What Does ‘Renewed‘ Mean on Amazon? It‘s Refurbished, Retested and Backed by Amazon
The term "Renewed" on Amazon refers to refurbished products that have gone through a rigorous inspection and testing process by Amazon-qualified suppliers. Amazon Renewed items have been professionally restored to like-new working condition so buyers can purchase pre-owned devices at significant discounts.
As an experienced Amazon seller, I‘ve done extensive research into what exactly "Renewed" means and represents for both buyers and sellers. Here‘s a detailed explainer on Amazon‘s Renewed program, who it benefits, and tips for managing renewed inventory.
Overview of Amazon‘s Renewed Program
The Amazon Renewed program applies to pre-owned, refurbished technology products like phones, laptops, cameras, speakers and more. Here‘s an overview of key things sellers need to know:
Products are inspected, tested, cleaned and repaired to meet stringent performance standards. Devices must work and look like new.
Renewed items are backed by a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee as well as warranties from suppliers. This provides confidence in product quality.
Amazon repackages the renewed products – often in generic Amazon boxes rather than original retail packaging. Accessories are included.
Customers can purchase renewed devices at discounts typically 20-50% below new product pricing, depending on the category.
Inventory depends on trade-ins and supply. The selection is limited to products Amazon is able to authenticate to meet program criteria.
The Amazon Renewed program is different than just buying any random refurbished product. As a seller, I appreciate that Amazon vets products more rigorously and provides a guarantee to give customers peace of mind.
Now let‘s dive deeper into the renewed process and what makes this program unique.
How the Amazon Renewed Refurbishment Process Works
Amazon takes care to thoroughly inspect, test and repair pre-owned devices before approving them as Renewed inventory. Products go through multiple steps:
1. Inspection – Each device is examined for physical defects and tested to confirm core functionality works.
2. Data wiping – All previous user data is completely erased from products like phones, laptops and tablets. Devices are restored to factory settings.
3. Repair – If any damaged or defective parts are identified, they are replaced by manufacturer equivalent components to meet specifications.
4. Cleaning – Gadgets are deep cleaned to give a like-new appearance, with no visible scratches or blemishes from over 1 foot away.
5. Testing – Renewed items undergo full diagnostic testing to verify all features and technology work perfectly. Batteries are replaced.
6. Re-packaging – Products are repackaged in Amazon‘s white Renewed boxes with all accessories, manuals and parts included.
7. Warranty – Devices get a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee. Optional 1-2 year extended warranty programs are also available.
8. Final approval – Renewed products must pass a final quality control check by Amazon or the qualified vendor to be listed for sale.
This extensive refurbishment process goes far beyond a typical used product resale scenario. Amazon sets a high bar for renewing pre-owned inventory while giving visibility into the process.
Used vs Refurbished vs Renewed on Amazon
It‘s important to understand the key differences when you see used, refurbished and renewed products on Amazon:
Used – Pre-owned items resold by an individual seller, usually with light inspection. Varies greatly in condition. No warranty. Highly risky.
Refurbished – Pre-owned products resold by a third-party seller after inspection, cleaning and repair. Warranty varies by seller. Moderate risk.
Renewed – Refurbished products resold directly by Amazon after extensive vetting, repairs, cleaning and testing. 90-day Amazon warranty. Lowest risk option.
As you can see, the Amazon Renewed program brings together the benefits of refurbishing used products with Amazon‘s backing to offer the best value for tech purchases. The peace of mind for buyers is also great for sellers.
The Benefits of Selling Renewed Products
As a marketplace seller, participating in the Amazon Renewed program provides many advantages:
Higher margins – Renewed items can be purchased at lower cost from trade-ins yet sold for higher value.
Expanded selection – Complements your inventory of new products. Offer both new and discounted renewed options.
Lower return rates – Amazon Renewed products see about a 5-10% return rate, lower than new items.
Improved sales velocity – Renewed devices sell 2.5x faster than new thanks to discounted pricing.
Amazon Prime eligibility – Many renewed products can be enrolled in Prime to boost visibility.
Environmental upside – Gives used gadgets a second life and diverts e-waste.
Clearly the benefits are compelling. Sellers have found offering Amazon Renewed inventory to be highly lucrative. It‘s an attractive product line I recommend adding.
Tips for Selling Amazon Renewed Items
If you decide to add renewed devices to your Amazon selection, here are some best practices:
Focus on renewing popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose. Customers look for discounts on premium names.
Emphasize Amazon‘s guarantee, warranty and return policy to gain buyer trust.
Inspect each product thoroughly yourself before sending for renewal to limit rejection.
Send high volume of trade-ins to improve chances of getting devices approved.
List at 20-30% under new product pricing to move inventory. Go higher for rare/limited supply items.
Advertise in product titles and descriptions that items have been rigorously renewed by Amazon.
Offer 1-2 year extended warranty programs as a value-add.
Following these tips will ensure your Amazon Renewed program is successful and profitable.
Top Renewed Products to Focus On
While Amazon renews a wide range of electronics, some categories tend to have the highest demand and offer sellers the deepest profit potential:
Cell Phones
Refurbished iPhones and Samsung models are wildly popular renewed bestsellers. Customers clamor for discounts up to 40% off the new latest generation devices. Supply is limited for newest releases.
Laptops
Renewed MacBooks, HP and Dell laptops are sought after, often selling out quickly. Buyers can save $150-$400 going renewed over new. Focus on flagship lines like MacBook Pro, HP Spectre, Dell XPS.
Tablets
Tablets like iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs are in high demand renewed since they see light use. Expect savings of 30-50% vs. buying new. The iPad Air and iPad Pro sell best.
Smartwatches
Gently used smartwatches from Apple, Fitbit and Garmin are perfect for Amazon renewal. New batteries and bands make them like new. Discounts of $50+ over buying new.
Bluetooth Speakers
Big savings finding renewed Bluetooth speakers like Amazon Echo, Bose SoundLink and Sonos One that work and look new after refurbishing. 25-40% under new retail price.
Focusing your Amazon Renewed strategy around the hottest tech products will maximize sales and profit potential. The above categories are a great place to start.
Pros and Cons of Amazon Renewed for Buyers
From a buyer standpoint, are the benefits of scoring big discounts on Amazon Renewed products worth considering used and refurbished devices? Let‘s weigh some of the key pros and cons:
Pros
- Cost savings of 20-50% off brand new retail pricing
- Rigorous inspection, repairs, cleaning and testing by pros
- 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee provides peace of mind
- Easy, free returns just like new products
- High-demand products often in limited supply
- Preserves usable electronics and reduces e-waste
Cons
- No original packaging or manuals
- Limited availability of latest models
- Shorter warranty period than new versions
- Cannot inspect exact item condition beforehand
- Potential for some minor cosmetic defects
Overwhelmingly, the advantages of deeply discounted pricing on pre-owned devices that function like new outweigh the downsides for most buyers. The Amazon Renewed program makes the decision easy.
The Verdict: Amazon Renewed Provides Great Value
Given the extensive refurbishing process, discounts available, Amazon warranty and easy returns, purchasing renewed tech products makes sense for many savvy shoppers.
The ability to save 20-50% off retail prices on high-end phones, tablets, speakers and other electronics is extremely enticing. While supply of the newest models can be limited, buying slightly older releases renewed is a smart money-saving strategy.
For sellers, offering renewed inventory creates new profit potential and the advantage of selling hot items already vetted and backed by Amazon. Expanding into the Amazon Renewed program with popular gadgets can significantly boost sales.
Overall, Amazon Renewed gives pre-owned electronics a second life while giving customers great value. For both buyers and sellers, it‘s a win-win.
