Rachael Green
Alongside fast, free shipping, the ability to easily make returns is one of the main perks of Amazon Prime. While most items sold by Amazon qualify for the retailer's convenient return options, there are some exceptions to the rule.
Shoppers who assume anything they order can be dropped off at their nearest Whole Foods or UPS Store if they decide they don't want it might be in for a shock. We found at least 21 things you can't return to Amazon, even if you're an Amazon Prime member.
So before adding another can't-live-without item, make sure you fully understand Amazon's return policy.
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What is 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 partial or full refund. Returns are made easy as customers can choose from a variety of drop-off locations, including Whole Foods, the UPS Store and, more recently, your local Kohl's department store. In most cases, you don't even have to package it or print a shipping label.
For other items, the return policy is even more generous. You'll get up to 100 days to try out a new mattress, for example. If you have to return it, don't worry, you won't have to heft it to Kohl's. Instead, you can schedule a pickup under the returns section.
Amazon's return policy also gets more generous during the holiday season. Most items shipped by Amazon between November 1 and December 31 are eligible for return through January 31 of the following year. This policy may vary for certain purchases — or for items not shipped by Amazon.
The retailer 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 on your package or the QR code in your Amazon app. Keep in mind, if you receive a refund before shipping the item, you will be charged if the item is not sent back by the stated deadline.
Also, if you purchased an item from a third-party seller, but it's fulfilled by Amazon and eligible for Amazon Prime, that item is subject to these same return policies as items sold by Amazon directly.
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 third-party sellers on Amazon set their own return policies. So double check the product page to see who is selling and shipping the item. If it's not Amazon, check the seller's return policy before placing the order.
21 items you can't return to Amazon
As generous as Amazon's return policy is, some products simply can't be sent back to the online retailer. Take a look:
- Computers, laptops, Kindles and other devices can't be returned more than 30 days after delivery.
- Amazon Bulk Liquidations Store items are final sale and not returnable.
- Groceries (including Amazon Fresh and grocery items, though refunds or replacements are possible in cases of spills or spoilage)
- 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.
- Some health and personal care items, including items with damaged safety protection seals (though damaged items may be refundable)
- Amazon Haul items that are $3 or less
- Customized products (unless there is damage, defect or an error, such as misspellings)
- Digital music downloaded from the Amazon Digital Music store, unless purchased accidentally via Alexa
- Gift cards (except as required by law)
- Hazardous materials, including flammable liquids or gases.
- Items with certain shipping restrictions
- Some Jewelry items
- Live insects (Amazon sells everything from ladybugs to Madagascar hissing cockroaches, none are returnable, but may be refundable.)
- Online subscriptions can't be returned after you access them
- Pet food (but it may be refundable if it arrives spoiled or damaged.)
- Photos printed from Amazon Photos (but these may be refundable)
- Prepaid game cards
- Prepaid phone cards
- Products with missing serial numbers or universal product code (UPC)
- Software and game downloads, as well as certain other digital products, unless otherwise noted.
- Videos bought or rented through Amazon Prime Video If ordered by mistake, you can get a refund if you haven't attempted to watch or download the video. If it's eligible for a refund, you'll see "Cancel Your Order" as an option on the details page for the title.
Amazon physical store return policies
If you shop at one of Amazon's physical stores, like Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go, 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 if you have the order number (listed on the gift receipt).
- Certain in-store returns are only eligible for a refund in the form of an Amazon gift card.
If you received an email receipt, or if the item you purchased appears in Your Orders, you have the option to return the item like any other Amazon purchase.
If the item doesn't appear in Your Orders, you can try requesting a gift return using your order number in the Online Return Center.
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.
For Apple-branded products, the retailer is even stricter. These must be returned within 14 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 fee of up to 15% of the product's sale price if the product is tested and found to be working.
What to do with your non-returnable Amazon purchases
So what can you do if an item isn't returnable or you missed the return window? Re-gifting is one option.
You can also try selling it on an online marketplace like Poshmark, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. Sites such as Gazelle specialize in buying used electronics. Even Amazon has a trade-in policy on certain electronics that's worth checking out, if you're getting rid of an older device to upgrade to a newer model.
You can also sell your unwanted gift cards to reputable card-swap sites like CardCash, Raise, or GameFlip.
Selling it or trading it in means you're unlikely to get the full retail price. But you can at least recoup some of your money while decluttering your home of unwanted items.
Another option may be giving the item to charity, which might allow you to get a tax break for your charitable donation.
As for the live insects, you can't return these little critters to Amazon. We know this bugs you but sorry, you're going to have to wing it.
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