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There has been a recent surge of confusion surrounding the Amazon return policy. Many questions have arisen: Are all returns free? How frequently can items be returned? Undoubtedly, "Returns" are integral to the Amazon selling landscape.
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WANT ITThis year, Amazon has introduced significant updates to its return policy, leaving many sellers questioning how to adapt and thrive in this new environment.
Therefore, we’ve conducted thorough research and uncovered their return policy's current workings. Continue reading this guide as we explore the updated Amazon Return Policies for individual and FBA sellers. We'll also delve into the complexities of processing return requests, examine the associated return charges, explore the various reasons behind returns, and much more. So, let's dive into the details.
For professional sellers on Amazon, returns are seamlessly authorized as long as they align with Amazon's return policy. The exception to this automated process is if the return request falls outside the policy or is exempt from prepaid return options.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to handle a return request:
Note: By default, return labels aren’t prepaid. However, you can upload a custom prepaid return label, provided you cover the return shipping costs.
The refund a buyer receives upon returning a product depends upon three key factors:
Moreover, buyers can select their preferred refund method through the Online Returns Center page when they initiate a return.
When a buyer places an order with an individual seller, returns will be directed to that specific seller rather than Amazon.com. While most individual sellers align their return policies closely with Amazon, some variations may exist. Therefore, buyers are advised to review individual sellers' Amazon.return.policy before making a purchase. A third-party seller should provide one of the following options for returns:
If an individual seller fails to offer these three methods, the buyer can file an A-Z Guarantee Claim to seek assistance with their return. For items valued at $100 or more shipped within the US, buyers should ensure the package is insured and shipped with a signature confirmation service.
For items valued at $35 or more, returns should include a trackable link from the shipping service. Amazon recommends using USPS delivery service for items below $35 in value.
If Amazon requires additional information during the investigation of a claim, they’ll send an email notification, which should be responded to within 3 days. Failure to respond within this timeframe may result in the claim being granted in the customer's favor, with the claim amount debited from your account.
To respond to the claim notification, follow these steps:
Amazon encourages sellers to monitor their emails regularly and respond promptly to claims, as this also impacts their Amazon ODR.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) sellers must act swiftly upon receiving a return request in their account. Failure to handle returns properly could result in additional expenses. Consider these three scenarios:
Suppose the item was sold through Amazon, which determines that the returned item is in sellable condition. In that case, it’ll be automatically added to the inventory and marked as "Fulfillable" once more. If applicable, FBA credits your account with a portion of the referral fee and pays the Variable Closing Fees associated with the item.
If Amazon believes the item is in damaged and non-sellable condition and takes responsibility for the damage, the item won’t be returned to your inventory. If applicable, Amazon credits your selling account with the item's selling price, a portion of the referral fees, applicable taxes, and the Variable Closing Fees.
Also, if you want to remove inventory of some items from Amazon but don’t know about it, read our guide on how to remove inventory from Amazon.
If Amazon determines that the item is damaged and non-sellable and doesn’t accept responsibility, the item will be returned to your inventory and marked as "Unfulfillable." In this case, if applicable, Amazon credits your selling account with all or a portion of the referral fee along with the Closing Fee.
The fulfillment fee for each unit includes various services such as order packing, pick-up, customer service, shipping, and product returns. The fee structure for standard and oversized items is as follows:
These fees are an essential consideration for sellers using Amazon's FBA service, and they may vary based on the size and nature of the items being handled.
In certain scenarios where a customer requests a return outside of Amazon's established return policy or when a product is returned in a damaged or unacceptable condition, sellers can impose a restocking fee.
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This fee evaluation is done by calculating the percentage of the item's price, excluding shipping costs, and its amount depends on the condition of the returned item. As a seller, you may decide to apply a restocking fee in the following circumstances:
Amazon’s changing its return policy to cut costs for its sellers. Here are some essential updates you need to know about Amazon's return policy:
Also, if you want to earn high profits from Amazon sales, read our guide on the top 9 most expensive items on Amazon.
To safeguard yourself from potential scams or fraudulent returns as an Amazon seller, it's crucial to take proactive steps. Amazon advises third-party sellers to consider the following precautions:
You might be unaware of another Amazon scam in which customers abuse the return policy to get free products. To know more about this fraud, read our guide on Amazon refund trick without return.
We hope this information and guidance on Amazon return policies for sellers will help you guide the right path. Amazon's return policy emphasizes customer-centricity and ease of returns. Sellers must be well-prepared for increased return requests, which can affect their overall sales performance. Moreover, understanding the intricacies of the policy changes and proactively adjusting your business strategies will be crucial for your success.
Amazon return policy says that items shipped from Amazon, including those stored in Amazon warehouses, typically have a 30-day return window.
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