Can You Return a Drone to Amazon? (2023 Policy for Used, Damaged, Models + More)

Let‘s get right to it. Amazon accepts unopened drone returns within 30 days on most models sold directly by Amazon. However, used drones, returns past 30 days, and third party seller policies may vary. Read on for a detailed breakdown!

As an Amazon seller myself, I‘ve helped many customers navigate drone returns to get the refund or replacement they deserve. Here is everything you need to know about Amazon‘s current drone return policies in 2023:

A Detailed Look at Amazon Drone Return Policies

Amazon sets their standard return window at 30 days for most new, unopened items including drones. But the exact policy can depend on factors like:

• Used or new condition
• Purchase date
• Damage status
• Third party seller rules

So it pays to check the fine print on drone listings before you fly! Here are the key details:

Returning New Drones Within 30 Days

The majority of drones sold directly by Amazon.com allow returns within 30 days of receiving your order. This no questions asked policy gives you adequate time to:

• Inspect the new drone carefully
• Read manuals and safety guides
• Charge batteries
• Download apps/software
• Perform initial test flights

If any issues pop up right away or you simply change your mind, you can initiate a return for a full refund.

Over 75% of returns happen within the first 2 weeks. So don‘t wait too long to decide.

To return a drone within 30 days:

• Access your Amazon Orders page
• Find the drone order
• Click the "Return or Replace Items" button
• Print the provided return shipping label
• Box up the unopened drone with accessories
• Drop off at a carrier location near you

Once received at Amazon, they will process the refund typically within 3-5 days. And that money goes right back on your gift card or original payment method.

Extending the Return Window Past 30 Days

What if you go past the 30 days and then find an issue with your new drone?

Amazon will sometimes allow returns after 30 days, but approval depends on:

• Drone condition
• Reason for return
• Seller policies

You‘ll also need to cover return shipping costs yourself in this case.

To request an extended return on Amazon:

• Locate the order in Your Account
• Click “Problem with order” if standard return option missing
• Select the "Late return" request option
• Provide details on why you need an exception
• Follow prompts to print shipping label and drop off

Approval is not guaranteed, but highlighting defects or malfunctions improves your chances. Let me walk through some examples…

Use Case 1: Drone Defect After 30 Days

Let‘s say you bought a Potensic Dreamer Pro drone on Amazon. It seemed fine at first, but 45 days after delivery the video feed starts cutting out intermittently.

Since this is a manufacturer defect covered under warranty, Amazon is likely to approve a late return. Be ready to provide:

• Order invoice
• Problem description
• Troubleshooting steps tried
• Serial number
• Photos/video of issue

Documenting the flaw with evidence helps your case for a refund, even past 30 days.

Use Case 2: Changed Mind Past 30 Days

What if you simply changed your mind 45 days after purchasing a recreational drone?

Without a true malfunction, Amazon has no obligation to accept a return. But politely request an exception anyway providing usage details.

If approved, you‘ll pay return shipping but at least recoup some of the cost. Third party sellers may be more flexible on late change of mind returns.

Use Case 3: Damaged Drone Past 30 Days

Let‘s say you crash your DJI Mavic 2 Zoom into a tree 2 months after buying on Amazon.

Unfortunately, self-inflicted damage is not covered under warranty. And since it‘s past 30 days, Amazon likely will deny the return request.

Your best options are looking into drone insurance, parts repair, or reselling the damaged drone to salvage some value. Take good care of new drones as returns won‘t cover accidents long term.

Can You Return Used Drones on Amazon?

Amazon‘s return policy explicitly covers new, unopened items – so used drones generally cannot be returned.

Of course as a seller I have seen occasional exceptions:

• Drone falsely listed as new but clearly used
• Missing original packaging/accessories
• Signs of damage upon opening new box

These scenarios constitute fraud by the seller. Amazon will work with you on a replacement for any used drone shipped incorrectly as new.

But otherwise, you cannot fly a used drone purchased on Amazon for weeks and then expect a return or refund. Resell used drones yourself if unsatisfied.

And always document unboxing new drones right away. Take photos capturing serial numbers, condition, and included parts before flying. This protects against used product issues.

Returning Defective or Damaged Drones

What if your new drone arrives already broken or stops working properly after initial use?

For manufacturer defects, Amazon will quickly work with you on a replacement.

But for crash damage after you begin flying, returns become trickier:

• Within 30 days – Best chance for a return or exchange
• Within warranty period – Contact manufacturer for repair options
• Outside warranty – Must pay for own repairs or replacement

So handle new drones very carefully while you evaluate them! And consider add-on drone insurance for extra protection.

Here are examples of how drone damage returns work:

Use Case 1: Defective on Arrival

You eagerly open up your Skydio 2 drone only to find a cracked camera lens right in the box.

Contact Amazon immediately with photos to get a return label. They will ship out a replacement Skydio 2 so you can start capturing amazing footage quickly!

Use Case 2: Crash Damage Within 30 Days

You lose control of your new Holyton HT02 and crash land into a pond a few days after getting it. Oops!

While Amazon technically allows returns of damaged items within 30 days, be honest about what happened and politely request a one-time exception. Securing drone insurance after would also help for the future.

Use Case 3: Motor Failure After 60 Days

Two months after purchasing your DJI Air 2S, one motor starts smoking and fails mid-flight.

Since it‘s past 30 days, submit a warranty claim directly through DJI Support with details on the issue and troubleshooting steps you took. They will handle any qualified warranty repairs or replacement.

Use Case 4: Crashed Drone Past Warranty

You clipped a tree branch flying your old DJI Mavic Pro drone, shattering an arm and the gimbal. Bummer!

Unfortunately out of warranty repairs must come out of your pocket. Evaluate the repair cost vs replacement cost and see if a used Mavic Pro on eBay makes more sense to get flying again.

Third Party Seller Policies

While Amazon sets policies for items they sell directly, independent sellers can create their own return criteria.

Before purchasing a drone from a third party vendor, verify their return window, process, and requirements closely.

Some third party drone return policies:

• Same as Amazon – 30 days, new condition
• 7 days – Shorter than Amazon‘s window
• No returns – Forbids all returns
• Restocking fee – Deducts 10-20% on returns

Compare seller policies before choosing where to buy your drone. And reach out to the seller with any return questions prior to purchasing.

Breakdown of Return Policies by Popular Drone Models

Let‘s move from policies to specifics and see how return criteria compare across top-selling drone models on Amazon:

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A few things stand out:

• Amazon sold drones – Tend to have 30 day policies
• Third party items – More variable with shorter windows
• Warehouse deals – No returns allowed on discounted used drones

So drill into that seller info before adding a drone to your cart! Paying close attention helps avoid unwanted surprises at return time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Returning a Drone on Amazon

Let‘s walk through the full process when eligible to return a drone purchased on Amazon:

Before Starting Your Return

• Review order details – Confirm return eligibility based on seller, time period, condition etc.
• Gather items – Locate all original packaging, manuals, parts that came with drone.
• Inspect carefully – Check for any damage/wear since drones must be in new condition.
• Backup media – For camera drones, save any photos/videos you want to keep.

Starting Your Amazon Return

1. Access account – On Amazon.com, click Returns & Orders in top menu.

2. Select order – Choose the drone order you need to return.

3. Click return – If within policies, you will see a "Return or Replace Items" button.

4. Pick reason – Choose the return reason from the dropdown menu.

5. Print label – Amazon will email a UPS return label you need to affix to box.

Packaging and Shipping

6. Original box – Carefully pack up the drone with all included parts exactly as received.

7. Seal securely – Use packing tape to make sure box won‘t open during transit.

8. Attach label – Tape the printed Amazon return label to outside of box.

9. Drop off – Take sealed box to UPS/FedEx/post office to ship back within deadline.

Finalizing Your Return

10. Track status – Monitor the return shipment back to Amazon online.

11. Refund processed – Once received, Amazon will issue refund within 3-5 days.

12. Return completed – You will get a confirmation email when return and refund fully complete.

And remember you can always contact Amazon customer service through chat or phone if any issues come up during the return process!

Helpful Tips for Hassle-Free Drone Returns on Amazon

Based on my experience as a seller, here are some pro tips when returning drones purchased on Amazon:

• Unpack and inspect new drones immediately – document any defects right away
• Save all original packaging until past return window – boxes needed for sending back
• Test fly gently at first and remain close by – avoid crash damage
• Backup drone media like photos before sending back for refund
• Check return eligibility before 30 days – know process ahead of time
• Print return labels ASAP if needed – don‘t miss shipping cutoffs
• Take lots of pictures showing condition – prove the drone is still new if questioned
• Ask seller about replacements if damaging in use – a quick swap may be possible
• Be honest in reason for return – defect details can help gain approval

Staying organized will make any needed drone returns stress-free!

The Bottom Line

So can you return a drone on Amazon? Yes, for new drones within 30 days when sold directly by Amazon. Final takeaways:

• Returns within 30 days are widely accepted on new drones
• Check fine print to confirm policies by seller
• Used drones cannot be returned (unless misrepresented as new)
• Damage past 30 days has limited options – act quick!
• Return process is like any Amazon item – print label and ship back
• If issues, keep contacting Amazon until you get the right resolution

I hope this detailed look at Amazon‘s drone return policies helps you make your next drone purchase with confidence! Let me know if you have any other drone-related questions.