Can i return an item to amazon without original packaging

June 14, 2022

Written by Ken Zhou

It’s no secret that no one likes returning stuff they’ve bought online. It’s a pain to box everything back up, print out the return shipping label, and carry the package back to the post or courier office. But sometimes returns are inevitable—maybe the item was damaged, didn’t fit quite right, or wasn’t what your customers expected.

With Amazon, it’s important to ensure your customers are happy with their purchases, and return policies can be a big part of that. So here’s a guide on how to return Amazon items to help your customers navigate the return process.

Returning Amazon Items 

Sometimes, customers can end up ordering the wrong thing due to various reasons. Maybe it’s the wrong size, or they don’t like the color. It may also be simply because they’ve clicked on the wrong button for no reason. 

There might even be some that are damaged or defective upon delivery. But for items that were not damaged or defective, customers have two options: either return the item for a refund or exchange it for a different size or style. Whatever the reason, returning items to Amazon should be easy and stress-free.

How to Return Items on Amazon

If you’re an Amazon seller, it’s critical to understand how the return process works. What for? There are customers who wonder about the possibility of returning an item and will come for your help sooner or later. Knowing the return process can help you with potential customer queries about returning an item.

Providing assistance to queries is part of giving a positive shopping experience. As a result, customers may be more inclined to buy with you again. To assist your customers better, here is a step-by-step guide on how to return items on Amazon:

1. Log in to the Amazon account

Ask your customers to go to “Your Orders” and find the order they want to return. Then, click the “Return or Replace Items” button.

2. Select the item for return 

After selecting the item they want to return, they will choose the reason for the return in the drop-down selection. Then, your customer should choose whether they want a refund or a replacement.

3. Print the shipping label

After choosing the item and indicating the reason for the return, it will generate a PDF of the shipping label, which they can print out and attach to their return package.

4. Pack and send the Items

If possible, customers should pack the item securely in the original product packaging. If they can’t find the original packaging, they may use a sturdy box and include packing material such as bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts to protect the item. They must include everything included in the original package with all the parts, accessories, and documents.

How to Return Items to Amazon?

There are multiple ways to return items to Amazon. However, returning them through the mail is the simplest option. Simply pack the item you want to return, attach the shipping label to the package, and drop it off at the nearest post office. 

You can also use Amazon Locker to return the items. These are available at select locations and work as a self-service kiosk一customers can drop off their return items in the locker, which will be returned to Amazon.

Shoppers also have the option to return items to an Amazon physical store. First, they should go to Amazon’s website and use the store locator tool to find the nearest store location. Then, bring the item and order confirmation to the customer service counter if they return an item to an Amazon physical store.

There are some items that can be returned using Amazon’s “Flexible Returns” service. With this, they can schedule a free pickup of their return right from their doorstep.

What items can be returned?

When it comes to returns, you can say that Amazon is pretty lenient compared to other e-commerce platforms. This is a part of their way of making themselves known as the most customer-centric shopping website.

Most Amazon orders can be returned within 30 days after delivery if the item is new and unused. That means if your customers accidentally ordered two of the same item, or if that shirt they bought doesn’t fit quite right, they can return it hassle-free. But before returning an item, they should check the product listing to see if there are any special return requirements. For example, some clothing items must be in their original packaging when returning them.

What items can’t be returned?

There are some items that Amazon doesn’t accept returns on for various reasons. Here are some of the most common items that you can’t return:

• Gift cards. Once an Amazon gift card has been redeemed, it can’t be returned for a refund. 

• Digital content. This includes items like e-books, digital music, and apps. Since these items can be downloaded and used immediately, they can’t be returned, but your customers can cancel the subscription. 

• Grocery items. Due to food safety concerns, Amazon does not accept returns for groceries. This includes items like baby food, alcohol, and perishable goods. 

• Hazardous materials. Items flammable, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous can’t be shipped through Amazon’s return center. This includes things like liquids, batteries, and the like.

How to Track Your Returns?

Amazon is usually great at handling returns. Customers can return items without any problems. But sometimes, things get lost along the way, and it can be tricky to track down a return. Fortunately, Amazon makes it easy to track returns so your customer can be sure that their items are being processed and that they’ll receive a refund promptly.

If you want to track your returns, simply log in to your Amazon account and go to the “Returns Center.” There, you should see a list of all the items returned and return attempts in the past 30 days.

For each item, you’ll see the return date, the status of the return (whether approved or rejected), and the expected refund amount. It is also through this page wherein you can track the progress of their return by clicking on the “Track Package” button next to each item.

What Happens After Returning an Item?

If you’re returning an item because it’s defective or damaged, Amazon will refund shipping costs and give a replacement item at no additional cost. Even if you simply changed your mind about a purchase, Amazon will accept returns as long as they ship the item back within the 30 days return window and it’s in new, unopened condition.

When you return an item, Amazon immediately processes your refund and sends an email informing you that they’ve received it and are working on it. They will also let you know when the refund has been issued. The process should be fast, especially if you’ve complied with everything they’re asking from you. You can expect a refund a few days after receiving the returned item.

Tips for Amazon Sellers

For buyers, returning an item bought on Amazon is pretty simple一just head to the returns center and follow the instructions. But if you’re a seller, things are a bit more complicated. You’ll need to issue a refund, deal with the return shipping, and provide top-notch customer service, which can be a hassle, expensive, and requires plenty of patience from your end. 

However, it’s important to accept that returns are just part of doing business. The good thing is that you can do a few things to lessen the occurrence of returns on your business. 

First, make sure to clearly state your return policy on your product listings. This will help set buyer expectations and reduce the likelihood of buyers returning items simply because they weren’t aware of your policy. 

Second, try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to returns. For example, you can offer to issue a refund or exchange instead of insisting on a return. 

Finally, don’t take returns personally. It’s important to remember that not every sale is going to be perfect. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between protecting your business and giving a positive customer experience.

Final Thoughts 

Here’s the thing about returns: they happen. Whether it’s a case of buyer’s remorse or a package that arrived damaged, customers will occasionally want to return an item they’ve purchased from you. So make sure your return policy is clear and easy to understand so that customers know what to expect when purchasing from you.

With all the things mentioned above, you can now confidently assist your customers when they ask you how to return Amazon items. However, Seller Interactive understands that running a business while handling returns can be overwhelming. That’s why we believe that working with a competent account manager to assist you with your Amazon returns is a practical idea. With years of experience, we are confident that we can assist you with your return matters.

Send us an email at [email protected] to know more!

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