Amazon's Return Policy
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Amazon is the largest e-commerce marketplace globally. Over the years, it has built a reputation for its wide selection of products, a user-friendly interface, and fast shipping.
However, how easy is it to return items to Amazon? What is Amazon’s return policy? What is the return window? Are some items non-returnable?
We answer these questions and more in this article.
Key Insights
- According to PissedConsumer.com, 14.91% of Amazon reviews are related to refunds.
- However, the service offers a favorable return policy of 30 days.
- 89% of customers say they are loyal to Amazon.
What Is Amazon's Return Policy?
As part of this commitment, the Amazon return policy allows customers to return most items for a refund, replacement, or exchange within 30 days of delivery.
The Amazon return policy on opened items requires that items must be in unused or original condition.
Some items have a shorter return window, while others have a longer one, as follows:
- Digital books accidentally purchased on Kindle but not read – 7 days
- Digital textbooks, workbooks, and other educational content that have not been downloaded – 7 days
- Songs or albums accidentally purchased from our Digital Music Store using Alexa – 7 days
- Apple Brand products and Boost Infinite Brand products sold in new condition – 15 days
- Items sold in the Amazon Haul store that are over $3 – 15 days
- Amazon Renewed products in "Acceptable", "Good", or "Excellent" condition types – 90 days
- Most non-perishable baby products – 90 days
- Items purchased from an Amazon Birthday and/or Custom Gift List by someone other than the registry owner – 90 days
- Mattresses (excluding crib mattresses) – 90 days
- Items purchased from an Amazon Wedding Registry by someone other than the registry owner – 180 days
- Amazon Renewed products in "Premium" condition – 365 days
- Items purchased from an Amazon Baby Registry by someone other than the registry owner – 365 days
What Are Exceptions to Amazon's Return Policy?
According to the Amazon return policy, the following items are not returnable:
- Perishables
- Products that may pose potential health and safety risks once sold
- Products with shipping restrictions
- Customized products made specifically for you
- Redeemable products
- Amazon Pharmacy products
- Pet medication products
- Certain digital products
- Automobiles
- Final sale items
- Items sold in the Amazon Haul store that are under $3
Always check the product detail page before placing your order to confirm return eligibility. If you have already made the order, you can find relevant information about the item’s eligibility under “order history” on your account.
How to Return Items at Amazon?
You can either return items online or to one of Amazon’s return locations. In both cases, you must initiate the return process online.
In-store returns
Amazon has over 8,000 convenient locations where you can return most items. This option is free of charge, and you do not need to box or label the package.
However, ensure that the item is returned in its original or unused condition. It must also be in the original manufacturer’s packaging, including tags, components, accessories, manuals, shoe boxes, and other inserts.
You do not need to package your item in a shipping box. However, if returning Luxury Store items, you must also include the original brand and protective packaging, as well as the documentation.
Online returns
The Amazon online returns process is similar to the in-store return process. However, under return options, select the “UPS drop off or UPS pick up” option.
You will be issued a return shipping label. Pack the items in the original packaging or another sturdy packaging box. Seal properly and attach the shipping label. Drop it off at a UPS store near you or wait for pickup.
There have been questions about Amazon charging for returns. On the contrary, Amazon offers at least one free return for most items under 50 lbs.
If returning items to an Amazon third-party seller, select “submit a return request”. The Amazon seller should provide you with one of the following to facilitate your return:
- A return address in the United States
- A prepaid return label, or
- A full refund without returning the item.
If you do not receive a response to your return request from the seller within two business days, request an A-to-Z Guarantee refund from Amazon.
Returns without a receipt
There is no Amazon return policy with a receipt. Since all orders are made online, you do not require a receipt to return. Your order history and confirmation act as proof of purchase.
How Are Returns Processed?
Once your items have been received at Amazon returns facilities, they are processed to determine their eligibility for a refund, exchange, or replacement. It can take up to 30 days for Amazon to receive your items.
According to the Amazon refund policy, refunds are issued to your original payment method within 3-5 business days. Refund timelines vary depending on the payment method.
For items purchased as a bundle, you must return all the items in the bundle to receive a refund. Amazon does not offer partial refunds.
Share Your Experience with Returning Items on Amazon
The Amazon return process is relatively easy and simple. Customers have 30 days to return eligible items for a refund. However, individual experience may vary.
What has been your experience with Amazon returns? Write a review on PissedConsumer.com.