Is It Possible to Make an Amazon Return After 30 Days?
I’ve written about the Amazon Return Policy in detail so I won’t reinvent the wheel with this post, but rather I want to talk about a clever Amazon return policy hack that I think you will find useful. It has to do with trying to return something after 30 days. If you’ve ever tried to do this on their website, you’ve noticed that items become “unreturnable” 30 days after the date of delivery. But alas, I have a clever workaround and here are the details to make it work for you…
How I Made It Happen
I just started a Live Chat session with Amazon and asked if I could make a return even if it was after 30 days.
Make sure to go through the automated chat first then ask to chat to an actual human.
Pretty simple, right?
I told them that I was a few days over 30 and asked if there was any way they could make an exception especially since I’ve been a loyal Prime customer for years.
The live chat operator verified if the return window had indeed closed, then immediately got back to me and APPROVED the “beyond 30-day” return.
PRO TIP: QUICK WAY TO GET AMAZON ON THE PHONE
If you’d rather talk to someone at Amazon and try this hack, here’s a quick and easy way to get an Amazon customer service rep on the phone. Call (866) 216-1072 and immediately say “NO” to the text message question. Next say “PERSON” whenever you’re prompted to say something. Keep repeating this every time you’re prompted for an answer. You’ll have to say “PERSON” 2 or 3 times but you’ll get someone quickly, guaranteed.
You Do NOT Need To Be a Prime Member
Prime membership is not a requirement of getting them to extend their return window for you.
I mean sure, it might help, especially if you’re a frequent Prime shopper, but you literally have nothing to lose so you might as well give it a try.
If for some reason they won’t let you return something after 30 days, selling the item on eBay is always a good fall-back option.
See Also: Buyer Beware: Avoid this Amazon Bait & Switch Price Trick
How Often Can I Do This?
I’m thinking this has something to do with how often you order from Amazon.
My family places a few Amazon orders every week and spends quite a bit of money in a calendar year.
It would make sense that Amazon is much more likely to take back a return after 30 days if you’re a frequent shopper as they want to keep you a “happy” customer.
Let me know in the comments if you have any evidence to backup or refute my claim.
BONUS: You Might Even Be Able To Keep the Item
Amazon calls it a “Returnless Refund” and it means they don’t want the item back for one reason or another.
I was surprised that Amazon not only let me return something after 30 days, but they told me to keep it as well.
I’d call that a win-win dealio for sure.
Ask the Reader: Have you ever asked for an Amazon return after your 30-day return window was closed? How did it work out?
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
Currently attempting this process. They told me it was not possible in their system. Escalated by asking to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor is taking forever to respond, like literally 20 minutes. I’m not sure if this is normal expected wait time or what. Very frustrated that this worked for so many other people, but I don’t have high hopes that they’ll grant me an extension.
Just tried it. They said “no” because the system wouldn’t let them do it.
Followed your instructions on this and it worked. I was 2 weeks past but they gave me a return code and I am getting my $147 back. Thanks for the help.