Selling Diabetic Supplies vs Donating: Making the Right Choice

Wondering what to do with your extra diabetic supplies? You have two main options: sell them for quick cash or donate them to help others in need. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Sell if you need extra money. Selling can help cover your medical expenses, and platforms like TwoMomsBuyTestStrips.com make the process simple: verify your supplies, ship them, and get paid within days.

• Donate to make a difference. Organizations like Insulin for Life accept unexpired, sealed supplies and distribute them to those who can't afford them. Plus, donations may qualify for tax deductions.

Quick Comparison

Choose based on your priorities - whether financial or altruistic. Both options reduce waste and ensure unused supplies help others.

Is the reselling of diabetic test strips legal?

Selling vs Donating: Basic Differences

Deciding whether to sell or donate your diabetic supplies depends on your situation and goals. Both options ensure these supplies reach people who need them, but the processes differ. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Sell Supplies

Selling diabetic supplies involves a few key steps:

• Check the Brand: Ensure your supplies are from approved manufacturers.

• Inspect Packaging: Items must be sealed and unopened.

• Verify Expiration Dates: Supplies should have at least three months before expiration.

• Eligibility: Supplies obtained through Medicare or Medicaid cannot be sold [2].

Here’s how the process works:

1. Product Verification
   Contact a buyer to confirm your supplies meet their requirements. Most buyers provide a list of accepted brands and products on their websites and provide an instant quote [2].

2. Shipping
   If you want to sell, check out or submit your supplies, and you’ll receive a prepaid shipping label or shipping box. Package the items securely to avoid damage during transit [2].

3. Payment
   After the buyer inspects your shipment, payment - usually by check - is sent. Some buyers offer other payment methods including Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp and ACH. The entire process typically takes 5–7 business days from shipping to payment [2].

How to Donate Supplies

If you prefer to donate, here’s how to proceed:

Commonly Accepted Items:

• Insulin and insulin pens

• Test strips

• Syringes

• Factory-sealed lancets

• Insulin pumps (in some cases) [5]

Several organizations accept donations, including:

• Insulin for Life USA

• Integrated Diabetes Services (I.D.S.)

• Project C.U.R.E.

• CR3 Diabetes Association [1]

Steps for donating:

1. Contact the Organization
   Reach out to the organization to learn about their specific needs and requirements. Each group may have different criteria for what they accept [1].

2. Prepare Supplies
   Ensure all items are:

   • Unexpired

   • Unopened and sealed

   • Properly stored

   • Free from damage [5]

3. Delivery
   Follow the organization’s preferred delivery method. Some offer shipping labels or arrange for pickups, while others may require in-person drop-offs [1].

Both selling and donating ensure diabetic supplies reach those who need them. Your decision will depend on your priorities, whether financial or altruistic. Up next, we’ll dive into the financial outcomes of these options.

Money Matters: Selling vs Donating

Money from Sales

How much you earn from selling diabetic supplies depends on a few key factors:

• Condition of the items: Sealed and unexpired products bring in the highest payouts.

• Expiration date: Supplies that expire within 3–9 months typically earn about 50% of the maximum value [2].

• Brand and quantity: Popular brands and larger quantities can increase resale value.

Platforms like TwoMomsBuyTestStrips.com offer upfront quotes, same day payments and stick to those prices, giving you peace of mind about what you'll earn [3]. Another option, DiabeticBuyBack.com, promises next-day payments and claims to provide top-tier compensation [4].

"DBB is a magnificent company. They provide quick payments and they have several ways of getting your payment. So far from what I've seen their pay scale is one of the highest. If you happen to run into a problem during mailing and payment, you can call or email they have a fast turn around for answers." - Terroshun Duvall [3]

Now, let’s look at the tax benefits that come with donating your supplies.

Tax Write-offs for Donations

Donating diabetic supplies can lead to tax savings, but you'll need to follow specific guidelines:

• You must itemize deductions on your tax return to claim them.

• Medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) to qualify [6].

• Keep thorough records, including:

  • Donation receipts

  • Documentation of fair market value

  • Proof of shipping or delivery

If you're self-employed, there might be additional benefits. For example, you could deduct health insurance premiums as an adjustment to income, which lowers your AGI threshold and makes it easier to qualify [6].

Financial Benefits Comparison

Here’s a quick look at how selling and donating stack up financially:

Choosing between selling and donating comes down to your personal financial goals. Selling gives you quick cash, while donations can provide tax benefits and help others gain access to needed supplies. TwoMomsBuyTestStrips.com highlights their commitment to connecting supplies directly to people in need:

"The Two Moms know that when you or your loved ones find it increasingly difficult to afford the maintenance products that are required, it only makes the situation harder to handle.

That is why Two Moms Buy Test Strips are the most trusted name more people rely on daily.

Since 2015, we’ve been purchasing unused medical products at the highest cash offers possible, and then reselling them to patients across the country at discounted pricing. That way, we’re able to give back to our community while compensating you in the process when you sell test strips or sell diabetic supplies to us.." [3]

Make sure all your transactions follow legal guidelines [2]. With this foundation, you're ready to dive into the rules and legal considerations in the next section.

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Community Impact

Beyond financial benefits and tax perks, these actions have meaningful effects on both communities and the environment.

Helping Others Through Donations

Donating diabetic supplies can be life-changing for those who struggle to afford what they need. For individuals in underserved areas, these donations help close critical gaps in healthcare, ensuring they can manage their diabetes consistently [1].

"At the end, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you've given back." – Denzel Washington [1]

Lowering Costs for Essential Care

Selling extra diabetic supplies makes it easier for others to access affordable care. Platforms like TwoMomsBuyTestStrips.com play a key role by connecting surplus supplies with individuals who need them, helping to reduce costs [8].

Cutting Down on Medical Waste

Repurposing unused diabetic supplies through selling or donating helps reduce waste. Organizations like DiabeticBuyBack.com ensure these supplies are put to good use, benefiting both the environment and the diabetic community [3].

"Our goal? To put extra cash in your pocket for those unused diabetic supplies. We promise top payouts and a hassle-free process when you sell test strips, making it easy for you to clear out those extra test strips while helping others get the supplies they need at a price they can afford. So, let's team up and make managing diabetes a little easier for everyone!" – DiabeticBuyBack.com [3]

These efforts not only support individuals but also create a ripple effect that positively impacts the environment and society as a whole.

Rules and Requirements

Now that we've covered the financial and community aspects, let's dive into the legal rules that keep the transfer of diabetic supplies safe and compliant.

Sales Requirements

Selling diabetic supplies comes with strict rules. Here's what you need to know: supplies must be unopened, in their original packaging, unexpired, and undamaged. They also need to be legally acquired (items from Medicare or Medicaid are excluded), intended for U.S. sale only, and stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Donation Guidelines

Donation organizations have clear acceptance criteria to ensure safety and usability. Here's a breakdown of what they generally accept and reject:

Note: Some organizations, like Insulin for Life, do not accept insulin pump supplies.

State and Federal Laws

Federal laws strictly prohibit selling supplies obtained through government healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Sellers must meet these conditions:

• Be the legal owner of the supplies

• Be at least 18 years old

• Ensure items are not stolen, altered, or under recall

• Provide proper documentation, such as proof of purchase and confirmation that the items weren’t sourced through government assistance

These rules protect buyers, donors, and the wider diabetic community. By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and lawful transactions while supporting those in need.

How to Choose Your Option

Now that you’ve reviewed the financial and legal details, it’s time to focus on how your personal situation influences the best course of action.

Personal Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to sell or donate depends on a few key factors. First, take a look at your financial situation. If money is tight, selling your unused supplies can provide some extra income. The amount of supplies you have also matters - larger quantities are better suited for selling, while smaller amounts might make a bigger difference as donations.

Also, check the expiration dates on your supplies. Items with over three months left before expiration tend to have a better resale value. However, selling does require extra effort, like packaging and shipping.

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

Where to Sell or Donate

If selling is your choice, check out the Sell Diabetic Supplies Marketplace Directory. This resource connects you with verified buyers who offer transparent pricing and secure transactions.

"The Two Moms’ mission is to connect people with diabetes who need affordable testing supplies with the excess diabetic supplies that we purchase. This way we put a little dent in the world of expensive health care and a ton of cash back into the wallets of the people that need it most. You." - Two Moms Buy Test Strips [8]

For donations, your healthcare provider can help you find local opportunities. Most buyers work to get supplies to those who need them most at an affordable price.

Steps for Success

If you’re selling:

• Make sure your supplies meet buyer requirements.

• Request shipping materials from the buyer.

• Take clear photos of the items.

• Track your shipment and confirm payment.

If you’re donating:

• Verify the organization’s needs and donation guidelines.

• Remove any personal information from the supplies.

• Keep a receipt for potential tax benefits.

"What sets Two Moms Buy Test Strips apart is not just the service they provide, but the heart and dedication behind it. The team, driven by compassion and understanding, works tirelessly to ensure that the diabetic supplies reach those who struggle with the high retail prices or lack insurance coverage. The relief and rewards this brings to both sellers and receivers alike are immeasurable." - Two Moms Buy Test Strips [7]

With around 3 billion used test strips being generated every year [16], selling or donating your supplies can make a real difference. These steps not only simplify the process but also highlight the positive impact your choice can have - whether on your finances or the community.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to sell or donate diabetic supplies comes down to your personal priorities, as both choices have their own advantages.

Selling through platforms like the Sell Diabetic Supplies Marketplace Directory offers a chance to earn money while providing affordable supplies to others. These platforms ensure secure transactions and fair payouts, with some buyers even offering next-day payments [18].

On the other hand, donating your supplies can provide tax benefits and help people in need. As DiabeticBuyBack.com explains:

"Our goal is simple yet profound: to assist those with surplus supplies or those who no longer need them by offering top dollar for their unused items. But our mission doesn't stop at buying. We bridge the gap between excess and necessity, ensuring that these vital supplies reach diabetics who, due to lack of insurance or financial constraints, face difficulties in accessing or affording their essential medical supplies." [3].

Both options help cut down on medical waste while supporting the diabetic community. Sellers receive fair compensation, and buyers benefit from access to recycled supplies:

"It's the Two Mom's personal mission to purchase as many diabetic test strips, Dexcom, Humulin, and Omnipods as possible, so we can get them into the hands of other diabetics in need of them at affordable pricing." [4].

To ensure the supplies retain their value and effectiveness, make sure they are unexpired, unopened, and in good condition [5][9].

For millions of Americans managing diabetes, selling or donating unused supplies can make a meaningful impact. Whether your goal is financial or altruistic, your choice contributes to a more sustainable and supportive diabetic community.