Amazon Return Policy: No More Confusion, Here’s EXACTLY How It Works
There’s been a lot of confusion recently on how the return policy at Amazon actually works. Are all returns free? How often can you return something? Do you have to be a Prime member to get free return shipping? All questions that aren’t clearly answered by Amazon. So I figured it was time to do the research and find the answers to these questions. After many phone calls and live chat sessions, here’s how their return policy currently works.
Does Amazon Have an Extended Holiday Return Policy?
Yes.
For 2024, anything bought between November 1st – December 31st can be returned all the way until January 31, 2025.
This is great because it allows you to start your Christmas shopping in early November, knowing that the gift recipient can return items up until the end of January.
What Exactly is Their Return Policy?
Here are the important details:
– You have 30 days from date of delivery to return items for free (for a full refund) if the item is defective, damaged, or the incorrect product.
– Items must be sold and/or fulfilled by Amazon directly, otherwise the customer has to pay for return shipping, MAYBE. See below for details.
Return policy does NOT apply to international shipping.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 30 DAYS?
After the 30-day return window has passed, you can either start a live chat session and plead your case for a 1-time exception (works best when you’re only a few days past 30).
Or you can make the return and accept a partial refund of 80% of the price you paid. If the item you return is damaged, or has missing parts, that refund gets cut to 50%.
Any Exceptions to the 30 Days?
Yes, there are a few important ones…
– 3rd Party Sellers – These sellers sometimes have their own stated return policy which ranges from 7 -30 days.
I recently was denied a return from a 3rd party as they told me I had to deal with the manufacturer directly.
This came as quite a surprise to me and this is a relatively new change.
Because of this, it’s smart to be aware of the sellers stated policy before you make the purchase.
– Wedding Registry Gifts – These come with 180 day return policy from the date the item is delivered.
– Baby Registry Gifts – You get a generous 365 return days for most items purchased from your registry.
See Also: 8 Brilliant Ways to Save Money on Amazon
AMAZON NOW THREATENING RESTOCKING FEES
Have you noticed that Amazon is now issuing a warning on many returns that you may be “subject to a restocking fee”? If you have, you’re not the only one.
While it may only be on certain accounts that make too many returns, or a random threat, they seem to be more bark than bite as the restocking fee rarely comes to fruition.
But in either case, this is something to monitor moving forward as Amazon is getting inundated with a record number of returns and may have to start issuing restocking fees to cut down on the number of returns they receive.
Where Can I Make My Amazon Return?
When it comes to making an Amazon return, you have MANY options theses days.
They include the following 5 options:
– UPS – You can take your return to any UPS Store or UPS Access Point or schedule a UPS Pickup.
– Staples – Last year Staples started taking Amazon returns.
– Kohl’s – You can also take your return to your nearest Kohl’s store and they will process your return for free. No box, label, or packaging supplies required.
– Whole Foods – You can also make free Amazon returns at your local Whole Foods Market during store hours.
– Amazon Hub Locker – Another option is to return your item to an Amazon Hub Locker, follow the instructions here.
PRO TIP: THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF RETURNS AT AMAZON
It’s important to understand that Amazon has 2 types of returns: “Refund on First Scan” and “Refund on Return”. Refund on First Scan means you’ll get your refund as soon as the carrier (UPS in most cases) scans the item into their system, which sends a confirmation to Amazon that they received it. This happens on most returns that are valued under $100.
Refund on Return, on the other hand, are your more expensive items that need to be actually checked and reviewed by Amazon. As you can imagine, this can take some time for Amazon to do, so expect your refund to take between 5-10 days.
Do I Have to Pay Return Shipping Charges?
Maybe.
If items are fulfilled by Amazon, you typically won’t have to pay return shipping charges, especially if the reason for the return is not your fault.
If items are sold by a 3rd party and you try and initiate the return through the Amazon return page, you’ll probably have to pay return shipping fees and a possible restocking fee.
PRO TIP: AVOID RETURN SHIPPING FEES
If you start a live chat and initiate the return that way, you stand a great chance of NOT having to paying return shipping fees. Your chances of success rise greatly if you’re a Prime member and order quite a bit every month.
To prove it the above tip, here’s a screenshot of this exact scenario. I was going to be charged return shipping until I started a live chat and then the operator gave it to me for free.
What if the Item is Opened or Used?
Doesn’t matter.
If the item had been opened or used they’ll take it back within 30 days. Plus, they’ll pay for the return shipping charges.
Keep in mind that the item must be sold and shipped directly by Amazon and not a 3rd party.
Can You Abuse Their Return Policy?
Absolutely, YES.
If you tend to return a lot of the stuff you buy, Amazon will take notice and could flag your account and not let you make any more returns for a certain amount of time.
Also, if you ask for a return, but never actually return the item, Amazon reserves the right to take action against you although I think you’d have to do this a lot for them to notice.
The action they’ll take is to check the “Concessions Limit” of the seller.
For example, it could be a $1000 limit, or it could be $500. Amazon actually has a team that researches your returns and comes up with the specific dollar amount for policy “abusers”.
If you cross this limit, Amazon will mark your account as “Concession Abuse”.
In other words, if you typically only contact Amazon for a refund or discount, and abuse their policy frequently, you’ll fall into this category.
Once your account is marked “Concession Abuse”, no returns will be accepted on any orders made by you in the future.
Worried about getting banned? Amazon will send you a warning notice via email first.
If you keep abusing their policy you’ll get your account banned permanently.
PRO TIP: AMAZON WILL LET YOU KEEP SOME ITEMS YOU TRY TO RETURN
If you order from Amazon regularly, this “Keep-It” policy has probably already happened to you. Amazon will give you a refund, but tell you there’s no need to send it back.
Personally, I’ve also had it happen when I was sent something I didn’t order as they had no record of the order in their system so they told me keep it. It can also happen if they send you too many of an item, the wrong item, or if the return shipping expense makes it not worth you mailing it back.
How Do You Return a Gift to Amazon?
Returning gifts to Amazon is slightly different than a normal return.
Start by visiting the Gift Return Page and enter your order number which is the 17-digit code found on the packing slip.
Next, follow the online prompts and you’ll get a free shipping label which you can print and attach to the box.
PRO TIP ON RETURNING GIFTS
If you DON’T know the order number you can either ask the gift giver or contact Amazon customer service at 1-(888) 280-4331. When calling, make sure you have the “gift giver’s email address, phone number and the package tracking ID ready (if you have it).”
Is the Policy Different for Prime Members?
No, it is not.
Amazon Prime and non-Prime members get to use the same return policy.
Do You Need a Reason to Return an Item?
Yes, you need to state a reason.
It could be you just don’t need or want the item and that answer is perfectly acceptable.
You’ll be asked if it’s broken or the wrong item, but you’re under no obligation to answer.
Does Amazon Limit Your Returns?
As long as your issue or problem with the product is genuine, there is NO limit on the number of returns you can make.
PRO TIP: TRY THIS IF PACKAGE ARRIVES DAMAGED
Not sure if it’s a cost cutting thing or what…but Amazon has been sending me some products NOT in a box, they just put the shipping label on the actual item and send it off. What the heck Amazon?
This is all fine I guess until it’s a gift and it shows up with a damaged box. See the picture above of a Keurig Advent calendar that we ordered as a gift and it showed up with several corners all thrashed.
So I hit up Live Chat and here is how the conversation went:
As you can read, they gave me a FULL REFUND and let me keep it. I thought this was useful information if this happens to you as well.
Get your money back, then you can decide if the item is still “giftable”.
What’s the Return Policy on Electronics?
You can return consumer electronics and computers to Amazon within 30 days of purchase.
If the reason for the return is a defective product, incorrect description, or wrong item sent, you will not have to pay the return shipping fees.
Be aware that you may get hit with a restocking fee if the item is damaged due to misuse, missing parts, or unauthorized tampering.
Can Amazon Ban You For Making Too Many Returns?
Amazon has never come out and said that they can ban your account, or limit your returns, because you made too many returns.
But it goes without saying that they track your return history and absolutely reserve the right to take action if they feel you’re abusing their policy.
I’ve heard of account holders being warned via email if they return 15-20% of all their Amazon purchases but have yet to find any concrete evidence of a specific percentage that triggers a warning.
Can Any Sized Item be Returned?
Yes, any product on the Amazon website can be returned.
It doesn’t matter what size or weight, it can be returned within 30 days.
What About Returning Items Bought via Alexa?
Items bought through Amazon Alexa voice shopping can be returned just like any other non-digital item you buy on Amazon.
Also, if you accidentally buy a digital song or album with Alexa you can request a return and refund within 7 days of date of purchase.
Just contact Amazon customer service and let them know you’d like a refund.
Why Won’t Amazon Let Me Print a Return Label?
In an effort to make your returns “easier” Amazon often doesn’t give you the option to print a label at home and box up the item yourself.
Instead they want to send you to Kohl’s location or a UPS Store and let them box it up for you.
If you’re like me, this is a pain in the butt as I don’t live near a Kohl’s or UPS Store and would rather box up my return myself and drop it off at a UPS collection station.
But a clever workaround is to start a Live Chat session and tell them you need a return label, they’ll email you one and make one available in your account.
What’s the Deadline Once a Return Has Been Initialized?
People in the comments are wondering if items need to be “sent by me” before the deadline, or “received back at Amazon” before the deadline date they give you when you initialize the return.
It’s an excellent question, and the answer is your return needs to be scanned by UPS before the deadline or on the day of your deadline.
See Also: Find an Amazon Return Store Near You and Save a TON
Are Returns Free on a Purchase I Try to Cancel?
Yes.
If you try to cancel an order on something you just bought, but CANNOT, you should not have to pay the return shipping.
From commenter Wendy, she was able to start a live chat and “the response was our account will be credited for the shipping charges after we return it.”
What Items Cannot Be Returned?
Because Amazon sells so many different products this list is quite long.
– Grocery/Prime Pantry products – Perishable produce, dairy, and meats are not eligible for a return.
– Live Insects – Unless your lady bugs or ants show up dead you’re stuck with them.
– Downloadable Software – This keeps people from downloading the program then returning it.
– Gift Cards – Fortunately these are basically like cash.
– Online Subscriptions – This includes Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, and Prime Student.
– Hazardous Materials or Gas – This includes products like NyQuil and Liquid Benadryl.
– Some Personal Care Items – Not sure what items specifically.
– Pet Food – Not returnable but you’re eligible for a refund if there is something wrong with the food.
– Live Plants/Fresh Flowers – Make sure you really want that house plant before you order it.
– Some Jewelry Items – Think personalized jewelry that can’t be resold.
– Stuff Missing the UPC or Serial # – If an item is tampered with and this information is removed you’re stuck with it.
If you order one of these non-returnable items and it arrives damaged or defective you should contact Amazon to get resolution to the problem.
Can I Make a Return to Amazon Brick & Mortar Stores?
Yes…in most cases.
If you’re lucky enough to live close to an Amazon store you can take “eligible items” bought on Amazon.com there for a full refund within 30 days.
According to their website, items that are NOT eligible for an in-store return are really large items, or stuff that doesn’t meet “safe to ship standards”.
Ask the Reader: Have you ever returned anything to Amazon? Was it a smooth process, not worth the hassle, or somewhere in-between?
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)
Yes I have returned – very easy! A pair of shoes that didn’t fit, and a rope that was half the length advertised.
They make it quite easy in my experience!
Hi Kyle, I ordered a Camera from amazon last week and while using it , It got dropped from my hand and got broken, Can I still return the camera to amazon for a replacement or Refund.
It never hurts to ask!
What if the packaging got slightly damage upon ooening, will they still accept it
Typically they will. Be sure to disclose this when you initiate the return.
No
Swriously? No. If you were a seller and sold something would you be ok with a buyer returning a product they broke and asking you to eat the cost and send a new unbroken one?
Same happened to me. I didn’t even have the camera box anymore i handed the usp driver the camera and some of the printer paper it came with and he packaged it up for me and I received the return $ in my bank. Amazing! I was always stressed about returning items, say that didn’t have the box for anymore etc but amazon doesn’t care. Just return as is and ups will box it up for you.
if you were using it and dropped it, why would they allow you to return it lmao you broke it. next time dont drop your camera.
did you have to go to the post office to return items? Fran
Thanks for this. I bought some expensive artists pencils (nearly £200) and after using them some I just can’t get on with them. I got them on Monday, it’s now Friday, so I’m well within the return time. My worry was getting a full refund on pencils which have been used. I don’t want to send them back only for Amazon to partially refund me.
I’m confused. You concede, yes you used them, but cannot “get on” with them, whatever that means. However, you fear only getting a partial refund? I would consider a partial refund for a partially used item a great win on your part. They certainly cannot sell the pencils now that you’ve used them. What is it exactly you feel you are entitled to? You’ve not stated any reason why the product didn’t live up to its claim, so what am I missing here. Where does your responsibility begin and end. You are entitled to use product as you wish at no cost? Please, elaborate.
Answers to questions are of course appreciated and explaining the errors in someones logic can be helpful in the answer, but that degree of passive aggression in an answer is uncalled for.
I disagree. I think it was called for. It’s not as if Wogfun insulted Claire. They only asked to elaborate on the their issue and questioned their logic. Entitlement is a real thing and a real problem. As a business owner, one can only bend so far for the customer before what they think they deserve becomes unreasonable. Perhaps being sensitive to the issue allowed me to see no problem with Wogfun’s wording. Or perhaps I’m just not as thin skinned as others. I wish people would be more honest with each other.
Wow Wogfun, I don’t understand why you’re so butt-hurt about what this guy does with pencils? Like, RELAX. Jesus Christ, you’re clearly not an artist, therefore you have no knowledge on the quality of pencils or anything of the sort. If he doesn’t like the way they write on paper, then they’re shitty and he wants a frickin’ refund! Leave the guy alone! Also, the man is clearly from Europe, hence why he said he “can’t get on” with them. Jeez, grow up.
Why would you assume that Wogfun is not an artist, and that Claire is a man?
Buyer’s remorse is not an acceptable reason.
Actually, it is.
Yes it is… so long as the item is returned in resellable condition (new, with original packaging.)
And how would you possibly be able to experience and actually USE your item to see if it’s the right fit or style or whatever , when you can’t even open the thing you’ve bought? I’m sorry but if I’m spending hard-earned money on something , it better be to MY standards, and if it’s not, you’re darn right I want every last cent back. Amazon has enough money flying in, the guy is the richest person in the world, and he’s a selfish loser.
Yes to the product you purchase living up to the standard of the value you place on your dollar, no to calling the guy who has made consumerism that much easier and accessible around the world a selfish loser. The guy lives in a capitalist free-market economy, getting rich is what the environment calls for.
But anyways, back to the main conversation, yes, the person should totally be able to return their pencils if they are dissatisfied with them for whatever reason. The buyer has the power and that should always be respected. No buyer = no money. Happy buyer (even if that means getting their money back painlessly) = more money later. I’m pretty sure that’s probably one of the reasons Amazon offers free returns and refunds without returns.
I definitely won’t return to a store if they gave me a hard time returning something, no matter how much I liked what they offer. It just leaves a sour taste.
Yes but with buyers like the Original Poster, Returning items that can’t be resold, your already at no money (shipping both ways plus can’t resell the item) basically you have more money with no buyers..
Pencils once opened and used should not be returned or at least they shouldn’t get a full refund. I have ordered gel pens and colored pencils that I didn’t like. I either sell them as used to someone (who gets to see what their getting before buying) Give them to friends for their kids or donate them to schools art programs. When they arrive unsharpened and brand new typically in a sealed package and unseal them then you sharpen and use them, It is no longer the same item.
Sellers have the right to receive the exact it back that they sent to you if you expect a refund.
People return stuff all the time to amazon that’s been full on used. I see it everyday 100s of times a day at the ups store I work at.
There are so many customers returning stuff after a party just because they’re done with it. Should they get a full refund I don’t think so but is it up to me, no so it doesn’t matter what I think.
Amazon allows their customers to take advantage and they harm the environment with all the wasted stuff they cannot resell. 80% of it gets liquidated. And another large amount gets destroyed or thrown away plus all the plastic that’s used to rebag the items and then the gas to drive it out of state and then returned back to seller is all very wasteful.
But people don’t think about that they just want their $ back. I agree that whatever u don’t want should be donated and only returned if absolutely necessary and by that I mean if it doesn’t work.
Tbf he does seem like a dick. How many stories have we heard about terrible pay and working conditions within the company. I know they don’t have to work there and should strike or whatever. I keep hearing stories of employees being so fed up that they do crazy stuff when they quit to retaliate against the company. It is that bad working for him apparently…
I bought a pair of shoes that is too big can I just return for a smaller size
Yes
Not exactly. A buyer can open an item (in this case art pencils) and try them out. If the quality is not what the buyer expected they an return them. Note that this person only used the pencils for three days and found them unsuitable.
Yes it is. That is why Amazon gives that option to choose when you initiate the return. Now if you are talking about your own personal guidelines that is okay for you as a buyer or seller if you are one. But it is not true for the Amazon return policy
Wogfun does not understand the Amazon return policy. I have been a third party seller on Amazon for years. I’m also a consumer who buys a lot of items from Amazon as well as items I need to perform my market business. An artist returning pencils which are not up to the quality desired is perfectly justified even if they’ve been used to “try out the product.” Items sold by Amazon itself are fine to be returned in that case. If you are a third party seller who is using the Amazon warehouses to ship your products so you get the advantage of the “Buy Box” and the ability to sell Prime you accept returns the same way Amazon services does. Now as a third party seller when I received a product back that showed significant use and it was obvious the buyer was taking advantage of me I would be upset. My only recourse would be to challenge the return but I never did that because the buyer could give me a less than four star review which put a ding on all my products and reduced my seller rating. It was seller suicide. So I just sucked it up. Sellers are allowed, however, to alert Amazon that a buyer is taking advantage of the return policy and obviously used the product more than just trying it out. But from the way Claire expressed her problem I don’t think she did so. She only used them for three days for crying out loud! I know this post is 2 years old but I’m replying in case people searching for answers to dilemmas like this will understand the policy and not follow the instructions of some people who think their role is to police buyers according to their personal”high minded” ideals.
Please start checking the amount of Amazon refunds. I’m an Amazon Prime member who ordered ‘free shipping, free return’ items. Amazon deducted $18 from my refund. According to the CSR I spoke with, free returns means you’re not charged when you drop a return off at the post office. They simply deduct the cost of your return shipping from the amount they refund you.
That’s VERY inaccurate. Free returns means there are no return shipping costs deducted from the refund. With an $18 deduction, which sounds high for shipping since it’s usually $6 or less, it sounds like your return was received after the return window ended and they charged you a late return fee.
Lisa sounds correct to me. Lands’ End has the same returns disclaimer listed as well. A $6.95 deduction actually comes out of your refund when using their free, pre-paid return label.
It sounds like their monthly payment for prime? Isn’t it $18? I didn’t pay for Prime up front, I opted to pay monthly. It would not be like Amazon to charge you for return shipping! I’ve been ordering from them monthly and for at least 17 years, with one exception on paying for returned merchandise. That order was from Asia and not Amazon Fulfilled.
ANYTHING AMAZON FULFILLED ships directly by and from Amazon and is easy to return or exchange. There’s a huge difference between products that are not Amazon Fulfilled! The sellers are independent of Amazon and do not have the same level of customer service Amazon is known for.. We should all be buying the products we need that Amazon actually fulfills (ships) from their warehouses. If you have an issue with the order, you’ll be in excellent hands as opposed to the non-Amazon fulfilled orders. True story.
I’ve always gotten the entire refund. Penny for penny.
I had same thing happen. I was sent the wrong item, Twice.. Did a UPS pickup at my home (nearest UPS drop off is 3 cities and the next state over) online said there would be no charge. I went back and forth with customer service, out of 4 different people only one tried to tell me that it was correct. Fortunately I had the screenshot from when I initiated the return. Also 3 of them said no problem it would be taken care or and I’d recieved my full refund (the cost they were charging was more then the items sale price, and with the fact there were two to return, 1st time had them send me replacement but received same incorrect item). Only one actually successfully did what they said and got the shipping charges removed.
All of this before they received the returns. (They had both back withing 7 days after I received 1st one) In the return requested when I clicked on it, said that full refund amount going to the shipping cost so once item received my total refund would be $0.00. I contacted them and kept it up until it was corrected.
Lots of incorrect information in this blog post. Here’s some clarification.
1. Yes, most items have a 30 day return policy. Certain items have 90 or 180 days like some baby items and wedding registry gifts. Return shipping is deducted from the refund for customer choice returns, like changing your mind or no longer needed items. Defective, incorrect or damaged items, and items listed as free returns on the product page, don’t get charged return shipping.
2. Some items are non returnable like personal care items and software. Computers have a separate policy entirely.
3. Requesting a return mailing label and not actually returning the item will rarely, if ever, result in any kind of negative action on your account. The label just sits there on your account until it expires, no harm no foul. Normally you should know you want to return the item before requesting the label in most cases, but if you made a mistake and picked the wrong item or changed your mind, it’s not a big deal.
4. Open or used items are subject to a restocking fee. Depending on the item, condition, and reason for return, up to 100% can be deducted but 20-50% is average if a restocking fee is going to be assessed. Returns received after the 30 day mark have a late return fee in the ballpark of the restocking fee, usually 25%.
5. 3rd parties set their own policies and some offer a generous return policy with free shipping depending on the reason for return. International sellers have to offer a US return shipping address or provide you a prepaid shipping label if the return address is international if the item is damaged or incorrect.
6. Not touching the abuse topic. This blog post isn’t even in the ballpark and it’s far too detailed, but it’s correct in the sense they do notice and will action abuse. Make things easy and just don’t do it.
7. You need a valid reason to return, even if it’s because you just don’t want the item. This is required to create the return and plays a role on how the return and your is processed.
8. Again, not all items, regardless of size or weight, can be returned. There are many factors, mostly being the type of item, who the seller is, who fulfilled it, reason for return, and various safety reasons. A $1 item may be unreturnable for safety reasons.
9. I won’t say there is a limit to the number of returns, or lack of a limit. This is too detailed to even begin to explain but, suffice it to say, if it becomes apparent they are losing more on you than they are making, its a better business decision to not deal with you regardless of the reason. If all of your returns are because the UPS guy is damaging your packages by drop kicking them to your door, you should probably file a complaint with UPS so they fix it and you won’t need to returned damaged items anymore. This is true for any business.
10. Yes, the holiday return policy is great!
3. is incorrect, the label is only good for 7 days then the link expires.
Customer abuse is usually reported by the person you chat with or talk to on the phone.The CSA, You can tell if you have been marked by looking at the bottom of your emails sent from customer service agents you spoke with.If your emails do not provide a “survey” as to how the rep handled your call you are flagged.
I’d like to bring up the fact that physical retail stores only “flag ” you if you go in without a receipt.Too many returns, in my opinion is our right, If I am not happy with something there should be NO question.Not like the listings are going to say “Here we have a very cheap made dress shirt , originally made in china and sold for $3.00 but we’re charging you $35” If you’re going to TRY to be a retail sales business, then have retail policies and stop trying to force people to keep badly made items. Not like we can try things on.or touch them or even see the real item.
If there’s one thing I’m learning from this post & comments: Amazon’s return policy is very confusing!
I’d be interested if you are an Amazon employee. Some of the information you give doesn’t jive with what I’ve understood for the time I’ve bought and sold on Amazon. Please let us know if you are an Amazon employee so I can readjust my understandings.
Not very easy… I buy a film scanner but it don’t work fine. So I ask a replacement after 10 days.
2 days later, scanner was by Amazon (tracking from carieer). But after 1 week, I don’t have any news from amazon.
When I contact amazon, they says it’s because I pay with a pre-paid card. So, I ask a refund but they can’t refund on a pre-paid card. So I gives my bank account for a wired transfert. No answer…
Don’t knows what’s I must do. I can’t buy a new credit card only for this case…
You may opt for Amazon Gift card, use it for futue purshases. I use it all the time!
This post is WRONG! If you dont like an item, YOU pay for return shipping.
Frank, here is the answer I got when I asked the question.
“To return the item we usually create a free return label to return the item so that you don’t need to pay the shipping charges.”
I then asked if there were exceptions to this and they said, “There are no exceptions. Once you wish to return the item you may write back to us we’ll create a free return label for the item.”
What were you told?
Here is the actual policy: If you return an item using a prepaid method (dropoff or pickup) from the Online Returns Center, and the reason for return is not a result of an Amazon error, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund unless your item qualifies for a free return.
If you choose to ship the item on your own, you’ll pay the carrier at the time you ship your return. If the return is the result of an Amazon error, we’ll refund your return shipping costs up to a maximum amount.
“Return shipping fees will be communicated on the Online Returns Center when you are choosing the shipping method for your return.” Now I’ve personally encountered situations where the item “qualifies for a free return” and I’m charged anyway. When I call customer service they will say that I was incorrectly charged and refund me the fee I was charged. The discrepancy happens when the seller doesn’t understand the policy. So check the item listing. If it says “free returns” contact Customer Service.
Correct. However, it is an option to say the item is defective even if it isn’t. In this case you wouldn’t have to pay return shipping. I would never do something like this but it does work.
What if I’m a day late retuning an item ?
They sent me a wrong item. Now I have to either buy a printer or go to a store during business hours and pay them a $1 to print a label. I have to buy a container to ship the item back in, since it was shipped in an envelope. And I have to wait a week for a refund. All for THEIR mistake. Their return policy used to be better. If there was a damaged item or wrong item..they would ship you a replacement..and you could ship the damaged item back in the same box, which would have a return label included. Now they punish you for their mistakes. I miss the old amazon.
That’s on you for buying an item online. Cost of online buying is you likely saved way more than your measly $1 by buying online than from in-store so why are you complaining? They don’t kiss customer’s feet anymore because online shopping is taking over brick and mortars because everybody is buying online. Also, where is the incentive when customers abuses returns? Don’t buy things like heavy printer’s online to save a $100…if you do, it’s on you if it arrives imperfect from the tossing of shipping transit. If you want to be able to return a defective unit, buy in store where shipping had nothing to do with it’s defect.
You do realize the item she was referring to wasn’t actually a printer right?
Amazon’s return policy is very confusing – it often seems to be up to the agent you’re contacting. On their site they state you pay return shipping unless the item is defective. But in reality, it seems they accept returns for any reason, for the most part. On their site they state there’s a restocking fee if you return electronics, unless it’s defective. But in reality, there’s no restocking fee even if it’s not defective. You do have to pay a restocking fee if it’s returned after 30 days.
They do notice if you make a lot of returns, so when you try to return stuff online, they’ll make purchases of that type of product not returnable. I don’t know about the Aug 2017 policy change – but at least in the recent past, 3rd policy sellers supposedly had their own return policy, though they always just automatically linked it to Amazon’s return policy. And then they’ll claim there are no returns, when their return policy was linked to Amazon’s.
Amazon is a great place to shop for many reasons, but their whole return policy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Even when the returns are allowed, it’s very frustrating and time consuming for me process the return online, print the return label (my laptop and printer have lots of problems when printing), find tape/scissors, tape on the label, gather all the stuff to be returned in original packaging, tape the whole box securely, and bring it to a UPS. All a hassle, tedious, and time-consuming.
So you want Amazon to send someone to your house to pack and mail your return? Or are you thinking you should be refunded w/o returning? I agree it’s a pain to go to UPS but if your pkg weighs a lb or less you should receive a USPS label so can just let your postperson pick up. Not quite sure what else Amazon can do if you want to return
Cost of online shopping. Expect that for every certain # of items purchased online, 1% will need to be returned. If you don’t realize, online shopping is generally way cheaper than in-store. Expect issues every once in a while because shipping companies do throw packages.
They charge per shipment and per item or weight of item on top of that. I bought a doll the return fee was going to be 3.99 for the shipment and .89 cents per pound on top of that. What was really irritating is that they had the weight listed as 12 lbs! When in actuality in the same exact box and packing they sent it o me in was 5.8 lbs! Of course this is when you just change your mind about an item almost anything else from wrong item, damaged item, item received too late gets will get you a full refund. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_901926_costreturn?&nodeId=3484071
I need telephone# to speak directly to a representative of Amazon.com who can help in the return of a pair of new franklin & freeman mens dress shoes, ordered on line by my friend as a favor to me for my son’s birthday in October-
Try clicking the HELP tab at, you guessed it… Amazon.com, the number is there.
1-888-280-4331
Wrong ! You need not give any reason for return. European law staes you have 14 days to return any purchase online with no reason given . The fact Amazom askes the reason is different but not the law. Amazon knows this and as far as blacklisting or striking people off for returning too many goods thats perfectly legal as well. Illegal Amazon threathing people to close their accounts when people have the right of return with no questions asked even when opened and sampled. Good day
um no john. go to a store if you think you’re going to need to return something from online. don’t play foul because you think you’re safe by hiding behind a computer screen.
I’m afraid you’re completely wrong. John is EUROPEAN. In the UK we have the distance selling act. ACT = LAW, statutory rights. Anything you buy online can e returned and no reason is required. We have 14 days. As we’re British, we don’t generally abuse systems, we queue politely and say sorry when it’s our fault. But if I bought a TV drunk, then they must refund. And I must return. It should be in the same condition as sent. EBay is different, private sales have few protections for the public. But businesses have stringent laws to abide to. So please note amazon.com won’t be the same as amazon.co.Uk, you’re both right, depending on where you reside. Cheers! And sorry for the long post (lol).
And the reason I’m even on here today is because I just got back from work to ten huge Amazon boxes… I did order 10kg of charcoal. But either I, or they, decided I wanted 100 kg of it. Hmmm. So being an English gentleman I checked my card, yes I paid for 10 boxes. I checked my order and it looks like their mistake, because it was ordered ten times. Will I send all that back? No way, I’m not carrying all that to the post office!! That’s why we have Romanians doing the deliveries! So I’m terribly sorry Amazon and Mr. Friendly immigrant for my mistake. BBQ anyone? I’ll be having lots this summer!!
Does the holiday returns policy include electronics?
Yes
Do they check for serial #s? I bought an item, and before 30 days the price dropped. i ask if the could refund the difference ($90) but they wont. so im thinking of returning my original purchase and buy exactly the same item and send it back as the original item to be returned.
They may.
I had this same issue come up. I ordered an item 11/15 for $60, received the item 11/18 and on 11/24 the price was dropped to $30. Target would do a price adjustment to save everyone the trouble, but our lovely Amazon rep suggested I order at the new price and return the one I received last week. Insanity! Amazon customer service used to be a lot better.
This article needs to be updated again, or Amazon needs to update their return information page. It clearly states sellers have choices on how they handle returns, including giving you a free return shipping lable. But it does not say they HAVE to, rather it is one option of about 3 I believe. Here’s the link
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=15015721
To anyone having issues with returns, I would advise educating yourselves on the polcies BEFORE you hit the purchase button. Then you will know if you need to print your own lable or if you only get partial refunded for a used item (both very reasonable for me). Be your own advocate.