Do You Have to Be 18 to Sell Diabetic Test Strips?

Test strips pile up fast in a household with a child who has diabetes. A meter changes, a prescription gets updated, and suddenly there are sealed boxes nobody needs. Selling them seems simple, until the order form asks who is placing the order and a teenager says, “I’m the one who tests, so I’ll do it.”

In general, the person placing the order should be an adult who owns the supplies and can receive payment, which usually means 18 or older. If the supplies belong to a child, a parent or guardian typically places the order and gets paid. This guide explains why, where age comes up in the process, and what parents should check before they send anything.

The Real Question Is Who Owns the Strips and Who Can Get Paid

Age matters here for a practical reason: selling is an agreement, and minors generally cannot make binding ones. In most states, the age of majority is 18, but a few set it higher. Alabama and Nebraska use 19, and Mississippi uses 21, according to Cornell Law School’s explanation of the age of majority. A contract with a minor is generally voidable, meaning the minor can back out, which is why companies prefer to deal with adults.

So the question is less “how old is the person at the keyboard” and more “who legally owns the strips, and who can agree to the sale and accept the money.” Three checkpoints decide that.

Checkpoint 1: Who owns the strips

The seller should be the person who bought or legally owns the supplies. For a child’s strips, that is usually the parent or guardian who got the prescription filled or paid for the boxes, not the child.

Checkpoint 2: Who agrees to the order

Placing an order means submitting a form and agreeing to the buyer’s terms. That should be done by an adult. If you are not sure how your situation applies, read the Terms and Conditions or call before you submit.

Checkpoint 3: Who receives the payment

This is where age shows up most often in practice. PayPal’s user agreement requires account holders to be at least 18, or the age of majority in their state. Cash App requires users to be 18, though teens 13 to 17 can use it through an account sponsored by a parent or guardian. Zelle runs through a bank account, and banks often open accounts for minors only with an adult on the account. A check made out to a parent or guardian avoids the issue entirely. These services change their rules from time to time, so confirm the current terms for the one you plan to use.

If the Supplies Belong to a Child

This is the most common situation, and a few practical points apply:

• The parent or guardian should place the order, use their own contact details, and receive the payment.
• Check how the supplies were paid for. Our policy does not accept supplies obtained through government programs such as Medicaid, and children’s supplies are often covered that way. Our post on what we won’t buy and why explains the exclusions.
• Leave the pharmacy label on the box. It may carry your child’s name, and labels are removed and destroyed after your order arrives. Peeling one off usually damages the box.
• Check the boxes before you apply: factory sealed, undamaged, and at least 10 months before the expiration date.

What About a Teenager Who Manages Their Own Diabetes?

A teen who tests every day often knows exactly which boxes are left over, which makes them a useful helper. They can check expiration dates, match boxes to the price list, and count what is on the shelf. The order should still go through a parent or guardian, because they own the supplies and can accept payment.

Other Situations Where Someone Else Owns the Supplies

The same logic applies to adults selling supplies that are not theirs. If a loved one has passed away, read our guide on what to do with unused diabetic supplies after a loved one passes away. If you are helping a living relative, it is best to have them sign off or place the order themselves. For a broader checklist, see our post on selling diabetic supplies safely and legally.

Ready to See What Your Strips Are Worth?

Check your boxes against the test strip price list, then request your free postage-paid mailing label or kit, which arrives in 1 to 5 days. More Cash For Test Strips is happy to answer questions about who can place an order. Call 310-892-2808, Monday to Friday, 10:30 to 5:30 Pacific Time, or see the How It Works page for the full process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be 18 to sell diabetic test strips?

In general, the person placing the order should be an adult, which usually means 18 or older. In a few states, the age of majority is higher. If the supplies belong to a child, a parent or guardian typically places the order.

Can a minor sell diabetic test strips?

A minor generally cannot make a binding agreement, and payout options like PayPal require an adult account holder. The practical route is for a parent or guardian to place the order.

Can I sell my child’s diabetic supplies?

Often yes, if you are the parent or guardian who owns them and they meet the requirements: factory sealed, undamaged, and at least 10 months from expiring. Check how the supplies were paid for, since supplies obtained through government programs like Medicaid are not accepted.

Do I need to be 18 to use PayPal or Cash App for the payout?

PayPal requires account holders to be at least 18, or the age of majority in their state. Cash App requires users to be 18, but teens 13 to 17 can use sponsored accounts through a parent or guardian. Check each service’s current terms before you choose.

Does the age of majority differ by state?

Yes. It is 18 in most states, 19 in Alabama and Nebraska, and 21 in Mississippi. Check your state’s rules if you are close to the cutoff.

What if the supplies belong to someone who passed away?

The person handling the estate should place the order. Our guide on what to do with unused diabetic supplies after a loved one passes away covers the steps.