If you’re curious about how to sell used mattress with success, this three-step guide is here to help you! We will talk about practical tips to avoid issues and ensure that buyers will want your old bed. Remember that it’s not enough to know where to sell, but also how to sell your used bed.
We can do many things to a bed we no longer use, but for those who want an extra income, selling it would be the most useful. However, you can’t just post your used mattress online. If you want to know more, continue reading.
How To Sell A Used Mattress
Step #1. Check the laws
The first step and you should never overlook, is to check your state’s laws regarding used mattresses’ selling. For example, you may need to add a tag to your bed that mentions that it’s used. Then, check where you can offer your mattress, whether it’s in your local area, stores, and online sites.
Some stores and sites may require you to follow specific conditions or rules before they accept your mattress. If you are selling the bed directly yourself, there may not be as many laws applied, but it’s best to check regardless. More so, you may need to take your mattress apart since some places only allow the reselling of mattress parts and not as a whole.
Step #2. Plan the pricing
After you’ve checked in with your state’s specific laws, you can then plan the pricing. You have to be fair to the consumer, so assume that you’re not going to get the bed’s original cost. However, you can consider the mattress’s overall quality and how you prepared it to get it into good condition.
Perhaps you can account for how long it has been yours, if there are any damages or stains, the brand’s reliability, and so on. Most people would say that getting the 10th of the original price is enough, but this will vary for every buyer and seller. To ensure that you’ll be able to sell it at a reasonable price, proceed to step three.
Step #3. Prepare for selling
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and ask if you’ll be willing to pay for something used. The only way you’ll agree is if the mattress looks and feels good. Therefore, you have to clean and sanitize it first, even if you’re dropping it at a third-party seller.
You may need to follow specific sanitation procedures and even get it professionally cleaned. Cleaning the mattress with upholstery products and compact steam cleaners might also suffice for some. Afterward, you can write the ad for your bed, ensuring you are transparent with everything and true to your claims.
Is It Against The Law To Resell A Mattress?
In general, it isn’t illegal to resell a mattress in the US. However, it’s prohibited to claim that a bed is new when it’s not. The best way to avoid issues is to check in with your local health department for the regulations. Remember that every state may have specific laws that you must follow, and some areas might even require a license for retailers of used mattresses.
For example, you can only sell a used mattress in Texas after it has been cleaned and has a tag to indicate its use. California, on the other hand, does not allow the selling of stained mattresses. Some states like Indiana and Louisiana also only allow reselling for a retailer and not as an individual.
Labels and considerations
Besides cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing your used mattress, you have to familiarize yourself with the labeling requirements if your state has them. If you’re an individual, you may not need labels, but it’s worth knowing what they meant. A mattress is sanitized if it has a yellow tag, while a bed with a red tag means it has a used material.
Will Anyone Take Used Mattresses?
The lower price point will make someone interested in buying a used mattress. However, you can also consider asking if you can donate them to your local shelters. Some pet rescue organizations might even get your bed if you no longer can’t sell or donate it.
Selling a used mattress might also be tricky both for the buyer and seller. Concerns about cleanliness and hygiene are understandable for the buyer, and you’ll ask yourself if you’re willing to spend a certain amount to make the mattress more enticing to buy.
How Much Is A Mattress Worth?
Depending on the mattress size, type, and material, a new mattress costs anywhere from $700 to $2000. If you’re selling your used one, it can worth around 20% of its original retail value. However, remember that many factors add to your old mattress’s resulting price, including its overall condition and if you will have it pick-up or delivered.
Conclusion
You might still get some extra bucks out of your old bed. If you’re wondering how to sell used mattress successfully, you can do so in three steps. Start by checking with your state laws and plan the pricing and where you’ll sell it.
Then, follow the recommendations, even those of the retailer, if you need to bring the mattress to one instead of selling it yourself. Depending on the material conditions, you might be able to sell your used mattress around 20% of its original price. However, consider donating your bed as it might be helpful for more people or animals!