As a longtime Amazon customer, I‘ve mastered the ins and outs of returning unwanted or defective items over the years. With billions in merchandise shipped annually, returns are simply part of doing business for the ecommerce giant.
In fact, customers sent back over 5 billion Amazon orders in 2020 alone according to data analytics firm Slice.
While essential for customer satisfaction, processing and restocking returns does comes at a substantial cost for the company. Motivating customers to keep purchases whenever appropriate results in huge savings.
However, if you do need to send an item back, this straightforward guide will walk you through how to easily return Amazon purchases in 8 simple steps.
Why Do Customers Return Amazon Orders?
Before diving in the process itself, let‘s first examine the leading reasons shoppers send Amazon orders back for refunds or replacements:
| Return Reason | % of Amazon Returns |
|---|---|
| Item defective or damaged | 22% |
| Product not as expected | 20% |
| No longer needed/wanted | 16% |
| Incorrect item fulfilled | 15% |
| Better price found elsewhere | 12% |
| Missing pieces or parts | 8% |
| Arrived too late | 7% |
As you can see, nearly a quarter of returns relate to functional or shipping-related defects. However, over half stem from buyer‘s remorse or simple change of plans.
Many customers underestimate the costs involved for Amazon to facilitate returns. While policies are customer-friendly, it still takes significant labor, transportation and restocking expenses.
So if you have second thoughts or find a better deal after purchase, try to avoid the return if the item meets your needs. This allows Amazon (and partner sellers) to retain well-deserved profits and control fees that impact future pricing.
However, you shouldn‘t hesitate to return defective, inaccurate, or overpriced goods. Just be sure to follow best practices using the steps below for a smooth, seamless process.
Step 1: Initiate Amazon Return Request Online
First, log into your Amazon account via web browser or mobile app as covered further below. Both platforms allow you to complete the full return process.
Navigate to Your Orders and select Return or Replace next to item you wish you send back. Amazon will then have you choose from a list of return reasons before presenting the available return methods.
Select accurate reason from dropdown options.
You can also start the process directly from item‘s order details page. Look for Return or Replace button near top right.
Either approach works fine, so use whatever is more convenient based on how you access your account.
Alternative: Initiate Via Amazon Mobile App
Managing returns completely from the Amazon mobile iOS or Android apps provides flexibility for on-the-go use.
Tap the hamburger menu icon in upper left corner to expand sidebar. Next choose Returns and Orders to reach order history.
Mobile app menu showing Returns and Orders selection.
The app otherwise mirrors the website for everything detailed from this point forward. Tap items to initiate returns, select reasons, get labels/codes, print, etc.
Step 2: Select an Accurate Return Reason
Choosing an appropriate return reason is an important step Amazon requires to start processing your send-back request.
Common options you will see include:
- Item defective, doesn‘t work properly or arrived damaged
- Product not as expected based on description
- Ordered incorrectly or changed mind
- No longer needed or wanted by customer
- Missing parts, pieces, or accessories
- Received incorrect, inaccurate, or fulfillment error item
Pick whichever matches closest to your situation. For issues like defects or damages, Amazon will also prompt you to include some extra details.
Provide an accurate return reason to avoid issues.
Be truthful in your selection to streamline processing once received at the warehouse. Incorrect or deliberately misleading reasons can slow approvals.
Step 3: Print Shipping Label or Get QR Code
Here comes the part where customers often have questions around the right choice. Amazon provides a range of return shipping methods to fit different needs or locations.
A. Printable Return Shipping Label
If you select printable label, Amazon emails you a PDF with a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label to attach to your package. You‘ll need a standard printer connected to your computer or smartphone to proceed.
Pro Tip: Check that selected label type matches box sent. The most common are UPS Ground for standard domestic returns within the US.
B. QR Code for In-Person Drop-Off
Alternatively, choose QR code return to get a scannable code sent to your email or mobile device. Take the packaged item and unique QR code to any UPS Store location for easy hands-free processing. No printing required!
C. Free UPS Pickup
Some returns qualify for UPS pickup where a driver will stop by your home to grab return package on date selected after initiating return. An adult needs to be present to hand over item.
D. Prepaid Return Shipping Label Mailed to You
If none of the above options work well or available for your circumstances, you can elect to have Amazon mail you a printed return label. It ships via USPS and takes 3-5 days on average to arrive.
| Return Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Label | Print emailed PDF label yourself |
| QR Code | Take code to UPS Store location |
| UPS Pickup | Driver stops to grab package on chosen date |
| Mailed Label | Wait for label to arrive then attach and ship |
Compare popular return shipping options.
Based on your location, timeline, and item specifics one of those fulfillment routes will make sense over others.
For example, UPS Store QR codes provide flexibility but do require finding a nearby participating location. Scheduled pickups help avoid trips but need someone present during pickup window.
And mailed labels work universally but involve the longest lag time waiting for delivery.
Choose what fits your circumstances best!
Step 4: Securely Package Your Return
While Amazon facilitates everything on the backend with labels and transport, properly packaging protects items in-transit back to the warehouse or replacement fulfillment center.
Follow these best practices exactly:
- Reuse original shipping boxes and inserts whenever possible. This ensures perfect fit and padding. Tape up bottom box flaps if previously opened.
- Use high-quality shipping tape to completely seal all edges and seams on box. Reinforce vulnerable corners.
- For fragile goods, wrap item itself with bubble wrap or air pillow pouches before placing neatly into box walls.
- Securely fasten provided shipping label or tape printed QR code to largest flat exterior side without overlapping box edges.
- Completely cover, mark out, or remove any old shipping labels, barcodes, or markings not related to current Amazon return.
Visual summary for securing and labling Amazon return packages.
Accurately packaged shipments minimize the risk of in-transit damage leading to refund denials. While Amazon accepts partial return value for items broken getting back to the warehouse, you ideally want full value.
Top Tip: One issue I‘ve encountered is when original custom-sized packaging gets damaged after initial use. Have backup boxes, bubble mailers, or padding on hand in case needing to substitute secure container.
Step 5: Ship Return Back to Amazon
We‘ve covered generating shipping labels along with multiple drop-off options earlier in Step 3 already. With label printed or QR code in hand:
- For printable shipping labels: Deposit sealed, labeled box at any UPS dropoff location or authorized UPS Access Point. Over 4,600 drop points exist nationwide for convenience.
- For QR codes: Take packaged item and email/label to local UPS Store. Staff scan unique code and instantly print shipping tag to attach for you.
- For scheduled pickups: Driver will grab package from doorstep within prearranged 1-hour window. Just place box in visible location good weather.
- For mailed return labels: Once labels received from Amazon, attach to box then handover to any UPS location or driver during routine daily pickup.
Monitor tracking status until shown as delivered and received by the Amazon returns center. This confirms arrival on their end to commence inspection and refund generation.
Now eligible items get routed to appropriate department. Products in good resalable condition return to main warehouse shelves for quicker turnaround. Defective, damaged, or expired goods may get discarded or sent to liquidators.
UPS provides tracking updates for Amazon return packages.
Either way, Amazon processes next steps on their backend. Your work is complete after securely shipping return back!
Step 6: Receive Automated Email Confirming Return Completion
How long does it take to get your money back after Amazon gets returns? In my experience, it typically takes 2 to 5 business days for Amazon to fully generate refunds once delivered to their centers.
You‘ll receive an official email confirmation when the process finishes. Log into your Amazon account and check order status for real-time updates too.
Actual refund appearance depends on original payment source:
- Credit card purchases credit back to the same card used
- Debit cards see return balance deposited into associated bank account
- Amazon gift cards or account credit add return value to your gift card or account wallet
- Amazon Pay funds route to original source behind transaction
For physical gift cards, unfortunately you need to use up the card then request replacement for remainder value. This annoying policy catches some customers by surprise.
Review account details under Your Orders > Order Details to validate correct refund amount and timing. Amounts vary if only doing partial returns from an order with multiple items.
Sample automated return confirmation email from Amazon.
Watch for the official "Return Completed" email to know when Amazon finishes the processing legwork on their end.
Step 7: Get Help From Customer Service for Any Issues
Amazon return facilities handle millions of inbound packages every single day. Their systems run like clockwork to efficiently validate goods, issue refunds, and reshelve or liquidate inventory.
However, exceptions inevitably crop up given the massive volume moving through facilities daily.
If your return gets stuck in limbo or refund delayed beyond 5 business days, immediately reach out to customer support for assistance.
Some common return problems reported include:
- Return shipment showing as undelivered after drop-off
- Refund pending longer than expected
- Return status never updating from initial phase
- Full refund denied for questionable reasons
Don‘t fret if encountering any snags – Amazon makes it easy to get personalized support.
Contact Customer Service By:
- Phone: Call Amazon support line anytime 24/7. Wait times vary.
- Online Chat: Chat with live agent during set hours when available.
- Email: Send customer service detailed inquiries and questions.
No matter contact channel, provide complete order identifiers from problem return when describing issue. This helps reps investigate quickly to resolve the holdup. Information needed:
- Your name on the Amazon account
- Full order number
- Packaged tracking number
- Return submission date
- Item name(s) and details
For example: "Hi my name Bob Smith on order #111-2222333-4445555. My packaged TV return with UPS tracking #1Z9998887771111 was delivered to Amazon facility on August 1st but my account still shows return pending. Please advise on next steps."
Clear details like these make a big difference getting answers fast!
Amazon makes it easy to get support via phone, chat, or email.
During email or chat conversations, rep can restart return approval workflow, resend shipping labels, directly file refunds, and take any other appropriate steps to fix problems.
If reaching out by phone, they will gather details then submit internal trouble ticket for processing team.
Either way, the heavy lifting gets done behind the scenes and you‘ll receive status updates until situation resolves.
Key Takeaway: Don‘t hesitate to lean on Amazon‘s legendary customer service team if your return needs extra assistance. They work hard to always make the process right!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – a start-to-finish walkthrough guiding you through returning Amazon orders.
While dozens of miniature steps combine to make Amazon‘s systems click, customers really just need to:
- Request return through account
- Print label or get QR code
- Securely package item
- Safely ship using provided method
- Watch for refund confirmation
Follow those critical points and returns become much smoother.
You can hopefully breathe easier next time an item needs sent back, whether damaged, unwanted, or simply no longer needed.
Let me know if any other Amazon-related topics you‘d find helpful for me to cover! After nearly 15 years as a customer, I‘m happy to share more tips and tricks I‘ve picked up along the way.
