How To Return A Gift On Amazon: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Returning gifts can cause confusion, especially with online retailers like Amazon that use different policies across their marketplace. Fortunately, Amazon tries to make returns as seamless as possible—if you understand the proper protocols.

This comprehensive 2600+ word guide will walk you through everything you need to know to return an Amazon gift successfully.

The Prevalence of Gift Returns

As the global leader in ecommerce, Amazon processes millions of gift returns every holiday season. Statistics provide interesting context on the scale of items sent back:

10% of gifts received are unwanted: 1 in 10 gift recipients end up returning presents based on retailer estimates. With billions spent on holiday gifts, that makes for staggering return volumes entering 2023.
Top reasons for returns: According to a survey by Forrester Research, over 60% of consumers cited wrong size, unwanted colors, or duplicate items as the top factors driving returns. Only 13% shared that the gift itself was unwanted or low quality, pointing to giver errors rather than any inherent issue with the products.
Returns spike post-holiday season: National Retail Federation data confirms returns jump 331% in January as compared to the average month. Shoppers wait to process returns until after the busy year-end rush.

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As evident in the data, gift returns represent a significant cost sink for retailers like Amazon. That’s why clearly understanding protocols helps ease the burden through efficient processing.

Locating Order Details to Start Your Return

The first step in any Amazon return is gathering your order details. You’ll need this information later to specify which item(s) to send back.

Find the 17-Digit Order Number

Amazon assigns a unique 17-digit number to every order. It will look something like this:

111-1111111-1111111

This order ID acts as your receipt, so it’s vital for returns. Here’s where to find it:

Packing slip: Check the shipping confirmation email or box for a packing slip listing the order number.
Digital gift receipt: If the gift giver emailed an Amazon digital gift receipt, the order number appears at the top.
Your Orders page: Sign into your Amazon account and navigate to Your Orders to see order numbers for all purchases.

Without this number, you won’t be able to return items from that order.

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Verify the Return Window

In addition to the order number, double check the remaining time you have to return the item. This varies significantly by retailer and product category:

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As shown above, Amazon sets industry leading return periods for most of its product categories. However, some special items like jewelry allow up to 30 days for competitors like Kohl‘s.

Checking your window helps prevent submitting expired requests. Once validated, move onto the next step within the open timeframe.

Initiating the Return Process on Amazon’s Website

With order number in hand, you can now start the process of sending that unwanted gift back to Amazon.

Choose the Return Reason

Go to Amazon’s Online Returns Center and sign into your account. This launches an automated wizard that will guide your return from start to finish.

Start by choosing the reason for sending the item back from options like:

No longer needed
Bought by mistake
Better price available
Item defective or doesn‘t work properly

Select accurately detailing why you’re returning. This helps Amazon understand return patterns and protects you if questions arise later.

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Select Return Method

Next, decide how to get the package back to Amazon. Consider all return options with associated fees and timelines:

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Unless stated otherwise, Amazon covers return shipping costs on orders shipped and sold directly by them. You’ll see calculated shipping estimates before confirming your preference during checkout.

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Print Shipping Label If Mailing Back

When selecting to self-ship an item back to Amazon, you‘ll be prompted to access a printable return label containing a prepaid address to affix to your package.

You receive label access via:

Direct printing from the Online Return Center confirmation page

Emailing the label PDF to yourself for simpler access

Downloading the label to print later if no immediate printer available

Ensure you print before packing your return. The barcode on labels enables tracking and automated routing back to the correct Amazon return processing warehouse.

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With your package now officially ready for shipment, it‘s vital you take some extra precautions preparing the item to avoid return issues.

Carefully Packing Your Return

You likely took care wrapping the gift originally. Now that same gentle approach keeps returns moving smoothly.

Protect Item Contents

Use these Amazon-recommended best practices when readying your return shipment:

Replace all original item contents neatly into the manufacturer’s packaging when available. For electronics especially, sending back accessories prevents device functionality issues down the road.
Choose a sturdy, undamaged shipping box in good condition for returns lacking original packaging. Verify it fits dimensions of the gift with extra room for padding.
Wrap return carefully with ample bubble wrap or paper inside the box to protect against bumps during transit.
Seal exterior tightly closed using reinforced shipping tape on box seams and edges. Two strips vertically across opening flaps ensures a secure package.

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Taking steps to carefully re-pack returns prevents damage that could delay refund processing after Amazon accepts the item back.

Affix Return Label Properly

The final step before handing off your return involves properly displaying critical shipment tracking details:

Carefully remove or cover over any old shipping labels and other markings to avoid postal carrier confusion.
Firmly adhere the new prepaid Amazon return label with barcode visible on largest box side without obstruction. Use strong shipping tape across all label edges so it cannot tear off during transit.

Now deposit with your carrier of choice anywhere you spot the company logo shown on the label. Automated systems will route your return to the right return processing warehouse.

Navigating Amazon‘s Return and Refund Policies

Meeting expectations around refund timing requires understanding key rules and timeframes.

Return Processing and Inspection

On arrival at return facilities, all items go through an inspection process before acceptance. Duration varies by product:

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As depicted above, complex categories like jewelry and apparel take longer to validate before issuing refunds. Amazon checks for damages and ensures the correct item matches what the customer requested to return.

Where do these facility examinations occur? Across a network of dedicated return processing centers:

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Refund Options and Waiting Periods

Post inspection, Amazon processes accepted returns for refunds via your original method:

Credit card payments receive refunds to the same card
Gift cards get balances redeposit
Amazon store credit uploads return value to account

Funds typically appear within 1 week of the return arriving back to Amazon. But customers can contact support to expedite urgent refunds.

Reimbursements of Return Expenses

To ease inconvenience, Amazon reimburses “reasonable” out-of-pocket return costs on eligible items:

Return shipping fees
Import expenses like duties and customs
Restocking fees some non-Amazon sellers charge

Save receipts and reach out to customer service after completing the return to submit these for compensation.

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As shown above, nearly 80% of Amazon return related expenses receive approval for repayment. This protects buyers from unwanted burdens.

Deciphering Third Party Seller Return Policies

Beyond items shipped and sold by Amazon directly, the site also enables third party sellers to fulfill orders independently. These sellers create unique rules around refund eligibility and timing.

What Drives Policy Differences?

Amazon grants sellers return policy flexibility based on factors like:

Costs – Small businesses may lack capacity to offer free return shipping for expensive items. Couches get pricey to mail!

Customizations – Made-to-order goods don’t allow returns by nature of one-off designs.

Regulations – Restricted Vice Tax products like wine prevent resale through mandated returns.

It gives sellers control but creates buyer confusion. Understanding where to check policies prevents problems.

Locating Third Party Seller Return Details

Scan listing details for unique verbiage like “Sold by {Seller Name}” distinguishing 3rd party sellers from Amazon direct orders.

To confirm return eligibility and rules, check:

Listing content – Scan further down the product page for the seller’s unique return terms.
Cart during checkout – Review summaries noting returnability during final purchase confirmation.
Seller profile – Navigate to their account for policies under Profile.
Packing slips – Some print return policies on the shipment receipt.

Without expressly stated returnability, refund approval remains unlikely. Reach out for questions on sellers‘ specific rules.

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Special Considerations for Returning Gift Cards

Purchased gift cards fall outside standard return eligibility given the stored value nature. Here’s what you need to know if looking to get money back.

Troubleshooting Unwanted Amazon Gift Cards

Issues like purchasing the wrong design or amount don’t qualify for refunds unfortunately. Recipients retain the full value for spending across Amazon’s catalog.

However in cases like expired balances or suspected gift card fraud, contact Amazon’s customer support right away to discuss account credit or reimbursement options. Timeliness raises chances of successful funds recovery.

Understanding Returnability of Third Party Gift Cards

Retailer and restaurant gift cards bought on Amazon come with mixed return policies, even those sold directly on Amazon.

If looking to recoup expenditure on unwanted store cards, try:

Re-gifting to someone who can utilize the value
Selling or exchanging via third party gift card exchange sites
Reporting stolen or illegally acquired cards to Amazon for investigation into account credits based on findings

For non-Amazon issued cards, return eligibility depends wholly on that merchant‘s policies around lost card replacement, expired balances etc. This takes things outside Amazon‘s jurisdiction.

Getting Support for Amazon Return Inquiries

Even with these guides, questions sometimes come up mid-return. Here are the best ways to get assistance:

Contact Amazon customer support via phone, email, or chat for guidance from their team of dedicated return representatives.
Compare questions against Amazon’s published return policies covering all item categories, shipping methods, general timelines etc.
Ask third party sellers directly for clarification around their unique refund terms. Amazon facilitates messaging directly with sellers to simplify inquiries.
Search Amazon community forums to see if other customers faced similar return issues that staff can advise on based on past precedent.

In aim of delighting buyers, Amazon strives to make returns nearly as effortless as purchases. Just ensure checking all policies before assuming items allow refunds. Their teams help address one-off nuances.

Key Takeaways to Remember

Returning Amazon gifts means navigating varied rules, timelines and facilities based on order specifics. Keep these core pointers top of mind:

Itemizing Order and Return Details

Note the 17-digit order ID number needed to kickoff every return request
Validate the return window remaining based on Amazon‘s category-specific policies
Check if order shipped and sold by Amazon or a third-party seller

Packaging Returns Securely

Use original packaging with all contents when available
Wrap items carefully to prevent damage during shipping
Firmly adhere return label visibly on exterior with no obstruction

Managing Refund Timing Expectations

Count on 14 day average processing timeline once Amazon receives the return
Add 1-2 weeks post-acceptance for refunds to hit accounts
Proactively ask about reimbursements for return shipping/fees

Getting Return Inquiries Resolved

Leverage Amazon customer support across channels
Consult posted return policies across product categories
Reach out to third party sellers directly on unique rules

Hopefully unpacking the ins and outs of returning Amazon gifts helps avoid headaches this season and beyond. With the detailed tips outlined above, you can send items back to Amazon with total confidence.