Buying Amazon Returns Online with Amazon Warehouse!

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Six Ways To Save on Amazon:

  1. Amazon Warehouse: Quality pre-owned, used, and open box items
  2. Amazon Renewed: Refurbished electronics
  3. Amazon Outlet: Up to 50% off overstock deals
  4. Amazon Bulk Liquidations: Great deals on pallets of overstock
  5. Amazon Daily Deals: Discounted selections change daily
  6. Amazon Clearance: Must be manually searched. Different keywords (i.e. Clearance, Clearance Sale, Clearance Items) pull different results!

Now that you’ve aced the art of snagging designer deals using Amazon Lens, it’s time for another savvy shopping secret – Amazon Warehouse!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered what happens to those products that make their way back to Amazon for various reasons. Do they rot in some forgotten corner?

Far from it! They make their way over to the Amazon Warehouse, where bargain hunters like us get a chance to scoop up some incredible open box bargains. And the best part is RETURNS ARE FREE!

Now, I know what you might be wondering. Is it really worth buying Amazon returns? Can I trust that these pre-loved, open-box products will live up to my expectations?

I’m about to spill the tea on all things Amazon Warehouse, sharing my own firsthand experience along the way!

Amazon Warehouse: An Overview

If you love great deals let me introduce you to a truly hard-to-find hidden gem – Amazon Warehouse. This unique section of the online retail giant specializes in offering “like-new, open-box, or pre-owned” items that its previous owners have returned.

These items don’t simply rejoin the inventory; they undergo a meticulous inspection, get graded, and then receive significantly discounted price tags, so you can rest assured you are getting a quality item.

And the best part? If it doesn’t work out, you can still return it!

From baskets and rugs to anything home decor, Amazon Warehouse has so many categories. Whether you’re upgrading your tech game with the latest electronics, refining your style with clothing finds, or optimizing your kitchen with top-notch appliances – they truly do have it all. 

And you can expect full transparency about the item condition as well. Right on the product listing, you’ll find four distinct condition categories for used items: “Like New,” “Very Good,” “Good,” and “Acceptable.” It’s a straightforward guide that ensures you know exactly what to expect when adding to your cart. 

Keep in mind that the availability of used items, as well as the pricing, in Amazon Warehouse can vary. Oftentimes the items I’m eyeing only have one or two in stock, so it’s worth checking back regularly.

My Amazon Warehouse Deals Review

braid handle basket

I recently made a purchase from the open box section, grabbing two of these same baskets. When they arrived, it was glaringly apparent that the water hyacinth material used on one of them had a significantly different color tone.

It’s important to note that neither basket was at fault here. After all, we’re dealing with a natural material, and a touch of variation is par for the course.

But, since I intend to use these baskets side by side under my bathroom vanity, I decided to initiate a return and give it another shot. The next basket to arrive was a close match!

Update: I’ve purchased a TON of open box items are this point and am thrilled with the discounts and quality I received. I scored an adorable rug for just $14 and a lamp that was originally $100 for just $25!!

Not interested in doing the search? Check out my list of all the best Amazon Open Box finds.

Buying Used From Amazon: A Complete Guide

When shopping for used products on Amazon Warehouse, there is a bit of a learning curve.

Let me walk you through all the steps, from how the heck you find this section, assessing the condition and important details, all the way to making your purchase and/or return. 

QUICK TIPS:

  • Use the top search bar that says “search in amazon warehouse” to type in exactly what you’re looking for (8×10 rug, baskets, etc). Browsing by category is a bit clunky.
  • Don’t select any auto-text results– for example if you start typing 8×10 you may see it suggest 8×10 rugs in text below. Clicking that will kick you out of the outlet ??
  • After searching, ignore the items that say “sponsored”– it won’t be an outlet deal.
  • Look for “save with used”– the prices will NOT be big and blue like we are used to, but smaller. If no prices are listed, still click the product. For some reason the price is sometimes blank. 
  • It’s easy to get kicked out of the Amazon outlet, so when you want to run a new search, press the back button until you see “search in Amazon warehouse” again. 

Finding The Warehouse

Finding the Amazon Warehouse is not the most intuitive, but if you click here you’ll be redirected to all the open box categories. 

Another way to find used options while you’re doing your usual product perusing is to keep an eye out for open box deals from the main product page.

If there happens to be an open box item available, you’ll spot a “Save with Used” checkout alternative. It’s typically right under the standard “Buy New” option, near the yellow “Add to Cart” button.

However, checking each product individually to see if there’s an open box version is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. To narrow the search for you, I’ve put together a list of some of the best Amazon Open Box deals.

Below I will outline the steps to finding these open box deals on both your desktop and the mobile app.

Locating Amazon Warehouse on Desktop

The easiest way to find used like new products in Amazon Warehouse on your computer is to click the little gray box that says “All” to the left of the Amazon search bar.

Next, scroll down until you find the category “Amazon Warehouse” then click. From there you’ll see pages upon pages of used items.

amazon warehouse desktop
Amazon and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

If you want to narrow down your search results to a specific item, add that detail to the search bar and hit the magnifying glass. 

locating amazon warehouse on desktop
Amazon and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Locating Amazon Warehouse on App

To find the Amazon Warehouse (and Amazon Outlet) from the App, click on the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner of the screen.

find amazon warehouse on app
Amazon and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

From there, select “Deals & Savings.” Scroll down until you see Amazon Warehouse and click.

Amazon warehouse on app
Amazon and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

If you want to narrow down your search results to a specific item, add that detail to the search bar at the bottom.

Product Conditions and Grades

Before you dive into your Amazon Warehouse treasure hunt, let’s chat about something super important: checking the grade and condition of the item.

Amazon Warehouse uses a rigorous 20-point quality process that every used product has to pass through. We’re talking functionality, physical condition, and ensuring all the accessories are present and accounted for.

The result? Items that are in tip-top shape, performing like they just rolled off the assembly line but for a discount.

Anything that doesn’t quite make the grade might go back to the manufacturer for a little TLC, find new homes through liquidation, or, in some cases, disposed of.

So how do you know what quality each item is? Amazon Warehouse uses a grading system to classify the different conditions of each item. The grading system ranges from “Used – Like New,” the A-listers, to “Used – Acceptable,” still sellable but with a bit more character. 

Here is the grading criteria for each category, as outlined on the Amazon website, which will give you a quick understanding of the product condition: 

ConditionDescription
Used – Like NewAn item in perfect working condition, with minor packaging damage. It fully functions, and all essential accessories are included.
Used – Very GoodAn item in great shape, possibly lightly used, with minor damage. Packaging may be damaged or repackaged, and some minor accessories might be missing, as detailed in the item description.
Used – GoodAn item in good condition with moderate use wear, possibly minor cosmetic damage like small scratches. Packaging may be damaged or repackaged. It could lack some valuable accessories, which must be purchased separately.
Used – AcceptableAn item with clear signs of usage but still functional, showing cosmetic imperfections such as scratches, dents, or worn corners. Packaging may be damaged or repackaged. Some valuable accessories or spare parts may be missing.
RenewedA product inspected and tested to work and look like new by an Amazon-qualified supplier. Minimal to no signs of wear, no visible cosmetic imperfections from a distance, and may arrive in a brown or white box with relevant accessories (generic exceptions mentioned on the product detail page). Includes the Amazon Renewed Guarantee for replacement or refund within 90 days if it doesn’t work as expected.

Finding Product Grades

Right under the regular “Buy New” option, keep your eyes peeled for the “Save with Used” checkout choice. There, you’ll spot a hyphen followed by a grade classification.

Scroll down a bit more, and you’ll see some detailed comments about the condition. To activate these helpful insights, click that “Save with Used” radio button. 

Amazon warehouse used like new
Amazon and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Take the example above: You spot a product with a “Used – Like New” grade. Exciting, right? The comments confirm the good news, saying the item “looks and functions as if it were new” and will arrive in its original packaging. So, you can expect perfect condition and no missing parts. 

Making a Purchase

Once you’ve spotted that perfect “Used – Like New” Amazon Warehouse gem that ticks all your boxes and verified its condition and details, it’s time to seal the deal. Just click the good ol’ “Add to Cart” button, and you’re on your way to checkout, just like any other Amazon purchase.

Here’s the cherry on top: if you’re a Prime member, you’re in luck! Many items come with the same sweet free shipping perk you’re used to.

Advantage of Amazon Warehouse Deals

When it comes to online shopping, Amazon is a go-to for many folks. However, not everyone knows about Amazon Warehouse deals program, which is Amazon’s in-house distributor of like-new, open-box, and used items. Here’s why it’s worth checking out:

  1. Steep Discounts: Picture snagging a brand new product returned by another Amazon shopper and saving a significant amount of money. These deep discounts can be pretty juicy and often reflect the product’s condition or packaging, so you can score big on great quality and price.
  2. High-Quality Products: Don’t be fooled by the “used” tag. Many Amazon Warehouse items are still in tip-top shape. Each product is thoughtfully graded, ensuring you receive a high-quality item in good working order that meets your expectations.
  3. Wide Selection: Whether you’re hunting for electronics, stylish threads, or home essentials, Amazon Warehouse has a wide range of products at a discount. It’s not just Amazon’s goodies; you can also stumble upon third-party sellers too.
  4. Easy Returns: If your Amazon Warehouse find doesn’t quite hit the mark, returning it is a breeze. Amazon boasts a generous return policy, and they’re usually lightning-fast with processing returns. Amazon Prime members? Yep, you guessed it—free returns!
  5. Environmental Benefits: Your shopping choices can actually do some good for Mother Earth. When you opt for used or open-box items from Amazon Warehouse, you’re helping reduce waste and conserve resources. 

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Now, let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Limited Availability: The Amazon Warehouse inventory is a bit like a revolving door—it’s always changing. So, that dream item you’ve got your eye on might not be available when you’re ready to hit that “Buy Now” button. Also, the selection won’t be as diverse as what you’d find in the regular Amazon store.
  2. Warehouse Pricing Changes: Prices on Amazon can be as unpredictable as the weather (well, almost). This goes for Amazon Warehouse items too. If you spot an amazing deal on a used item, don’t hesitate.
  3. Condition of the Product: While Amazon Warehouse products aim to deliver items in tip-top shape, there’s a teeny-tiny chance that a product might not quite meet your expectations. To avoid any surprises, take a close look at the product grade and read the condition report provided to ensure the quality matches your expectations. For instance, an item with missing accessories that are not easily replaced could be a deal killer.

Additional Tips for a Successful Purchase

If you’re planning to buy something from Amazon Warehouse Deals, the best thing you can do is be informed. Here are some tips to help ensure a successful purchase:

  1. Compare Prices: While Amazon Warehouse Deals can be a goldmine for discounts, it’s always a smart move to do a quick price comparison with other sellers to confirm you’re getting the best deal. 
  2. Consider the Seller’s Feedback: When buying from third-party Amazon-qualified suppliers and sellers on Amazon Warehouse Deals, not all Amazon sellers are cut from the same cloth. Give that seller’s feedback a thorough check. A high rating and positive reviews are your green light to a smooth transaction.
  3. Be Prepared for Packaging Differences: Don’t be caught off guard if your Amazon Warehouse Deals item arrives in a slightly different package or if the shipping box shows some wear and tear. It’s all part of the deal.

Is Amazon Warehouse worth it?

For me, definitely!! I’ve purchased a TON of open box items are this point and am thrilled with the discounts and quality I received. I scored an adorable rug for just $14 and a lamp that was originally $100 for just $25!!

Since there are free returns, I really don’t see much of a downside to shopping their open box products. If the item doesn’t quite live up to my expectations, I can either try again with another open box item (since conditions will vary) or just give it a good ol’ fashion return.

It’s truly a win-win situation: you get to explore fantastic deals risk-free while saving tons of your hard earned cash. 

Want to find outlets near you? Click here!

I am an independent blogger and I am not affiliated with any company. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely my own and based on my personal experiences and research. Information is subject to change.

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