Amazon Returns Policy

Amazon has a comprehensive guide to returns on their website so you should always check this before sending a return back to them. However, please do check this carefully before sending anything back as it is subject to change. 

Amazon generally makes it easy to return items, but there’s still plenty you need to know when sending an item back to Amazon or a third-party seller. That’s clear to see from the pages and pages of info the online retail giant has on the subject. Much depends on what it is you’re returning, who you’re returning it to and why you’re returning it – and plenty more besides!

How to return an Amazon item

You’ll need to follow a few steps online before doing anything else:

• Go to the Returns Support Centre and select ‘Return items’
• Find the order you want to return and select the item(s) and quantity you want to return
• Choose an option from the ‘Reason for return’ menu (you can add additional information in the Details box)
• If the item was sold by Amazon, select your return option; otherwise, click ‘Submit for Approval’ before choosing your preferred return method

 

Once you’ve received an email from Amazon, or your return has been approved by the seller, you need to do the following:

 

• Use the original packing if possible; otherwise, use a sturdy box and pack the contents out with packing peanuts or bubble wrap to ensure the item doesn’t move around
• Print your label and return authorisation document (if required)
• Attach the label to the outside of the package and put the return authorisation inside it
• Use packing tape to ensure the box is tightly closed and the label is affixed securely

For more details on how to package a parcel properly, see our guide here. 

How do I return a gift to Amazon?

If you’ve received a gift and it’s not quite right – or not what you want; let’s face it, it happens – then you’ll need the Order ID. If it’s not included and you don’t want to confess to the gift giver that you’re sending back their present, Amazon should be able to find it for you with information such as the buyer’s name, phone number, email or shipping address.

Armed with the ID, and your own Amazon account, you’ll need to do the following:

• Go to the Online Returns Centre
• Select ‘Return a gift’ and sign-in with your Amazon account
• Enter the ID number and click ‘Search’
• Follow the prompts and then continue as you would for returning any other item

Amazon returns policy

Items sold by Amazon come with a 30-day returns policy. Faulty or damaged goods can be returned for free or likewise for an Amazon mistake. 

However, if you purchase an item between November 1st and December 31st, Amazon doesn’t require you to return it until January 31st. Sellers on Amazon must equal or better Amazon’s returns policy. 

You can return your items using various methods such as via Drop Off points and Amazon will deduct the cost from your Amazon account. 

Returns must be sent back in the original condition in which they were received. 

How much does it cost to return an Amazon item?

Obviously, this depends on a number of factors. The first to consider is why you’re returning it. If it’s because of a fault with the item or a mistake with the order, Amazon will refund you the return postage costs.

Whilst many items come with free returns labels, especially if you are a Prime member and you have purchased an item listed as Prime there can be occasions when the items are too large or you need to return them at your own cost and this is where Parcel Monkey can assist. Just let us know where you are sending your item from, where it needs to be delivered to and its weight and dimensions and we can get you a price in seconds. 

It also depends on the size and weight of the package, and whether you want to add extras such as insurance and delivery confirmation. In fact, these extras may not be optional – when returning an item worth over £50 to a seller, Amazon asks you send it on a trackable, signed-for service, while with items over £100 they recommend you insure it.

Does Amazon have a limit on the number of items you can return?

Although there’s no official word on the subject, if you’re too return happy with your purchases, it does seem like there’s a point where Amazon will step in. What point that is exactly, nobody knows, but most reports suggest you’d have to be returning over 10% of your purchases for Amazon to consider you an abuser of the system. If it does, you’ll likely get a ban, so if you’re nearing that figure, perhaps think more carefully about your next purchases…

Are there items I can’t return on Amazon?

There certainly are, so be 100% certain before purchasing the following:

• Downloadable or opened software and online subscriptions that have been accessed
• Gift cards; prepaid phone cards or game cards
• Groceries and wines
• Hazardous materials
• Flowers and plants
• Live insects (yes, you can buy those on Amazon)

 

Although you can’t return these items, if the wrong item was sent, or it arrived spilt, spoiled or damaged, you may be eligible for a refund.

Returning high-value jewellery and watches on Amazon

For these items, you will need to submit your collection details in the Returns Support Centre, and then a member of staff will contact you to arrange collection. Amazon doesn’t accept delivery of these items any other way.

Other tops tips when returning Amazon goods

• Before buying anything, check the returns policy for it, as there are different rules for different products
• Only open something if you’re absolutely sure it’s what you ordered
• Keep all packaging, tags and documentation for at least 30 days, just in case the item develops a fault
• If an item is damaged on arrival, take pictures of it immediately
• It’s a good idea to take pictures of items before you return them as well, to act as proof of condition before posting
• When returning an item always obtain proof of postage - something Parcel Monkey can provide you with

 

Return your item using a tracked courier service.