Not sure if you can return your Amazon purchase?
Can you return an item to Amazon? Check eligibility first
30-Day Change of Mind: Most items sold on Amazon Australia are eligible for return within 30 days of delivery, as long as they’re unused, unopened, and in original condition with all packaging and accessories included.
Exclusions: You cannot return:
- Digital downloads (eBooks, software, subscriptions).
- Hazardous items (e.g. flammable goods).
- Gift cards or prepaid cards.
- Health and consumable products.
- Any product listed in Amazon’s “Items that Can’t be Returned” page.
Third-Party Sellers: Marketplace items may follow different return rules. Always check the individual seller’s return policy. If a seller refuses a valid return, you’re protected under Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee.
Faulty or Incorrect Items: If your item is damaged, faulty, or not as described, you can return it even after 30 days under Australian Consumer Law. Amazon supports returns or replacements for defective items well beyond the standard period, especially for electronics and Amazon devices.
How to return an item to Amazon
1. Start Your Return: Log into your Amazon account → “Your Orders” → “Return or Replace Items.” For Marketplace orders, it may say “Return Request.”
2. Select Items & Reason: Choose the item(s) to return and pick a reason (e.g. “Changed my mind” or “Item defective”). Add extra comments if needed.
3. Return or Replace: For Amazon-fulfilled items, proceed to return options. For Marketplace items, click “Submit Return Request” and wait for seller response (up to 2 business days).
4. Get Your Label or QR Code: Amazon may provide:
- A prepaid Australia Post label.
- A QR code for label-free drop-off.
- Manual return instructions if you must ship it yourself.
5. Pack Carefully: Use original packaging if possible. Include all items and manuals. Insert the return slip if provided.
6. Drop Off or Send: Drop off at a Post Office or ParcelPoint (if offered). Retain your tracking receipt. Monitor progress via “Your Orders” > “Track return.”
💡 Tip: For gifts, go to Amazon’s Return a Gift page with your gift receipt/order number to start a gift return. Refunds are usually issued as Amazon credit.
Amazon return timeframes and item conditions
30-Day Return Window: You have 30 days from delivery to initiate a return for change-of-mind. Outside this period, Amazon’s system may block standard return options (except for faulty items).
Condition Expectations: Items must be returned in their original condition (unused and unopened). Used or opened items may be rejected or refunded at a reduced rate.
Free Returns Eligibility: Look for “Free Returns” on the product page. If marked, your return shipping is fully covered.
Faulty or Incorrect Items: These can be returned anytime under ACL. Use “Item defective” or “Wrong item received” as the return reason. Amazon usually waives return fees and may offer instant replacements or refunds.
Large Items: Special arrangements may apply for bulky returns (e.g. courier pickup or manual drop-off). Amazon’s returns portal will guide you based on item type and location.
Who pays for Amazon return shipping?
Free Returns: Products marked “Free Returns” come with prepaid Australia Post or ParcelPoint shipping.
Paid Returns: If no free return label is offered:
- Amazon deducts $7 (domestic) or $16 (Global Store) from your refund if you use their prepaid label.
- You cover the full return postage if arranging your own shipping.
Heavy Items: Large item returns may incur up to $50 in return shipping fees (deducted from your refund). This is shown during the return setup.
Original Shipping Not Refunded: Any delivery fees paid (e.g. for expedited shipping) are non-refundable on change-of-mind returns.
Return Drop-off: Use Australia Post or designated ParcelPoint locations. Just follow the label instructions.
Amazon refunds after a return - how and when you’ll get your money back
Refund Timeline: Most refunds are processed:
- Within 2–7 business days after Amazon receives the return.
- Or immediately after the return is scanned (for some orders).
Full Refunds: You’ll be refunded the purchase price minus any return shipping fees (if applicable).
Instant Refunds: Some orders qualify for instant refunds after a return is initiated and scanned - especially for Prime users or low-value items.
Refund Method: Refunded to your original payment method. If paid with a gift card, the credit goes back to your Amazon balance. If your card is closed, contact Amazon for alternative refund arrangements.
Notifications: Amazon will email you once the refund is issued. You can check refund status anytime via “Your Orders.”
Amazon cases submitted through Ajust
I tried returning a steam mop that didn’t work, but my Amazon app froze and wiped my purchase history. Without proof, I couldn’t get a barcode or talk to anyone who could help. I’m on a pension-this return really mattered. - Jacqueline
Amazon confirmed by chat and email they’d refund my iPhone repair, so I went ahead with it. But when I sent the receipt, they backtracked and pushed me to the seller-who only refunded a phone case. I lost $879 on a return they approved. - Minne
I asked Amazon to partially refund a damaged item, but they insisted I return it. With a full-time job, I can’t always run errands like that. If the damage wasn’t my fault, why should I fix it? - Verity
I redeemed a $125 gift card into an Amazon account I accidentally deleted. I never used the funds, but Amazon says they can’t retrieve the account. It feels unfair that there’s no way to track and return something that was clearly unused. - Kassapa
Customer experiences with Amazon returns
Instant Refunds: Many Aussie shoppers report receiving refunds the same day they dropped off their package.
Prime Doesn’t Mean Free Returns: Prime offers free delivery, not free return shipping. Look for “Free Returns” on the item page to avoid surprise charges.
Gift Returns Work Smoothly: Gift returns with gift receipts are refunded as Amazon credit, and many users report quick, no-fuss resolutions.
Official Amazon Returns Resources & Links
- Amazon Australia Returns & Refunds Policy – Full eligibility rules and exceptions.
- Amazon Returns Centre – Start your return online.
- Free Returns Program Info – See which items are eligible.
- A-to-Z Guarantee Protection – Learn your protection for Marketplace purchases.
- Amazon Australia Customer Service – Contact support via chat, phone, or email.
Amazon Return FAQs
Can I return any item to Amazon Australia within 30 days?
Most items can be returned to Amazon Australia within 30 days if unused and in original condition. Some items-like digital content, health products, and flammables-are excluded. To check your item’s eligibility, visit your order history and review product-specific return options. Items sold by third-party sellers may have different policies, so check the seller’s return terms. If a product is faulty or not as described, you’re protected under Australian Consumer Law, even beyond 30 days.
How do I start a return on Amazon and what do I need?
Log into your account, go to “Your Orders,” select the item, and click “Return or Replace Items.” For marketplace items, you may see “Return Request” instead. Amazon will guide you through choosing a reason, and provide a return label, QR code, or manual instructions. Always pack the item securely in original packaging if possible, include all accessories, and drop it at a post office or ParcelPoint. Keep your receipt to track the return.
Do I have to pay for return shipping to Amazon?
You don’t have to pay if your item is marked “Free Returns”-Amazon provides prepaid shipping. If it’s not, a $7 (domestic) or $16 (international) fee may be deducted from your refund. For heavy items, returns can cost up to $50. Always check the product page before buying. Faulty or incorrect items are returnable for free under Australian Consumer Law, and Amazon typically waives return fees in these cases.
When will I get my refund after returning something to Amazon?
Most refunds are processed within 2-7 business days after Amazon receives your return. In some cases, you’ll get an instant refund once your parcel is scanned-especially if you’re a Prime member or returning low-value items. Refunds go to your original payment method. If you paid with a gift card, it’s credited back to your Amazon balance. Always track the refund status under “Your Orders” to stay updated.
Every day you wait, your refund gets harder.
Don’t let the return window close. Let’s check if you’re still covered.