Returning an item on Amazon can seem daunting, but I‘m here to walk you through the process step-by-step. As an avid Amazon customer myself, I‘ve returned my fair share of packages over the years. Whether the shirt didn‘t fit right, the gadget didn‘t work as expected, or I just had a change of heart, Amazon makes returns super simple.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn everything you need to know about Amazon‘s return policies and how to send those unwanted items back for a refund. I‘ll share pro tips I‘ve picked up along the way so you can return items seamlessly. Let‘s dive in!
Why You Might Need to Return an Amazon Purchase
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to return Amazon purchases, let‘s first go over some of the main reasons you might need to send something back in the first place. This will help you choose the appropriate return reason later. Some top reasons include:
- The item arrived damaged or defective
- The product looked different than pictured
- The size, fit, or color was not what you expected
- Pieces or parts were missing from the order
- You received the wrong item altogether
- The item didn‘t perform as described
- You found a better price somewhere else
- You no longer want or need the item
As you can see, there are many valid reasons for needing to return an Amazon order. The good news is Amazon offers free and convenient return shipping on most items, as long as you start the process within 30 days of delivery.
During the holidays or other peak shopping periods like Prime Day, you get even more time with extended return windows. But in most cases, 30 days is the standard.
Okay, now that you know why you might need to request a return, let‘s get into the step-by-step process…
How To Return an Item on Amazon in 8 Simple Steps
Returning an item to Amazon is quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. I‘ll outline the key steps here, but don‘t worry – I‘ll explain each one in more detail throughout this guide.
- Access your Amazon account online
- Navigate to your Orders page
- Select the item you want to return
- Choose a return reason
- Select return or replace
- Pick a return method
- Print label and pack return
- Drop off return package
Easy enough right? Now let‘s dive into what each step really entails.
Step 1: Access Your Amazon Account
First things first, you need to access your Amazon account. I recommend doing this on a laptop or desktop computer if possible, just because the interface is a bit easier to navigate than the mobile app.
To sign in, go to Amazon.com and click the yellow "Sign In" button in the upper right corner. Enter your email address and password to access your account.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you may need to enter a security code as well. Once logged in successfully, you‘ll see your name in the corner instead of the Sign In button.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Orders
With your account open, it‘s time to find the item you want to return. Click "Returns & Orders" from the menu directly below the search bar. This will display a list of your recent purchases.
Scroll until you find the item you need to return. The list defaults to display your most recent orders first. Once you locate it, click the "Return or Replace Items" button.
If you ordered multiple quantities, double check that the quantity shown matches what you want to send back.
Step 3: Select the Item and Choose a Return Reason
On the next screen, confirm that you‘ve selected the proper item by checking the product name, quantity, return window, price, etc. Once verified, click the dropdown menu to choose your reason for returning.
As we discussed earlier, there are many valid reasons – be sure to choose the one that best fits your situation. For some categories like "no longer needed" you can proceed without any additional details.
Other selections, like "item damaged" require you to provide more info in a comment box. Supply any helpful context for the warehouse staff processing your return.
If you need to return multiple items from the same order, you can add additional products on this page.
Step 4: Pick Return or Replace
For most return requests, Amazon gives you two options:
- Return for refund: Get your money back and call it a day.
- Replace item: Exchange the product for a replacement of the same kind.
If the item is still in stock, replacing can make sense because you won‘t have to go search for it again later. Choose what makes the most sense for your situation.
One thing to note – if you select replace, Amazon will ship the new item out to you first. You‘ll get a deadline by which to return the original in order to avoid being charged for both.
Step 5: Select a Return Shipping Method
Here comes the fun part…picking how you want to ship this puppy back! Amazon provides several convenient return options:
- UPS dropoff: Print a shipping label then drop off at any UPS location, no box or postage needed
- QR code dropoff: Take a printed or mobile QR code to any staffed UPS location for label-free return
- UPS Pickup: Schedule a UPS driver to come grab the package from your house ($7.99 fee)
- Return label via mail: Get a prepaid label mailed to you ($6.99 fee)
Depending on the size, category, or value of your return, some options may not be available. For cheap and lightweight items under $20, I always just use the QR code for a quick no-fuss return.
Pro Tip: Amazon partners with UPS for returns, so you cannot drop them at the post office or use other carriers.
Step 6: Print Your Label and Pack Up the Return
For return methods involving shipping labels – whether UPS dropoff or pickup – you‘ll need to follow some additional prep steps before heading out the door.
Start by carefully packaging up the item in its original box if you still have it. Protect it with bubble wrap or paper cushioning if needed so nothing shifts around or gets damaged.
Seal the package securely with packing tape. Now print your prepaid shipping label from Amazon and adhere it to the outside of the box. You‘ll also want to cover the old labels with the new return label.
Step 7: Get It To UPS!
Last step – drop off or schedule pickup of your packaged return!
If using a QR code, just head to any UPS store or drop off location and provide the code. An employee will print the shipping label quickly from there.
For returns involving prepaid labels, you simply have to cart the box over to UPS. Look up locations nearby on the UPS website. Most are inside retail stores like Staples or Michaels.
If you selected UPS Pickup, you‘ll choose your date and 4-hour pickup window on Amazon‘s site. Just leave the box on your doorstep during the timeframe chosen.
And that‘s it – you‘ve now successfully returned an Amazon order all on your own! Give yourself a pat on the back my friend.
Return FAQs: Amazon‘s Top Return Questions Answered
Of course, questions and concerns still pop up even with detailed guides like this one. Over my many years as an avid Amazon shopper, these are some of the most frequently asked return questions I‘ve come across:
How long does it take to get an Amazon return refund?
In most cases, Amazon processes the refund within 3-5 business days after the return arrives back at their fulfillment center. Expect it to hit your payment method shortly after that!
Can I return Amazon items to Kohl‘s or Whole Foods?
Yes! Eligible items can be returned without a box or label at any Kohl‘s or Whole Foods store. Just bring the item, shipping receipt, and QR code. Super convenient for when life gets busy.
What happens if I miss the 30-day return window?
If too much time has passed, you can still initiate a return on Amazon‘s site. However, any refund value will show as $0.00. Some third party sellers may allow late returns with fees deducted.
How should I pack my Amazon returns?
Carefully pack the item with original manufacturer boxes and wrapping if possible. Use bubble wrap or paper to protect it from damage. Print the label directly on the box or use shipping tape to securely adhere.
Can I choose how my refund gets returned?
Yes, during the return process you can select whether you want the refund to hit your Amazon Gift Card balance, the original payment method, or an alternate payment option on file.
I hope these answers help clarify some of the most pressing questions around Amazon returns! Their policies truly make the process hassle-free as long as you follow the proper steps.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other Amazon return questions I didn‘t cover. I‘m always happy to help out!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – everything you could possibly need to know to return Amazon orders smoothly!
As you can see, their return system really makes the process simple. Yes, returning anything can feel like a chore… But a few easy click-throughs on Amazon‘s site and you are on your way.
No printing reams of paper, no digging up receipts, no complicated authorization codes. Just intuitive online flows resulting in hassle-free returns to any nearby UPS store.
I hope you feel fully prepared to return Amazon purchases confidently using this step-by-step walkthrough. No more return anxiety allowed! Let me know if any other questions come up – I‘m happy to help fellow Amazon addicts however I can.
