In most cases, getting a refund from Amazon is quite easy, especially if it is reasonable.
If you receive an item that’s broken, defective, or does not work as expected, you can get a refund for it if you return it following Amazon’s return policy.
The refund should be given to you in 3 to 30 business days, depending on your payment method.
However, Amazon does not approve all refund requests. Sometimes, a customer’s refund request can get declined, and they end up not getting their money back.
So why won’t Amazon issue a refund? Here are 7 common reasons:
1. Item Was Returned Too Late
If you notice your purchased item is defective, broken, or not working as it should, you can return it to Amazon and get a refund.
This allows you to order a new one.
For most Amazon products, the return policy is 30 days. This means the items should be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Some Amazon products may have a different return policy. For example, Apple products ordered through Amazon only have a 15-day return policy.
Amazon Renewed products and baby items typically have a 90-day return policy.
Third-party sellers may also have a different return policy, although most simply follow Amazon’s 30-day policy.
If you fail to send the item back to Amazon within the return period, you will not be refunded. This applied even when you requested a refund within the period.
For example, you received a defective item and requested a refund through your Amazon account a few days later. You are then expected to ship the item back within the return period. Amazon will only refund you once they receive the returned item.
If you fail to ship the item within its return period, maybe because you forgot to do it or because you were too busy to drop it off at the carrier, then Amazon will not refund you.
If Amazon receives the item past the return period, even if it’s just one day late, you will not be issued a refund.
2. Item is Non-Returnable
Not all Amazon items can be returned. Because of the nature of some Amazon items, you can’t return them and get a refund.
Here are the products that are considered non-returnable:
Digital Products
This applies to all downloadable products, including software and online subscriptions.
Once purchased, these products can’t be returned, and you can’t get a refund for them.
This is to prevent people from returning them after downloading them.
Cards
Amazon gift cards also can’t be returned and refunded.
The same applies to prepaid game cards.
Some examples include Nintendo e-Store cards, World of Warcraft, Xbox 360 Live, and Wii Points, among many others.
Personalized Items
Any Amazon item you ordered and customized for you can’t be returned.
This applies to clothes, jewelry, home items, or any other product that can be personalized.
That is because these items cannot be resold if you were to return them to Amazon.
Hazardous Materials
If the item is classified as hazardous, containing flammable liquids or gases, then it can’t be returned, and you can’t get a refund for it.
For this, you would need to directly contact the manufacturer.
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3. Item Return Appears Used
This mostly applies to shoes and clothing items.
Clothes, shoes, and accessories are eligible for return and a full refund within 30 days of delivery.
If you receive the item that appears damaged or defective, or if the fit isn’t correct, you can return it and get a full refund.
However, it has been returned in a new and unused condition. All brand and price tags must be attached, and any other inclusions should also be returned with the item.
If you return a pair of shoes or an item of clothing that appears to be used and worn, you may not be eligible to get a refund.
For hygiene reasons, items like underwear, swimwear, socks, wigs, and adult costumes cannot be returned but may be refundable in some cases.
4. The Item is a Gift
Gift items may be returned or refunded depending on how the buyer purchased the gift.
If you received a gift purchased through Amazon and it didn’t come with a gift receipt, then you may not return it and get a refund.
On the other hand, if the item comes with a gift receipt, Amazon can determine if you are eligible for a refund without having to return the item.
5. The Item has a Missing Serial Number or Universal Product Code (UPC)
Many items have serial numbers or UPCs, usually 12 digits, assigned to them.
These numbers serve as product identification.
If you return an item whose serial number or UPC is missing, then Amazon may not refund you.
Products with missing serial numbers or UPCs may not be resold, so they are not eligible to be returned for a full-price refund.
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6. You’ve Requested Refunds and Returns too Many Times
Amazon has a generous return policy of at least 30 days from the delivery date, and in some cases, customers tend to abuse this.
If you have too many returns and refund requests, Amazon may not refund you.
As a customer, it is your right to return items as long as you follow Amazon’s return policy. However, your account may be flagged by Amazon if you frequently return orders for a full refund.
If you have returned too many packages, you will get a notification from Amazon reminding you of the return guidelines. While Amazon policies do not state the exact return limit, you will typically get a warning if you return 5 to 10 items monthly.
Once you get a warning, your next return may not be accepted, and Amazon will not refund you.
The worst-case scenario is that your Amazon account will get temporarily suspended or permanently banned because the security system has flagged your activities as suspicious.
7. Third-Party Seller Rejected Refund Request
Amazon third-party retailers may generally have a different policy from Amazon Vendor regarding returns and refund requests.
If you purchased an item from a third-party seller and you want to return it for a full refund, it may be declined if it goes against their policies.
Before purchasing from a retailer, it is recommended that you check their policies just in case you have to return the item.
If you feel like your refund request is valid, you can always get in touch with an Amazon representative through their customer service department to get the assistance you need.
Sources:
Amazon Return Policy: No More Confusion, Here’s Exactly How It Works
Return Too Many items On Amazon? Will Amazon Ban Your Account?