A person preparing diabetic test strips for resale in California, CA using the trusted service More Cash for Test Strips.

Who Buys Diabetic Test Strips: A Complete Guide for Sellers

Posted on June 16, 2025 at 06AM

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got test strips—maybe a few boxes or a bulk stash—just sitting around your home or office. You’re not alone. Many people, from patients to caregivers, experience shifts in diabetes management that leave them with extra supplies. Maybe you switched brands, changed health insurance (Medicaid or Medicare), or didn’t use as many strips as expected. In some cases, it’s just a matter of life changes—what once was essential is now part of a forgotten collection. However, those unused supplies still offer benefits to anyone in need, especially when an active exchange system is available. It’s worth keeping in mind that what might seem like clutter to you could make a big difference to someone else. This page explores why that matters and how you can take action with the right team behind you. 

So naturally, the question arises: Who buys diabetic test strips? The answer: a well-established resale marketplace made up of companies, small vendors, and even independent buyers who purchase your extra strips, helping you turn those surplus supplies into cash—and helping others access test strips at much more affordable prices. These customers come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and each person has a unique reason for needing more affordable or accessible diabetic supplies. Whether it’s a small amount for personal use or a larger bulk need, there’s real demand. This guide will walk sellers through the entire process, including who these buyers are, why they buy, how to ensure your strips meet condition, expiration, and packaging guidelines, and how to ship and get paid quickly and legally. Along the way, you’ll get answers to common questions, plus tips on pricing, negotiation, and choosing the best payment options like PayPal, checks, or direct payment. 

Why Sell Your Test Strips?

If you have extra diabetic test strips that you no longer need, you’re holding onto something with real value—not just for you, but for others as well. Selling your unused strips helps reduce medical waste, provides much-needed access to affordable diabetes care, and puts cash back in your pocket. Whether you’re managing a change in your prescription, clearing out expired supplies, or simply looking to help others while earning extra money, there are many good reasons to explore how and where to sell your diabetic test strips.

Reduce Clutter, Earn Money, and Help Others

Whether you have some leftover strips from a change in prescriptions, extra boxes received from your pharmacy, or a larger collection—choosing to Sell Diabetic Test Strips For Cash means:

  • Money in your pocket (instead of wasted products)
  • Clearing up storage space
  • Supporting others who need blood sugar level testing but can’t afford high retail price
  • Preventing wasted products from landfills due to expiration or damage

Dealing with Surplus After Brand or Supply Changes

Many people with diabetes switch between brands, such as Accu-Chek, Freestyle, OneTouch, Dexcom, or Aviva, to find more accurate meter readings or better pricing through insurance. That often leads to unused boxes of test strips.

Plus, if you’re eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, you may get extra quantities of supplies each month—sometimes more than you need. That surplus can grow quickly and go to waste unless sold or shared.

Reducing Medical Waste

Unused and expired kits aren’t just a financial drain—they pose an environmental problem. Selling still-valid strips ensures fewer unused products end up in landfills.

Who Are the Buyers?

1. Professional Resale Companies

These are licensed companies that specialize in buying and reselling medical supplies. They source test strips, inspect them, and redistribute them to low-cost channels, often supplying clinics or other patients at reduced rates.

These companies may be local, regional, or national and often provide prepaid shipping kits to make your life easier. They buy in bulk as well as in smaller volumes.

2. Independent Buyers and Agents

Some experienced buyers personally purchase unused strips from individuals. They may pay less per box but offer faster payment and flexible negotiation. If you’re comfortable with direct exchanges, this option could work—but thoroughly check their reliability and reviews.

3. Online Peer-to-Peer Platforms

There are dedicated sites where sellers list their boxes or collections for sale. Interested buyers—from individuals to small vendors—can place offers. These platforms often provide escrow-enabled payment, enforce listing guidelines, and support secure shipping through tracked mail.

What Kind of Test Strips Can You Sell?

Follow these strict guidelines to avoid your strips from getting rejected or your payment delayed:

Accepted Condition:

  • Must be factory-sealed in original packaging
  • Not opened or tampered with—box, bottle, or labels fully intact
  • Valid expiration date (not expired or too close to expiration)
  • No visible damage to the box or packaging
  • Clearly labeled with brand and expiration details

Brands That Sell Well:

  • Accu-Chek
  • Freestyle
  • OneTouch
  • Dexcom (though mainly meters, associated test strips are also highly valued)
  • Aviva

Some buyers also purchase less common brands—check with them first before you ship.

Packaging and Bulk:

  • Buyers usually prefer full boxes (e.g., 50 test strips per box)
  • Bulk orders are accepted, but please avoid opening containers.
  • Keep the original shipping kit or add proper padding to prevent damage.

Step‑by‑Step Process to Sell Your Test Strips

Research potential buyers.

Look for reviews, BBB ratings, testimonials, and whether the company adheres to legal regulations. Ask questions such as: Are they registered as a medical product reseller? How do they confirm compliance with FDA requirements?

Get quotes.

Please send information about your boxes, including brand, quantity, expiration date, and condition. Some sites offer online price estimators, while others require manual quotes.

Compare offers.

Evaluate each buyer’s price per box or strip, shipping terms, and payment method. Some reputable vendors even give more for sealed boxes of higher-demand brands.

Select a buyer based on total price, reliability, and speed of priority mail and payment.

Place your order for a shipping kit or label—or some buyers will reimburse your shipping costs.

Pack securely using the provided box or your sturdy package. Include any required labels, documentation, or order numbers.

Ship via tracked mail. Many buyers prefer priority or expedited shipping to speed up the process.

The buyer inspects and pays. Once the company receives your package, they verify the condition and expiration. Upon approval, you receive cash via PayPal, check, bank transfer, or another method.

Ask about turnaround time. Many buyers pay within 1–5 business days after receiving the goods.

Understanding Pricing and Profit

What Influences Price?

  • Brand – High-demand labels like Accu-Chek or Freestyle can fetch higher dollars
  • Expiration – Longer shelf life equals better pricing.
  • Quantity – Bulk sales often get better per-strip prices.
  • Condition – Factory-sealed boxes are the highest value

Typical rates vary widely, from $0.15 to $0.40 per strip, depending on the above factors. That’s about $7.50 to $20 per 50-strip box.

Sample Quote Estimates

  • Freestyle
    • Quantity: 50 strips
    • Expiry: December 2026
    • Condition: Sealed Box
    • Estimated Price: $15
  • Accu-Chek
    • Quantity: 50 strips
    • Expiry: June 2025
    • Condition: Sealed Box
    • Estimated Price: $14
  • OneTouch
    • Quantity: 100 strips
    • Expiry: October 2025
    • Condition: Sealed x2 (2 sealed boxes)
    • Estimated Price: $28

Factors That Affect Profit

  • Payment method: PayPal may charge fees unless the transaction is sent as a gift.
  • Shipping fees: Some buyers reimburse the shipping fees, while others deduct them.
  • Volume discounts: Bulk sellers often get better rates per strip.

Payment Methods & Speed

  • PayPal: Fast (often same-day), convenient, familiar interface.
  • Check: Standard, but requires time to arrive and clear.
  • Bank transfer: Fast and direct, but less common.
  • Online payment services: Occasionally offered; please check fees for details.

Ensure the buyer is transparent about fees, holding periods, and shipping reimbursement before agreeing—clear communication is key when selling diabetic supplies through trusted services like More Cash for Test Strips to ensure a smooth and trustworthy transaction.

Boxes of Freestyle, OneTouch, and Accu-Chek test strips ready for shipment to More Cash for Test Strips in California, CA.

In California, CA, More Cash for Test Strips makes it easy to turn extra boxes of diabetic test strips into fast money.

Shipping: Tips and Tricks

  • Use the buyer’s prepaid shipping label if provided.
  • Choosing between priority or tracked mail—speed matters when it comes to shipping time.
  • Keep the shipping kit and save the tracking number until you receive payment.
  • Be extra careful around fragile packaging—breaks or crushed boxes will void the sale.
  • If you want to reuse boxes, remove all old labels, barcodes, and adhesive residue.

Questions Every Seller Should Ask

  • Buyer legitimacy: Are they vetting companies with proper licenses and insurance?
  • Payments: What payment methods are offered? Are there delays or fees?
  • Pricing structure: How do they value different brands, quantities, or expiration dates?
  • Return policy: What happens if they reject the shipment?
  • Customer Service: Who to contact if a package is lost or something goes wrong?

Legal & Safety Considerations

  • Ensure your transaction complies with legal and medical safety regulations.
  • The resale of medical devices can be regulated—only trust companies that have disclaimers and comply with health authorities.
  • Maintain records of your transactions, shipping, and payment for audit purposes.

Common Seller Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

  1. Trying to sell opened or expired strips – Don’t risk it. Buyers will reject you, and you’ll waste time.
  2. Not checking guidelines for each brand and buyer – Requirements differ, so always double-check.
  3. Using slow mail – Prioritize speed; many buyers won’t buy strips if they wait more than a week in transit.
  4. Sending insufficient documentation – Include order numbers, return labels, and invoices if required.
  5. Ignoring fees – Factor in payment and shipping deductions when evaluating quotes.

Tips to Maximize Your Profit

  • Be transparent in your listing: include the brand, expiration date, and condition.
  • Bundle boxes of the same brand for better bulk pricing.
  • Compare multiple buyers before shipping.
  • Request payment terms upfront before sending.
  • Provide tracking proof and retain records until payment is confirmed.

Final Thoughts

From brand changes to insurance adjustments, everyone with diabetes has reasons for having surplus strips. Selling them isn’t just about earning money—it’s a meaningful way to help others manage diabetes, reduce medical waste, and efficiently declutter your space.

Take advantage of this reliable market:

  • Do your due due diligence,
  • Check brand, expiration, and packaging conditions,
  • Compare offers from buyers,
  • Package, ship, and track properly,
  • Get your cash quickly and securely.

With a trusted company, streamlined process, and honest prices, you can easily turn extra test strips into useful cash. So don’t let those boxes go to waste—take action today, support others, and put that surplus to good use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sell test strips if they were provided through my insurance?

Most buyers do not accept strips received through government insurance programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare, due to legal restrictions. Always verify the buyer’s identity and the origin of your supplies before selling.

2. What happens if my test strips get damaged during shipping?

If boxes arrive crushed, torn, or show signs of tampering, the buyer may reject them or reduce your payment. Use protective padding and sturdy packaging, and always ship with tracking.

3. Are there limits on how many boxes I can sell at once?

Some companies have a minimum or maximum purchase limit per order or month. Bulk sellers often need to coordinate larger shipments in advance to ensure pricing and inventory acceptance.

4. Is it legal to sell diabetic test strips online?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. The test strips must be over-the-counter (OTC), unused, unopened, and not acquired via government healthcare programs. Always sell to reputable, licensed buyers and check for compliance with FDA guidelines.

5. Do I need to be a diabetic to sell test strips?

No. Anyone who has legitimate, unused, and properly stored diabetic supplies (from relatives, caregiving, surplus inventory, etc.) can usually sell them—provided they meet all conditions and sourcing requirements.

6. Can I sell expired or short-dated test strips?

Generally, no. Most buyers require at least 6–12 months of shelf life remaining. Expired strips are not accepted due to safety and resale restrictions.

7. How do I verify if a buyer is trustworthy?

Check for reviews, BBB ratings, testimonials, and clear business contact information. Reputable companies have well-defined websites, transparent policies, and responsive customer service.

8. Will I be taxed on the income from selling test strips?

Depending on your total earnings, you may need to report the income on your taxes. If you receive over $600 in a year via PayPal or another platform, they may issue a 1099 form. Consult a tax professional if you’re unsure.

9. Can I sell other diabetic supplies besides test strips?

Yes. Some companies also purchase lancets, meters, and sensors, such as those from Dexcom, but policies vary. Always check with the buyer to confirm which products they currently accept.

10. What should I do with strips that can’t be sold?

If your strips are expired, damaged, or non-sellable, consider donating them (if still safe), checking with local clinics, or disposing of them properly by medical waste guidelines. Never throw them in household trash without checking local disposal rules.