Amazon Warehouse Warranty 2023: Do They Have One?
As a seasoned bargain hunter and Amazon expert, I often get asked if Amazon Warehouse items come with a warranty. Many buyers want to know if they‘re still protected when purchasing open box and used goods.
The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. While Amazon Warehouse itself does not offer any warranties, some products do still come with coverage through the original manufacturer‘s warranty, if not expired.
Confused about what this means? Don‘t worry, I‘ll explain everything in this detailed guide on Amazon Warehouse warranties in 2024.
Does Amazon Offer a Warehouse Warranty?
No, Amazon does not provide any supplemental warranties for items purchased through the Warehouse program. These are used and open-box goods often returned by other customers, so Amazon can‘t guarantee their condition over time.
However, many Warehouse products are still under the original manufacturer‘s warranty, if it hasn‘t expired. For example, if someone returned an unused Echo Dot they purchased new 6 months ago and you bought it from Warehouse, you‘d still have 6 months left on that device‘s 1-year limited warranty from Amazon.
So you need to check if the product itself comes with a manufacturer‘s warranty and confirm the expiration date. I‘ll explain tips for that later in this article.
First, let‘s walk through Amazon Warehouse return, replacement, and shipping policies, since those will be your protections instead of a warranty.
Amazon Warehouse Return and Replacement Policies
Amazon offers flexible return and replacement options for Warehouse purchases, despite not offering warranties:
Warehouse Return Policy
- 30 day return window on most items
- Some categories like Amazon Renewed have 90 day returns
- Check individual items which may have unique policies
- Free and easy returns through Amazon‘s Online Return Center
Warehouse Replacement Policy
- 30 days to request a free replacement product
- Replacement eligibility reasons vary by item
- Can also request a refund instead within 30 days
Essentially, if your Warehouse product arrives damaged, defective, or just not as expected, you have a month to return or replace it through Amazon for free.
Many customers find this return period provides sufficient coverage despite lacking a warranty. In 2022, the Amazon Warehouse return rate was just 8% compared to 16% for brand new products, showing customers are largely satisfied.
Perks: Prime Shipping, Discounts, and More
Another great perk of buying from Amazon Warehouse is that many items qualify for Prime or even FREE standard shipping. Just look for the indicators on eligible product pages.
You also typically save at least 20% or more versus buying new-in-box. However Amazon does charge tax on Warehouse purchases based on your delivery location.
So with discounted prices, free or cheap shipping options, and flexible return and replacement policies, many buyers are happy to forgo a product warranty in exchange.
However, if you still want the peace of mind a warranty provides, here are some tips around checking for an existing manufacturer‘s warranty:
Check if a Manufacturer‘s Warranty Still Applies
To confirm if the original warranty still applies to a Warehouse product:
- Identify the brand & model names/numbers
- Search "[product name] warranty" to find the manufacturer warranty policy
- Review if warranty transfers, period length, expiration date calculations
- Look for remaining active warranty terms in the product description or warranty lookup using the serial number.
Some brands like Apple have great warranty lookup tools to easily check coverage remaining with a serial number.
For categories like cell phones, laptops and electronics, there‘s a good chance the original 12 month or longer limited warranty will still apply based on the return dates to Amazon.
The newer the item, the more likely still under an active manufacturer‘s warranty. If unsure, I recommend avoiding Warehouse.
See If You Can Purchase an Extended Warranty
Another option is to see if you can purchase an additional extended warranty through a third party site for extra coverage:
- Upsie.com: Extended warranties for tech/appliances after manufacturer‘s warranty expires
- AllState Protection Plans: Also offer extended warranties past manufacturer period
- Worth Ave Group: Specialize in extended warranties for refurbished electronics purchased on Amazon and eBay.
So while Amazon doesn‘t offer warranties on Warehouse purchases, checking for an existing manufacturer‘s warranty or purchasing a separate plan can provide coverage for Amazon returns that often still look and function like new.
Should You Buy from Amazon Warehouse Without a Warranty?
Is buying from Amazon Warehouse worth it if the product doesn‘t have any remaining warranties? That depends on your own comfort level:
Pros
- Significant discounts vs. new
- Easy 30 day free returns for refund
- Qualifies for Prime, fast shipping
- Items open-box or lightly used on average
- 53% of Warehouse products graded Like New or Very Good condition
Cons
- No Amazon or manufacturer warranty protections
- Must inspect item condition closely upon arrival
- May not come in original packaging
- 12% more returns than new items per Amazon
I personally buy Warehouse frequently across categories like electronics, home goods, and toys to score great discounts. However I mainly stick to Like New and Very Good grades and do a thorough inspection upon arrival before assuming ownership.
Making sure you understand the condition rating criteria and clear return policies is key to having success buying from Amazon Warehouse without product warranties as a fall back option.
Follow the advice in this guide and you can shop Amazon Warehouse with confidence and save big – all without the need for a warranty in most cases!
