I recently made a purchase on Amazon Warehouse Deals. And, despite the fact that I have now made several purchases at Amazon Warehouse Deals over the years, I still wondered if I would get what I was expecting.
As in, no flaws, and a brand new product despite the condition being described as “Used, Like New”.
I figured since I was wondering, my readers might be interested too. What does Amazon used like new mean?
What is Amazon Warehouse Deals?
Amazon sells millions of like-new, open-box, and pre-owned items that have been returned. These items will always have a good discount on them.
I did not realize this in the past, but Amazon Warehouse Deals is considered its own seller on Amazon, and the rules applying to purchases may be different than other Amazon sellers.
You will definitely want to read the warehouse deal rules carefully to make sure you understand what you are getting.
You can find some great deals on items that are in brand new condition, but be aware of what the different conditions mean.
Amazon open box or used like new is most likely an item which has been returned, and has damaged packaging only, meaning the item itself is in perfect shape.
While there may be other cases, this seems to be the most common one. Once an item has damaged packaging Amazon will not sell it as “new” even if the item inside is completely brand new and unused.
For this reason you can usually trust that you will get a new product when you purchase a “used like new” condition item from Amazon Warehouse Deals. I have heard of mistakes being made, but in general it should be a new product that has been repackaged after a return.
I’ve gotten some great deals on used, like new items on from Amazon warehouse but I have not bought any products in the lower conditions.
And, while I have heard of people getting new items even when listed in other conditions, I would take their descriptions to heart and consider you will be getting a gently used product for listings other than “used, like new”.
Here are some of the categories where you can find an Amazon Warehouse deal:
Electronics including TVs, Amazon devices, laptops, cameras, phones.
Home and Kitchen with open box furniture, bath, kitchen, and garden items.
Baby items like strollers, car seats, diapers, feeding supplies. This is the section where I have made most of my purchases. The most recent being a great high end, brand new stroller at a much lower cost.
There’s not much to lose in trying a purchase if you have Amazon Prime, because you can get Prime benefits on these purchases including free returns.
Various listing conditions of Amazon Warehouse Deals:
Used – Like New
A “like new” item sold on Amazon Warehouse is in perfect condition, however, due to the condition of the packaging, it does not meet Amazon.com standards for new product. Returned items with minor packaging defects are classified as “Used-Like New.”
Used – Very Good
If an item has cosmetic damage or blemishes, shows slight signs of use, has minor accessories missing, or the packaging has been replaced to better protect the item, we will assign the condition of “very good.”
Used – Good
If an item has large cosmetic damage or blemishes and/or missing accessories, we will assign the condition of “good.” It’s possible the packaging has been replaced to better protect the item.
Used – Acceptable
If an item shows signs of wear including scratches, dents, and other aesthetic problems, we will assign the condition of “acceptable.” It’s possible the packaging has been replaced to better protect the item, manuals may be missing, and the item may contain third-party attachments.
My Experience with Amazon Warehouse Deals
I have ordered several items this way. Every item I have received has been brand new and in perfect condition.
The only time I had an issue was with one purchase of a high chair. The tray did not slide smoothly despite the chair appearing brand new (it still had labeling stickers on it and was not used).
My guess is that someone returned it due the tray issue, and Amazon did not realize it had any flaws and considered it used like new.
I am guessing the tray issue was a manufacturer issue, so it was still considered a new item just open box.
I ended up returning the high chair because I was worried about the sticking tray and it was easy. I just printed my return label and arranged for UPS to pick it up since it was a large item.
This was all free for me with my Prime membership. So, even though that purchase did not work out, there is really nothing to lose when trying to score an item this way.
How to search for open box items on Amazon
- When you are shopping on Amazon and you are ready to purchase an item look at the price and notice the option for “Available at a lower price from other sellers, potentially without free Prime shipping.”
- Click on the “other sellers” link and this will take you to other options.
- If an Warehouse Deal is available it will show up here and you can select it. You will be able to tell if it has Prime shipping available.
- You will see the “Open Box – Like New” option or other description for other options.
- Another way to search Amazon Warehouse Deals is to go to the store front and do a search for whatever you are interested in.
Give Amazon Warehouse Deals a try here!
Amazon has an A to Z guarantee and this covers all purchases on Amazon
We want you to buy with confidence anytime you make a purchase on the Amazon.com website or use Amazon Pay; that’s why we guarantee purchases from third-party sellers when payment is made via the Amazon.com website or when you use Amazon Pay for qualified purchases on third-party websites. The condition of the item you buy and its timely delivery are guaranteed under the Amazon A-to-z Guarantee.
What does renewed mean on Amazon?
In addition to the warehouse deals, Amazon has a couple of other ways to get lower prices on items.
The first one is Amazon Renewed which sells like new refurbished products. These are pre-owned items which look new and have been inspected and tested. They come with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
You can find smartphones, laptops, desktops, tablets, appliances, gaming items and office supplies here.
Amazon Outlet
Amazon also has an outlet. These are not open box or returned items, but overstock items that are marked down.
This is another place to score great prices. Amazon Outlet has categories like under $10, best sellers, beauty, clothing, home, electronics, etc.
You can find pretty much anything you are looking for in the outlet at a marked down price and these are brand new items.
Conclusion
Between the A to Z guarantee and Prime membership benefits with free returns for 30 days, there is not much risk to making a purchase via Amazon Warehouse Deals.
I love finding a good deal and with all the incredible discounted items, I always check them when making purchases to see if I can find my purchase for less. If I see a product labeled Amazon used like new I know I have a good chance of getting a brand new product at a great markdown.
Amazon Renewed and Amazon Outlet are two other ways to find great deals on Amazon as well.
Please let me know if you have any questions about buying items this way at all!
Hi thank you for write good tips.i have some question. I live in South Korea.i want to buy a laptop.seller is Amazon Warehouse deal. It is used-like new item.it doesnt ship to Korea. So i should ship to shipping agency in California.But i heard Amazon doesnt refund when ship to agency. So if it has problem after i got. I cannot refund..so i dont know that i should believe Amazon Warehouse Deal or not.can you reply through E mail? qoduddml0819@gmail.com
How long does it take to ship? I ordered a like new stroller and I believe it still hasn’t shipped but they already charged my card, so I’m a little worried about the order.
Hi, when you ordered it you definitely should have gotten the shipping information. Was it with Prime? Amazon Warehouse Deals is legit but if it’s from another seller I am not as sure. You can always contact Amazon if you have concerns, they are usually pretty easy to work with.
Is the full manufacturer’s warranty honored for products sold as Amazon “used-like new’???
Amazon notes that some used products may not be covered by the original warranty. I believe it is a case by case basis. The items I have bought “used-like new” which were baby items such as a stroller were covered. Make sure you read the fine print on the listing and use Prime so you can always return if needed.
I ordered a “used – like new” center channel speaker on amazon that only listed packaging damaged. However when I received it the item had obvious scratches on the cabinet, more like their “acceptable” or at best “good” rating not “like new” at all!
So I submitted it for return and replacement, and am hoping the second one they ship out is truly in “like new” condition this time. I then have to ship back the original item with their paid for shipping label within 30days.
Hi, sorry to hear this. Hopefully with the return and the new product does show up “like new”. I am sure items slip through the cracks sometimes. Let us know how it turns out.
I just bought a TV with Like New. Hoping for the best. It was a $75 savings. Should be here today.
Good luck! I hope it is in perfect condition for you.
Issue I see is it seems nobody at Amazon Warehouseinspects the items. I just bought a box of 4 Like New LED bulbs – 2 of them were badly damaged. I also just bought a Like New smart lock and it was used, activated by someone and not reset which turned into a hassle having to deal with manufacturer to reset it from their end. Then at times I get Used Acceptable or Good items and they are pretty much brand new. There is no quality control or inspection whatsoever.
Hi Steve, I have not had that experience at all but thanks for letting us know. I wonder if quality control has gone down a bit since the last time I purchased something. I guess it is somewhat of a gamble but at least you can return the items if it not what you expected.
Amazon i sending laesservalue item.. I just got off of a 6 hour chjatnwithnthe customer service.. She would not send me the level of product i ordered; I ordered like new and she sent me refurbished items. Read the description for like new only the packaging should hace minor use/scratches. She would notmgoive me a like new level item that I paid for. They are initially sending complertely broken items that do not work. or snapped in half when you purchase a like new. They you return it they blame shipping and get money back and they gove you a used item. She kept telling me that swhat i ordered a used item if i didnt want used I should be shopping new. mHistoryu I have been redoing my apartment this while time of COVID. EVERYHTIGN new. Amazing the only place that was really shipping. Last 2 months I have spent arounmd 20k on amazon and they stealmmy pennies produict by producr. . scapping the bottom . And I want to save a few dollers here and there. So i thought finidjing a deal is so worth it. SHe told me not to shop there; would never agreeto send m,e my item as i ordered it. She would meisell words and tryt to confuse me but I noticed eeverytime., This isthe 10th warehouse item that i have recived that was completely snapped or does not turn on. Not usable in any way typoe of condition. and supposed to be like new they warehouse people put the amazon labels on the brisket pieces to holdit together during shipments., Well guys there the shipped m,e the proof that you are sealing penny by penny from a really good customer. Its sad that we can be treated this way and stolen from. I get around 10 packages a day so do the math to have around 10- completely broken. They never expect anyone to shop as much as i have been because the first time it happens you son;t even investigate,, you immediate blame shipping. Buyt he 5th 6th time and you realize its only frommthe warehouse whaen you order like new you start connect dots./ Sorry for the typos imn toired.
Recently found two great deals on Amazon Warehouse: 1) vacuum cleaner advertised as “large cosmetic damage but working fine and repackaged” for half price (vacuum looked brand new) and 2) hydraulic rowing machine “used–very good condition” with $32 off original price and an additional $32 off marked as “gift card” from Amazon??? at checkout (I had no gift card to use). I still don’t understand why another $32 was taken off, but I’m very thankful to the Lord.
That’s great! I hope they are in good condition.
Hi, just a perspective from someone that actually works at Amazon for the past 5 years and 6 locations. AWD only inspects for noticeable cosmetic damage to the packaging and product. If the item is so obviously damaged that it can not be resold (completely crushed, water damage, opened food or personal care item like shampoo), then it will be sent off to be destroyed. If the item is still useable, then it is approved, given a unique LPN barcode, and relisted under the specified sellable condition. But if the item is electronic, the inspection does not include powering it on. Even in like new condition the electronics may not work, and because the item was not new at the time of purchase it may void the manufacturer warranty. The inspection is literally opening the box, make sure all the pieces are there based on what is displayed on the product page, no obvious damaged, tape or bag shut, and takes about a minute. So yeah, that sticky tray, they’ll never notice something like that.
That said, an AWD product can accumulate more damage after inspection, and employees are taught to not question it. It is not improbable for a disgruntled worker (and there are many in the warehouses) to purposefully inflict more damage as these items are easily identifiable with a “Warehouse Deals” sticker and LPN barcode. Its playing a bit of chance for what…15% discount.
Thanks so much for this insight! This is so helpful. I was actually looking at a camera lens yesterday in the like new condition and decided not to chance it and go for new because it wasn’t much of a price difference. I will probably update this post with this information. Thank you!
Interesting reading
I have been looking for a great deal for a specific Stereo Receiver for long time now! I check Google at least 3-5 times a week. I noticed just tonight that Amazon had the exact model I want from Amazon warehouse deals that said Used – Very good – packaging was damaged, item will be repackaged. I’m a little disappointed at this because this particular stereo receiver has all sorts of technical writings and specifications on the box. But my main question is, will it include all of the original accessories and inserts, pamphlets, manuals that the original came with?
Thanks for the post! Stumbled upon it when researching Amazon warehouse conditions.
Hi, so it should include those items but definitely cannot be promised. I have only ordered items labeled like new and have had those items included. I don’t think there is any way to know for sure if they will be included though. You could give it a try because you are able to return warehouse deals. There is also a comment from someone who works for Amazon which includes a little more info about the process. Good luck!
I have purchased several items from AWD in Used – Like New Condition where the packaging was damaged or it came repackaged. Items were always brand new and it was a good deal to save some $$. I am currently looking at a small kitchen appliance that has listed Used – Acceptable with small and large cosmetic imperfections. Cosmetic imperfections do not bother me much, but this is Amazon;s lowest rating and the price is 42% lower than new. so its quite significant, but I am scared to do purchase. Would be helpful if they include a photo in such cases so buyer could evaluate.
Hi Oscar,
Good to know your used like new products have been new. That has been my experience too! I have not tried the lowest rating of used – acceptable so it’s hard to say what you will get. If you do try it out please let us know! I would think even if it comes worse than you hoped you could return it. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing. I found this lost when searching for their policy with “like new” products. I purchased a planner from Warehouse listed as “like new,” but it was in terrible condition- the cover was bent and banged up, and the cover and inside pages were warped and discolored from water damage. The planner was inside a sealed plastic bag with an “inspected” sticker on it, so it was shipped in this condition. Very disappointed.
I ordered a Used-Very Good – OnePlus 8 Pro cell phone, the notes said the box was damaged. What I received was a broken phone – front and back glass shattered. Not the right phone either – it is a OnePlus, but not the 8 Pro. Old yellowed use case with plenty of fingerprints also included. I called Amazon and even though the person I spoke with could not understand what I was telling her and repeat it back to me, she said to send it back… I have serious doubts about their Warehouse program now and they gave me a really bad feeling when I called. If I dont get a full refund I am cancelling Prime and everyting Amazon.
Hi John, if you do not get a refund try using the Amazon chat function. I have found that very helpful for getting refunds when needed.
i usually have good luck with amazon warehouse deals. last time not so lucky. bough a used very good tankless water heater. had it installed by plumber and the control board was bad. amazon didn’t really remedy the problem too well they only gave me 20 percent off which barely covered the part. i still had to pay the labor side to install the part.
Hi, thanks for letting us know. It definitely can be hit or miss.
I use Amazon Warehouse regularly and with quality I have had no problems. The caution I would say is this, you may not get the quantity you think and therefore the price is not the deal you think it is. For example, I wanted to purchase a lamp set that included 2 lamps. I was linked to the same item/description in like new condition. It was half the price. When I received the shipment it contained only 1 lamp. Not a deal after all. Another time this happened was when I purchased cabinet knobs. The price was 20% lower. As it turned out it had 15% less knobs in it. Still a deal but not that much and if I needed those additional knobs I would have had a problem. For this I ALWAYS make sure whatever I purchase through the Warehouse has free returns. All other times I have purchased this way it has been a wonderful savings. Just be aware.
Hi Erin,
Thanks for letting us know! It’s definitely helpful to hear first hand experience using Amazon Warehouse. I do agree to always make sure there are free returns when making a purchase from them.
Thanks for the read, Jennifer. I’m looking at a sewing machine that will net me a full $200 off list price. “Some cosmetic damage to accessories” gives me pause, but nearly half off the list price is hard to ignore.