second quality products(factory seconds)
I spoke with the manufacturer yesterday. They still have some products left that have manufacturing defects. It's a difficult product to produce, prone to errors, which leads to the emergence of second-quality items. Let me clarify what I mean by second quality: issues like color fading, scratches, or pattern misalignment—things that don't affect the function of the product at all, but are visually flawed.
Until now, I haven't been buying these second-quality items from the manufacturer, but they were taking a loss on them. I want to support my manufacturer.
A possible solution: create a new listing on Amazon specifically for these as second-quality items. I thought about adding them as a variation to the existing listing, but even if I clearly label them as second-quality in the description, there's still a risk that some customers might miss that and leave a 1-star review saying 'I saw this defect on the product'—which would be impossible to resolve. That 1-star review would stay there. So instead, I'm thinking of listing them under a different parent ASIN with new EANs. I did some research and found some listings done like this—links are below. The sellers have been selling second-quality products this way for a while, and their rating isn’t bad. Based on the reviews, customers seem to be aware they’re buying second-quality items.
Now my question is: Is this against Amazon’s Terms of Service? Is there any downside I might be missing? Should I list as new or used? they are new but with defects but when I list as new that means it is a product without any defects. they are not used but when I list as used that means it is a used product but they are not used.
my questions in summary: is it against amazon TOS and which condition should I list on amazon?
some factory seconds listings:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0924ZY7N9, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086BZXTXC, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY9Q69S2, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF7LDYK8, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082FSKD4W and there are many more
second quality products(factory seconds)
I spoke with the manufacturer yesterday. They still have some products left that have manufacturing defects. It's a difficult product to produce, prone to errors, which leads to the emergence of second-quality items. Let me clarify what I mean by second quality: issues like color fading, scratches, or pattern misalignment—things that don't affect the function of the product at all, but are visually flawed.
Until now, I haven't been buying these second-quality items from the manufacturer, but they were taking a loss on them. I want to support my manufacturer.
A possible solution: create a new listing on Amazon specifically for these as second-quality items. I thought about adding them as a variation to the existing listing, but even if I clearly label them as second-quality in the description, there's still a risk that some customers might miss that and leave a 1-star review saying 'I saw this defect on the product'—which would be impossible to resolve. That 1-star review would stay there. So instead, I'm thinking of listing them under a different parent ASIN with new EANs. I did some research and found some listings done like this—links are below. The sellers have been selling second-quality products this way for a while, and their rating isn’t bad. Based on the reviews, customers seem to be aware they’re buying second-quality items.
Now my question is: Is this against Amazon’s Terms of Service? Is there any downside I might be missing? Should I list as new or used? they are new but with defects but when I list as new that means it is a product without any defects. they are not used but when I list as used that means it is a used product but they are not used.
my questions in summary: is it against amazon TOS and which condition should I list on amazon?
some factory seconds listings:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0924ZY7N9, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086BZXTXC, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY9Q69S2, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF7LDYK8, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082FSKD4W and there are many more
1 reply
Spencer_Amazon
Hello @Seller_T6PSDSRD0yacy,
Yes, you can. Even if the products are technically "new" but damaged, Amazon's policy requires you to list them as "Used" with the appropriate condition description. This is because Amazon considers any product with damage, even if it's never been used, to fall under their "Used" categories.
Here's how you should list them:
- Used - Like New" - For minimal damage (e.g., slightly damaged packaging but product perfect)
- Used - Very Good" - For minor imperfections
- Used - Good" - For moderate damage
- Used - Acceptable" - For more significant damage but still functional items
Important note: Listing damaged items as "New" can:
- Violate Amazon's policies
- Lead to account suspensions
- Result in negative customer feedback
- Trigger A-to-Z guarantee claims
Always be transparent in your condition notes about:
- The type of damage
- Whether it's just the packaging or the product itself
- If it affects functionality
- That it's never been used (you can specify this in the condition notes)
This protects both you and your customers while staying compliant with Amazon's policies.
Here is an article for you: Selling Used Products on Amazon
I hope this helps.
Regards, Spencer
