Amazon Condition Guidelines – Most Sellers Get This Wrong

For the sake of discussion let us say we have a brand new item that has damage to the packaging and the plastic wrap is coming off. The item itself is untouched and the package is still factory sealed. What is the condition that this item can be listed in per Amazon’s condition guidelines? New? Like New? Very Good? Good? Acceptable?

The vast majority of the sellers I know will get this wrong, including long-term sellers. Most sellers will say, “New” or “Like New” would be the proper condition for such an item. The answer is neither of those and Amazon is very clear on this, but this is only clear to you if you know Amazon’s actual condition guidelines. Here is what Amazon states as their condition guidelines:

New: Just like it sounds. A brand-new, unused, unopened item in its original packaging, with all original packaging materials included. Original protective wrapping, if any, is intact. Original manufacturer’s warranty, if any, still applies, with warranty details included in the listing comments.
Used – Like New: An apparently untouched item in perfect condition. Original protective wrapping may be missing, but the original packaging is intact and pristine. There are absolutely no signs of wear on the item or its packaging. Instructions are included. Item is suitable for presenting as a gift.
Used – Very Good: A well-cared-for item that has seen limited use but remains in great condition. The item is complete, unmarked, and undamaged, but may show some limited signs of wear. Item works perfectly. – Taken from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=1161242

Notice how the condition guidelines for “Used – Like New” say that “the original packaging is intact and pristine” and that there “are absolutely no signs of wear on the item or its packaging.” The item we are discussing is brand new but has damage to the packaging, so the best possible condition it could be rated is “Used – Very Good.” Rating the item as “New” or “Used – Like New” is against Amazon’s terms and if they caught you on this it could result in account suspension. Just because Amazon is lenient on this right now does not mean that they will not eventually crack-down on sellers who consistently rate their item’s conditions inaccurately.

It is always best if you have any question about what Amazon wants to actually check their own guidelines. If you just listen to what many sellers are saying you may be wrong and putting your business in the hands of people who are ignorant of what Amazon requires of sellers. Keep in mind that for each category there are specific guidelines, so make sure you are aware of any special guidelines required for the category the item you are listing is listed in. You can read up on the “Category-Specific Guidelines” at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=1161242#CSCG