Your Complete Guide to Exchanging Items Ordered on Amazon
Hey there! If you‘re like most Amazon shoppers, you‘ve probably had to exchange an item at some point. But between return time limits, product exclusions, and packaging requirements, Amazon‘s exchange process can be confusing!
As an experienced e-commerce seller, I‘ve helped thousands of customers exchange Amazon orders smoothly. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll clear up the entire exchange process for you, provide insider tips, and help you avoid hassles down the road.
Let‘s dive in to exchanging Amazon purchases like a pro! I‘ll cover:
- How to easily process exchanges on Amazon
- What items Amazon won‘t allow to be exchanged
- Key exchange time limits
- Where you can make Amazon exchanges
- Original packaging requirements
- When Amazon may waive returning the original item
I‘ll also include handy data, real-life examples, and expert advice so you can master Amazon exchanges. Ready? Let‘s do this!
Processing Exchanges on Amazon in 3 Simple Steps
When you need to swap an item purchased on Amazon, the process is thankfully straightforward:
Step 1: Start the Return
Log into your Amazon account, go to Your Orders, and select “Return or replace items” for the order with the item to exchange.
Step 2: Select Your Exchange Reason
Choose the reason you’re exchanging from the drop-down menu. Be accurate here – the wrong reason can cause issues later!
Step 3: Confirm the Exchange
Verify all details of the exchange, and Amazon will automatically create a replacement order using the same shipping speed.
And that‘s it – Amazon makes exchanging super simple when you act quickly!
Now let‘s get into key details about Amazon exchange policies so you know what to expect.
11 Products Amazon Won‘t Allow You to Exchange
While almost anything bought on Amazon is exchangeable, there are a few exceptions. Here are 11 common product categories excluded from exchanges:
- Laptops, desktops, and Kindles (after 30 days)
- Select health/personal care items
- Customized or handmade goods
- Digital music purchases
- Gift cards
- Hazardous materials
- Live animals and plants
- Food/pet food
- Printed photos
- Prepaid game/phone cards
- Software downloads
For these items, returns for refunds are still possible within 30 days of delivery (or extended holiday dates). But exchanging for a replacement isn’t allowed.
Before buying electronics, food, or custom items on Amazon, check the return policy carefully if having the option to exchange will be important to you.
When You Can and Can‘t Exchange Amazon Purchases
Beyond which products are exchangeable, timing is crucial when exchanging Amazon orders. Here are the key time limits:
January 1 – September 30
Standard 30 day exchange window from delivery date. If you miss this deadline, you‘re out of luck!
October 1 – December 31
Any items delivered during this period can be exchanged until January 31 of the following year.
For example, an item you received on October 15, 2022 would be eligible for exchange until January 31, 2023 – over 100 days from the delivery date!
This extended holiday return window gives you plenty of time to exchange gifts or any other purchases. Take advantage of it if you need to!
Items Ordered After December 31
Only a standard 30 day exchange window applies, even if it‘s the holiday season.
So a purchase made on January 5, 2023 would still need to be exchanged by February 4, 2023. The extended holiday timeframe no longer applies.
Here‘s a quick table summarizing Amazon‘s exchange deadlines:
Order Delivery Date | Exchange Deadline |
---|---|
January 1 – September 30 | 30 days from delivery |
October 1 – December 31 | January 31 of following year |
After December 31 | 30 days from delivery |
Now you know exactly when you need to exchange by! But don‘t cut it too close – I see many customers miss the return deadline by just a few days and get stuck with the original item.
Set a reminder on your phone when you purchase an item you may exchange so you don‘t forget. Leaving the tags on gifts can provide a helpful visual reminder too.
Exchanging Amazon Orders at Kohl‘s – Does It Work?
Kohl’s department stores now have Amazon return kiosks to let customers return eligible purchases. But can you make exchanges there too?
Unfortunately, Kohl‘s locations don‘t handle Amazon exchanges – their kiosks are for Amazon returns only.
When starting an exchange on Amazon‘s website, Kohl‘s may show up as a return shipping option for the original item if eligible. Otherwise, you‘ll need to use the standard mail return.
My advice? Don‘t count on exchanging Amazon orders at Kohl‘s unless you see the in-store drop-off option given to you when processing the exchange online. Stick to mailing items back to be safe.
Amazon Requires Original Packaging for Exchanges
When sending back an item for exchange, Amazon wants it in the original box with all accessories, parts, manuals, etc. intact.
This helps get the item back to re-sellable condition faster. If the packaging or contents seem altered, your exchange could be rejected.
My tips as a seller for keeping packages exchange-ready:
- Carefully open boxes on the bottom/sides so they can be re-taped closed
- Don‘t throw out packaging right after opening
- Keep instruction booklets and accessories together
- Return all promotional gifts that came with the item
- Keep uneaten food in original containers to avoid partial refunds
Following those simple steps helps guarantee a smooth, hassle-free exchange!
When Amazon May Waive Returning the Original Item
Typically Amazon requires the original item to be shipped back to them when you exchange it. This prevents you from getting both the original and replacement.
But in some cases, Amazon may allow a "no-return" exchange where you don‘t have to send the original back.
This is most common for extra large, heavy, or hazardous products where return shipping costs would be prohibitive.
Some examples of exchanges where Amazon may not require the original item returned:
- Bulky furniture like couches or beds
- Car or equipment batteries
- 10+ pound bags of pet food
- Mattresses
When processing the exchange, check if “No return required” is an option as your reason. If it doesn’t appear, you likely have to mail back the original item.
Pro Tip: Don‘t assume an exchange doesn‘t require a return unless Amazon explicitly gives the “No return required” choice. Doing a no-return exchange improperly can result in charges for both items!
Key Takeaways for a Smooth Exchange Process
Exchanging Amazon purchases is easy when you follow their policies. Here are the key points:
- Start within 30 days of delivery – or extended holiday dates if eligible
- Select the right exchange reason so your request isn‘t rejected
- Not all items can be exchanged – check policies if that matters
- Use original packaging when sending back the item
- You may have to return the original to avoid double charges
Hope this guide gave you an in-depth look at exchanging Amazon orders! Let me know in the comments if you need any other tips. And don‘t hesitate to exchange an item that doesn‘t work for you – when done right, Amazon makes it painless.