How To Return Amazon Gifts Without The Sender Knowing (Guide)
Returning a gift can feel awkward, especially when the gift came from someone you know. You don’t want to seem unappreciative, but at the same time you really have no use for the item and returning it for something you actually want or need just makes practical sense.
The good news is, when a gift comes from Amazon, you can easily return it without the gift sender ever knowing. Amazon‘s return process is designed to be simple and discreet. As long as you follow a few key steps, you can exchange that well-intentioned, but useless gift for Amazon credit to buy something you’ll actually use.
Here is a complete walkthrough of how to return Amazon gifts quietly and hassle-free.
How To Return An Amazon Gift
Returning a gift on Amazon is very straightforward. Just follow these steps:
1. Find the Order ID
The first thing you need to return an Amazon gift is the order ID. This is a 17-character alphanumeric code that is printed on the packing slip included with the item.
If you don‘t have the packing slip, you can find the order ID by:
- Logging into your Amazon account and looking under Orders to see if the gift is listed there.
- Contacting Amazon Customer Service. Give them the gift sender‘s name and any other info you have and they can locate the order.
- Asking the gift sender if they still have the order ID or packing slip.
2. Request a Return
Once you have the order ID, you can request a return by:
- Going to Amazon‘s Online Return Center
- Clicking "Return Items"
- Entering the order ID
- Choosing the item(s) you want to return
- Selecting a reason for the return
- Clicking "Submit return request"
If you don‘t already have an Amazon account, you‘ll need to create one in order to request a return.
3. Print a Return Shipping Label
After submitting your return request, Amazon will email you a printable return shipping label and return authorization form. You have two options for printing these:
Print at home – If you have a working printer, print the label and authorization form directly from the email Amazon sends.
Have someone else print for you – Forward the email to a friend or family member who can print the label/form for you.
Important: Make sure to use the emailed return label rather than covering shipping costs yourself. This way the gift sender won‘t see any outbound shipping charges that could tip them off to the return.
4. Package and Ship the Return
Carefully package up the item in its original packaging, making sure to include any accessories, parts, manuals etc. that were originally included. Seal the box, put the printed return authorization form inside, and affix the return label.
For fastest processing, return each item separately instead of combining multiple returns in one box.
Ship the return using the method printed on the label – typically either USPS or UPS. You can schedule a free pickup so you don‘t even need to leave home.
And that‘s it! Amazon will process your return once received and issue you a refund.
How You‘ll Get Your Refund
Amazon refunds returns in the form of an Amazon.com gift card electronically delivered to the email associated with your Amazon account. Here are some key points on how it works:
- The refund will equal the full purchase price of the item as long as it‘s returned in new, unused condition with all original parts.
- Refunds are typically issued within 3-5 business days after Amazon receives and processes the return.
- The total refund time can take up to 25 days from initial return request to the gift card being delivered to your email.
- Refund method and speed may vary for Amazon Fresh and Prime Now returns.
- The gift sender will not be notified about the return or issued the refund. The Amazon gift card credit goes to you.
You can use the refund gift card to buy anything sold directly by Amazon, including millions of products across every category. The gift sender will have no way of knowing you returned their gift or what you used the credit for.
Amazon Locker Returns – An Easy Option
During busy times like the holidays, Amazon Hub Lockers can be a quick, convenient way to return Amazon gifts discreetly.
Amazon Hub Lockers are secure, self-service kiosks located in places like Whole Foods, convenience stores, college campuses and more. Here‘s how locker returns work:
Select a nearby locker location when requesting your return online.
Package up the return with the printed authorization form inside. Items must be under 18 x 14 x 12 inches to fit in a locker.
Go to the locker location and enter your return code on the touchscreen to open a locker.
Put the packaged return in the locker and close the door. You‘re all done!
Amazon will pick up and process the return from the locker location. Just make sure to drop it off within the return window shown in your return confirmation email.
Locker returns are currently limited to select cities. You can check for nearby locker locations when submitting your return online.
Tips for a Smooth Return
Returning an Amazon gift is typically quick and easy if you follow the proper steps. Keep these tips in mind:
Meet the return window – Make sure to return items within 30 days of the shipment date for a full refund. The window is usually printed on packing slips.
Check return eligibility – Some items like digital purchases, food, and hazardous materials have special return restrictions. Know the policies before requesting a return.
Inspect before returning – Carefully go over items to make sure they are undamaged and unopened in new condition. Any defects could affect the refund amount.
Keep accessories – Don‘t forget to return all original parts, pieces, manuals, warranty cards etc. to get the full refund.
Get help if needed – Contact Amazon Customer Service if you have any trouble finding order information or finalizing a return. They can usually resolve issues quickly.
Allow time for processing – It can take up to a month after Amazon gets your return for the refund to be fully processed. Be patient.
Use your credit – Once issued, gift card refunds typically expire within 3 years. Make sure to use your credit in a timely manner.
FAQ About Returning Amazon Gifts
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about returning gifts purchased on Amazon:
How long do I have to return an Amazon gift?
- The standard Amazon return window is 30 days from the date of shipment. This timeframe is usually printed on the packing slip.
Can I return a gift without the packing slip or order ID?
- You need the order ID to complete a return. If you don‘t have it, contact Amazon Customer Service for help locating your order.
What if I don‘t have the original packaging?
- Amazon prefers items be returned in original packaging but will accept box-less returns in some cases. Contact them to make arrangements.
Can I return a gift that’s open or used?
- Opened gifts can usually be returned as long as they are in new, unused condition. You may get a partial refund for used items.
How soon will I get my refund after returning a gift?
- Expect 3-5 business days after Amazon processes the return. The total time from return request to receiving a gift card can take up to 25 days.
What if my return gets lost or damaged?
- Report any issues right away. Amazon will investigate and determine if a replacement or refund is warranted.
Can gift senders see that I returned an item?
- No. The return process is confidential. The gift giver is not notified or involved in any way.
Are all Amazon items returnable?
- Most are, but some exceptions include digital media, consumables, custom-made, and hazardous items. Check policies first.
Can I return a gift bought on a different Amazon site?
- Possibly. Amazon coordinates returns between different domains like .com, .ca etc. Ask when submitting your return.
Conclusion
Returning a gift from Amazon is quick, convenient, and confidential. As long as you follow the proper steps, you can exchange an unwanted gift for Amazon credit easily without the gift giver ever knowing.
Be sure to locate the order ID, request a return through Amazon, print a prepaid shipping label, carefully package the item, and ship it back promptly within the return window. Once received and processed, you will be emailed an Amazon gift card for the item‘s full purchase price amount.
Amazon makes returns hassle-free. Don‘t feel bad about exchanging unwanted gifts for something you‘ll really appreciate. The gift sender will be none the wiser!
