An e-commerce network like Amazon rarely makes mistakes. However, when they do or send the wrong item, there is a resolution process to follow. You are in the right place if Amazon recently sent you the wrong item.
When a customer receives a wrong package, it may be because the item is in the wrong size or the seller sent a completely different package. Error during sorting (at Amazon hub) might also be responsible.
This guide covers the steps to resolve this issue and how long it usually takes. You will also discover what returnless refunds mean and ways to avoid delivery mistakes.
Amazon Sent The Wrong Item: What Should You Do?
Contact customer service for a refund or replacement. Please note that you must do this within 30 days of receiving the wrong item. Otherwise, you must pay to return the item and get a replacement.
Follow the steps below to get a refund or replacement:
- Login to your Amazon account
- Navigate to the “Your Orders” to view recent orders.
- Select the order with the item you want to replace
- Click on “Return & Replace items” next to the item
- Select the reason for returning the item from the dropdown that pops up
- Click on “Start Return & Replacement” as your return option
- If you select “I need more help,” you will either have to call or use LiveChat
- Select your preferred return method
- Print out the return and authorization label
- Affix the label on the package and drop it off or schedule a pickup.
Note: Ensure you obtain a tracking number from the drop-off station or local postal office after dropping the package. This will help you track and confirm when Amazon receives the item.
After submitting your request or speaking with a customer service agent, Amazon will investigate your order to determine the best resolution.
If you opt for a refund, Amazon will refund you the amount you paid for the item and other fees involved (such as refund postage and import fee). You will get the same package or another one with equal monetary value for replacements.
How Long Will It Take For Amazon To Process Your Refund Request?
Amazon will process your refund within 2 business days. However, the process preceding this action (the investigation to confirm that you received the wrong item) can take the entire process up to 25 days or a month.
Once your refund request is approved, you must wait about 3 to 5 days for the money to reflect in your bank account. An account may take 10 days to be linked to a debit card.
Why Did Amazon Refund You Without Return?
This is called a returnless refund. It is a unique type of refund that allows Amazon sellers to compensate buyers for incorrect or damaged orders without requesting them to return the item.
In other words, you can file for a replacement or refund and will get it without returning the initial (wrong) item. This method fosters a faster return process.
It eliminates waiting for the wrong item before completing the resolution process. Buyers will even receive their refunds quicker – sometimes, within a day.
Do Amazon Sellers Lose Money on Returns?
Sellers bear the cost of returns. When Amazon reimburses you with the total amount you paid for an item, they deduct that same amount or part of it from the FBA seller’s account.
The cost of returns may rise significantly depending on the time of the year and other factors. Too many returns (for example, after Christmas) will increase your return costs and reduce your annual profit as an Amazon seller.
3 Proven Ways to Reduce Return Costs
You can optimize or reduce return costs as a seller in several ways. Here are the most effective ones you should consider:
1. Understand why customers are returning your products
The Amazon Seller Board is a user-friendly module that provides accurate numbers on return costs and classifies returns based on customer feedback.
Select a specific date range and click the refund quantity for a particular item. The new window should show you a complete breakdown of the refund activities within the selected period.
You may notice that the majority of complaints are size-related or due to misunderstanding the details of your product. With this insight, it becomes very easy to reduce return costs once you spot what is responsible.
2. Optimize product imagery
You should also optimize the images on every product description page. Include the correct size and dimension for each item and take pictures in a real environment (with natural lighting).
In addition, if you sell products with 5 different color options and two color options are out of stock, optimize the product only for the colors available. Go back to default once you have restocked.
3. Improve texts and product descriptions
A clear description ensures buyers understand what they are about to purchase before they place an order. Economically, it is better to have no customer than a customer who buys and returns the product.
FAQs
How can you contact Amazon about an incorrect order?
You can contact Amazon by:
- Calling 1-888-280-4331 (this number is active 24/7)
- Sending an email to cs-reply@amazon.com (Amazon’s customer service email address)
What to do if Amazon sends you two Items?
Keep both items or return one to the seller. Amazon will charge you for the extra item (if you decide to keep both) or refund you the incurred shipping fee (if you return it).
What to do if you accidentally return the wrong item to Amazon?
Contact customer service. Getting a refund or replacement for this scenario may be difficult or require a longer wait time.
The Bottom Line
You can easily initiate a return process for a wrong item sent by Amazon by following the steps explained in this guide. You will either get a replacement or a refund after completing the process.
Remember, Amazon has a 30-day return policy. You must return the wrong item within 30 days of receiving it. Failure to abide by this policy means you will pay for the return process.
Sellers should ensure the products on their page feature accurate descriptions and images. Buyers should also read product descriptions carefully before placing an order.
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, please see who Amazon ships with.
Thanks for reading.
