Selling a Preowned Mattress: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Manual

Although you might be ecstatic with your brand-new mattress, you may not know what to do with the old one. Mattresses are bulky and heavy, so they require ample space to store.

They’re also rather costly, so selling a pre-owned mattress could be an appealing alternative.

Is It Permissible to Vend Secondhand Mattresses?

Certain states have specific laws concerning the sale of secondhand mattresses, such as mandating that they be cleansed and disinfected prior to resale. Additionally, it is essential to disclose the condition of a used mattress to potential buyers to avoid any possible legal problems related to misleading advertising or consumer deception.

⚖️ State-by-State Guide to Selling Secondhand Mattresses

• Alabama (AL): It is permitted to sell a used mattress but forbidden to falsely claim it is new.
• Alaska (AK): Contact the Alaska Department of Health for updated information.
• Arizona (AZ): It is permissible to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized prior to the sale.
• Arkansas (AR): It is permitted to sell a used mattress but forbidden to falsely claim it is new.
• California (CA): It is permitted to sell a used mattress unless it has visible blemishes.
• Colorado (CO): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized prior to the sale.
• Connecticut (CT): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized and correctly labeled.
• Delaware (DE): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized prior to the sale.
• Florida (FL): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized prior to the sale.
• Georgia (GA): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but used filling must be labeled.
• Hawaii (HI): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label the condition of the materials.
• Idaho (ID): Contact the Idaho Department of Health for updated information.
• Illinois (IL): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
• Indiana (IN): It is illegal to sell a used mattress as a retailer but not as an individual.
• Iowa (IA): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
• Kansas (KS): It is illegal to sell a used mattress.
• Kentucky (KY): It is permitted to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
• Louisiana (LA): It is illegal to sell a used mattress as a retailer but not as an individual.
• Maine (ME): Get in touch with the Maine Department of Health for up-to-date information.
• Maryland (MD): It’s against the law to sell a pre-owned mattress as a retailer but not as an individual.
• Massachusetts (MA): It’s lawful to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Michigan (MI): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Minnesota (MN): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
• Mississippi (MS): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Missouri (MO): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Montana (MT): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Nebraska (NE): Currently, there are no regulations in place regarding the sale of pre-owned mattresses.
• Nevada (NV): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
• New Hampshire (NH): Get in touch with the New Hampshire Department of Health for up-to-date information.
• New Jersey (NJ): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
• New Mexico (NM): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
• New York (NY): The sale of a pre-owned mattress is legal, but retailers require a special license.
• North Carolina (NC): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
• North Dakota (ND): Get in touch with the North Dakota Department of Health for up-to-date information.
• Ohio (OH): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Oklahoma (OK): Get in touch with the Oklahoma Department of Health for up-to-date information.
• Oregon (OR): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Pennsylvania (PA): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its condition.
• Rhode Island (RI): Get in touch with the Rhode Island Department of Health for up-to-date information.
• South Carolina (SC): It’s permissible to sell a pre-owned mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
• South Dakota (SD): Get in touch with the South Dakota Department of Health for up-to-date information.
• Tennessee (TN): It is permissible to vend a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly indicate its state.
• Texas (TX): It is permissible to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized and correctly labeled.
• Utah (UT): It is permissible to trade a previously owned mattress, but you must clearly label its state.
• Vermont (VT): It is permissible to market a secondhand mattress, but it is illegal to claim it is new.
• Virginia (VA): It is permissible to sell a used mattress, but it must undergo sanitization prior to the sale.
• Washington (WA): It is illegal to sell a used mattress as a retailer, but not as an individual.
• West Virginia (WV): It is permissible to vend a pre-owned mattress, but you must clearly label its state.
• Wisconsin (WI): It is permissible to trade a previously owned mattress, but you must clearly label its state.
• Wyoming (WY): Reach out to the Wyoming Department of Health for updated information.

☝️ Individuals who wish to market a used mattress are strongly encouraged to contact their local Department of Health in the first place. Regulations undergo frequent changes, and that is the sole way to obtain the most recent information.

How to Market a Used Mattress

This comprehensive guide will ensure you maximize the potential of your sale.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Laws and Regulations

The initial step you should take is to conduct research on the existing laws and regulations pertaining to the process of vending used mattresses. Since the sale of mattresses is subject to significantly more regulation than other household items, it is imperative to be aware of what is permissible in your state.

In the majority of US states, it is legal to sell used mattresses, but only if they are properly sanitized and correctly labeled. This entails sanitizing the mattresses prior to selling them and including the label "used" in your advertisement.

Some states do not have any regulations governing the sale of used mattresses, while others prohibit it altogether.

Even though you can acquire additional information regarding the legality of selling used mattresses in each US state in the preceding section, it is always prudent to reach out to your local Department of Health to obtain the most up-to-date information.

2. Establish a Price

Once you have confirmed that you are permitted to sell a used mattress, you should determine the price at which you will sell your product. The price of a used mattress is influenced by various factors, but the typical market price for a used mattress in good condition is approximately 20–30% of its original retail value. Hence, if you originally paid $1,000 for the mattress, you can likely sell it for $200 to $300.

📋 Several factors can impact the final price:

• Age (a 5-year-old mattress is worth significantly more than a 15-year-old mattress);
• Frequency of use (guest room mattresses can fetch a higher price compared to master bedroom mattresses);
• Brand (mattresses from well-known brands command higher prices);
• Condition (stains, tears, visible drooping, and similar imperfections decrease the price);
• Additional seller advantages (pick-up only, included delivery, etc.).

If you’re unsure of the optimal price for your specific mattress, you can always examine other advertisements to see the prices of pre-owned mattresses with similar characteristics.

3. Choose a Marketplace

Once you have a figure in mind, you must determine where to sell your pre-owned mattress. You can select from numerous online and offline marketplaces to sell your mattress.

🛒 Here are just a few possibilities:

• Online marketplaces and websites;
• Online mattress marketplaces;
• Local Facebook groups for buying and selling;
• Local consignment stores or furniture resale shops;
• Local classifieds in newspapers or community bulletin boards;
• Local second-hand furniture or thrift stores;
• Local freecycle groups for giving away unwanted items.

Most individuals opt for online marketplaces and websites because they simplify the entire process for both the seller and the buyer. Creating ads on these sites is generally free, so you can also list your mattress advertisement across multiple platforms.

4. Craft an Advertisement

Now, it’s time to compose an ad. In the ad, you must provide a detailed description of your mattress. Be truthful and include accurate and comprehensive information about the mattress.

📋 Include the following particulars:

• Brand and model;
• Mattress size;
• Mattress type;
• Materials utilized;
• Cover textiles;
• The age of the mattress;
• The usage of the mattress.

Don’t forget to specify your asking price and indicate whether your price is firm or negotiable. Many sellers are open to offers and sell their mattresses to individuals who bid the highest amount. You should also mention the location of the mattress, whether you can deliver it, or if interested buyers need to pick up the mattress themselves.

Finally, upload photographs of the mattress. Include both wider shots and close-ups, along with pictures showcasing any wear or damage.

Include your contact information, and your ad is complete.

5. Bid Farewell to Your Old Mattress!

After publishing your advertisement, all that's left to do is wait for inquiries from potential buyers. A week or two should be sufficient for interested buyers to discover your ad and contact you if they're interested.

👉 If you haven't had any luck, you can try one of several strategies:

• Create a more attention-grabbing listing title;
• Repost your listing;
• Reduce the price;
• Offer mattress delivery;
• Pay to have your listing featured.

Don't fret if you don't sell your pre-owned mattress immediately. Not many people purchase used mattresses, so you'll need to wait until the right buyer comes along.

6. Donate the Mattress

If you're unable to sell your mattress, you can always donate it. Many local charities, religious organizations, and homeless shelters accept gently used mattresses.

Feel free to contact these organizations and inquire about who might accept your donation. While you won't receive any monetary compensation, it's always rewarding to assist someone in need.

Where to Vend a Pre-owned Mattress

Given that online websites, platforms, and marketplaces are the preferred choice for individuals looking to sell secondhand mattresses, here are 9 options where you can dispose of your mattress.

Keep in mind that mattresses are bulky, heavy, and costly to ship. Consequently, local marketplaces usually offer the best prospects.

1. Craiglist

Craiglist is a renowned online classifieds website that permits users to post ads for items they wish to vend, including pre-owned mattresses. It's free to post an ad on Craiglist, and it can be an excellent way to connect with local buyers.

2. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a platform designed for buying and selling items within your local community. It's free to post an ad, and it grants you access to a substantial number of prospective buyers. Given its safety and reliability, it remains a popular marketplace among both vendors and buyers.

3. eBay

When utilizing eBay, you can list your mattress for auction or at a fixed price and reach a vast audience of potential buyers. However, you will bear the responsibility of shipping the mattress to the buyer, and some fees may accompany listing your mattress on eBay.

4. Amazon

Amazon stands as one of the most renowned marketplaces worldwide, whether you seek brand-new or pre-owned products. You can list your mattress on Amazon, but you'll need to pay a fee to vend it. Additionally, you'll be handling the shipping and customer service aspects.

5. SleepSherpa

SleepSherpa functions as an online marketplace specifically created for mattresses, making it an optimal choice if you aim to reach the appropriate audience. You can list your used mattress on the website and conveniently attract potential buyers actively seeking a pre-owned mattress.

6. MattressAdvisor

Another excellent online marketplace focused solely on mattresses is MattressAdvisor. You can list your pre-owned mattress on the website, which presents a splendid opportunity to connect with potential buyers specifically looking for a used mattress.

7. OfferUp

OfferUp equips its users with a complimentary mobile app enabling them to buy and sell items online. If you prefer OfferUp, you'll conveniently connect with a local audience of potential buyers and promptly vend your used mattress.

8. Trove Market

Trove Market specializes in vintage and antique furniture, inclusive of pre-owned mattresses. You can list your used mattress on the website and await other users to view your ad. Given that most users seek used items on this online marketplace, selling a used mattress should prove effortless.

9. Chairish

Chairish similarly focuses on vintage and antique furniture. Like Trove Market, Chairish enables you to reach a broader audience actively seeking pre-owned goods.

Before settling on a platform, you should review the requirements of each online marketplace for sellers. Certain websites may have their own regulations and limitations concerning the sale of pre-owned mattresses, so it's always prudent to peruse the website's policies before listing your mattress.

The Final Verdict

Selling a used mattress necessitates delicate handling. It differs from selling other household items, and as such, specific laws and regulations apply. If you've recently treated yourself to a new mattress and now seek the optimal method for disposing of the old one, selling it may well be the answer.

However, prior to doing so, it's advisable to gather the most up-to-date information regarding the legality of selling pre-owned mattresses in your state.

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