If You're Returning an Amazon Purchase, Here's How to Do It for Free (2024)

Maybe you made a few too many purchases during Amazon's Prime Day sale. Maybe you didn't really need that second air fryer or Kindle tablet. And maybe you're surprised to learn that Amazon now charges a $1 fee for returning some packages to UPS. No worries -- the online retailer still offers plenty of ways to return items for free.

For the most part, the process is super simple. All you need to do is grab the Amazon products you want to send back, then head to the nearest drop-off location. Don't fret if you don't have the box your items came in: You can still bring your items to one of these locations to be packed up and shipped for free.

If you have all the shipping supplies you need but want the convenience of having your package picked up, you can do that, too. Here are all the ways you can return your unwanted Amazon purchases. For more, here arefour ways to ship your packages from home.

Read more: Amazon Revamped Two of Its Best Credit Cards

Return your package to Kohl's or Staples

If you live near a Kohl's or Staples store, Amazon returns are simple. When you start the return process with Amazon, select Kohl's DropofforStaples Dropoffas your preferred option. Amazon will send you a QR code that you'll need to bring when you head to the store (you can also show a picture of the QR code on your phone).

Once you give the Kohl's or Staples employee your return and show them the QR code, they'll pack, label and ship your items for free. Even better? Sometimes the store will give you coupons when you make your returns there.

Whole Foods Market also accepts Amazon returns

You can also select Whole Foods Market as the drop-off location for your Amazon return. Note that if your preferred store isn't listed, your item or location may not be eligible. Also, only select stores offer no-box returns.

Once you've made your selection, Amazon will email you a QR code for a Whole Foods employee to scan. Grab that and the items you need to return, and head to either the Whole Foods customer service desk or return kiosk. An employee will take it from there and send off your package.

If You're Returning an Amazon Purchase, Here's How to Do It for Free (2)

Drop your items at The UPS Store

You can also take your returns to The UPS Store. When selecting the method for returning your Amazon purchase, choose The UPS Store Dropoff. You don't need to have your items boxed or labeled. Instead, The UPS Store will pack, label and ship your return for free. UPS will email you a return shipping code ahead of time that you'll need to show to an employee. Just note that Amazon may charge a $1 fee if you choose UPS but another drop-off location is closer.

Have UPS pick up your package

If your items are eligible for UPS pickup, you won't even have to leave your house. When you start the return process on Amazon, follow the return prompts and select UPS Pick-up.

In this case, you'll need to package the items you're returning. However, UPS will provide the return label. UPS will pick up your package on the next business day, but you or another adult must be present. Note that Amazon may charge you for this return option.

If You're Returning an Amazon Purchase, Here's How to Do It for Free (3)

Head to a physical Amazon store

If you live near anAmazon store-- Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go -- you can drop off your return there. (Note that with Amazon closing some of its physical stores, finding a location may be more challenging.) On Amazon, select Amazon Store Dropoff. If the item can't be returned to an Amazon store, you'll get other return options.

Amazon will send you a QR code to show to an employee at the Amazon store. You'll need to bring the items in their original manufacturer's packaging. And if you return items to Amazon Fresh Pickup or an Amazon Hub Locker location, you'll need to bring them in a box or box them up using the materials provided.

What about DoorDash?

DoorDash istesting a feature that will let you request a Dasher who can pick up your items and drop them off at a UPS, FedEx or USPS location. However, your items must already be packaged and sealed with the prepaid return label attached. The packages must be under 30 pounds each and worth less than $500. The company hasn't said when this option will be widely available; right now, it's only available in select areas.

If You're Returning an Amazon Purchase, Here's How to Do It for Free (2024)

FAQs

If You're Returning an Amazon Purchase, Here's How to Do It for Free? ›

Just go to Your Orders and select the item you wish to return. Tell us why you want to return this item, then choose a drop-off location that supports label-free, box-free returns. We'll send you a QR code; bring your code and item to the drop-off location, and you're done.

How to return Amazon items for free? ›

Select a label-free, box-free return location after initiating your return through Your Orders. After completing the steps, you'll receive a QR code. Bring it to the drop off location with the item you want to return. You don't have to package your item in a shipping box.

What is the Amazon refund trick? ›

The trick involves filing a false refund request with Amazon, claiming that the product received was damaged, defective, or not as described. Once the request is approved, the customer can keep the item and still receive the full refund.

How do I return a purchase to Amazon? ›

If you need to return or replace an item, visit Your Orders and select 'Return or Replace Items' on the relevant order. You can find help topics on this page such as how to replace broken and missing items, returning your order, and how to resolve refund issues.

How to refund Amazon free? ›

Select the item that you want to return, and select an option from the Reason for return menu. Choose how to process your return. If applicable, select to issue a refund or replacement. For items sold from an Amazon seller, you'll find Submit return request.

Is Amazon charging a fee for returns? ›

It depends. Some items are free to return (baby items, watches, clothing, shoes, accessories), some items offer free returns, and other items (with the exception of damaged items) you get to pay the return shipping. if the product is defective, it won't cost you anything.

Is Amazon getting rid of free returns? ›

Amazon has started charging customers a $1 fee if they return items to a UPS store when there is a Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh grocery store or Kohl's closer to their delivery address. (Amazon owns Whole Foods and Fresh, and has a partnership deal with Kohl's.)

How to get a refund from Amazon without returning? ›

Amazon may determine that a gift recipient is eligible for a refund without requiring a return. If a gift return is eligible for a refund without returning the item, the gift recipient receives a notification in the Returns Center or via Customer Service.

How to get a full Amazon refund? ›

On the Amazon Pay Activity page, find the corresponding order or transaction, and then click Details & Support. Click Choose a problem type, and then select Request return, refund, or cancellation from the drop-down menu.

How strict is Amazon with returns? ›

Amazon.com Returns Policy

Items shipped from Amazon.com, including Amazon Warehouse, can be returned within 30 days of delivery, with some exceptions: For information about products that can't be returned, see Items that Can't be Returned.

What items does Amazon not want returned? ›

Others
  • Any product missing the serial number or UPC.
  • Amazon Fresh and Grocery Products.
  • Items with special shipping restrictions.
  • Live insects.
  • Some jewelry orders.
  • Some health and personal care orders.
  • Customized products.

How do you purchase returned items from Amazon? ›

Amazon provides a liquidation program where sellers can resell the customer-returned products in the auction to make way for new stocks in the warehouse. You can buy Amazon Return Pallets directly through this program or from third-party liquidation companies.

Why is there no return option on Amazon? ›

Products may not be eligible for return in some cases, including cases of buyer's remorse such as incorrect model or color of product ordered or incorrect product ordered. Products marked as "non-returnable" on the product detail page cannot be returned.

Can I return Amazon items for free? ›

Amazon will refund the cost of sending an item back to us if it was sold or dispatched by Amazon (made-on-demand Collection items from The Drop, that are not defective, damaged or incorrect, are not eligible for free returns. See more information here). In many cases, we'll provide you with a pre-paid returns label.

How do I guarantee a refund on Amazon? ›

You must wait 15 days from the order date to submit a claim. From that point, you have 75 days to submit the claim. If you receive your item and it is damaged, defective, or materially different, you must contact the third-party seller within 14 days of receipt to request return information.

Does Amazon ever reject returns? ›

Amazon checks returns, but the degree of inspection varies based on the item's return policy. Not all returned items returned are eligible for a refund or full refund. Amazon may not offer refunds if you return self-damaged goods, the wrong products, or other related conditions.

Can you return Amazon parcels for free? ›

Amazon will process your return and issue a full refund with no deduction for return shipping after receiving your return of the eligible product(s).

How do I know if an item is eligible for free returns on Amazon? ›

On the product detail page, pick your size and/or color and look for the "Free Returns" next to the price to confirm that a product qualifies for Free Returns. 2. Only product(s) that say that they are eligible for Free Returns on the product detail page are eligible for Free Returns.

Do I have to pay shipping to return an item to Amazon? ›

Each shipment must be returned using a separate mailing label. If you use this mailing label and the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.), we'll pay the return shipping costs and, if applicable, refund your Import Fees Deposit once the return is processed.

Do Amazon Prime members get free returns on everything? ›

All Buy with Prime orders are covered by the Amazon Pay A-to-z Guarantee, and you can return eligible purchases for free within 30 days of delivery. You can initiate a return using the link in your Buy with Prime order confirmation email or on the order details page.

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