You may need to return an opened item to Amazon for several reasons. Perhaps the item looked differently than it did online, or you didn’t need it anymore. Whatever the reason, you may wonder if you can return opened items to Amazon. So can you?
Can You Return Opened Items to Amazon?
You can return opened items to Amazon. Amazon has an excellent product return policy for packages that do not fit your description or taste. This policy covers products with apparent defects, e.g., damage or expiry; however, it does not cover consumables, except for an expired item.
Suppose you notice any defect in your product after opening the package or do not like the item. In that case, you can return it to Amazon in the original packaging it was delivered in. Keep reading to learn more about Amazon returns for opened items.
Amazon’s Return Policy for Opened Items
Amazon returns policy covers opened or used items returned to Amazon within 30 days of receipt and in the original package. Amazon’s return policy does not include items purchased from third-party sellers, as third-party sellers determine their return policy.
If you can return an open item to Amazon, you’ll see the option to return or replace the item in your order. However, if you cannot return an item to Amazon (in line with Amazon’s return policy), you will not see the message or option to do so.
You can request a refund or replacement under the ‘Your Orders’ tab if you get a defective item that is also not returnable. And if the replacement or refund option is unavailable, you should contact Amazon’s customer service.
Be sure to examine all packages received carefully. If the package has been opened before getting to you, you can reject it outrightly. Once you decline it, report the delivery promptly to Amazon and clearly state the reason for rejecting the delivery.
What Items Can Be Returned to Amazon After They Have Been Opened?
Here’s a list of items you can return to Amazon after you’ve opened them.
- All non-digital products purchased from Alexa
- All Amazon-branded devices and accessories
- Most items purchased from the Amazon warehouse
- Baby items
- Amazon Birthday Gift list
- Clothing and accessories
- Sport and Entertainment collectibles. It will not be accepted if you do not possess an original document of the purchase.
- Collectible coins must be packaged in the original pack and supported with the original documents relating to the purchase. You must use a reliable tracking method if the value is more than $35.
- Computers and Electronics
- Custom Gift list
- Customized products. You must notify the third-party provider within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the item to be returned.
- Furniture
- Jewelry and Watches. Those whose value exceeds $35 must be returned using a trackable shipping method.
- Luxury store products. Except for those having flammable liquids or gases
- Mattresses
- Software and video games
- Wedding Registry items
What Opened Items Cannot Be Returned to Amazon?
Some items can’t be returned to Amazon. Here’s a list of some of the opened items you cannot return to Amazon:
- Any product without the serial number or UPC
- Hazardous materials or items that use flammable liquids or gases (contact the manufacturer directly for warranty, service, refund, and return information)
- Items with special shipping terms and conditions
- Live insects
- Online subscriptions after they have been accessed
- Gift cards (apart from those stipulated by law)
- Prepaid game cards (e.g., Xbox 360 Live, World of Warcraft, Wii Points, etc.)
- Certain jewelry orders
- Software products that can be downloaded
- Desktops, laptops, and Kindles which have exceeded 30 days of delivery
- Some personal care and health orders
- Grocery products
- Open software
How to Return Opened Items to Amazon
All items to be returned to Amazon must meet two primary criteria:
- The period of return should not exceed 30 days after receipt of the item
- The item must have been purchased from Amazon (with evidence) and not from a third-party seller.
If the opened item is returnable and satisfies these two major requirements, you can rest assured the return will be successful.
Follow these steps to return opened items to Amazon:
- Log in to your Amazon dashboard
- Go to your orders section
- Click on the particular order you would like to return
- Select ‘return or replace item.’
- Explain why you want the item returned to Amazon in the space provided
- Select an issuance of a refund or replacement if the option is available. If there is no response within one to two business days, submit an A-to-Z guarantee claim.
- Select your preferred return method
- Print out a return label or a return authorization
- Add the appropriate return label to the correct package. Ensure the package is intact. Prepare for pickup.
What Does Amazon Do With Opened Items on Return?
Amazon sells all returned open items to liquidation companies—third-party agents willing to take the items into their stores. Liquidation companies may put the returned open item up for purchase after they have addressed whatever was wrong with the products.
The advantage of this approach goes in both directions. Amazon does not need to bear the cost of holding such items in its store. Also, customers can get the items from the liquidation companies at a lower price than they would have gotten from Amazon.
Conclusion
You can return opened items to Amazon within 30 days of purchase if the item is defective, did not fit the description, or did not meet your taste. Amazon only accepts returns if you purchase it directly from them, not a third-party seller. Third-party sellers may have their return policy.