What Happens If I Get Someone Else‘s Amazon Package?
As an experienced Amazon seller, whenever a customer contacts me saying they received someone else‘s package from Amazon, I explain that they are not obligated to do anything with it legally per the FTC. However, returning the package prevents issues with Amazon and is the right thing to do if possible. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share exactly what to do step-by-step if you receive an Amazon package addressed to someone else, with insights from my years as a top-rated seller.
Overview: What to Do If You Get Someone Else‘s Amazon Package
If you receive an Amazon package that is clearly addressed to someone else, here is an overview of what to do:
Double check the name and shipping address to confirm it‘s not actually for you or someone in your household. Mistakes happen!
If it‘s not yours, contact Amazon Customer Service right away to notify them of the incorrect delivery.
Do not open the package as you want to keep it sealed.
Amazon will email you a prepaid shipping label to return the unopened package at no cost.
Print the label, reseal the original box, tape the label on top, and drop it off at any UPS location or schedule a free pickup.
Once the tracking shows delivered back to Amazon, you‘re all set!
While you have no legal obligation to return the package per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Amazon expects and appreciates you returning any incorrect orders to avoid issues.
Now let‘s get into the details…
Always Double Check the Package
Before contacting Amazon about someone else‘s package showing up at your door, be 100% certain it isn‘t yours.
I can‘t tell you how many times a customer has contacted me, convinced the package they received from Amazon was not theirs. But after double checking their order history, it turns out their spouse had secretly ordered a gift for them!
So before doing anything, closely inspect the shipping label and contents:
Match the recipient name & address to someone in your household. Misdeliveries often go to neighbors.
Check your Amazon order history. Sometimes people forget their own orders!
Look for a gift message hinting that it‘s for you from a family member.
If you still believe it‘s not for you, then move on to the next steps of contacting Amazon.
Amazon Recommends Returning Incorrect Packages
If you contact Amazon Customer Service about receiving a package for someone else, they will advise you to return it to them unopened using a prepaid shipping label.
Some customers think Amazon will tell them to just keep the package. While you don‘t legally have to return the item per the FTC, Amazon does expect and request that you send back any incorrect orders.
Why return the package if you don‘t have to? Here are a few benefits:
You avoid any risk of your Amazon account being closed. Amazon has banned customers in the past for keeping incorrect orders.
It ensures the original buyer gets their package. How would you feel if an expensive item you bought never arrived because someone else kept it?
It‘s the honest thing to do. We all hope that if our packages were misdelivered, the recipient would make an effort to return them.
No hassle. Amazon provides the prepaid label, box, and pickup, so returning is quick and easy.
While you could technically keep the package, it goes against Amazon‘s policies and may cause issues later if they investigate. That‘s why I always advise immediately returning any incorrect orders.
You Are Not Legally Obligated to Return It
I‘m often asked if customers are legally required to return an Amazon package sent to them by mistake.
The answer is no, you are not legally obligated according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
"You have no legal obligation to pay for unordered merchandise or to return unordered merchandise to the seller." – Federal Trade Commission
However, Amazon is a unique case for a few reasons:
Since Amazon handles fulfillment and shipping, the "mistake" was on their end.
Their terms require customers to return orders affected by fulfillment errors.
They can ban you from ordering if you violate their policies.
So while legally you could keep the package under federal law, Amazon expects it to be returned to avoid issues. Keep this nuance in mind!
How to Return Someone Else‘s Amazon Package
Whenever a customer contacts me about receiving someone else‘s package, I advise them to immediately alert Amazon for guidance.
Here is exactly what Amazon will have you do to return an incorrect order:
Contact Amazon Customer Service via phone, chat, or your account and explain your situation fully. Be ready to provide the order number from the shipping label.
Amazon will email you a UPS return label within 1 business day. This will allow you to ship the unopened package directly back to Amazon at no cost.
Carefully package up the original order with all contents and box the item in its original packaging. Tape the UPS return label on top.
Drop off the package at any UPS location or schedule a free pickup. USPS can also accept the return if more convenient for you.
Once the tracking shows delivered back to Amazon, you‘re all set! It‘s that simple.
Should You Try Returning It to the Buyer?
When a package isn‘t yours, your first instinct may be to contact the buyer directly and offer to ship it to them. However, this is usually more complicated.
While well intentioned, here‘s why it‘s best to go through Amazon instead:
You don‘t have a prepaid shipping label, so you‘ll pay out of pocket. Could be $10-$20 depending on weight.
It‘s an invasion of privacy to track down a stranger‘s address and contact info.
If the package gets lost or damaged now, you may be responsible since you took possession of it.
The buyer will likely just tell you to start Amazon‘s return process anyway.
The only scenario I recommend contacting the buyer directly is if you happen to know each other personally – like being neighbors or relatives. In that case, arranging a simple dropoff is fine.
Otherwise, stick to Amazon‘s recommended return procedure. As the shipper, it‘s their responsibility to get every package to the right buyer.
Can You Really Keep Someone Else‘s Amazon Order?
Keep in mind that just because you can legally keep an incorrectly delivered Amazon package doesn‘t mean you necessarily should.
But customers often wonder – what happens if you do decide to keep the package? Here are the potential consequences:
The buyer will quickly notice they‘re missing the package and report it to Amazon. At best, you‘ll just get a replacement item sent to the actual buyer.
Amazon may notice a pattern, research the situation, and determine you kept orders incorrectly delivered to you in the past.
They may ban you from ordering on Amazon in the future to avoid further issues.
In some cases, they may attempt to bill your payment method on file for keeping the item.
Unless the order is something inexpensive like food or beauty items, it‘s not worth risking your Amazon account by keeping mistaken packages. Issuing a quick return is better for everyone in the long run.
The only situation I could understand keeping an incorrect order is if months went by with no reports that the package went missing. At that point, the sender likely has written it off. But play it safe and stick to Amazon‘s recommended return policy whenever possible.
Could It Be an Amazon Brushing Scam?
While extremely rare, receiving an unsolicited Amazon package could be part of a scam known as "brushing." Here are some signs to watch out for:
The package does not have an official Amazon shipping label on it. It may just be a handwritten address label instead.
The return address is an individual‘s name, not an Amazon warehouse.
Inside is a packing slip requesting you test and review an unknown product.
You recently entered an online giveaway before receiving the package.
Brushing scammers send unsolicited items to boost product ratings. They target giveaway entries to obtain addresses.
If you suspect the package is part of a brushing scam, report it to Amazon immediately and return it following their guidelines. Never test or review unsolicited products, as that helps brushing scammers.
How to Prevent Amazon Delivery Mixups
Mistakes happen, but there are some steps you can take to avoid getting the wrong Amazon packages in the future:
Double check your shipping address is correct in your Amazon account.
Add specific delivery instructions like "front door" or "side gate."
Consider using Amazon Lockers for pickup instead of home delivery.
Carefully inspect shipping labels before accepting packages from drivers.
If you live in an apartment or dense neighborhood, be extra cautious checking names before taking packages.
Request signature confirmation on high value orders.
Staying vigilant goes a long way, but honest mistakes still occur. Now you know how to handle it if an Amazon order meant for your neighbor ends up on your doorstep.
What If You Are Missing Your Own Amazon Package?
It‘s incredibly frustrating when you‘re expecting an Amazon delivery and it never arrives. If your tracking shows delivered, but you can‘t find the package, here‘s what to do:
Double check around the delivery location for hiding spots drivers may have used. Sometimes packages get tucked in discreet areas.
Ask neighbors if they may have received your package by mistake. Providing the order number from your Amazon account helps.
Contact Amazon Customer Service to report a missing order. Select the "I can‘t find my package" option.
An Amazon rep will open an investigation. This typically takes 1 business day.
If the package is not found, Amazon will offer a replacement order or refund. Signature may be required on future deliveries.
If you suspect theft, consider a camera doorbell and delivery locker going forward.
It‘s very frustrating to have a missing order. But Amazon‘s excellent customer service will make it right with a replacement shipment or refund. Be sure to take preventative measures so it doesn‘t happen again!
Conclusion: Returning Orders Mistakenly Delivered to You
We all rely on Amazon getting our packages directly to us. But occasionally, you may wind up with a delivery meant for your neighbor. Legally, you can keep it – but avoid problems by alertly notifying Amazon.
To summarize how to handle someone else‘s Amazon package:
Confirm it‘s not yours by checking names, labels, and order history closely.
Contact Amazon ASAP to notify them of the incorrect delivery.
Follow their return procedure using a provided UPS label.
Drop off the unopened package at a UPS location or schedule a free pickup.
Breathe easy knowing you helped make the situation right!
While not legally forced, returning the order is the honest thing to do. Amazon‘s excellent customer service makes it simple and easy for you.
I hope these insider tips from an experienced seller help you handle any future Amazon delivery mixups smoothly. Let me know if you have any other questions!
