Is Amazon Resale a SCAM? Testing Used Products

Understanding Amazon Resale

• 💡 Amazon Resale, previously known as Amazon Warehouse, offers deals on used, pre-owned, or open-box products.
• ⚠️ A key concern is the lack of upfront pricing on listings, requiring users to click into each item to see the cost.
• ❓ The distinction between Amazon Resale and Amazon Renewed is unclear, with Resale items having a standard 30-day return policy, unlike Renewed's 90-day guarantee.

Product Condition and Value Assessment

• 📱 A Google Pixel 10 in "very good" condition was purchased for $665, compared to a Black Friday sale price of $700 for new, and an original price of $800, making it a decent deal.
• 🎧 Beats Flex headphones, listed as "very good" and MSRP $70, were acquired for $24, deemed a pretty decent deal.
• 🩺 The Kardia Mobile EKG device, listed as "mint condition" for $78 (MSRP $80), offered little savings and required a $79 annual subscription for full features.
• 🎙️ A DJI Mic Mini, listed as "like new," was purchased for $57 and deemed legit, though it favored one user over another.
• 📸 A portable photography softbox, listed as "very good" for $27 (new around $30), was found to be fun and effective for small item photography.
• 🎮 A Ghost of Tsushima limited edition PS5, listed as "very good," was purchased for $587 (retail $600), saving only $13, but came with an unused game voucher and a controller with 3D textured engravings.
• 🎧 PlayStation Pulse Earbuds, listed as "good," were bought for $156 (list price $200), considered not worth the price due to comfort and sound quality issues.

Overall Amazon Resale Experience

• ✅ Items are largely as described, with many appearing brand new or in very good condition.
• ⚠️ The primary issue is the complexity and lack of clarity in pricing and product differentiation, leading to many "mid" discounts.
• 🧐 It's crucial to pay close attention to prices, as many deals are not significantly better than buying new.