Amazon‘s Video Game Return Policy in 2023: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
If you‘re an avid gamer who enjoys browsing Amazon for the latest video game releases, you may be curious about their return policy. Can you return that new PS5 game that didn‘t live up to the hype? What about an open game you played once but don‘t want anymore?
As an experienced Amazon seller specializing in media categories like video games, I‘ve handled my share of returns. So let me clearly explain Amazon‘s current return policy on new and used video games. I‘ll also provide tips to ensure smooth returns as a buyer and reduce liabilities as a seller.
Here‘s a quick rundown of what we‘ll cover in this comprehensive guide:
- How the video game returns process works on Amazon
- Return policies for new, opened, and used games
- Restocking fees and other costs
- What sellers can do to reduce expensive returns
- Expert advice for hassle-free video game returns
And much more! Whether you‘re a buyer looking to return an item or a seller managing your ecommerce business, this guide will help you navigate Amazon‘s video game return policies like a pro.
An Overview of Amazon‘s Video Game Return Policy
In most cases, Amazon‘s standard policy allows returns and refunds on new, unopened video games within 30 days of receiving your order. This holds true whether it‘s a new release, a gift that‘s the wrong title, or you simply changed your mind.
However, there are a few key exceptions and caveats to note:
Opened new games: Returns are accepted but expect to pay a hefty restocking fee up to 100% of the item price.
Used games: Similar to opened games, returns incur costly restocking fees that likely eliminate any refund amount.
Downloadable content: Downloaded game add-ons, expansions, season passes, etc. are non-refundable.
Prepaid cards: No returns allowed on prepaid cards for Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Nintendo eShop, etc.
Past 30 days: Less flexible return policy with more restocking fees and no guarantee of a refund.
As you consider these limitations, let‘s look at how to actually process a return and what happens after you send back your items.
Step-by-Step: How To Return Video Games on Amazon
The process of returning a video game to Amazon is thankfully straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Access your Amazon Orders page and locate the video game order.
- Click "Return or Replace Items" next to the item listing.
- Select the reason code for your return from the dropdown menu.
- Print the prepaid shipping label provided by Amazon.
- Package up the new, unopened game with any included parts.
- Drop off the package at any UPS location or post office. Amazon covers the return costs!
Once Amazon receives your return at the warehouse, they will issue a refund within 3-5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). And just like that, your return is complete!
Pro Tip: When selecting the reason for your return, choose "No longer needed" if unopened and new. Other reason codes like "Defective" may cause hiccups in your refund.
What About Returns After 30 Days?
Ah, now we‘re getting into trickier territory! Amazon‘s policies get much more rigid for returns past the standard 30 day window.
While possible in some cases, expect the following if trying to return or exchange video games after 30 days:
New and unopened games may be accepted, but you‘ll pay for return shipping. Amazon may also charge a restocking fee from 15% up to 50% of the item cost.
Opened new games or used games will almost never be approved for return due to restocking fees. Fees will equal or exceed the item price.
Contact Amazon customer support for a return request after 30 days. Approval is based on the specific circumstances.
No returns allowed on downloaded content, gift cards, or prepaid funds after codes are revealed to buyers.
The takeaway? Try your best to return video games within 30 days if needed. While possible after this period, return costs quickly add up.
Can You Return Opened Video Games to Amazon?
Let‘s say you opened and played a new video game once or twice, but ultimately want to return it to Amazon. Is this allowed?
The short answer is yes, Amazon will technically accept returns on opened new video games. But there‘s a big catch.
After opening, Amazon no longer considers the game to be new. Instead, it‘s classified as "used" even if played once.
As a used item, Amazon will charge a restocking fee from 15% up to 100% of the product‘s original price. This fee is deducted from any potential refund you receive.
For example:
- New game cost: $59.99
- 15% restocking fee: $9.00
- Potential refund: $50.99
But more often than not, opened video game returns incur the maximum 100% restocking fee equal to the full item price.
In this case, your refund would be $0. So while Amazon may accept an open return, you essentially lose your entire purchase amount, making it pointless in most cases.
Moral of the story: Keep video games sealed if there‘s any chance you‘ll want to return them later on. Only open once you‘re 100% certain you want to keep the game. The steep restocking fees make open video game returns financially illogical otherwise.
Does Amazon Accept Returns on Used Video Games?
Given the sizable restocking fee costs, you may be wondering if Amazon allows returns at all for used video games purchased from third-party sellers.
Again, Amazon will technically accept used game returns. However, since used games lack original packaging and manuals, they too incur hefty restocking penalties.
Here are a few examples of restocking fees charged for used video game returns:
- Missing original case or artwork – Up to 20% fee
- No instruction manual – Up to 15% fee
- Case damage or stickers – Up to 25% fee
- Disk scratches or scuffs – Up to 30% fee
- Activation codes already used – Up to 100% fee
As you can see, even minor cosmetic issues or missing accessories can result in fees exceeding the used game‘s value. And if activation codes are already redeemed, forget about getting any money back.
The bottom line: Avoid returning used games when possible. Only do so if the game is truly defective and unusable, so restocking fees can hopefully be waived. Otherwise, you‘ll lose money reselling used games back to Amazon compared to locally.
What Happens to Returned Video Games at Amazon Warehouses?
Ever wonder what exactly happens behind the scenes once consumers return items to Amazon? Let‘s look specifically at how Amazon processes video game returns at their fulfillment centers.
Receive and inspect – All returned games are thoroughly examined by Amazon warehouse staff. This inspection verifies if the item matches the reason selected for return.
Determine restock potential – Based on condition, packaging, and other factors, Amazon decides if the returned game can be resold as new, used, or not at all.
Refurbish or dispose – Lightly used returns are repackaged for resale as Amazon Warehouse Deals. Defective or unusable returns are disposed of or salvaged.
Issue refund – After deducting any restocking fees, Amazon initiates refunds to the buyer‘s original payment method.
Return to inventory – Qualifying returns are placed back in sellable inventory. Others are removed from circulation if unfit for resale.
Properly processing returns is no simple task, especially for complex merchandise like video games. Dedicated Amazon staff must thoroughly inspect, test, repackage, and restock thousands of returns daily to keep their marketplace running smoothly.
Best Practices for Amazon Sellers to Reduce Expensive Video Game Returns
As an experienced Amazon seller, I‘ve learned a few proven tips to minimize pricey video game returns that hurt my bottom line. Hopefully these insights help other merchants:
Refine listing accuracy – Detail exact item condition, used status, and any missing parts to set proper buyer expectations.
Utilize refund policies – Consider setting 14 or 30 day limits on returns for very used or damaged games.
Avoid price gouging – Don‘t jack up prices far beyond MSRP, even if in demand. This frequently causes buyer‘s remorse returns.
Photograph evidence – Take detailed photos of any opened games, codes, or imperfections before shipment.
Improve packaging – Invest in quality packaging materials to prevent damage returns. Bubble wrap disks!
Drop test – Test packaged video games with light drops or shakes to expose weak points in packing that could cause returns.
The right prep work as a seller provides transparency for buyers and covers you in case of returns down the road.
Expert Tips for Smooth Video Game Returns on Amazon
Based on my years of experience in ecommerce and navigating Amazon policies, here are my top tips for buyers looking to return video games:
Carefully verify game details before purchase. Don‘t rely on just the title! Double check platform, condition, included content, etc.
Thoroughly inspect new video games on arrival before opening. Ensure discs are present and undamaged.
Do not open new games until 100% decided on keeping them. Restocking fees make returns financially illogical after unsealing.
Hold off on downloading any codes or content until confirming the game meets expectations and performance after testing.
Contact Amazon support before initiating a return if unsure about the process or eligibility. Get ahead of potential issues.
Select reason codes like "no longer needed" for clean returns. Avoid codes like "defective" unless truly accurate.
Print return labels promptly and ship back within 1-2 days of starting the process. Don‘t let games linger!
Follow up if your refund takes longer than indicated. Escalate with Amazon customer support if needed.
The right prep work as a buyer also provides transparency and sets proper return expectations.
Final Thoughts on Amazon‘s Video Game Return Policy
Hopefully this detailed guide better equipped you to navigate Amazon‘s policies around returning new and used video games.
While Amazon technically accepts returns in many cases, significant restocking fees make it impractical for opened or used games beyond 30 days. Downloadable content and prepaid cards are also non-refundable entirely.
Carefully verify games before purchase, resist opening new titles right away, and move quickly if initiating returns. This ensures the best experience for both buyers and sellers dealing with video game returns.
Have some experience with video game returns yourself, either as a seller or buyer? I‘d love to hear about it below! Let‘s keep the conversation going.
