Do you make too many returns? Many online retailers are starting to punish this behavior.
Shopping smarts: Here are the things you can’t return to Amazon
Online retailers make it easy to get anything you want within a day or two, but that doesn’t mean you should go off on wild spending sprees. Here are five big mistakes to avoid when buying electronics on Amazon.
Buying things you don’t need is one thing, but it’s worse when you have something you can’t get rid of. While you can likely return that juicer you never used, it’s not the same for other products. Here’s what you need to know about Amazon’s return policies.
Amazon’s easy returns
Amazon makes it easy to return eligible purchases. Here are some places you can bring returnable items:
- Amazon Hub Lockers.
- UPS stores or Access Points.
- Kohl’s.
- Whole Foods.
- Physical Amazon stores.
You can also ship it yourself or schedule a pickup.
Returns are as simple as printing a label or having the facility do it for you. You don’t even need the original packaging in some cases. Just check the Your Orders page for details.
Not everything is returnable, however. There are time limits, and some items can’t be returned no matter how soon you try to send them back.
RELATED: Amazon-made cheaper versions of all these popular products
The ground rules
Amazon generally gives you 30 days to return an item after receiving it. Here are more specifics:
- Devices: Computer laptops, desktops and Kindles cannot be returned more than 30 days after delivery.
- Digital: You can’t return the following after purchase: downloadable software products, open software or online subscriptions after you accessed them.
- Cards: You can’t return gift cards (except as required by law) and prepaid game cards such as those for World of Warcraft, Xbox 360 Live or Wii Points.
- Hazardous materials: You can’t return items classified as hazardous materials or ones that use flammable liquids or gases.
- Damaged items: Nonreturnable items that arrived damaged or defective are eligible for a refund or replacement. If the refund or replacement option isn’t available in Your Orders, try contacting Amazon here.
- Miscellaneous items that might not be eligible for return:
- Any product missing the serial number or UPC.
- Grocery products.
- Items with special shipping restrictions.
- Live insects.
- Some jewelry orders.
- Some health and personal care items.
- Customized products.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
At-home Covid test prices are through the roof - How to find them in stock
The omicron variant has been causing chaos all over the country. Not only are infections at an all-time high, but thousands of flights have been canceled, creating a situation that is rife with scams.
Many people are desperate to get tested and have turned to at-home testing. These inexpensive tests can be delivered to your doorstep without going out in public.
Amazon is hiring 125K workers at $18 an hour - Check openings where you live
Whether you’re out of work or seeking a career change, the job market has been steadily improving. The economy is recovering, and employers are looking to fulfill vacant and new positions.
A job seeker’s market means competition, so how do you get your resume to the right people? And what constitutes a good resume? Tap or click here for tips to get your resume noticed.
This clever fake UPS email takes phishing scams to a whole new level
You’ve been around the internet for some time. You know the ins and outs and what to avoid. You can spot a scam from a mile away, right? Social media giveaways, car warranty calls, texts from the IRS — these tricks don’t work on you. We applaud you for your vigilance.
Sneaky ways online retailers get you to pay more
Caught off guard by your checkout total? Here’s why it’s bigger than you expected.
Shopping tip: What to do if your Amazon delivery is late
Technology has removed, in many cases, the need to go out to physical shops to buy items. Online retailers like Amazon come in handy when you don’t want to run to the store.
If you’re not a Prime member, the shipping rate can depend on the urgency of receiving the items. Some people don’t mind waiting a couple of days, but most want their package delivered as soon as possible.
Warning: A frightening new reason to stay away from weight loss drugs sold online
When a dangerous or defective product is put on the market, a recall is usually issued to remove it. This can be done voluntarily by the manufacturer or seller, or it can be mandated by a government agency such as the FDA, CPSC and FSIS.
Try this handy calculator that shows how much internet you really need
The pandemic has shown us how reliant we could become on the internet. People have been working and educating themselves remotely. Online retailers saw an increase in sales as essential and non-essential items were in high demand.
Facebook wants to become your new shopping destination - can you trust it?
In addition to being the world’s largest social media platform, Facebook is notorious for two reasons: Its hunger for data and its insane, labyrinthine advertising engine. The company draws more eyeballs for ads than anywhere else, which means it’s a perfect place for businesses to find new customers.