If you`ve decided to buy a new mattress, you`re probably wondering what to do with your old one. To offset the cost of a new one, many people choose to sell their used mattresses. However, of all the household items you could sell second-hand, a mattress is one of the pickiest. If you`re wondering how to sell a used mattress, this guide breaks things down step by step. Please note that if your mattress is more than five or six years old, it probably won`t be worth selling, as the average lifespan of a mattress is around 7 years. In some states, labeling of used mattresses is required by federal regulations. Used mattresses can be marked with yellow or red labels. Sometimes both. There have been cases where retailers have sold used mattresses that are not disinfected. This is unhygienic and contrary to public health guidelines.
The state focuses almost exclusively on companies that sell used mattresses. The state has imposed sanctions on many companies, including “rental companies” and furniture companies. The state can cite companies for not obtaining the proper permit, displaying untreated used bedding on the sales floor, or properly identifying a used mattress as being used. However, if your mattress is still in good condition and has not been removed from the original plastic, you can sell it at an even higher price. Other factors affect the price at which you can sell your mattress. If you sell used mattresses as a retailer, some states may require you to label them appropriately. If you are a potential buyer, you should pay attention to the meaning of color-coded labels. In some states, furniture stores told consumers that their used mattresses were “rebuilt” and “made of all new materials except springs,” when in fact they were selling old mattresses upholstered with new materials. If you google a bit on this topic, you`ll see that these court cases have also been widely covered in the media. When it comes time for a new mattress (experts recommend getting a new one every 10 years), you may be wondering what to do with your old one.
Depending on SleepFoundation.org, you have several options: recycle (between 80 and 90% of mattresses can be broken down for this purpose!), donate, throw away or, in some cases, sell. Selling a used mattress can be a cost-effective way to buy a new one, or even a smart way to make extra money, but keep in mind that there are unique challenges. Anyway, I looked around for the official law that says we can sell used mattresses. This is section 325F.31 of the Minnesota Act. If you want to try it out, you can read this HERE, but it`s the gist of what you need to do to sell a used mattress: While it`s possible to sell a used mattress, it may take a bit of research. Bill Fish, editor of SleepFoundation.org told House Beautiful: “Selling a used mattress can be tricky because there are different legality laws in each state.” SleepFoundation.org also warns that “the sale of used mattresses is much more regulated than most household items.” In some states, the label confirms that mattresses are cleaned and disinfected, and in others, these labels inform potential buyers of the reused materials that make up the mattress. Laws, regulations, and considerations to keep in mind if you want to sell a used mattress on Craigslist or any other platform: This is legal in most states, but many of them require compliance with state law that governs used mattress labeling. A yellow label indicates if the mattress is disinfected. The red label indicates whether the used mattress has been transformed or made from used or recycled materials.
In addition, it is illegal to sell a used mattress that presents it as new. However, before you get rid of them, remember that reselling used mattresses is much more regulated than selling most household items. Old mattresses can be sold in most parts of the United States, but they must meet certain labeling and/or processing criteria. The law regarding new and used mattresses varies depending on the state in which you sell the mattress. You should therefore consult the law regarding used mattresses in your specific state from the table in the following sections. In most states, returned and used mattresses must be properly cleaned, washed, and disinfected before being sold. Most state laws require sellers to label a used mattress as proof that it has been properly cleaned and disinfected using approved methods. If you decide to proceed with the sale, there are many places where you can list your mattress. Websites like OfferUp, eBay, Craigslist, and even Facebook Marketplace are popular options.
Houzz writer Erin Carlyle also suggests asking local mattress retailers, “When you buy a new mattress, the store sometimes takes the old mattress from you.” Alternatively, you can save a lot of time by seeing if your friends or family are interested in buying. Next, you need to choose where you want to advertise your mattress. In most cases, outlets like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are the best choices. Here are some options you can try: In their opinion, an eye-catching list is the key to a successful transaction. “Be sure to add high-quality photos, thorough and honest descriptions, and research to make sure your item is on par with similar items on the market.” She adds, “Some people pay extra if you deliver the mattress to them instead of having it picked up.” But be prepared: it may take some time to sell your item. If you want to make a quick sale, she suggests lowering the price to attract more buyers. Check if there are second-hand mattress stores in your neighborhood if your condition allows merchants to sell old mattresses (many won`t).