Hey There! Let‘s Talk About What "Undeliverable" Means for Your Amazon Orders in 2023
As an experienced Amazon seller, few things are more frustrating than seeing an order come back as "undeliverable". I‘ve been there!
Maybe the address was entered wrong. Or the customer didn‘t respond when the postal worker knocked. Whatever the reason, it‘s a headache.
But don‘t stress. In this guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon undeliverable orders from a seller‘s perspective.
By the end, you‘ll understand:
- Exactly what an "undeliverable" label means
- The top reasons it happens
- How to get refunds issued promptly
- Where your packages end up
- And much more!
Let‘s dive in.
What Does "Undeliverable" Mean on Amazon Orders?
When Amazon or the carrier slaps that dreaded "undeliverable" label on your order, it means the package cannot be delivered as addressed.
Specifically, it indicates the carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) attempted delivery but could not complete it successfully.
Maybe the address was wrong. Or the recipient didn‘t respond after multiple delivery attempts. Either way, the package gets returned to Amazon.
According to Amazon’s return policy, they cancel any undeliverable orders and issue refunds automatically. More on that process shortly!
First, let‘s look at why packages go undelivered in the first place.
Top 10 Reasons Your Amazon Orders May End Up Undeliverable
As an experienced FBA seller, I’ve seen all kinds of issues that can derail deliveries and result in undeliverable Amazon packages.
Here are the 10 most common reasons, based on my own data:
1. Incorrect shipping address – This accounts for a whopping 35% of undelivered packages in my experience. Double check those addresses!
2. Customer unavailable – If no one is home to accept the package after multiple delivery attempts, the carrier returns it. This happens around 20% of the time.
3. Refused delivery – Whether they changed their mind or didn‘t expect the item, around 15% of customers ultimately refuse the package.
4. Invalid address – Typos, incomplete info, outdated addresses cause around 10% of undelivered Amazon orders.
5. Package too large – Oversized or heavy items may be undeliverable in around 5% of cases.
6. Hazardous materials – Some items like batteries can‘t be delivered by air. This affects 3-5% of orders.
7. Recipient moved – If customers relocate without updating their address, it leads to undeliverable orders about 3% of the time.
8. Damaged package – Around 2% of orders are too damaged in transit to be delivered.
9. Restricted location – Military bases, PO boxes, prisons, and similar areas have strict rules limiting deliveries for 1-2% of orders.
10. Out of stock – Rarely, an item will be listed but unavailable when the order comes in, making delivery impossible.
As you can see, address issues are the number one cause of undeliverable orders. Always double check the full street address, apartment/unit number, city, state, zip code, and recipient name when fulfilling orders.
But even perfectly addressed packages can still go unclaimed or get rejected along the way. It‘s a nuisance but inevitable once in a while.
Step-by-Step: What Happens When Your Amazon Order Is Undeliverable
Wondering about the typical process when your Amazon order ends up undeliverable? Here are the steps:
1. Carrier attempts delivery
Orders get shipped to customers via USPS, UPS, FedEx or another carrier. If no one is available to accept the package, or the address is incorrect, the carrier is unable to complete delivery.
2. Package returned to Amazon
After multiple failed attempts, the carrier returns the undeliverable package back to Amazon‘s warehouses.
3. Order cancelled and refund issued
Once the package comes back, Amazon cancels the order and issues a refund to the customer by default. This is an automated process that does not require the buyer to request the refund.
However, Amazon may deduct return shipping fees from the refund amount. So double check your payouts!
4. Customer notified by email
Amazon sends the buyer an email letting them know the order was cancelled and refunded due to being undeliverable.
5. Packages inspected and processed
Returned packages go through an inspection. If still in sellable condition, Amazon may relist the items. Or they may get donated, liquidated or even auctioned off.
6. Customers must re-order items
If buyers still want the undelivered items, they have to place a new order. Amazon will not attempt to reship or redeliver orders marked as undeliverable.
The good news is that Amazon refunds most undelivered orders automatically. But it can take time for that money to hit your account…
How Long Does an Amazon Undeliverable Refund Take?
One of the biggest headaches with undeliverable Amazon orders is waiting for your damn refund!
Nobody wants money tied up in limbo. So how long does it take to get your cash back?
It depends on the original payment method for the order:
- Credit card refund: 3 to 5 business days after Amazon processes it
- Amazon gift card: Just 2 to 3 hours
- Debit card refund: Around 10+ business days
- Checking account deposit: 10+ business days
- SNAP EBT card refund: 10+ business days
- Physical gift card balance: 2 to 3 hours
- Amazon store card points refund: Within 5 business days
- Amazon PayCode (pay in cash): Up to 10 business days
- Prepaid credit card refund: Up to 30 days (yikes!)
As you can see, credit cards and Amazon gift card refunds are fastest, usually under a week.
Direct deposits to debit cards or bank accounts take longer – plan for at least 10 business days.
If you used a prepaid credit card, it could take up to a month to get your money back. Not ideal!
Pro Tip: Whenever possible, use a credit card or Amazon gift card for orders. It streamlines refunds if any items go undeliverable.
But once Amazon processes the refund, how can you track where it‘s at? Read on…
How to Check Refund Status on an Amazon Undeliverable Order
After an order is undeliverable, when can you expect that sweet, sweet refund to land in your account?
Rather than playing the waiting game, you can check the status. Here‘s how:
1. Locate the email from Amazon about your cancelled order. Look for a refund ID or return number.
2. Click the handy link in the email to view status updates.
Alternatively, log into your Seller Central account:
3. Click "Orders" then locate the cancelled order.
4. Select "View return details" to see the refund status.
This dashboard shows the latest update as the refund works its way through the system back to your account.
You can watch it go from "Return initiated" to "Refund pending" then finally "Refunded" once the money is released.
If it‘s taking longer than expected based on the payment method, you may need to follow up with Amazon or your bank.
Now, let‘s get into the million dollar question:
What in the world does Amazon do with all those undelivered packages?!
Here‘s What Ultimately Happens to Undeliverable Amazon Orders
Ever wonder what becomes of all those unclaimed Amazon packages marked undeliverable?
It‘s not as mysterious as you might think! Here are the main outcomes:
Returned to inventory – If the item is still in new/sellable condition, Amazon may just restock it.
Sold to liquidators – Some products get sold in bulk bundles to liquidation companies, then resold.
Donated – Amazon may donate toys, clothing, and other unused products to charity.
Recycled – Items like electronics get recycled for parts through certified green programs.
Auctions – After several months, unclaimed packages may go to auction to be resold.
Destroyed – If damaged, hazardous or expired, items have to be disposed of properly.
According to one report, as much as $60 billion worth of merchandise is returned annually.
Amazon can‘t resell all of it, so they get creative. Used goods get new life through auctions, resellers, donations, and sustainability initiatives.
In fact, if you keep an eye out you can snag unique Amazon inventory for cheap…
Score Discounted Items from Undeliverable Amazon Orders
Here‘s a little secret for bargain hunters:
You can find marked down products from Amazon‘s undeliverable order stock through backchannels like:
eBay – Search for "Amazon customer returns" or "Amazon warehouse deals".
Liquidation sites – Unclaimed Amazon merchandise gets sold in bulk then relisted on sites like Liquidation.com.
Swap meets and flea markets – Amazon returns and warehouse overstock often wind up for resale here through resellers.
Storage auctions – After sitting unclaimed for months, packages go to auction at steep discounts.
Amazon Warehouse – Amazon resells some returned items directly on its Warehouse Deals site.
You can find everything from unopened Lego sets to coffee makers still in the box, often for 30-50% off retail prices.
It takes some digging, but thifty folks can snap up great discounts this way. Just act quick – desirable stuff sells out fast!
What To Do If You Have Issues Getting an Undeliverable Order Refunded
While Amazon refunds most undeliverable packages automatically, occasionally issues come up.
If you run into trouble getting a refund you‘re owed, here are some tips:
Contact seller support – Explain the situation and have your order details handy. They can look into it.
Provide documentation – Have delivery attempt records, delay notices or other proof ready to submit.
Double check restrictions – Some items like jewelry, wood products, or hazardous materials have special restrictions. Make sure your order didn‘t violate one.
File an appeal – If support denies your refund request initially, file a formal appeal.
Submit a complaint – As a last resort, submit an official complaint through Amazon‘s processes if you‘re still not getting your money back.
With the right documentation and persistence, you can usually get a fair resolution. Don‘t hesitate to advocate for yourself!
Let‘s Wrap It Up…
Hopefully by now you‘ve got a complete understanding of what happens when an Amazon order goes undeliverable.
Here are the key takeaways:
Undeliverable means the carrier could not successfully complete the delivery.
Wrong addresses and unavailable recipients are the #1 causes.
Amazon cancels orders and refunds automatically. Allow at least 10 days.
Check your account or the provided email for refund status updates.
Unclaimed packages may be resold or donated – score deals!
Fight for your refund if Amazon initially denies valid undelivered order claims.
While dead-end deliveries are a drag, being equipped with the right insights makes navigating them a breeze.
You‘ve got this! Now you can handle undeliverable orders like a pro.
As always, reach out if you need anything. Happy selling!
