Amazon FBA Returns frustrate most sellers. Quite often, they wipe out any profitability.
But that’s the reason for Amazon’s popularity. Their fast shipping combined with Amazon Return Policies mean that the services do favour customers heavily.
Sellers must manage returns effectively to protect their profits and maintain customer satisfaction.
The rules for returns differ between sellers who handle their own shipping and those who use Amazon’s fulfilment services.
Recent updates to these policies in 2025 have brought new changes that affect how sellers process returns and cover associated costs.
Amazon’s Return Guidelines
Regular Return Period
Most items purchased and shipped from Amazon have a 30-day return period from the delivery date.
The process starts when a customer wants to send back a product to the company’s warehouses or sellers.
Special Return Timeframes
Some products qualify for longer return periods. Baby items in new, unopened packaging get 90 days for returns. Wedding registry gifts have a generous 180-day window.
Items bought during the winter holiday season (1 November to 31 December) can be sent back until 31 January of the next year.
Third-party sellers might set their own timeframes, ranging from 7 to 30 days.
Return Rules and Limitations
Some products have unique return rules. Apple products must be returned within 15 days.
Many items cannot be sent back due to safety or cleanliness concerns.
Non-returnable items include:
- Dangerous materials
- Custom-made items and jewellery
- Used or installed products
- Downloaded digital content
- Items without serial numbers
- Used subscription services
- Gift cards and gaming cards
- Select health products
- Food items
- Products with shipping limits
- Live bugs and insects
Damaged or incorrect items might qualify for returns past the standard window.
New Return Payment Rules for 2025
Amazon changed its refund claim periods on 23 October 2024. The new rules include shorter windows for different types of claims.
Warehouse Issues: Claims for lost or damaged items must be filed within 60 days of reporting the problem.
Customer Returns: Claims can be made between 60-120 days after a refund or replacement. Earlier claims are not accepted to ensure proper item processing.
Lost Shipment Claims:
- Must be filed 15-75 days from shipment creation
- Early claims are not accepted
- Items need time to return through the system
Other Return Claims: A 60-day window applies after receiving returned items.
These updates replace the previous 18-month claim period for most cases.
Some specific rules apply to certain products:
- Food items need special handling
- Digital products have strict return limits
- Custom items usually cannot be returned
- Hazardous materials follow special guidelines
Why Returns Matter for Amazon Sellers
Money and Profits
Returns cost sellers money in multiple ways.
Each return means a lost sale plus extra costs.
When customers send items back, sellers lose the original sale amount and often pay return fees. Some returns do not qualify for fee refunds, which adds extra expenses.
Seller Reputation
Customer opinions shape a seller’s success on Amazon.
Returns often lead to negative reviews and poor feedback scores.
New shoppers look at these ratings before buying. Bad reviews from returns can drive away potential customers and reduce future sales.
Learning from Product Returns
Return data helps sellers make their products better.
Looking at why items come back reveals problems with:
- Product quality
- Packaging methods
- Item descriptions
- Shipping practices
Making changes based on return patterns leads to fewer returns and happier customers.
Account Standing
Amazon tracks how well sellers handle returns and customer issues.
A seller’s Account Health Rating depends on:
- Return rates
- Customer feedback
- A-to-Z guarantee claims
- Credit card chargebacks
The Order Defect Rate must stay under 1% to keep accounts in good standing. Too many returns can put seller accounts at risk of suspension.
Key tips to reduce returns:
- Write clear product descriptions
- Use high-quality photos
- Pack items carefully
- Address customer concerns quickly
- Check product quality before shipping
How Amazon’s Return Process Functions
When a customer wants to return an item on Amazon, they visit the Return Centre to start the process.
They select their item and pick a reason for sending it back from a list of choices.
Amazon gives customers different ways to return items.
They can print a return label and post the item themselves. Some items qualify for label-free, box-free returns where customers take their item to a drop-off spot and show a QR code.
Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) sellers have a simpler process.
Amazon manages everything, from accepting the return to checking if the item meets return standards. Amazon handles communications with the customer and deals with all return logistics.
For seller-fulfilled orders, merchants receive alerts about return requests.
They must give customers return directions and decide if they’ll pay for return postage based on their policies.
The refund process starts once Amazon or the seller gets the item back.
The money goes back to the customer’s original payment method or as store credit, depending on what they chose.
Amazon’s handling of returns varies by fulfilment type:
FBA Returns:
- Amazon checks returned items
- Sellers get updates through their account
- Amazon processes refunds directly
- Damaged items during Amazon storage get reimbursed
Seller-Fulfilled Returns:
- Sellers manage the whole process
- Direct contact with customers needed
- Seller decides on shipping costs
- Refunds processed by the seller
Key things sellers should track:
- Return requests in Seller Central
- Customer messages about returns
- Refund status updates
- Reimbursement claims for damaged items
Amazon notifies sellers about return costs and fees through their seller account.
These charges change based on why the item was returned and the fulfilment method used.
For FBA sellers, Amazon might give back product costs and storage fees if they caused the return.
This happens when items arrive damaged from Amazon’s warehouse or if Amazon sent the wrong item to customers.
Seller-fulfilled merchants must watch their accounts closely.
They need to handle return shipping labels, track parcels, and process refunds promptly to keep good customer service standards.
How Amazon Tracks Returned Items
Customer Return Details
Amazon assigns a special tracking number called an RMA to each return.
This number helps track items from start to finish during the return process. When customers post their returns, they must include this number on the package.
The RMA works like a digital tag that connects to several pieces of data.
It links to the customer’s name and order number. The number also shows why someone sent an item back, such as it being broken or the wrong size.
The tracking system records which return method customers choose. This might be using a provided shipping label or taking items to a drop-off point. Sellers can see where returns are in the process through their accounts.
Important return details tracked:
- Customer names and order numbers
- Return reasons
- Shipping method chosen
- Current status of returns
When packages arrive at Amazon centres, staff scan the RMA barcodes.
This scan updates the system to show the item has arrived. Sellers can watch these updates to know when items come back and what happens next.
Amazon’s Returns Management System for FBA Sellers
Return Item Assessment and Processing
Amazon handles all returns from customers for FBA sellers.
Staff check returned items at the warehouse to confirm their condition. A seller cannot choose to decline returns, even when items come back damaged.
Amazon often gives refunds to buyers straight away, then checks the item’s condition afterwards. This can affect sellers’ cash flow.
Items Suitable for Resale
Products that come back in good shape go right back into the seller’s stock. These items become available to new buyers at once.
Amazon gives back some of the fees for these items, including parts of the referral fee and sometimes the closing costs.
Non-Resaleable Products
When items come back unfit to sell due to Amazon’s actions, sellers must ask for them to be sent away from the warehouse.
Amazon will pay back the product price, some referral fees and tax amounts to the seller’s account.
Items with Damage
Products that come back broken due to seller mistakes go into stock marked as “cannot be sold”.
Sellers need to ask Amazon to send these items elsewhere. Amazon pays back some fees, like parts of the referral costs and closing charges where they apply.
Missing Return Items
Buyers have 45 days to send items back after starting a return.
If they miss this time limit, Amazon takes the refund back from the buyer’s account and pays the seller.
Sellers need to contact Amazon support if they don’t get paid back in these cases.
Return Processing Charges
Amazon adds extra fees for handling some returns.
These charges cover tasks like:
- Checking returned items
- Putting products back in stock
- Dealing with customer questions
Key points about processing fees:
- Only FBA sellers pay these costs
- Fees change based on:
- Item size
- Item weight
- Return rates
- Charges start when returns in a product group pass Amazon’s set limits
- Not all returns cost extra to process
FBM Seller Return Rules on Amazon
Return Processing Periods for FBM Sellers
FBM merchants need to follow Amazon’s standard returns timeline.
All returns must be accepted within 30 days after the customer gets their item. Once a returned item arrives at the seller’s location, they must process the refund in 2 days.
Steps to Handle Return Requests
Professional sellers benefit from automatic return authorisation through Amazon.
For returns that fall outside normal policies or don’t qualify for prepaid shipping, sellers must review these manually.
To manage returns:
- Log into Seller Central
- Select Orders tab
- Click Manage Returns
- Review return details
- Choose to approve or decline
After approval, Amazon sends the return label straight to the buyer.
Partial Refund Options for FBM Sellers
FBM sellers can take off a restocking charge if returned items come back damaged.
Steps to add a restocking fee:
- Go to Orders section
- Select Manage Returns
- Click Issue Refund
- Choose Charge restocking fee
- Select the returned item
Return Shipping Process
Buyers must post items back with an Amazon-provided shipping label. Items go to the seller’s registered address.
Professional sellers join the Prepaid Returns Label scheme by default. This means:
- Amazon creates return labels
- Labels get sent straight to buyers
- No chance to speak with customers before refunds
- Automatic refund processing
Individual sellers can ask to join this programme if they wish.
When Can Shoppers Return Amazon Items?
Common Reasons for Sending Items Back
Customers send products back to Amazon for many reasons. The largest number of returns happen when buyers change their minds after receiving an item.
Other frequent reasons include faulty items that arrive broken or do not work properly.
Sometimes children or others place orders without permission, which leads to returns. Late deliveries that miss the promised date can trigger returns too.
Products that look different from their website descriptions also cause many returns. Amazon accepts most returns if items are still new.
Finding Out Why Items Were Returned
Shop owners who use Fulfilment by Amazon can check why customers returned their items. The FBA Customer Returns Report shows this information.
To find these details:
- Log into Seller Central
- Click on Reports
- Select Fulfilment
- Choose FBA Customer Returns
What Is a Money-Back Return Without Sending Items Back on Amazon?
Products That Meet Requirements
Amazon shoppers can get their money back without posting items back to sellers in certain cases. Small, low-cost products often qualify since postage costs more than the item’s worth.
Broken or faulty items may also qualify for this type of refund. When products arrive damaged or don’t work properly, sending them back might not make sense.
When Shop Owners Allow It
Independent sellers on Amazon can decide to give refunds without asking for returns.
They might choose this option to keep customers happy or save time. Some shop owners prefer this method even when Amazon doesn’t require it.
The choice often depends on:
- Item value
- Postage costs
- Product condition
- Customer feedback
- Business goals
This practice helps sellers:
- Cut shipping expenses
- Speed up refund times
- Boost customer satisfaction
- Reduce return processing work
Managing Returned Stock in Amazon FBA
Sellers face several choices when handling returned items in Amazon’s fulfilment centres.
When products come back as sellable, putting them up for sale again might seem like the simplest option. This carries risks though, as damaged items can slip through quality checks.
Amazon provides three main programmes for dealing with returned or unsellable stock.
The first option lets sellers liquidate their items through wholesale buyers, typically earning 5-10% of the original selling price within 60 days.
The second programme enables sellers to list returned items as used products. Amazon grades these items into four conditions:
- Used – Like New
- Used – Very Good
- Used – Good
- Used – Acceptable
For sellers wanting to avoid removal fees whilst helping others, the third option involves donating stock to charitable organisations.
This programme operates through a partnership with Good360, a non-profit group that distributes items to US charities.
Each choice offers different benefits for handling unwanted stock. Liquidation provides quick cash recovery, grading allows for resale opportunities, and donations support charitable causes whilst reducing costs.
These solutions give sellers flexibility in managing their returned inventory, helping them choose the most suitable approach for their business needs.
How to Handle Misuse of Amazon Returns
Managing Returns for FBM Trading
FBM sellers must watch their return patterns in Seller Central. A seller should look for people who send back many items, especially when they return similar products multiple times.
Save all messages between the seller and buyer about returns. This includes the buyer’s reasons and any pictures they send. These records help prove misuse if needed.
When return misuse seems small, sellers can send a polite message to the buyer. A friendly reminder about return rules might fix the problem without making a formal report.
For serious cases, sellers need to notify Amazon. Use facts and data to show the pattern of misuse. Amazon might warn or block buyers who break the rules.
Managing Returns for FBA Trading
FBA sellers can use the Report Abuse button in Seller Central when they spot clear misuse. This tells Amazon to check the buyer’s actions.
Create a strong case with proof:
- Screenshots of buyer messages
- Return history data
- Photos of returned items
- Lists of return reasons
Send clear facts to Amazon about each case. Amazon needs solid proof to take action on return misuse claims.
Remember to request reimbursements for items that come back damaged or missing parts. Amazon reviews these claims based on the evidence provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon’s Return Time Limits
Amazon gives shoppers 30 days to send items back. Different rules apply to certain products. Some things need to be sent back faster, whilst others might have more time.
Getting Items Back as a Seller
Amazon keeps returned items at their centres for 45 days. If a buyer does not send the item back in this time, Amazon takes payment from them and pays the seller. The seller gets their money without needing to ask.
Return Costs for Sellers
Sellers must pay several costs for returns. These include:
- Shipping fees for faulty goods
- Return processing charges
- Labels for posting items back
Seller Rights with Returns
Sellers must accept returns under Amazon’s rules. They cannot say no to returns, yet they can:
- Set clear return guidelines
- Add fair restocking fees
- Make rules about item condition
Return Postage Payment Rules
The person who pays for return postage depends on the situation:
Seller pays when:
- Items arrive broken
- Wrong items get sent
- Products differ from listing
Buyer pays when:
- They change their mind
- They pick the wrong size
- They no longer want the item
Final Thoughts
Amazon sellers need reliable tools to manage their business efficiently and reduce costly mistakes.
Product sourcing tools offer essential features to support smart inventory decisions and minimise returns.
These tools analyse profit margins, check stock levels, and scan for potential intellectual property issues.
A well-rounded product research strategy helps sellers avoid common pitfalls.
Automated calculators make it simple to compare FBA and FBM costs. Quick product analysis tools save time when evaluating multiple items.
Product identification features like UPC and ASIN lookups streamline the research process.
Sellers can quickly gather data about restrictions and stock levels. These functions work together to create a more organised and profitable selling operation.