A complete guide to Amazon’s return policies
Over the last several decades, Amazon has become a star in all commerce areas. With Amazon Prime, customers can receive free shipping on purchases and receive their items as soon as they make their order.
Prime has transformed the shopping experience online. However, even though shopping for things online is now easier than ever, many people are unsure about the best way to return unwanted goods to Amazon.
In this article, we will explore the details of Amazon’s return policy and answer many of the most frequently asked questions regarding the process.
What Is Amazon’s Return Policy?
Let’s start with the basics. Let’s review the fundamentals regarding Amazon’s policy on returns.
Here are a few most important things you need to be aware of:
For Items Sold and/or Fulfilled Directly By Amazon:
- Returns must be received within 30 days from the date of delivery. This means that the moment your delivery courier informs you that your package was delivered and your countdown to 30 days clock begins to tick.
- Returns are at no cost. You do not have to pay shipping costs for returning the item. *
- 100% refund Full refund if the product is damaged, defective, or incorrect.
*in certain cases
If you purchased an item in-store purchase, the same rules apply, except that you have to return the item to the store in the product that has not been opened in a good state with an invoice, and you won’t be required to submit a Return Request like you would with the online return.
AMAZON RETURN POLICY | |
Return Period | 30 Days |
Return Method | Online or in-store |
Exchange Period | 30 Days |
Exchange Method | Online or in-store |
Refund Period | 3-5 days – Credit Cards 10 days – Debit Cards |
Refund Method | Original Method of Payment |
How To Return Amazon Products
If you bought an item on Amazon, however, you discover that you must return it for any reason, follow these steps to ensure successful returns. *
Be sure to make sure you return your item by the 30-day duration as outlined above.
- On the Amazon homepage, click on “Returns & Orders.” It will be located on the right-hand side of the page.
- You will be taken to a page that lists the previous purchases you made from Amazon. On the right side of each purchase, you will see a variety of buttons. One of them will read, “Return or replace items.” Click it.
- You will be taken to a new page that contains the item you are looking for. There is an option to check the item. Make sure to click the checkbox so that the check mark appears.
- On the next page, you can choose why you are returning from the drop-down menu. Some situations will require you to input additional information into the text box.
- After you have filled it out, press which you can click the “Continue” button; it will bring you to a page where you will ask if you’d like to swap the item for a different one or get the item back. Select the option you prefer and then click “Continue” again,
- It will then take you to a return label on an additional page you can print. The return label will also ask users to decide if they prefer to drop off the item at a UPS store or arrange a pickup for your package. Note that if the issue or reason to return the item was due to Amazon’s fault, and the pickup is not charged, If it was your fault, you must pay an additional cost to receive this service.
How Strict Is The Amazon Return Policy?
Return policies are quite rigid. In some cases, they allow returns within the 30 days allotted, but in these situations, there is usually an additional cost (unless it’s a specialized item with extended return time).
Amazon Exchange Policy
If you return your item for a refund to Amazon, the customer will be asked if you would like to exchange it for a different item or get an exchange or refund. For exchanges, follow these steps:
- When on the “Your Orders” page, select “Return or replace items” just to the right side of the item you wish to exchange.
- Choose the item you would like to exchange, and then specify why you want to exchange it. In the words of Amazon, “an exchange order will be created with the same shipping speed that was used on your original item.”
- Create a return form and return the initial item in 30 days to not be charged for the original and exchange item.
Be aware that Amazon doesn’t price match, and this only applies to sizes or colors. If your new product is priced higher than the original, the difference will be charged, and you will be refunded to cover the cost difference if the item is less expensive.
Amazon Refund Policy
The “How To Return Amazon Products” section explains this Amazon return policy for refunds. Refer to it for more information.
Does Amazon Accept Returns After 30 Days?
In certain situations, you’ll be able to exchange your item after 30 days, but it requires a different procedure. In some cases, for instance, you could be able to return your purchase to certain retailers who accept Amazon returns at no cost.
What Items Cannot Be Returned To Amazon?
Certain items that aren’t able to return to Amazon are:
- Desktop computers and laptops Kindles — after 30 days
- Hazardous materials
- Items that do not have UPC serial or UPC
- Software that can be downloaded
- Online subscriptions are activated once
- Gift cards
- Prepaid game cards
- Certain jewelry purchases
- Certain personal care items
- Grocery items
- Software that is open source
- Items that have shipping limitations
- Live insects
Does Amazon Have Free Returns?
If Amazon is responsible for the refund (e.g., they shipped the wrong product) and the item is returned, it’s no cost. If you aren’t satisfied with the item, you must make a payment to return it.
How Long Do Amazon Refunds Take?
This is contingent on your payment method. Credit cards require 3 to 5 business days, while debit cards can take up to 10 days for processing.
Please find the complete schedule of timetables on their official website.
Can I Return Amazon Products After Use?
In the majority of cases, there is a possibility. Certain items are not able to be returned after opening, however.
What Happens If Amazon Rejects A Return?
It’s not often. However, it could occur if you return excessively many items or if Amazon believes you’re trying to scam them.
We’ve not seen this happen. However, we are sure they will call you if they decide to reject your return.
What’s the Return Policy on Electronics?
Within 30 days after purchase, You can return your computer and electronic devices to Amazon.
There is no responsibility for shipping charges incurred in return If the reason for your returning is due to a damaged product, an incorrect description, or the incorrect item received.
You may be assessed an additional restocking cost if the product is damaged because of misuse, missing parts, or unauthorized tampering.
Who does the Amazon return policy apply to?
The policy for returning items is the responsibility of Amazon If the seller is an FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) or part of SFP (Seller Fulfilled Prime).
In simple terms, this way, the inventory you have is shipped via one of the Amazon Fulfillment Centers, or the products you sell are suitable to be eligible for Amazon Prime Returns will be handled through Amazon.
Do Amazon Limit Customer Returns?
There’s no limit on the number of times customers can return products they’ve bought. If you’re responsibly using their platform, you’ll not risk being blocked.
How Do You Return a Gift to Amazon?
Returning gifts to Amazon is a little different from the average return.
Begin by going to your gift return page and entering your order number. It is the 17-digit number that appears on the packaging slip.
Follow the directions on the web, and you’ll be given a complimentary shipping label to print and then attach to the package.
If you do not have the order number, you can contact the gift-giver or call Amazon Customer Service by calling 1-(888) 280-4331.
When you call, ensure you have the”gift recipient’s email address, number, as well as the tracking ID for the package available (if you’ve got it).”
Holiday Return Policy
In most cases, items purchased between October 1st and December 31st can be returned up to January 31st.
This offers an abundance of flexibility, knowing that you can buy the item earlier, and the gift recipient can return the item should they want. This is Christmas covered.
Can I Make a Return to Amazon Brick & Mortar Stores?
Yes…in the majority of cases.
If you happen to be located near or near an Amazon store, you may return “eligible items” purchased from Amazon.com to get a total return in 30 days.
On their website, products unsuitable for an in-store return are usually huge items or items that do not conform to “safe to ship standards.”
Remember that you may also bring your return to the closest Kohl’s store, and they’ll complete your return for you at no cost.
What is the Amazon return policy function?
When we receive your return, or the seller informs us of the receipt of your return or, whichever case it may be, a refund will be made to the payment method you used for the initial transaction (in cases for pre-paying transactions) and to your account at a bank, or as an Amazon Balance (in the case of Pay on delivery orders).
What is Amazon’s latest return policy?
Here is the essential information: There is a 30-day period from the date of delivery to exchange items to Amazon for free and receive a full refund if the item you received is damaged, defective, or is a mistake.
The item must be sold or fulfilled through Amazon directly, or the buyer is responsible for the return shipping cost, if applicable.
Why was it that Amazon allowed me to retain my refund?
If the cost is cheap and less than the cost of returning the item to Amazon in addition to checking it over and restocking it, they might think it’s not worth the hassle of logistics.
The ability to retain your item assists the business in keeping its customers and building a better reputation.
What happens if the item is returned to Amazon?
Most returns are processed within 3-5 business days after the shipping company delivers the product to the Returns Center.
After we’ve processed the return, you will receive a credit using the chosen payment option. Learn how to Track Your Return.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t meet my Amazon return deadline?
You could try to contact Amazon customer service and request an exception because there have been several cases of Amazon doing this. But, you could receive a refund cost.
Is it true that Amazon has a refund policy?
Amazon does not have a restriction on returns. However, Amazon has banned specific customers who have made many returns in the past without providing a reason.
What is the next step if you don’t receive the refund you requested from Amazon?
If you don’t receive your refund within the timeframe, you expect to Contact your bank and Amazon to find out how to proceed with your refund.
Conclusion
I hope this gives a better picture of the Amazon return procedure. The flood of returns after Christmas is a regular occurrence in retail, and it can be particularly frustrating for sellers selling on eBay when they believe they aren’t in control.
While you may not be able to influence Amazon’s return policy, by focusing on what you can manage, you’ll be able to position your business to maintain loyal customers.
Based on Microsoft, 95% of consumers believe they can count on customer support to play a crucial aspect in building the trust of their customers.