
Amazon's return shipping policy is a bit of a mystery to many customers, but the truth is, it's actually pretty straightforward. As we'll explore in more detail, Amazon offers free return shipping on many items, but there are some exceptions.
If you're returning an item that's eligible for free return shipping, you can print a return shipping label from your Amazon account and affix it to your package. This label will be pre-paid by Amazon, so you won't have to pay a thing.
However, if you're returning an item that's not eligible for free return shipping, you'll need to pay for the return shipping yourself. In this case, you can use your own shipping label or take the item to a UPS or FedEx location.
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Who Pays for Return Shipping
Amazon will pay for return shipping costs if you use the return label in the Returns center and the reason for return is not your fault. This means you don't have to worry about the cost of shipping back items that are damaged, wrong, or defective.
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If you're returning items from different orders in one package, Amazon will still pay for the return shipping costs. The items with the highest per-shipment cost determine the cost of shipment.
You may need to pay a flat rate for every return shipment and another small fee for every item in your shipment. This fee will be deducted from your refund if you choose to return items using a paid method.
If you return items using a paid method, Amazon will deduct the shipping cost from your refund. In most cases, you will receive your refund within five days.
Here are the return shipping methods and costs:
- Using the provided pickup options
- Using a scanned QR code at specific return locations
- Using drop-off services in convenient locations
- Using Amazon Hub, Locker, or Locker+ locations for small packages
Factors Affecting Refund Shipping Costs
Amazon covers the cost of return shipping for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) sellers. This is a huge advantage for sellers who use FBA, as it saves them money and hassle.
Third-party sellers who process their orders themselves must shoulder the cost of shipping for returns and refunds. This can be a significant expense, especially for sellers who handle a high volume of returns.

Product category is another factor that affects refund shipping costs. Some products may be more expensive to ship back than others, depending on their size, weight, and fragility.
Location can also impact refund shipping costs. Sellers who are located far from their customers may need to pay more to ship items back, while those who are closer may save money.
The reason for return is also a consideration when it comes to refund shipping costs. Sellers may need to pay for shipping on returns that are due to customer error, but not on returns that are the result of a defective product.
Making Free Returns
You can return Amazon purchases for free in several ways. You can use the provided pickup options, scanned QR code, drop-off services in convenient locations, or Amazon Hub, Locker, or Locker+ locations.
Amazon will pay for your shipping costs if you use the return label in the Returns center and the reason for return is not your fault.
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If you return an item using a paid method, Amazon will deduct the shipping cost from your refund. In most cases, you will receive your refund within five days.
You can bring the return to Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or Kohl's locations even if you don't have a box or label. Amazon says the new charge only kicks in on UPS drop-off returns if your delivery address is closer or equally distant to an Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods or Kohl’s return location than the nearest UPS store.
Customers returning smaller packages will still have the option to make free returns at Amazon Locker or Amazon Hub Counter locations.
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Return Shipping Costs and Assistance
Amazon covers the cost of return shipping for third-party sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). This means you don't have to worry about the extra cost of shipping for returns.
However, if you're a third-party seller processing your orders yourself, you'll need to shoulder the cost of shipping for returns and refunds. This can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor these costs into your business plan.

To make returns easier for customers, Amazon offers various return shipping methods and costs. You can use the provided pickup options, scanned QR code, drop-off services, or Amazon Hub, Locker, or Locker+ locations.
If you use the return label in the Returns center and the reason for return is not your fault, Amazon will pay for your shipping costs. But be aware that you may need to pay a flat rate for every return shipment and another small fee for every item in your shipment.
Here are the return shipping methods and costs:
- Using the provided pickup options
- Using a scanned QR code. The code may be used at specific return locations
- Using drop-off services in convenient locations
- Using Amazon Hub, Locker, or Locker+ locations. They are appropriate for small packages
If you return an item using a paid method, Amazon will deduct the shipping cost from your refund. In most cases, you'll receive your refund within five days. If you choose to ship your return items on your own, you must pay the carrier charges.
Does Amazon Cover Return Shipping?
Amazon covers return shipping costs under certain conditions. If you're returning an item due to Amazon's or the seller's fault, you're entitled to a refund that includes the original shipping cost.

Amazon will cover return shipping costs for items that are defective, broken, or sent incorrectly. This is part of the Amazon A-to-Z Guarantee.
If you're using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon covers the cost of return shipping. However, third-party sellers who process their orders themselves must shoulder the cost of shipping for returns and refunds.
There are various considerations to keep in mind when it comes to refunding shipping costs, including product category, location, and reason for return.
You may return your shipments through various methods, including using a provided pickup option, scanned QR code, drop-off services, or Amazon Hub, Locker, or Locker+ locations.
If you use the return label in the Returns center and the reason for return is not your fault, Amazon will pay for your shipping costs. However, you may need to pay a flat rate for every return shipment and another small fee for every item in your shipment.
Here's a breakdown of the return shipping methods and costs:
- Using the provided pickup options: Free
- Using a scanned QR code: Free
- Using drop-off services in convenient locations: May require a flat rate fee
- Using Amazon Hub, Locker, or Locker+ locations: Free for smaller packages
In some cases, Amazon will waive fees for UPS drop-off returns if you select certain reasons for your return, such as if the item is defective or inaccurately described in the listing.
New Return Fee Explained
Amazon now examines product returns over a three-month timeframe, starting in the month the product was shipped and ending two months later. This timeframe is crucial in determining the new return fee.
Items shipped in June will have their returns tracked through June, July, and August. This means that returns made in these three months will be counted towards the threshold for the return fee.
Fees are charged only if the total returns for items shipped in a given month exceed the threshold for that product’s fee category. This threshold varies depending on the product, so it's essential to check the Returns processing fee page for details.
If the returns surpass the threshold, fees will apply to each unit returned beyond this limit. This means that sellers need to be mindful of their returns to avoid incurring unnecessary fees.
Sources
- https://sellerinteractive.com/blog/does-amazon-refund-shipping-cost/
- https://gethuman.com/customer-service/Amazon/how/Does-Amazon-Pay-for-Shipping-on-Returns-or-Exchanges/fE4
- https://money.com/amazon-returns-fee-ups-store/
- https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php
- https://webycorp.com/amazon-news/amazon-introduces-a-return-fee-for-high-return-products/
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