Wondering what Amazon does with the millions of returned packages they receive every year? The returns get sent to a variety of different places and are often sold at a big discount, even if they packaging has NEVER been opened. This creates some opportunities to buy Amazon returns and either flip them for a profit or keep the item for yourself. Here are 4 ways to buy returns and save some money in the process.

Find an Amazon “Return Store” in Your Town

As I’ve written about in detail, I recently found an Amazon Return store in my area, also known as a “Bin Store”.

I did it by doing a Google search for “Amazon return stores in MY TOWN” and immediately found a store called Bargain Bins that has some crazy good deals.

The store buys Amazon pallets every week and sells them Thursday through Monday and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday for restocking.

I showed up when they opened on a Thursday and found microwaves, mini-fridges, and furniture for ONLY $12.

I couldn’t believe the deals but they WENT FAST as the store was pretty crowded.

Look for a store like this in your town as it’s definitely the cheapest way to buy Amazon returns that doesn’t require you to buy large pallets of returned merchandise.

PRO TIP: RETURN STORES ARE GREAT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

When I walked in my first return store all I could think about was how great the store would be for buying stuff for a college dorm room. I saw a small refrigerator, a little microwave, nice bedding, and cool room decor all for ONLY $12 EACH. I mean sure it’s all final sale, but heck, for $12 you aren’t out much if the fridge or microwave doesn’t work. If you’re looking to stock a dorm room, you NEED to find one of these stores.

Check Out Amazon Resale for Warehouse Deals

A good chunk of Amazon returns end up in the online Amazon Resale Warehouse section of the Amazon website…sold at a MAJOR discount.

Returns go through a 20-point inspection to make sure the item works like new before being placed for sale.

The best products to shop for in the Amazon Warehouse, in terms of savings, include smartphones, laptops, tablets, and kitchen appliances.

Items in the warehouse get marked into 4 easy to understand “condition categories” when they originally get returned to Amazon.

The 4 condition categories are as follows:

Used – Like New – Comes with all accessories and is in perfect working order, packaging may have some signs of damage.

Used – Very Good – Item has seen limited use, is fully functional, but may have a minor imperfection like a scratch or tiny dent. Some accessories may be missing, be sure to check item description to see exactly what comes with it.

Used – Good – Product will show moderate wear but will still be fully functional. Expect damaged packaging or complete repackaging. Some accessories will probably be missing.

Used – Acceptable – Clear signs of use but the item is guaranteed to still work. Expect scratches, small dents, and worn edges. Accessories will often be missing and have to be purchased separately.

The Amazon return policy on resale products is the same 90-day policy that they have on everything else they sell.

Also, since every item they sell in the warehouse varies by condition, Amazon is unable replace a product with the exact same item.

So Amazon asks that you simply return the item for full refund, then shop for a separate replacement item.

PRO TIP: THE “USED – VERY GOOD” CATEGORY IS THE SECRET SAUCE

Always try to shop the Used – Very Good category in the Amazon Resale warehouse. Not only will you maximize your savings (30-50% off), but the item will still have its full life-cycle. There is ZERO sense paying the premium price for Used – Like New items. And with the Used – Good category you have no idea how “Used” the item is, and this it typically won’t last as long.

See Also: 4 Amazon Price Tracking Tools That’ll Score You a Deal

Buy an Amazon Returns Pallet from BStock

Check out BStock for some great values on Amazon pallets.

The site works similarly to eBay as you bid on the pallets that interest you.

The nice thing is you have a pretty good idea of exactly what’s in the pallet before you place a bid.

Namely whether it’s consumer electronics, furniture, PC hardware, home décor, clothing, beauty, etc.

The auction will also tell you the number of items on the pallet as well as the brands that you should expect.

If you keep a close eye on the auctions, you’ll notice that some pallets go REALLY CHEAP as it becomes a supply & demand situation.

Too many pallets of merchandise and not enough bidders often creates a situation where you can score a deal.

See Also: Here’s How You Can STILL Get Amazon Price Protection

Buy Return Pallets Directly from Amazon

Check out the little known “Amazon Bulk Liquidations” page and shop pallets of returns and overstocks directly from Amazon and 3rd party sellers.

Until recently, I had no idea this page existed, but was impressed with the variety of product lines available.

The pallets range in price from $370 all the way up to $3,100 depending on size and value.

The primary pallet categories are toys, home and garden, and clothing, with a few “mixed” pallets sprinkled in.

All sales are final and they will ship to residential addresses as well as businesses.

Once purchased, Amazon strives to get your pallet delivered within 14 days.

See Also: How to Buy Amazon Unclaimed Packages and What to Expect

BONUS Tip: Buy Returns via Amazon Renewed

While not every product you find on Amazon Renewed was a return, they all come with significant markdown over the original retail price.

Every product is considered either pre-owned, a returned item, or was a display model.

Many of the products, especially electronics, laptops, and smartphones, regularly sell for 40-60% off the original retail price.

The best part? All products have been inspected by an Amazon technician (or a 3rd party refurbisher) and come with a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

Be aware that Amazon does add a qualifier on “Renewed” items, stating that “products have no visible cosmetic imperfections when held 12 inches away.”

Less than 12 inches away? You might notice a small scratch or blemish.

Also, it’s worth noting that products may be packaged in a generic box, but will typically come with all the accessories expected for a new product (unless otherwise noted).

Ask the Reader: Do you have any other clever ways of buying Amazon returns that I missed? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)