before deciding to purchase a used item on Amazon. Detailed, honest notes reduce returns, build your seller feedback score, and protect you in A-to-Z claim disputes.

What to include:

State what's included and present: "All original accessories, manual, and original packaging included."

Mention packaging condition: "Original box has minor shelf wear; product is unused and in perfect condition."

Amazon provides space for detailed descriptions of each used product to help customers understand exactly what they're buying — use it.

Category templates:

For books: "Pages are clean and unmarked. Spine is uncreased. Dust jacket intact with no tears."

For electronics: "All functions tested and working. Includes original charger, cable, and manual. Device shows no signs of wear."

For phones: "Factory reset. Battery health at 97%. All original accessories present."

What to avoid:

Don't leave condition notes blank — a customer who doesn't know what to expect is a customer who files a return.

Don't use generic copy-paste descriptions for every item — each product has different characteristics.

Don't exaggerate ("BRAND NEW!!!" on a used listing is wrong and sets expectations you can't meet).

Don't omit known defects, even minor ones — a buyer who finds undisclosed damage will leave negative feedback and may file a claim.

Why this matters: Many sellers on Amazon Resale skip condition notes entirely. That's your competitive advantage.

Customers report higher satisfaction when the item that arrived matches what the description promised. Buyers buying from sellers with detailed notes feel more confident about the purchase — and satisfied customers leave better feedback, file fewer returns, and buy from you again.

Used Like New Return Policy: What Sellers Need to Know

Amazon's return policy gives buyers a 30-day window to return used items for a full refund — the same policy that applies to new products sold on the platform. This applies whether the item was fulfilled by Amazon or shipped by the seller, though the return handling process differs.

For FBA items, Amazon handles returns automatically. For FBM items, you handle returns directly. When buying from third-party sellers, buyers are advised to check the specific return policy — so make sure yours is clear and competitive.

Warranty detail sellers should know: Used products sold on Amazon generally do not come with a manufacturer's warranty. The exception is some "Like New" Amazon-branded devices, which may retain limited coverage.

Make sure this is covered in your condition description — it reduces the risk of a return driven by warranty expectations that you can't fulfill.

If a buyer reports the item as "significantly different from what was described," that's grounds for an A-to-Z claim. Your condition notes are your first line of defense. Amazon looks at what you promised in the description and compares it to what the customer says they received.

How to reduce returns on used items:

Accurate condition grading is the best protection. Track return reasons in Seller Central — if you see "item not as described" patterns, your grading process needs work.

Check FBA return reports for buyer comments about why items were returned. This data tells you exactly where your condition assessments are going wrong.

Purchasing used products on Amazon can involve some risk — including receiving items from unreliable sellers — but buying from sellers with strong feedback, detailed condition descriptions, and clear return policies makes the purchase safe and reliable. That's the standard your listings need to meet.

The inventory of used items on Amazon changes frequently, so buyers are always looking for new listings — which means consistent demand for sellers who list accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Used Like New" mean on Amazon?

Amazon used like new means the item is in perfect working condition with original packaging intact. The only difference from a new product is that the original protective wrapping may have been removed.

All accessories, manuals, and instructions must be included and present. Minor shelf wear on the box is acceptable, but the product itself should have no scratches, dents, or cosmetic damage. Many customers buying from Amazon Resale find that Used Like New items arrived in near-perfect condition when they checked.

Is it safe to buy "Used Like New" from Amazon?

Buying "Used Like New" products from Amazon is generally safe, especially when you purchase from sellers with strong feedback ratings and detailed condition descriptions. Many customers buying used report that items arrived in perfect condition despite the "used" label.

If the seller is not Amazon, check their Seller Feedback rating — anything above 95% is a reliable sign. Amazon's 30-day return policy also protects buyers if the item doesn't match the description.

Can Used Like New items win the Buy Box?

Yes. Used and new items compete in separate Buy Boxes on Amazon. A "Used - Like New" offer competes against other used offers, not new listings.

FBA items have a significant advantage over FBM items for the used Buy Box. Beyond price, Amazon considers seller feedback, shipping speed, and order defect rate when awarding the Buy Box to used product listings.

What happens if I get a condition complaint on Amazon?

Amazon follows a progressive enforcement process. The first complaint usually triggers a warning email. Repeated complaints lead to listing suppression for the specific ASIN.

Continued issues escalate to an account review, selling restrictions on used products, and potentially full account suspension. Monitor your Account Health page and address complaints immediately — waiting makes it worse.

How do I list a Used Like New item on Amazon?

Search for the product in Seller Central using the ASIN or UPC. Select "Used - Like New" from the condition dropdown. Write detailed condition notes describing the item's physical condition, what accessories are present, and any minor packaging wear.

Set a competitive price within the Like New tier. Choose FBA or FBM fulfillment. Then verify the listing is displayed and active with no suppression flags on the product page.

What's the difference between Used Like New and Renewed on Amazon?

Amazon Renewed covers refurbished products that have been inspected, tested, and restored to working condition by a qualified supplier. Renewed products come with a 90-day replacement or refund guarantee.

Used Like New items are not refurbished — they're products in original condition where only the protective wrapping may be missing. Different program, different application process, different buyer expectations.

Can I sell customer returns as Used Like New?

Yes, but only if each individual item meets every "Like New" requirement after inspection. You must test and grade every return separately — don't guess that all returns are in the same condition.

Some will qualify as Like New. Others will be Very Good or lower based on their actual product condition. Listing a return as Like New without proper inspection is one of the most common mistakes that leads to condition complaints and potential account suspension on Amazon.

The quality of what arrives to the buyer is what matters, not what condition the item was in when you originally sold it.