Selling unused diabetic test strips and supplies can help you make extra money while offering affordable options to those in need. Here's what you need to know:
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Is it legal? Yes, as long as the strips are factory-sealed, unexpired, and not obtained through government programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
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What’s the value? Prices depend on brand, expiration date, and condition. For example, a 100-count box of test strips might sell for $30 if it has 7+ months before expiration.
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Who buys them? Look for verified buyers with clear policies, free shipping, and fast payments. Examples include companies like Two Moms Buy Test Strips.
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How to sell? Check product requirements, choose a buyer, package the supplies securely, and ship using provided labels.
Pro Tip: To get the best payout, ensure your supplies are in original, undamaged packaging and have at least 7 months before expiration.
Follow these steps to stay within legal guidelines and maximize your earnings.
IS IT LEGAL TO SELL DIABETIC TEST STRIPS? | Why ...
Legal Guidelines
Understanding the rules around reselling diabetic test strips and supplies is key to staying compliant with U.S. laws. Below are the key points to ensure both sellers and buyers operate within legal boundaries.
Legal Status of Reselling Test Strips
In the U.S., reselling unused diabetic test strips is allowed under specific conditions [2]. However, there are strict restrictions: test strips obtained through government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, or Indian Health Services cannot be resold. Unlike prescription drugs, diabetic testing supplies fall under different regulations, making their resale legal when handled correctly [2].
Rules and Limitations
Here are the main guidelines sellers need to follow:
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Product Requirements: Test strips must be original, factory-sealed, unexpired, and manufactured in the U.S. Any personal information on labels can be obscured with a soft (not permanent) marker [3] . CGMs, sensors and other supplies may have different requirements.
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Expiration Guidelines:
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Test strips are considered expired either 180 days after opening or by the printed expiration date, whichever comes first.
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Pricing depends on the time left before expiration: full price for strips with 7+ months remaining, half price for 4-6 months, and most buyers won’t accept strips with less than 3 months left.
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Legal Consequences: Violating these rules can lead to severe penalties. For example, in 2018, a Honolulu seller was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution for illegally reselling over 2,000 cases of test strips [4]. Mishandling supplies not only breaks the law but can also put patients at risk if inaccurate readings result from compromised products.
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Prohibited Items: Buyers typically reject boxes labeled with phrases like "Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiary Use Only", "Value Pack", "Kaiser Permanente" or other “white label” supplies.
For those unable to sell their supplies legally, donating unused test strips to organizations supporting uninsured individuals is another option [2]. This can be a meaningful way to help others while staying within legal boundaries.
Finding Reliable Buyers
When selling your supplies, it's crucial to choose buyers who ensure legal compliance, secure transactions, and fair payment terms. These factors help protect both your interests and the integrity of the process.
Buyer Requirements Checklist
Here are key qualities to look for when assessing potential buyers:
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | Buyers must reject products that are government-funded, used, or expired. |
| Clear Pricing | Transparent payout details based on brand and quantity are essential. |
| Free Shipping | Prepaid shipping labels or complete shipping kits simplify the process. |
| Secure Process | Ensures safe transactions and protects your personal information. |
| Customer Support | Accessible representatives provide answers and assistance when needed. |
| Online Tools | A user-friendly website with helpful features improves the experience. |
| Established Reputation | Verified reviews and a solid business history indicate reliability. |
Legitimate buyers follow strict acceptance policies, check seals for tampering, and offer dependable customer service.
Where to Sell Supplies
The Sell Diabetic Supplies USA Marketplace Directory is a helpful resource for connecting with verified buyers. It allows you to compare prices, shipping options, and buyer policies all in one place.
One example of a verified buyer is Two Moms Buy Test Strips, which emphasizes transparency and customer satisfaction:
"We are committed to being the best company you can sell your diabetic test strips to, and we offer you the highest pricing, cash for test strips, with the fastest payment and best communication over any other. We actually call you back when you reach out to us!" - Two Moms Buy Test Strips [5]
Two Moms Buy Test Strips accepts a variety of diabetic supplies, including:
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Test strips
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Dexcom supplies
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Humulin
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Omnipods
They aim to make healthcare products more affordable while offering competitive payouts to sellers.
When choosing a buyer, consider factors like payment processing speed, reputation. accepted brands and conditions, current pricing, special bonuses, shipping options, and services like label removal. Always avoid buyers who deal in supplies from government-funded programs.
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Pricing Guide
Price Factors
Several elements influence the pricing of diabetic supplies:
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Brand Matters: Premium retail brands tend to fetch higher prices. For example, a retail Accu-Chek Aviva Plus (100 count) might sell for up to $35.00, while a non-retail One Touch Verio (50 count) might only bring in around $19.00.
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Expiration Date: Supplies with at least 10 months before expiration are valued at full price. Those with 3–9 months remaining typically get 50% of the full value, while items with less than 3 months until expiration may not be accepted. Every buyer has different requirements, please check their websites for more details.
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Condition of Packaging: Boxes must be factory sealed, free of damage, and include their original labels and packaging.
Setting Fair Prices
These factors determine market rates, which are outlined in the table below. Here's an overview of typical payouts based on product type, quantity, and expiration status:
| Product | Box Count | Full Payout | Reduced Payout (shorter exp date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G6 Sensors | 3 Count | $240.00 | $125.00 |
| One Touch Ultra | 100 Count | $50.00 | $32.00 |
| Freestyle Libre 14-Day | 1 Sensor | $42.00 | $30.00 |
| Freestyle Lite | 50 Count | $30.00 | $25.00 |
Tips to Maximize Value
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Keep boxes in their original packaging.
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Avoid exposing supplies to extreme temperatures.
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Ensure labels remain intact and legible.
It's also a good idea to confirm accepted brands and models with potential buyers, as preferences and rates can vary. Prices are influenced by market demand and may change over time. For up-to-date pricing, consult resources like the Sell Diabetic Supplies Marketplace Directory, which features verified buyers and current rates [6].
Storage and Expiration Rules
Expired Supply Rules
Selling expired supplies is not recommended, as they can produce unreliable results.
"The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even specifically warns against using expired diabetes test strips as they might lead to inaccurate results." [2]
Some buyers, such as StripsUSA, have specific rules regarding expiration dates:
| Time Until Expiration | Payment Rate |
|---|---|
| 10+ months | Full price |
| 7-9 months | 30% discount |
| 4-6 months | 50% discount |
| 1-3 months | 75% discount |
In addition to monitoring expiration dates, proper storage practices are key to maintaining the quality of your supplies.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage helps protect the quality and value of supplies, meeting both legal standards and buyer expectations.
"Test strips can degrade faster if stored in extreme temperatures. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat or humidity." [7]
Key storage tips include:
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Keep supplies at room temperature in a climate-controlled area.
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Ensure original, sealed packaging remains intact.
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Use a felt-tip marker to cover personal details while leaving factory labels untouched to avoid classification as damaged [3].
4-Step Selling Process
1. Check Supply Requirements
Before selling your diabetic test strips, make sure they meet these basic conditions:
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Legally purchased: Supplies must be from accepted brands like Accu-Chek, Bayer Contour, or OneTouch, packaged in 50 or 100-count boxes, and manufactured in the U.S. [1].
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Expiration date: Ensure they have enough shelf life left.
2. Select a Buyer
Once your supplies meet the necessary criteria, find a trustworthy buyer. Use the table below to guide your choice:
| Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Reputation | Positive reviews and customer feedback |
| Payment Speed | Payment issued within 1–2 business days |
| Shipping | Free shipping labels provided |
| Support | Easy access to customer service |
| Payment Options | Multiple payment methods available |
3. Package and Ship
After choosing a buyer, follow these steps to ship your supplies:
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Prepare Boxes: Use a felt-tip marker to cover any personal information, but leave factory labels intact [3].
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Secure Packaging: Use the shipping materials and labels provided by the buyer to properly pack your supplies.
4. Get Paid
Here’s how the payment process works:
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Inspection: The buyer checks your supplies to ensure they meet the required standards.
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Processing: Payment is sent within 1–2 business days after inspection.
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Payment Methods: Choose to receive your payment via PayPal, check, or other available options.
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Tracking: Use the buyer's system to monitor your payment status.
To maximize your earnings, try to sell supplies with at least 7 months of shelf life remaining. This typically ensures you qualify for full payment rates.
Summary
Selling diabetic test strips requires following specific legal rules and best practices. Here's a breakdown of the essential points to keep in mind:
Legal Guidelines
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You can resell unused, legally purchased test strips [2].
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Test strips obtained through Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or Indian Health Services cannot be resold.
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Boxes labeled "For Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiaries Only" are not eligible for resale [1].
Supply Requirements
To be eligible for resale, test strips must meet these conditions:
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Factory sealed and free from damage.
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Stored according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Maximizing Value
To get the best payment rates, ensure that:
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The packaging is original and in mint condition.
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There is no cosmetic damage.
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The expiration date is 10 or more months away (shorter periods will reduce the rate).
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Damaged boxes may result in up to a 50% payment reduction.
Best Practices
Follow these tips for smooth transactions:
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Confirm the buyer's requirements before shipping.
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Keep the original factory label and script labels intact.
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Use the shipping materials provided by the buyer.
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Track payment status using the buyer's system.
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Store test strips as instructed by the manufacturer.
Stick to these guidelines to ensure successful sales and maximize your returns.