Amazon FBA merchants’ return policy implications

Many businesses are unprepared to handle customer refunds and returns. A seller’s credibility might be jeopardized due to a lack of readiness like this. Easy communication between buyers and sellers is facilitated by clear return policies. There is a substantial risk that a straightforward Amazon FBA seller return policy will be exploited. If you’re looking for details about Amazon FBA reimbursements, you should read this post instead.

Processing client returns is a necessary evil for every ecommerce company, whether you’re just starting out or have a multimillion dollar brand. 

Seeing a return request come in is usually a bit discouraging and annoying. It’s not simply that the transaction was unsuccessful financially; it also indicates that the consumer was unhappy with their purchase. 

There’s no need to freak out if you’re an online retailer who has to deal with returns; they’re inevitable. This article will discuss the evolution of Amazon’s return policy and its implications for merchants. Then, we’ll explain why returns happen and how to stop them, so you can bring in more satisfied buyers. 

Even on the most successful and largest marketplaces in the world, like Amazon, “Returns” remain a fact of life for sellers.

In this article, we’ll talk about why Amazon has the best return policy, why people love it, and what they can use it for.

  • Returns Accepted by Amazon FBA
  • When a customer sends an item back to Amazon, what happens there?
  • What Occurs If a Buyer Does Not Send Back the Item?
  • What Happens If a Customer Sends Back a Broken Item?
  • Why do people send things back to the store?
  • What to do if consumers are sending back your goods and why
  • Conclusion

Table of Contents

Returns Accepted by Amazon FBA

The Amazon FBA returns policy includes order fulfillment and support.  It also handles returns from customers and decides whether things bought via FBA may be returned. There are two possible outcomes when following the Amazon FBA returns policy.

Amazon will only accept returns of products that are in their original, resalable condition. If the item can be resold, it will be added back to stock. If the item is damaged beyond repair, Amazon will evaluate it to determine the extent of the damage and whether or not you are entitled to a refund.

Customers have the same normal 30-day window from the date of delivery to initiate a return. However, it’s not always the case. Amazon’s return policy has a 30-day grace period, although it may be extended in certain circumstances.

When a customer sends an item back to Amazon, what happens there?

After a product is returned to an Amazon warehouse, it may undergo any of the following processes:

  • The item has been discarded.
  • Product is being resold
  • The item has been reserved.
  • This is a liquidation sale.

Amazon often sells returned goods via its own warehouses or through online liquidation sites.

What Occurs If a Buyer Does Not Send Back the Item?

Amazon will compensate the seller and charge the consumer again if the merchandise is not returned within 45 days of delivery, as per the Amazon FBA return policy. If you are eligible for a returnless refund, however, you will not need to go through this procedure.

Increased Period of Time for Returns

The period of time allowed for refunds is often extended. Products from the “Baby” category, for example, may be returned unopened within 90 days according to Amazon’s FBA return policy. If a customer decides to send an item back, Amazon will cover the cost of sending it back to the seller.

What Happens If a Customer Sends Back a Broken Item?

It’s important to learn why a consumer returned a damaged product. You are under no obligation to provide a refund if the consumer fails to report damage to the goods upon receipt.

You are under no obligation to accept a return from a consumer if they make the request outside of the time frame specified by the Amazon fulfillment center. However, remember that FBM vendors must meet or exceed FBA vendor standards. If the product is broken because the buyer was careless, you are not obligated to provide a refund. If you and Amazon can’t come to an arrangement, you may always file a complaint.

The Amazon FBA return policy may permit you to impose a restocking fee on the consumer. Products returned within the 30-day period and in unused condition will not incur a restocking fee at Amazon.

Why do people send things back to the store?

Customers who want to return an item they purchased from Amazon must specify why they are doing so. This will establish whether the buyer or the vendor must pay for return shipment. 

Here you may see Amazon’s official list of return reasons, which currently stands at 72. In most cases, consumers are to blame for their own preferences, incorrect sizing orders, and product cancellations. Customers may hold merchants liable for defects in functioning or damage if they provide justifications such “damaged due to poor packaging” or “missing parts or accessories.” 

Customer complaints that Amazon ultimately accepts as valid in the returns procedure include the following.

Customer: “Did not like color”; Seller: “Not satisfied with the quality”; Seller: “Better price is available”; Customer: “Arrived too late”;

What to do if consumers are sending back your goods and why

Over the course of your company’s operation, you might anticipate incurring some losses. However, it’s important to note the returns’ causes as well. If you’re selling a private label product, it’s especially important to keep tabs on any complaints customers have so you can address them quickly. 

If your product has received several “defective” complaints, Amazon may temporarily remove it from sale until the problem is fixed. 

If you sell bicycle helmets, for instance, and buyers often complain about poor fit or getting the incorrect size, Amazon is within its rights to remove your ad and maybe even terminate your seller account. 

Find out what’s going on before your product is inundated with bad feedback. In the event of unsalable stock, a removal order may be issued to have the goods returned to you for inspection. 

Conclusion

The Amazon FBA return policy was discussed, along with some often asked questions, as well as some helpful advice on how to safeguard yourself from Amazon’s return requirements. Selling on Amazon entails conforming to Amazon’s return policy. Use an Amazon listing optimization tool to lower your product return rate while simultaneously raising your star rating and customer satisfaction. You may quickly improve your Amazon listing and check for compliance with the requirements with the aid of these kinds of tools. 

For Amazon FBA sellers, SAECOM FBA PRO offers return management services; if this is something you need, you should act quickly.