How to return a product to Amazon

Are you returning a holiday gift or purchase to Amazon? Most items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31. Learn more.

You probably already know that Amazon offers virtually everything a consumer could want or need. But with so many different products to choose from, you can't expect them all to be great.

Returning items to Amazon can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially since there are so many third-party sellers on the site, each of which can set their own return policies. However, for the most part, Amazon returns are actually quite simple, thanks to easy-to-find return shipping labels for mail-in returns and thousands of drop-off locations across the country (including Kohl's stores).

Shipping returns to Amazon can be free! (But that’s not all you can get for free from Amazon.) The downside, however, is that in most cases, Amazon returns don’t take particularly long. At least not compared to some other retailers.

There's a lot of information to explain here (it's like having 10 Amazon boxes delivered to your home every week), so let's go over everything you need to know about returning items to Amazon.

How long does it take to return an item to Amazon?

Amazon allows customers to return most new and unopened items for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. The rule is that Amazon must handle it directly, not a third-party seller. Sellers can set their own return policies, but most are similar to those offered by Amazon.

Groceries (including Amazon Fresh items) and wine cannot be returned to Amazon, but if they arrive damaged, spilled, or spoiled, Amazon will refund or exchange your order within 30 days of delivery.

And don't forget that Amazon's holiday gift to shoppers is a special extended return period, which typically runs through January 31 for all items shipped by Amazon between November 1 and December 31 (the date may vary from year to year).

There are some exceptions to the standard 30-day return and refund policy, including:

What is Amazon's returns policy?

If your item was shipped from Amazon.com or Amazon Warehouse, you can return it for a full refund within a specified time frame. You can return it by mail or by shipping it from one of over 18,000 drop-off locations. You can also exchange it for a different size or color, as long as it meets certain criteria, including if it was purchased with a credit or debit card.

Amazon promises that every item eligible for return must have at least one free return option, as long as it weighs less than 50 pounds. Amazon also ships exact replacements for any items that are damaged or defective upon receipt, unless they were purchased through a third-party seller. However, even in such cases, you are still eligible for a refund.

Items purchased from third-party sellers must be returned to the seller, even if the order was fulfilled by Amazon. It’s a little confusing, but the good news is that all third-party sellers must provide a return address within the United States, a prepaid return label, or offer a full refund without having to return the item. If the third-party seller doesn’t provide this method of return, you can file an A-to-z Guarantee claim.

However, some items cannot be returned to Amazon. These include:

• Pet food.
• foodstuffs
• Fresh flowers, live indoor plants or live insects.
• Downloadable software products.
• Final sale items and items purchased through the Amazon Bulk Liquidations Store.
• Open software.
• Items containing hazardous materials or flammable liquids or gases.
• You can subscribe online after logging in.
• Products without serial numbers or UPCs.
• Gift cards are not accepted except as required by law.
• Prepaid phone cards or game cards.
• Some jewel orders.

If an item arrives damaged or defective and is non-returnable, you can still contact Amazon to request a refund or exchange.

How to return an item to Amazon

With some exceptions, most items purchased on Amazon are likely completed online and shipped to your home. To make this process easy for you, Amazon offers a variety of ways to return unwanted items. You can:

• Use a qualified drop-off service nearby.
• For small returns, use Amazon Locker, Locker+, and Amazon Hub Counter locations. You can also use Hubs and Lockers to pick up your Amazon packages in person.
• For especially heavy or bulky returns, please request a pickup.
• Start your return without labels or packaging.

Different options have different requirements for whether you need to provide a box or label. Here are the options available for recent returns:

How to Return Packaged, Labeled Items to Amazon

If you're comfortable boxing your items up at home and printing shipping labels, here's how:

1. Log in to your Amazon account.
2. Go to “Your Orders”.
3. Select the order that contains the items you do not want.
4. Select the item you would like to return or exchange.
5. Please select a product and choose a reason for return.
6. If applicable, choose whether you would like to process your return for a refund or replacement. If you purchased through a third-party seller, you should see “Submit a Return Request.”
7. You can now choose your preferred return method based on your eligibility.
8. Print the return label and return authorization form.
9. Pack the item securely and attach the return label to the outside of the package.
10. Drop off your package at an Amazon Locker, UPS Drop-Off Box, or UPS Store. You can also initiate a UPS pickup (UPS will pick up your box at your front door), but you will need to provide a box ($7.99).

How to Return to Amazon Without Packaging and Labeling

If you don't want to package the item yourself, you can request a return from Amazon without a label or box.

Amazon's box-free, label-free store includes:

• UPS Store
• staple
• Amazon offline stores (Amazon Go, Amazon Books, Amazon 4-Star)
• Whole Foods
• Coles

Returning without a box and label is probably the easiest option. The options available will vary by location. Plus, if you drop off your items at an Amazon boxless location, Amazon will package multiple people’s returns together, saving packaging materials and trucks on the road.

1. Log in to your Amazon account.
2. Go to “Your Orders”.
3. Please complete the steps above to complete the return process.
4. Choose whether to drop off your items at Whole Foods or Kohl's
5. When you bring your items to the designated drop-off location, you will receive a QR code to scan. You do not need to print or package them yourself. Simply bring your items during the hours the Hub counter is open (which may differ from the store's hours of operation).

When and how can I get a refund from Amazon?

Amazon states that most payments are fully refunded within a week of receiving and processing the returned item. Here’s how long it takes for your funds to become available: ~ after Amazon will fully process your return based on your original payment method.

If you return a gift you received from someone else, your refund will be issued in the form of an Amazon.com gift card, and the amount will automatically be added to the Amazon account used to make the return.

If you return a gift you received from someone else, your refund will be issued in the form of an Amazon.com gift card, and the amount will automatically be added to the Amazon account used to make the return.

Amazon Gift Return Process

Did you receive a gift from someone on Amazon? You can exchange it for an Amazon gift card. No gift receipt required. Just follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Amazon account. If you don't have an account, create one.
2. Go to the returns center.
3. Enter the 17-digit order number from your packaging receipt and press “Search.” Don't have that? You'll need to talk to the person who gave you the gift.
4. Select the item you wish to return and choose your preferred return method.
5. Refunds will be credited to the gift card balance in your Amazon account.

Things to Consider Before Returning an Item to Amazon

Amazon tries to make it sound like returns are always free, but return shipping is actually free only in some cases. There is a lot of variation in which items qualify and how you choose to return them, but you can find the full details here.

Some items may be subject to a restocking fee if they are returned as used, missing parts, or in poor condition. This applies primarily to electronics and software purchases, and in some states, a tax may also be applied to the restocking fee.

Finally, it’s important to note that there are special circumstances surrounding returning collectibles and other high-value items to Amazon. If your collectibles, sports or entertainment items, coins, art, jewelry, or watches are worth more than $35, you must return them to Amazon using a traceable method. If they’re worth more than $500, you must purchase insurance. In either case, to avoid having your refund denied, you must return them in their original packaging along with all documentation, and you should take photos of the items for your records before returning them. After all, when Amazon is all about saving you money, you can never be too careful!

Want to return an item you purchased from another major retailer? Here’s how.

• How to return an item at Walmart.
• How to Return Items at Home Depot
• How to return an item from Coles
• How to return from target

The post How to Return an Item to Amazon first appeared on RetailMeNot's The Real Deal.