Is It Illegal To Sell A Used Mattress? (The Answer May Surprise You)

Is It Illegal To Sell A Used Mattress (The Answer May Surprise You)

Since we have been sleeping on our mattress for a considerable amount of time, I have been contemplating replacing it for the past few months. Since I enjoy experimenting with my mattresses, I wanted to surprise my husband with something new. When I made the decision to purchase a new mattress this time, the first thing that jumped out at me was, “What am I going to do with my old mattress?”

Some proposed that it’s more brilliant to discard used ones after some time since they are not good and others exhorted giving my bedding. However, I was diverting my thoughts this time. Instead of donating used mattresses to recycling centers, as many people believe, why not make money from them? The amount of money you can make might come as a surprise to you.

But wait, before you sell your mattress, the first question that will come to mind is whether selling used mattresses is against the law. So, in this article, I’ll make sure to cover everything you need to know about resale regulations and what you should think about to sell a used mattress without problems, and I’ll also share my own experience.

If you’re interested in this subject, continue reading.

Also Read, Facts About Mattresses

So can you legally sell a used mattress?

I still remember that the idea of hand-me-downs and secondhand items is not particularly new. You would have heard from your parents about how they had to grow up with hand-me-downs and not be picky about them. In addition, you’ll probably get a fair amount of criticism for not giving enough credit to the things you had growing up. However, some things were not meant to be handed down, even according to them. That list belongs on another day and at another time.

Moving towards our primary concern, Mattresses are one item that has yet to make it onto the list of things that can be sold. Because, as much as people want to make money from selling their mattresses, fewer people want to buy used beds. 

However, that does not preclude it from being legal in any way. Almost everywhere, it is legal to sell used mattresses as long as they meet certain requirements.

So can you legally sell a used mattress

Also read, How To Return a Mattress

What is the State and Federal law regarding used mattresses?

While doing my search I came to know that the sale of used mattresses is regulated by a number of state and federal laws in the United States. While some states only permit the reuse of the springs from previous mattresses, others allow the mattress to be sanitized, tested, and then sold. 

Regarding Federal Government law you should keep a few things in mind regarding the resale of mattresses.

1. Cleaning requirements of the used mattress

This policy aims to safeguard mattress purchasers against any potential germs or bacteria on the mattress. Therefore, mattresses must be disinfected and cleaned in order to be resold in some states.

2. Labeling requirement for used mattresses

The labeling requirement lets the buyer know what they are getting. These laws stipulate that the mattress’s label must mention the material’s reuse. While the label on a brand-new mattress is white, the label on a used mattress should be either red, yellow, or both.

The mattress’s recycled materials are indicated by the red labels, while the mattress’s cleaned and sanitized status is indicated by the yellow labels

3. Pesticide application requirement for preowned mattress

You must ensure that your bed is bug-free and that your mattress has been properly cleaned before you can sell it. A licensed exterminator can treat your mattress for this purpose.

Pesticide application requirement for preowned mattress

4. Used mattress filling regulation

As manufacturers use feathers, wool, latex, and memory foam since nobody wants to invest in a used bed that has problems with filling or has become lumpy, it is evident that if you are selling your mattress, you need to make sure the material is still in good condition.

5. Used mattress’s flammability Standards

Last but not least, make sure that your used mattress has passed the flammability Standard test. The Flammability Standard test is a test to determine the ignition resistance of a mattress or a mattress pad when exposed to a lighted cigarette.

In order to ensure a trouble-free business experience, you must keep these regulations in mind when starting a business. Additionally, to provide the customer with a sense of warranted security, make it a priority to provide bills and specify that you are selling recycled or used mattresses.

Additionally, the State law on used mattresses varies from state to state. The sale of used mattresses is subject to specific laws in a few states in the United States. The state of California, for instance, prohibits the sale of bedding that has visible soiling. The law does not apply to you if you sell bedding independently; however, it does apply to establishments. Even When opening a store in the United States, you must keep these legal nuances in mind.

State-by-State Guide to selling a Used Mattress?

I have gathered some of the data from official sources of the US government to help you better understand. Selling your old mattress is legal in more than 30 states. However, the sale is governed by distinct rules in each State.

Question Country Code Answer
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in California? CA No, unless the mattress has visible stains
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Florida? FL No, but the used mattress must be sanitized before the sale
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Colorado? CO No, but the used mattress must be sanitized before the sale
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Kansas? KS Yes
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Maryland? MD Yes, for a retailer but not for an individual
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Kentucky? KY No, but the condition must be clearly labeled.
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Iowa? IA No, but the condition must be clearly labeled.

I have mentioned some of the states, but if your state is mentioned here, you can research your regional health legislation.

How to sell your mattress legally?

So, how can a mattress be sold? A mattress can be difficult to sell. It requires proficiency in sales techniques, a comprehension of customer requirements and preferences, and product knowledge. However, anyone can become an expert mattress salesperson with a little help. To get started, follow these steps:

First and foremost, it is essential to comprehend the various kinds of mattresses currently available on the market and the ways in which customers can profit from them. When you talk to customers about their needs, knowing what makes one mattress better than another will give you an advantage.

How to sell your mattress legally

Next, it’s important to know about pricing and be able to give your customers options that fit their budgets without sacrificing quality.

Last but not least, make shopping a pleasant experience for your customers by being warm and welcoming, providing helpful guidance, and answering any questions they may have.

You will be ready to sell a mattress successfully if you take these steps before selling it!

How much a used mattress should be sold for?

Choosing a price for a used mattress is the first step in selling it. Obviously, the price would have changed a lot by the end of the process, and you might not have sold the mattress for the price you thought it would, but that is still the first step.

The price of a commodity that is used is half that of a commodity that is sold. However, most people don’t buy used mattresses with a lot of enthusiasm. By and large, a pre-owned sleeping cushion is sold for around 20% to 30% of its unique expense. Additionally, if you are able to actually sell it at this ratio, you should probably consider it a success. Nevertheless, it is challenging and contingent on the mattress’s condition.

Pricing Factors

In addition to the initial investment, other factors, such as the intended use, play a role in determining the price. The condition of the mattress being sold and its age are also important factors in determining its price. Considering that both are used every night, an older mattress is obviously sold at a lower price than a new one. However, the value of a mattress that belonged to your guest bedroom but was only used occasionally is much higher than that of a mattress that was used frequently because the wear and tear on that mattress would be much lower.

A mattress protector can also increase the value of the mattress you’re selling if you use it to protect it. The mattress you’re selling should fetch a fair price if there are no structural or aesthetic compromises. In essence, people will pay a fair price for a mattress if they think it is brand-new and in good condition. This is because they are getting the best of both worlds by purchasing a mattress that is rarely used at a lower price.

Having said that, it is essential to maintain your moral compass and not lie about the mattress’s condition in order to increase its value. If the people you sell to decide to complain to the appropriate authorities, this could be disastrous.

Also, read Why are Mattresses so Expensive?

Where to Sell?

As we know that in today’s time offline and online media have proven to be efficient means of selling used furniture. You must join these platforms if you want to increase your chances of success, as online markets are becoming increasingly popular slowly but surely. Among these platforms are Craigslist, eBay, OLX, and others. Creating a trustworthy and dependable profile and obtaining testimonials from satisfied customers on these platforms go a long way toward ensuring a smooth and consistent flow of customers at all times.

Where to Sell

Setting up a Facebook page with your company’s name and advertising yourself on Facebook is another way to sell mattresses. You will begin to receive orders from that end as well as the page progresses. To sell your used mattress, you can also join local Facebook groups, and joining the group is one of the best options that I personally prefer.

As far as offline selling is concerned, you can always check with your neighborhood furniture and bedding stores to see if they have any ways to sell used mattresses. If they do, you could sign a contract with them and work together to sell your mattresses to worthy customers.

Additionally, there are furniture stores that only sell used furniture, and these establishments would not be a wrong choice either.

Is It Illegal To Sell A Used Mattress – FAQs

How much can you sell a used mattress for?
A used mattress’s fair market value is typically between 20 and 30 percent of its original retail value. As an illustration, if you initially purchased a memory foam mattress for $1,000, you should be able to sell it for $200 to $300.
Can I sell a used mattress on the Facebook marketplace?
This is another great way to sell your used mattress. You can use this Facebook app to post pictures of your bed and set a price.
How do you sterilize a used mattress?
You can sanitize your mattress by following the steps: Use a handheld steamer. Use an Anti Bacterial spray. Try a liquid cleaner.
How do you tell if a mattress has been used?
If a mattress has been owned before, it should have a red or yellow tag on it that warns customers that the mattress contains “used materials.”

 

Conclusion

I have made every effort in this article to provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the question of whether it is illegal to sell used mattresses. This article is based on research and personal experience. In conclusion, I’d like to say that selling a used mattress is a great way to make extra money. However, Following the proper step is essential to avoid legal or financial issues.

Lastly, Research your local laws and, if necessary, consult an attorney to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations. You can successfully sell your used mattress while adhering to the law with the correct information.

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