Amazon sellers are responsible for paying excess costs on returns starting Saturday, January 14. According to the new policy, if a shipping carrier imposes a correction fee on a customer’s return, the seller must pay it. This policy applies to seller-fulfilled orders, not FBA.
According to sellers, customers do not always return items in their original packaging and carriers may issue amendments. I have shared a photo of the packaging compared to. A photo of one seller showed a shipping box containing a small laptop being returned in the box in which the shopvac was sold. This was at least four times his size in the original packaging of the product.
Amazon had absorbed the cost differential, but announced a new policy a month ago that will take effect on January 14, 2023.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed on Friday that the company is moving forward with the new policy, saying, “In line with industry standards, Amazon is carrying forward return shipping amended fees and credits from carriers.” rice field.
A spokesperson said Amazon is also improving and clarifying its customer return procedures to better communicate the importance of tight, lightweight packaging.
“In most cases, these carrier charges and credits are due to incorrect weights or dimensions used when purchasing the label. You can check that the weight is correct on the product listing page and that the shipping dimensions are correct when shipping the product.”
One seller, who posted in the comments section below the December announcement, was particularly concerned about the policy. “I am angry that Amazon does not simply deduct the cost of the oversized package from customer refunds. Be prepared for the process. Amazon’s customers must stop the bad habits Amazon has instilled in them.”
EcommerceBytes asked whether Amazon would do anything if a customer returned an item that cost the seller more than a certain amount.
A spokeswoman said, “If a materially different product is returned to the seller, it may be eligible for a refund issued by Amazon through a SAFE-T claim. For more information, the seller should consult the SAFE-T policy Please visit the page.”
In an announcement board thread, one seller asked, “If a buyer uses a smaller box than expected, you won’t get cheaper shipping, right?”
An Amazon moderator said, “If the cost of the prepaid label is higher than what the carrier charges, the seller will be paid the difference.”
Thanks to Amazon’s extended holiday return policy, sellers must accept returns for items purchased after October 7th.
Ina Steiner
