21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon

Amazon package delivery at front door of a residence in Los Angeles

(Image credit: Getty Images)

last updated 5 July 2024

Amazon likely has you at free shipping and free returns. Impulse shoppers everywhere love the site because, hey, you have nothing to lose when trying out products from the online retailer. After all, if you're one of the more than 200 million members of Amazon Prime worldwide, you get free shipping plus lots of other Prime benefits. And it’s free to return items sold and shipped by Amazon.com. Not so fast.

There's a catch. Before you hit "add to cart" to fill your virtual shopping cart, be aware that certain items can't be returned to Amazon — no way, no how, forget about it. So before adding another can't-live-without item, make sure you fully understand the e-commerce giant’s return policy.

Amazon's return policy

Amazon's standard return policy allows customers to return most items sold and fulfilled by Amazon within 30 days of receipt, for a full refund. In fact, now, you have the option to return unwanted Amazon purchases to your local Kohl's department store instead of through the mail or UPS.

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Amazon's return policy is more generous for holiday purchases: Most items shipped by Amazon between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 can be returned through Jan. 31 of the following year. This policy may vary for certain purchases — or for items not shipped by Amazon.com.

Amazon is quick with refunds, too. In most cases, you'll get it as an "advance" as soon as the shipper scans the bar code on the return label you've taped to your package. If you purchased an item from a seller other than one fulfilled by Amazon, and it is eligible for Amazon Prime, that item is subject to the same return policies as items fulfilled by Amazon.com.

If you order via Alexa voice shopping, you can return non-digital products to Amazon for free. For accidental digital purchases via Alexa, contact customer service for a refund (and deletion of the product) within seven days.

Keep in mind that return policies for merchandise sold and shipped by third-policy sellers on Amazon.com can vary, so read each seller's fine print.

Items you can't return to Amazon

Some products, though, simply can't be sent back to Amazon. Take a look:

Amazon Bulk Liquidations Store items are final sale and not returnable
Amazon Fresh and grocery products can't be returned
Amazon Pharmacy does not accept returns (including 6-month supplies of medication or if your prescription changes). Although, If there are issues with your medication, for example, if it’s been tampered with, contact Amazon Pharmacy Customer Care at 1-855-745-5725
Computer laptops, desktops and Kindles (but only if more than 30 days after delivery)
Some health and personal care items, including items with damaged safety protection seals (but may be refundable)
Customized products (unless there is damage, defect or an error, such as misspellings)
Digital music downloaded from the Amazon Digital Music store
Gift cards (except as required by law)
Groceries (including Amazon Fresh and grocery items, though refunds or replacements are possible in cases of spills or spoilage)
Hazardous materials, including flammable liquids or gases
Items with special shipping instructions
Some Jewelry items
Live insects (Amazon sells everything from ladybugs to Madagascar hissing cockroaches, none are returnable but may be refundable)
Online subscriptions after you access them
Pet food (but may be refundable)
Photos printed from Amazon Photos (but may be refundable)
Prepaid game cards
Prepaid phone cards
Products missing the serial code or universal product code (UPC)
Software and game downloads, as well as other digital purchases from the Amazon Appstore and open software.
Videos downloaded from Amazon Prime Video

Amazon physical store return policies

If you shop at one of Amazon's physical stores, you can return most items purchased for a full refund within 30 days of purchase, subject to Amazon's other return guidelines listed below.

Gift Cards are not returnable (except as required by law).
Magazines/ newspapers are not returnable.
Grocery items and alcohol are not returnable to Amazon (but may be refunded or replaced).
Hallmark-branded items are not returnable.
Gift recipients can return a gift with the order.

Some returns made in-store may be refunded as a Gift Card. See an in-store associate for more details.To learn more about refund processing times, visit About Refunds.

If you received an email receipt, or if the item you purchased appears in Your Orders, you have the option to return the item by mail. To return by mail, visit the Online Return Center to start your return. If the item doesn't appear in Your Orders, you may be able to request a gift return using your order number in the Online Return Center. If you don't have an Amazon.com account and need to request a return: Contact Us

Amazon’s return policy for electronics

Amazon can be a stickler about returns of certain high-value items, including jewelry, collectibles and electronics. Review the product detail page for specifics. Laptop and desktop computers, as well as Kindle e-readers, must be returned within 30 days of purchase.

Amazon operates a trade-in program that lets you sell back eligible items, including electronics such as video games and Kindles (as well as books). Shipping is free, and you'll be paid with an Amazon.com gift card.

Apple-branded products must be returned within 15 days of delivery. Note, Amazon will test products that are returned if the reason you've given for returning them was that the device would not start. You risk paying a 15% fee of the product's sale price if the product is tested and found to be working.

Make the most of your non-returnable Amazon purchases

So what can you do if an item isn't returnable or you miss the return window? Re-gifting is one option. Another option may be giving the item to charity, which might allow you to get a tax break for your charitable donation. Sell back your unwanted gift cards to reputable card-swap sites such as CardCash, Raise, or GameFlip.

Of course, if you prefer to receive cash for your items, try selling them yourself on Craigslist or eBay. Sites such as Gazelle specialize in buying used electronics.

As for the live insects, you can't return to Amazon? We know this bugs you but sorry, you're going to have to wing it...

Bob was Senior Editor at Kiplinger.com for seven years and is now a contributor to the website. He has more than 40 years of experience in online, print and visual journalism. Bob has worked as an award-winning writer and editor in the Washington, D.C., market as well as at news organizations in New York, Michigan and California. Bob joined Kiplinger in 2016, bringing a wealth of expertise covering retail, entertainment, and money-saving trends and topics. He was one of the first journalists at a daily news organization to aggressively cover retail as a specialty and has been lauded in the retail industry for his expertise. Bob has also been an adjunct and associate professor of print, online and visual journalism at Syracuse University and Ithaca College. He has a master’s degree from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a bachelor’s degree in communications and theater from Hope College.