Amazon has an enviable returns policy. The peace of mind of knowing that we can Buy a product and if it doesn’t fit we can return it and get the money back. Amazon has built a great reputation in this regard, but it is obvious that this generous policy comes at a cost.
We explain what the current conditions are and What is going to change in Spain from January 1, 2025. Some changes in returns that Amazon itself describes are to “deal with the operational costs of returns and reduce waste.”
What limits on returns does Amazon have?
First of all, it should be noted that all buyers in Spain have the right to withdraw from the purchase contract, without indicating the reason, during 14 calendar days from the day the product has been received. The fact is that beyond this right, Amazon allows returns up to 30 days later.
The condition that Amazon states in its policy is that these They must be returned “new, unused and complete”.
Additionally, there are a series of exceptions that prevent returns. For hygiene reasons, cosmetics cannot be returned; For personalization reasons, Amazon Handmade products cannot be returned and for expiration reasons, daily newspapers cannot be returned.
Returns are normally made with a label and postage prepaid. Depending on the service used, there are costs, which can range from 2.99 euros for the Post Office or 5.50 euros if it is an international return. Products sold directly by Amazon are exempt.
On February 5, 2024, Amazon changed its fees for returns to the seller and inventory placement. Since June 1, 2024, there have also been changes to the fees for processing returns in the United States. In the case of Spain, these new rates will apply starting next year.
Amazon puts a stop to the most returned products
On January 1, 2025, the “new fee for processing returns on products with a high return rate” comes into force in our country, except in special categories such as clothing, glasses, shoes and accessories.
This is, Amazon will start charging extra for sellers whose products are returned en masse. It will not directly affect the consumer, but it will affect the sellers.
According to Amazon, this increase in rates will be applied to products that exceed a certain threshold, depending on each category. And the charges will begin to arrive between April 7 and 15.
How will Amazon calculate this threshold? The percentage of units shipped and those returned between that month and the following two calendar months will be taken into account. Small sellers will not be affectedsince for products that are shipped less than 25 units per month it will not be taken into account.
Amazon customers will still have 30 days to return products, but this strategy is not free.
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