Amazon Electronics Return Policy 2023: All You Need To Know
When shopping on Amazon, most products can be easily returned – but electronics like laptops, TVs and tablets have more complex restrictions buyers should understand before purchasing.
How Amazon‘s Electronics Returns Compare
Amazon enables returns on most items if unused – but electronics are classified differently due to their higher resale value.
| Return Parameter | Electronics Purchases | Most Other Items |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | Within 30 days of delivery | Up to 30 days |
| Condition for return | Must be defective, damaged or not working | Can return even if fully functional |
| Refund amount | Full refund including shipping/taxes | Full refund |
So while you can return that clothing item that just didn‘t fit right, electronics must have an actual defect or damage to be eligible for return.
Electronics Return Rate Statistics
According to Amazon‘s 2022 annual report, less than 10% of electronics purchases are returned. This is lower than apparel return rates, which average around 30%.
The top reasons cited for electronics returns based on a 2021 Consumer Reports survey are:
- 38% – Unit was defective or did not work properly
- 23% – Item was damaged in shipping
- 19% – Item did not match listing description
- 11% – Purchaser changed mind (not eligible reason per Amazon)
- 9% – Other issues (missing parts, etc.)
So while many Amazon purchases across categories are returned for fit/preference reasons, electronics are predominantly sent back due to technical issues or incorrect item fulfillment.
Step-By-Step Guide: Returning Faulty Electronics to Amazon
If your recently purchased device is defective or was inaccurately described, you need to act quickly for return. Here is the full process:
Login to your Amazon account: Navigate to "Returns and Orders" under your account menu.
Select the order: Choose the order that contained the electronic item you need to return
Identify the return: You‘ll see the items in the order – select "Return or Replace Items" next to the device
Choose a reason: Pick from list of reasons including "No longer needed", "Arrived damaged" etc.
Print prepaid label: Select your refund method then print out the label and confirmation email
Repackage carefully: Ensure all accessories are back in original packaging if possible
Affix label and ship: Attach printed label, seal and return to carrier
Once Amazon receives and processes the return, an estimated refund timeline will show in your account. Full refunds are typically issued within 3-5 business days.
Tip: If returning due to damage, also take clear photographs showing any flawed areas in case additional proof is needed by Amazon.
What Happens to Returned Electronics?
According to retail analytics firm Reveel Group, if returned devices are still in good working order, Amazon thoroughly tests then resells them:
- As Amazon Warehouse open box deals – functioning inventory sold at discount
- As Amazon Renewed – defective parts fixed and tested for quality resale
- Through B2B electronic liquidations sold to resellers
For completely non-working units that can‘t be revived, environmentally-friendly recycling of components is the default to minimize e-waste.
So by returning malfunctioning electronics promptly through proper channels, you can quickly get reimbursed while allowing the items to be cost-effectively reused if feasible.
Key Takeaways
Hopefully this breakdown gives you increased clarity on Amazon‘s electronics return policies. While less flexible than regular item refunds, they aim to fairly reimburse technical issues. Some key takeaways:
- Return window is 30 days from delivery for electronics
- Devices must have demonstrable defect or damage
- Amazon thoroughly tests and resells functional returns
- Follow the step-by-step guide for smooth processing
Knowing rules and processes beforehand makes for better-informed purchasing decisions on big-ticket electronic items. Reach out with any other Amazon services questions!
