May 24, 2024, 9:01 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Those who enjoy shopping on Amazon will need to note an important change in the future. This concerns the return period and has taken effect today.
Amazon was a pioneer in customer service for a long time. Fast deliveries, long return periods, and hassle-free returns were just some of the services the retailer offered. However, this has changed over time. Amazon is gradually cutting back on these benefits. From now on, anyone wishing to return certain products to Amazon must be aware of an important change to the return period.
Overview
Amazon return period more than halved
Amazon had already communicated the new return regulations in advance through an in-house forum. The online shipping giant announced two months ago that for goods purchased from March 25, 2024, a shortened return period will apply. Instead of up to 30 days, buyers will have only 14 days to return products.
This may initially seem like a drastic cut. However, the company is merely aligning with the generally applicable right of withdrawal, which also provides for a 14-day period–Amazon customers previously enjoyed a special advantage in this regard.
From March 25 to April 25, there was a transitional period during which customers could apply for a 30-day return period through the online return center. This had to be justified and approved by Amazon. The period has now expired, so the new return regulations are in effect. After 14 days, customers can no longer return items. This also applies to Prime members, as Amazon TECHBOOK confirmed upon request.
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These product groups are affected
For now, the change only applies to certain items, mostly in the technical sector. This includes categories such as electronics, cameras, computers, wireless, video games, music, and video/DVD. But Amazon is also shortening the period for office supplies. Excluded from this are Amazon’s own devices and Amazon Renewed products. The new return period is displayed on the respective product detail page.
Amazon told TECHBOOK in a statement: “We will adjust the return window for selected products in the electronics sector. The return policy and return date will continue to be clearly marked under the product price. We will also continue to offer free and convenient returns for most items delivered within Germany.”
Exceptions for customers and sellers
However, if you purchase items not shipped by Amazon, an exception is supposed to apply. Sellers must also offer a return period of at least 14 days (which corresponds to the portal’s requirements as well as the law), but they are generally allowed to extend this period. They can update their own policies accordingly.
For customers, it is important to pay close attention when shopping online to see who exactly is providing the goods. Those who wish to benefit from a more generous return period should contact the external seller directly, not Amazon.