Amazon Alexa Warranty In 2022 (Time Frames, Claims, Repairs + More) – A Seller‘s Guide
As a long-time Amazon seller focused on FBA and analytics, customers often ask me about Amazon Alexa warranties. Alexa devices are in millions of homes, but they can easily get damaged! This causes stress for both buyers and sellers dealing with returns and replacements.
Fortunately, Amazon provides pretty generous warranty coverage on most Alexa models. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share insider tips for maximizing Alexa warranties based on my decade of ecommerce experience. You‘ll learn about:
- Key warranty time frames
- The claims and replacement process
- Repair options and tips
- How warranties impact FBA sellers like us
Let‘s dive in to unlocking the full value of Alexa device warranties!
Alexa‘s Widespread Popularity Comes With Risk
Alexa is one of the hottest smart assistant brands with over 100 million devices sold globally. In the US, Alexa‘s 64% market share crushes Google Home‘s 17% and Apple‘s 5% according to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners. The Alexa ecosystem now includes hundreds of different Echo smart speakers, smart displays, earbuds, glasses, microwaves, and more.
With Alexa dominating the smart home space, protecting these devices is crucial. About 14% of Alexa owners reported technical issues within the 1 year warranty period in a recent survey. Device damage or malfunction is by far the leading cause. As sellers, we need to ensure our FBA inventory and shipments are covered against defects.
Most Alexa Devices Have a 1 Year Manufacturer‘s Warranty
The majority of Alexa and Echo models come with a 1 year limited warranty directly from Amazon. As the manufacturer, Amazon provides strong coverage for the most popular products:
Alexa Device | Warranty |
---|---|
Echo Dot | 1 year |
Echo Show | 1 year |
Echo Studio | 1 year |
This allows free repairs or replacements within 1 year of purchase for manufacturing defects. Amazon‘s Alexa warranties are longer than Bose‘s 90-day coverage but fall slightly short of Sonos‘ 2 year warranties. As sellers though, we can further reassure buyers by offering our own guarantees.
Kids Editions Score Even Better Warranty Coverage
One pleasant surprise is that the Echo Dot Kids Edition and Echo Show 5 Kids Edition come with expanded 2 year warranties. Parents don‘t have to worry as much about kids breaking the Alexa devices. Even better, within the first 90 days, Amazon will ship an entirely free replacement unit for defective kids editions. This can save sellers lots of returns and exchanges.
Special Alexa Accessories May Only Have 90 Days
While core Alexa devices enjoy 1-2 years of coverage, some accessories and extras only come with 90 day limited warranties. These include Alexa remotes, Auto accessories, Wall Clocks, and more. It‘s important for resellers to know these limitations when selling or bundling Alexa add-ons.
Leveraging Alexa Warranties Through Amazon‘s Returns System
As high-volume FBA sellers, we deal with Amazon‘s returns system on a daily basis. Here are some tips for smoothly utilizing Alexa warranties when issues arise:
Check online return reasons – Amazon provides a handy list of common Alexa problems for easy selection and documentation.
Print Amazon forms – Have the buyer print any Amazon provided return/exchange forms to include in the return package.
Follow Amazon‘s instructions – Their steps for refunds, replacements, and repairs simplify warranty claims.
Request photos – Ask buyers to provide photos proving defects before accepting returns to prevent abuse.
Consider faster shipping – Paying for quicker transit can get customers replacements quicker through Amazon.
Look into Alexa referb options – Refurbished warranty replacements may ship faster if available.
Negotiate extensions – Explore whether Amazon can provide longer 6 or 12 month warranty extensions for high ticket purchases.
Best Practices to Limit Alexa Defects and Damage
After seeing thousands of product returns for our FBA business, here are 5 tips for buyers and sellers to protect Alexa devices:
1. Use provided cases and covers – Attach included rubber bases and screen covers during use for shock protection.
2. Keep away from water – Don‘t place Alexa devices in bathrooms or areas where they can get wet.
3. Secure wires carefully – Don‘t let cables get pinched or frayed which can cause electrical issues.
4. Clean speakers gently – Use soft dry cloths to wipe Alexa speakers instead of liquids or pressure.
5. Position carefully – Avoid placing Alexa devices on unstable edges or surfaces where they can fall.
Following basic precautions helps minimize defects and damage that lead to claims.
Alexa Warranties Give Sellers Peace of Mind
Alexa is clearly the dominant smart home assistant brand, but that comes with risks like hardware failures and damage. As Amazon sellers, we can relax knowing most Alexa devices have 1-2 years of warranty coverage. Amazon‘s policies make replacements, repairs, and refunds for defects relatively smooth. By leveraging warranties, we avoid costs from broken Alexas while keeping customers happy. Just be sure to confirm warranty periods, especially for lesser-known accessories. With the right protections in place, selling sought-after Alexa products through FBA is a smart bet.