Selling a used mattress can be a smart move when you upgrade to a brand-new one. While a new mattress improves sleep quality and comfort, figuring out what to do with the old, bulky one can be challenging. Instead of letting it take up space, selling it is a practical and attractive option.
Is It Legal to Sell Used Mattresses?
First, let’s tackle the issue of legality. Generally speaking, it’s legal to sell used mattresses in the US. However, regulations may vary by state.
Some states have specific laws regarding the sale of used mattresses, such as requiring them to be cleaned and disinfected before you can resell them. Additionally, it’s important to disclose the condition of a used mattress to potential buyers to avoid any potential legal issues related to false advertising or consumer fraud.
⚖️ State-by-State Guide to Selling Used Mattresses
- Alabama (AL): It’s legal to sell a used mattress but illegal to claim it is new.
- Alaska (AK): Contact the Alaska Department of Health for updated information.
- Arizona (AZ): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- Arkansas (AR): It’s legal to sell a used mattress but illegal to claim it is new.
- California (CA): It’s legal to sell a used mattress unless it has visible stains.
- Colorado (CO): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- Connecticut (CT): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized and correctly labeled.
- Delaware (DE): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- Florida (FL): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- Georgia (GA): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but used filling must be labeled.
- Hawaii (HI): It’s legal 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’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Indiana (IN): It’s illegal to sell a used mattress as a retailer but not as an individual.
- Iowa (IA): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Kansas (KS): It’s illegal to sell a used mattress.
- Kentucky (KY): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Louisiana (LA): It’s illegal to sell a used mattress as a retailer but not as an individual.
- Maine (ME): Contact the Maine Department of Health for updated information.
- Maryland (MD): It’s illegal to sell a used mattress as a retailer but not as an individual.
- Massachusetts (MA): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Michigan (MI): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Minnesota (MN): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- Mississippi (MS): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Missouri (MO): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Montana (MT): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Nebraska (NE): There’s currently no law on selling used mattresses.
- Nevada (NV): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- New Hampshire (NH): Contact the New Hampshire Department of Health for updated information.
- New Jersey (NJ): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- New Mexico (NM): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- New York (NY): Selling a used mattress is legal, but retailers require a special license.
- North Carolina (NC): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- North Dakota (ND): Contact the North Dakota Department of Health for updated information.
- Ohio (OH): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Oklahoma (OK): Contact the Oklahoma Department of Health for updated information.
- Oregon (OR): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Pennsylvania (PA): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Rhode Island (RI): Contact the Rhode Island Department of Health for updated information.
- South Carolina (SC): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- South Dakota (SD): Contact the South Dakota Department of Health for updated information.
- Tennessee (TN): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Texas (TX): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized and correctly labeled.
- Utah (UT): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Vermont (VT): It’s legal to sell a used mattress but illegal to claim it is new.
- Virginia (VA): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but it must be sanitized before the sale.
- Washington (WA): It’s illegal to sell a used mattress as a retailer but not as an individual.
- West Virginia (WV): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Wisconsin (WI): It’s legal to sell a used mattress, but you must clearly label its condition.
- Wyoming (WY): Contact the Wyoming Department of Health for updated information.
☝️ People who would like to sell a used mattress are strongly encouraged to contact their local Department of Health first. Regulations change frequently, and that’s the only way to get the most recent information.
How to Sell a Used Mattress
This step-by-step guide will ensure you make the most out of your sale.
1. Know the Laws and Regulations
The first thing you should do is research the existing laws and regulations connected to the process of selling used mattresses. Since selling mattresses is subject to far more regulation than other household items, you need to know what’s allowed in your state.
In most US states, selling used mattresses is legal, but only if they’re sanitized properly and labeled correctly. That means you must sanitize them before selling them and label them as “used” in your ad.
Some states don’t have any regulations concerning the sale of used mattresses, while some of them don’t allow it at all.
Although you can get more information about the legality of selling used mattresses in every US state in the section above, it’s never a bad idea to contact your local Department of Health and get the latest information.
2. Set a Price
Once you’ve determined you’re allowed to sell a used mattress, you should set the price at which you’re selling your product. The price of the used mattress is affected by numerous factors, but the most common market price for a used mattress in good condition is around 20–30% of its retail value. Therefore, if you paid $1,000 for the mattress when you bought it, you can probably sell it for $200 to $300.
📋 Several factors can influence the final price:
- Age (a 5-year-old mattress is worth much more than a 15-year-old mattress);
- Frequency of use (you could sell guest room mattresses for more than master bedroom mattresses);
- Brand (mattresses from famous brands cost more);
- Condition (stains, rips, visible sagging, and similar flaws decrease the price);
- Additional seller perks (pick-up only, included delivery, etc.).
If you’re not sure what the best price for your particular mattress is, you can always look at other ads to see the prices of used mattresses with similar features.
3. Select a Marketplace
Once you have a number in mind, you must decide where to sell your used mattress. You can choose between countless online and offline marketplaces to sell your mattress.
🛒 Here are just some of the 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 people choose online marketplaces and websites because they make the entire process significantly easier for both the seller and the buyer. Creating ads on these sites is usually free, so you can also list your mattress ad across several platforms.
4. Create an Ad
Now, it’s time to create an advertisement. In the ad, you need to describe your mattress in detail. Be honest and include accurate and complete information about the mattress.
📋 Include the following details:
- Brand and model;
- Mattress size;
- Mattress type;
- Materials used;
- Cover fabrics;
- The age of the mattress;
- The use of the mattress.
Don’t forget to list your asking price and mention whether your price is fixed or not. Many sellers are open to offers and sell their mattresses to people who bid the largest amount. You should also mention where the mattress is located, whether you can deliver it, or whether interested buyers need to pick up the mattress themselves.
Lastly, upload pictures of the mattress. Include both wider shots and close-ups, along with pictures showing any wear or damage.
Add your contact information, and your ad is ready.
5. Say Bye-Bye to Your Old Mattress!
After you’ve published your advertisement, the only thing left to do is wait for inquiries from prospective buyers. A week or two is enough for potential buyers to find 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 eye-catching listing title;
- Repost your listing;
- Lower the price;
- Offer mattress delivery;
- Pay for your listing to be on top.
Don’t worry if you don’t sell your used mattress instantly. Not many people purchase used mattresses, so you must wait until the right buyer comes along.
6. Donate the Mattress
If you can’t sell your mattress, you can always donate it. Many local charities, religious organizations, and homeless shelters accept used mattresses in good condition.
Feel free to call these organizations and find out who might accept your donation. While you won’t get any cash in return, it’s always nice to help someone in need.
Where to Sell a Used Mattress
Since online websites, platforms, and marketplaces are the go-to option for people selling used mattresses, here are 9 where you can sell your mattress.
Remember that mattresses are bulky, heavy, and expensive to ship. That usually makes local marketplaces your best bet.
1. Craigslist
Craigslist is a popular online classifieds website that allows users to post ads for items they want to sell, including used mattresses. It’s free to post an ad on Craigslist, and it can be a great way to reach local buyers.
2. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a platform for buying and selling items within your community. It’s free to post an ad, and you have access to a large number of potential buyers. It’s safe and reliable, so it’s one of the favorite marketplaces among both sellers and buyers.
3. eBay
When using eBay, you can list your mattress for auction or at a fixed price and reach a large audience of potential buyers. However, you will be responsible for shipping the mattress to the buyer, and some fees may be associated with listing your mattress on eBay.
4. Amazon
Amazon is among the most popular marketplaces worldwide, whether you’re looking for brand-new or used products. You can list your mattress on Amazon, but you’ll have to pay a fee to sell your mattress. You’ll also have to handle the shipping and customer service.
5. SleepSherpa
SleepSherpa is an online marketplace created specifically for mattresses, so it’s a great option if you want to ensure you’re reaching the right audience. You can list your used mattress on the website and easily reach potential buyers specifically looking for a used mattress.
6. MattressAdvisor
Another outstanding online marketplace specifically for mattresses is MattressAdvisor. You can list your used mattress on the website, which may be a great way to reach potential buyers specifically looking for a used mattress.
7. OfferUp
OfferUp equips its users with a free mobile app that they can use to buy and sell items online. If you choose OfferUp, you’ll easily reach a local audience of potential buyers and sell your used mattress in no time.
8. Trove Market
Trove Market specializes in vintage and antique furniture, including used mattresses. You can list your used mattress on the website and wait for other users to see your ad. Ince most users are looking for used items on this online marketplace, selling a used mattress should be an easy task.
9. Chairish
Chairish also specializes in vintage and antique furniture. Like Trove Market, Chairish allows you to reach a larger group of people specifically looking for used goods.
Before you choose a platform you’ll use, you should check what every online marketplace requires from its sellers. Some websites might have their own rules and restrictions regarding the sale of used mattresses, so it’s never a bad idea to check the website’s policies before listing your mattress.
The Bottom Line
Selling a used mattress is a delicate topic. It’s not the same as selling other household items, so special laws and regulations are applied. If you’ve rewarded yourself with a new mattress recently and are looking for the best way to get rid of the old one, selling it might be just the option.
However, before you do that, you might want to gather the latest information about the legality of selling used mattresses in your state.
