Hi there! Returning items can be confusing no matter which retailer you order from online. Even industry leader Amazon, despite its customer-centric policies, has a specific return process you need to follow.
From my years managing logistics and product returns, I‘ve seen Amazon handle an impressive volume – over 5 billion packages shipped globally last year alone!
In this comprehensive yet friendly guide, I‘ll break things down step-by-step to simplify the Amazon return process for you. Whether you need to send back an item that arrived defective or you simply changed your mind, I‘ve got you covered.
Overview: How Amazon Return Process Works
Before we dive in, let me give you a high-level overview of what to expect when going through Amazon‘s return process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Initiate return via Amazon website or mobile app |
| 2 | Select item(s) you need to return |
| 3 | Choose a return reason |
| 4 | Pick return or replacement |
| 5 | Choose return method (UPS pickup, dropoff, etc) |
| 6 | Print prepaid label if needed |
| 7 | Package and drop off return |
| 8 | Amazon processes refund |
Seem complex? Don‘t worry – I‘ll explain each step in detail. Amazon actually makes returns quite straightforward for customers compared to other retailers!
The key for you is choosing the appropriate options based on why you need to return the order and your personal preferences. Let‘s get started!
Step 1: Accessing Your Amazon Orders
The first step is accessing your Amazon account to view orders and initiate a return. There are two ways to start:
Amazon Website
I generally recommend using the desktop website as you get more options to choose from returns-wise.
To begin, simply head to Amazon.com and click "Returns & Orders" after signing in. You‘ll immediately see a chronological list of your recent purchases.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the Returns page for quicker access down the line!
Amazon Mobile App
If you are stepping out or away from your computer, starting an Amazon return via iPhone or Android app works quite well too.
Just tap the menu icon ≡, select Returns under Orders, find the purchase with the item to return and tap to initiate.
The mobile process is virtually identical – just condensed viewing on a smaller screen.
No matter which way you start, now it‘s time to specify which item(s) need going back!
Step 2: Select the Item(s) to Return
Amazon lets you return one, some, or all items from an order.
Once you pull up your Returns page, checkmark each item needing return. You have 30 days from delivery to begin a return request for most products. Take note of any return eligibility exceptions:
- Amazon Devices – 90 days
- Items marked seasonal returns – Extended return window
If you try checking an item that states "This item is non-returnable", it unfortunately means you missed the return cutoff. Before you panic- all hope is not lost! Reach out to an Amazon rep to explore other options.
Other common return ineligibilities:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Opened computer software, video games, DVDs, vinyl records | Typically can only be exchanged for identical item |
| Products missing UPC codes like handmade, custom or artisan goods | Difficult for Amazon to validate correct inventory |
You can learn more in Amazon‘s Return Policy guidelines.
Okay, back to our example – let‘s say you need to return a defective Echo smart speaker. Check the box next to it and click "Continue".
Onward to specifying why this item needs to be returned!
Step 3: Choosing a Return Reason
The next screen in Amazon‘s return process asks why you need to send the order back. Selecting an accurate reason here is important for their system to handle the request properly.
Let‘s explore some of the most common return reasons and when to use them:
| Reason | Use When |
|---|---|
| No Longer Needed | Changed mind, found better price elsewhere, etc |
| Bought by Mistake | Accidental order or now unnecessary |
| Incorrect Item Received | Sent wrong color, size, product, etc by mistake |
| Item Defective | Arrived damaged or doesn‘t function properly |
For our example Echo return, we would choose "Item Defective" since it won‘t power on.
Based on certain reasons you select, an additional text box may pop up for extra details. In our case, I would note the device fails to start up despite changing batteries and outlet.
Giving this context helps Amazon better understand the root cause to remedy (via replacement, refund etc).
Alright, return reason selected – now to decide how we want this resolved!
Step 4: Return or Replace the Item
On the next screen, Amazon presents options to return the defective Echo for a full refund OR replace it by sending out a new one.
Option 1) Return for refund
- This gets your money back minus any shipping/return charges
- Best if you‘d rather purchase elsewhere or no longer need the item
Option 2) Replace item
- Get a brand new replacement product shipped out
- Choose if still wanting to try and use the item
Based on my experience, I suggest trying the replacement route first when receiving a defective product. This avoids the often lengthy process of re-purchasing and essentially "cuts the line" to get a properly working item quickly.
An important tip on replacements – Amazon requires you to send back the original item within 30 days after the replacement ships. So don‘t forget that part!
For simplicity here, let‘s say we request a replacement Echo. Confirm your choice and let‘s tackle arranging how to get this return package back to Amazon!
Step 5: Selecting a Return Shipping Method
Amazon makes returns convenient by integrating with UPS and offering several delivery options:
| Method | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Pickup | Schedule driver pickup from your address | $7.99 per return |
| UPS Dropoff | Generate QR code to provide at UPS store | Typically free |
| UPS Access Point | Select dropoff locations like CVS, Michaels | Free |
| Print Label | Self-print a prepaid label to affix on box | Free |
Based on where you live, certain choices may be better suited. For rural areas, the UPS pickup ensures you can process the return without trekking to a drop off location.
Major metros and suburbs have greater access to UPS store dropoffs using a QR code or Access Points via partner retail stores.
And printing your own label works universally as long as you have a way to safely package up and get over to the nearest UPS.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to UPS pickup times if choosing home retrieval. I once missed their window and had to reschedule for the following day.
Alright – for this Echo return, let‘s go with conveniently dropping off at a nearby UPS store off my commute home. I select that option and now it‘s time to prep this package!
Step 6: Preparing Your Return Package
For any do-it-yourself dropoff methods without a scheduled pickup, Amazon provides a prepaid shipping label to attach to your return box.
Let‘s print that now and get it affixed securely.
I highly recommend placing the label on the original shipping box the item arrived in, then use clear tape over the old labels. This avoids any confusion on what package contains your return item(s).
Don‘t overlook including your Amazon return authorization code somewhere on the box too – it should begin with 2 letters followed by numbers. This allows their system to match up return once received.
And that‘s it! Our defective Echo is all packaged up, labeled securely and ready for me to swing by the UPS store on the way home. Almost to the finish line.
Step 7: Getting Your Package to the Carrier
This is the easy part after all the preparation work you just did. Here‘s a quick refresher on next steps for each return method:
UPS Pickup: Ensure you or another adult resident is available during the scheduled collection window. Hand your labeled package to the driver.
UPS Dropoff: Take your box and QR code into any UPS store, provide to an associate and you‘re all set! Feel free to utilize their packaging materials if needed.
Access Point: Walk package into the designated return area and show staff your QR code or printed label. CVS, Michaels and several other retailers participate.
In our example, we drive to the nearby UPS Store, hand them the packaged Echo and smile knowing Amazon now has the defective device enroute back to their facility!
Step 8: Amazon Processes Your Return
You held up your end of the bargain by securely returning the item to UPS. Now Amazon will take care of the rest on their end:
Package arrives at Amazon fulfillment center
Item is inspected by returns team
System initiates refund or replacement order
Within 1-2 business days after Amazon receives and scans your return, expect an email confirmation that the process completed.
For replacements, you will get a separate shipping notification when the new order leaves their facility. My suggestion is to proactively track that via your account just in case any issues arise.
And if you selected refund instead, payment reversal occurs to your original method within 3-5 days typically. Congrats, you have officially mastered the Amazon returns process!
| Celebrate success! |
Now, as promised – let me provide answers to some frequent questions around Amazon returns:
FAQs About Amazon Returns
What is the typical return timeline to expect?
Most items are eligible for return up to 30 days from delivery. Replacement orders must have the original returned within 30 days as well. Amazon Devices allow 90 day returns.
Can I return Amazon items purchased 3rd party?
Yes, the same process applies. However some 3rd party items may charge restocking fees. Check return policy listings.
What happens if I miss the UPS pickup window?
No problem, you will receive a "Sorry we missed you" door tag. Simply reschedule pickup via your Amazon account for the following business day.
Who pays for return shipping costs?
Customers don‘t directly pay unless selecting UPS Pickup. Amazon otherwise utilizes labels pre-paid by them when dropping off.
Why does my refund amount differ from order total?
If the original order contained promotional credits or discounts, the final refund will adjust accordingly based on current item value.
What do I do if my account gets charged for a return I completed?
Rarely errors can occur. Start by contacting Amazon Customer Service for fastest resolution on any charge discrepancies.
And there you have it – a comprehensive walkthrough taking you from return initiation all the way through to refund completion. You‘ve got this! Please drop any other Amazon-related questions in comments.
