How much does Amazon charge for returning video games?

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GBAstar

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I bought about 9 games from Amazon last week across three orders. As soon as they arrived they became significantly on Amazon as Amazon had just PM'd Gamestop's sale.

Some of the game I purchased where Batman: AC GOTY, Batman: AA GOTY, Mortal Kombat Komplete etc.

Anyways it turned out if I had made the exact same order it would have been roughly ~ $80 cheaper.

I know Amazon doesn't price match but I thought I'd contact a CSR and try anyways.

The CSR suggested I return the games and replace the order. I was worried about A) Return shipping costs and B) the return effecting my account status but the CSR rep said she would create the label and make a note not to charge me return shipping fees and that the return would have no effect on my account what-so-ever.


Well today I received the refund and had over $25 removed from the refund for return shipping fees. Even though all orders were combined into one shipment they deducted shipping fees for each order.

I could have mailed these games back myself for less then $7 via USPS.

I figured Amazon being who they are would be understanding and resolve the issue....


...Eventually they did but I had to contact three different CSR agent and each one told me that the amount of the return and the amount deducted from the return for shipping costs is determind by the return processing center?

Is this true?

I always thought it was just a flat rate (I think $5) to return something.
 
I just did my first amazon return and they mailed me a return label.

You should have requested to print it. Everyone I know who has returned just prints pre-paid labels.
 
[quote name='needler420']I just did my first amazon return and they mailed me a return label.

You should have requested to print it. Everyone I know who has returned just prints pre-paid labels.[/QUOTE]


^ That's what I did. The Amazon CSR sent me a link for three labels (one for each order). She told me to combine all the games from all three orders into one box and attach one of the three labels on the outside of the box. She said to put the other two labels and all three RMA return sheets inside the box.

She said it didn't matter what label I decided to use and that I wouldn't be charged for the return.
 
Unless they set up the return in a specific way, you'll be billed for using their return label and it'll be deducted from the return value of the order. Since you'd be using one return label for three orders, the cost of the label will be higher than the quote, since the label cost is assuming the same number of items shipped back as were shipped out to you.

I always self-fund my return postage for returning items back to Amazon so I don't have the return value of their label deducted from the return.

Since it looks like you did a UPS return because they deducted $25 from the return value, which would be three labels for three video game items (2-3 lbs), the cost is about right. If they set up the RMA for you, then you would have never seen the return label cost. If you go through the return process yourself, you'll see where it'll list the cost of the return label if you use yours, and provide the option for a self-funded return.

You might be able to complain to them about the return costs not being discussed when they set up the return labels, though don't plan on it going in your favor. If the rep did note the orders correctly, you should be able to email them or call them to get your return shipping costs back. That assumes you have it in some form that could be reproduced like an email. Verbal might be your word against theirs if they conveniently forget about the return charge refund.
 
[quote name='GBAstar']^ That's what I did. The Amazon CSR sent me a link for three labels (one for each order). She told me to combine all the games from all three orders into one box and attach one of the three labels on the outside of the box. She said to put the other two labels and all three RMA return sheets inside the box.

She said it didn't matter what label I decided to use and that I wouldn't be charged for the return.[/QUOTE]


If they billed you then speak to another CSR. I did my first return so they covered return cost.
In fact today not only did I request a physcial return label ( which I got a ( UPS label in 24 hours on my door step) I contacted them back and said no amazon not good enough. I demand a USPS return label. Because UPS drops offs are too far to make this return worth it. Sure enough they listened to my demands.

If you spend good money on there they work with you, you have to step your game up or be all gullible like squarehead.
 
The $5 you're thinking of was how much Amazon estimates for return shipping- actual amounts are deducted based on how much they're billed by UPS or USPS. What sucks now is that Amazon no longer lets you ship it yourself since they use UPS so you'll pay up the ass to return stuff.

Also, take heed to what Squarehard said. Amazon is seriously cracking down on returns/exchanges. And when they ban you man, do they ban you...
 
[quote name='Vinny']The $5 you're thinking of was how much Amazon estimates for return shipping- actual amounts are deducted based on how much they're billed by UPS or USPS. What sucks now is that Amazon no longer lets you ship it yourself since they use UPS so you'll pay up the ass to return stuff.

Also, take heed to what Squarehard said. Amazon is seriously cracking down on returns/exchanges. And when they ban you man, do they ban you...[/QUOTE]




Each return mailing label is uniquely assigned to a specific return. In order to ensure that you receive the correct refund, please do not include items from other orders or other shipments in the same box. Every shipment must be returned using a separate mailing label.
Return shipping costs may be deducted from your refund depending on the reason for return. Visit Calculating Refund Amounts for more information


If you're just returing for no reason at all you will pay return shipping. If you're returning for a price match or like me damaged products then you won't pay return shipping.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
[quote name='shrike4242']Unless they set up the return in a specific way, you'll be billed for using their return label and it'll be deducted from the return value of the order. Since you'd be using one return label for three orders, the cost of the label will be higher than the quote, since the label cost is assuming the same number of items shipped back as were shipped out to you.

I always self-fund my return postage for returning items back to Amazon so I don't have the return value of their label deducted from the return.

Since it looks like you did a UPS return because they deducted $25 from the return value, which would be three labels for three video game items (2-3 lbs), the cost is about right. If they set up the RMA for you, then you would have never seen the return label cost. If you go through the return process yourself, you'll see where it'll list the cost of the return label if you use yours, and provide the option for a self-funded return.

You might be able to complain to them about the return costs not being discussed when they set up the return labels, though don't plan on it going in your favor.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='needler420']If they billed you then speak to another CSR. I did my first return so they covered return cost.
In fact today not only did I request a physcial return label ( which I got a ( UPS label in 24 hours on my door step) I contacted them back and said no amazon not good enough. I demand a USPS return label. Because UPS drops offs are too far to make this return worth it. Sure enough they listened to my demands.

If you spend good money on there they work with you, you have to step your game up or be all gullible like squarehead.[/QUOTE]



Well thanks for the information. Based onwhat I've read in previous threads about people ordering games and then the price dropping I always assumed it was just like $5 regardless of the item.

I can't believe they tried to deduct ~ $25 for a box that weighed less then three lbs.

On a similar note with the way online business have been running I have a hard time accepting that Amazon bills for return shipping... at all.

I know you can make up some excuse and attribute the return to an error on AZ's behalf and you'll be covered but I can think of quite a few retailers that don't charge for return shipping regardless of the reason.
 
[quote name='GBAstar']Well thanks for the information. Based onwhat I've read in previous threads about people ordering games and then the price dropping I always assumed it was just like $5 regardless of the item.

I can't believe they tried to deduct ~ $25 for a box that weighed less then three lbs.

On a similar note with the way online business have been running I have a hard time accepting that Amazon bills for return shipping... at all.

I know you can make up some excuse and attribute the return to an error on AZ's behalf and you'll be covered but I can think of quite a few retailers that don't charge for return shipping regardless of the reason.[/QUOTE]
read above I edited.
 
[quote name='needler420']You should read the amazon TOS on returns before you sound as gullbile as square head.

Each return mailing label is uniquely assigned to a specific return. In order to ensure that you receive the correct refund, please do not include items from other orders or other shipments in the same box. Every shipment must be returned using a separate mailing label.
Return shipping costs may be deducted from your refund depending on the reason for return. Visit Calculating Refund Amounts for more information


If you're just returing for no reason at all you will pay return shipping. If you're returning for a price match or like me damaged products then you won't pay return shipping.[/QUOTE]


Well I wish I took a screen shot of the chat I had with the CSR agent. She specifically said to put all the games, from the three orders, in one box. I was told to use one shipping label of my choice and put the other two in the box, along with the three RMA sheets.

I confirmed this information with her twice.

I tried to see if the followup e-mail contained our chat but of course it just contains automated links pertaining to different policies which I didnt, but should have read.

Thanks though for all the information. Good to know.

[quote name='needler420']read above I edited.[/QUOTE]


^ That's the thing. I was returning for a PM. The price on Batman AC GOTY went from $4x.xx to $29.99 and MK Komplete went from $3x.xx to $19.99. At the time I contacted AZ both items were back ordered but you could place an order and wait 2-3 weeks for stock to be refilled.

The CSR agent said any status of an item that reads "will ship in x-y weeks" means they are technically OOS so she wouldn't issue me a credit but urged me to return and reorder.

Anyways the CSR's I spoke to today said if you return because of a lower price, even a lower price on the same item offered by Amazon then you are stuck paying return shipping.

It's really not a big deal and I'm not mad I just didn't know any of this and I'm glad I do.

I almost NEVER return items. I absolutely hate doing it because I feel like I should be responsible for my purchases and impulses. But this was a major price difference.
 
[quote name='needler420']If you're just returing for no reason at all you will pay return shipping. If you're returning for a price match or like me damaged products then you won't pay return shipping.[/QUOTE]Not true.

If you have an item that is damaged in shipment or defective within the 30 day return policy, you won't pay for the return shipping. They'll take care of it.

Returning for a "price match" is still a non-defective/non-damaged return, and you're paying for the return shipping, either self-funded or their return label "value" deducted from the return. They won't cover it unless you bitch a lot and get a CSR that will make an exception.

[quote name='GBAstar']Well thanks for the information. Based onwhat I've read in previous threads about people ordering games and then the price dropping I always assumed it was just like $5 regardless of the item.

I can't believe they tried to deduct ~ $25 for a box that weighed less then three lbs.

On a similar note with the way online business have been running I have a hard time accepting that Amazon bills for return shipping... at all.

I know you can make up some excuse and attribute the return to an error on AZ's behalf and you'll be covered but I can think of quite a few retailers that don't charge for return shipping regardless of the reason.[/QUOTE]You returned three orders, and their return label costs for a three-item order is around $8 via a UPS return label. Three orders like that, it's 3x the return label cost, since they were charged more for the label you used for 9 items that was purchased to return 3 items.

If you return items from Amazon that aren't defective or damaged, you always self-fund the return, no matter what. It'll be cheaper, or worst case, as expensive. Never more expensive.

[quote name='Vinny']The $5 you're thinking of was how much Amazon estimates for return shipping- actual amounts are deducted based on how much they're billed by UPS or USPS. What sucks now is that Amazon no longer lets you ship it yourself since they use UPS so you'll pay up the ass to return stuff.

Also, take heed to what Squarehard said. Amazon is seriously cracking down on returns/exchanges. And when they ban you man, do they ban you...[/QUOTE]Unless the policy changed in the last couple of weeks, you can always self-fund your return. They can't force you to use their return label, though the USPS option is gone, I think. It's their label as UPS or self-funded return.

[quote name='GBAstar']Well I wish I took a screen shot of the chat I had with the CSR agent. She specifically said to put all the games, from the three orders, in one box. I was told to use one shipping label of my choice and put the other two in the box, along with the three RMA sheets.

I confirmed this information with her twice.

I tried to see if the followup e-mail contained our chat but of course it just contains automated links pertaining to different policies which I didnt, but should have read.

Thanks though for all the information. Good to know.[/QUOTE]As long as it's documented somewhere and you can refer to it with a future communication with Amazon, then you should get your money back from a one-time exception.
 
It goes both ways on price matching. Not always do you have to pay return shipping. 90% of the time amazon does the price match and just issues you credit and doesn't even make you return it. It depends on the CSR you get.

You even said if you bitch a lot you won't have to. Not to mention how many people are CAG price match on amazon without paying to return? Like everyone I see does it.

Some people are gullible enough to still pay for shipping even when their item is damaged.
 
[quote name='shrike4242']

As long as it's documented somewhere and you can refer to it with a future communication with Amazon, then you should get your money back from a one-time exception.[/QUOTE]

The third AZ CRS agent I spoke to made the exception (reimbursing me for return shipping costs) based on me telling him/her to see if they could find the chat documentation (I know they keep records of this).

Oh well. Lesson learned.
 
[quote name='needler420']If you spend good money on there they work with you, you have to step your game up or be all gullible like squarehead.[/QUOTE]

Since you're not talking about me I won't take offense, although I think you might have a problem with that squarehead fellow.
 
[quote name='Squarehard']Since you're not talking about me I won't take offense, although I think you might have a problem with that squarehead fellow.[/QUOTE]


No. Just saying your gullbile at times is all lol. You're trying to scare him off and not get his return shipping back.
 
[quote name='needler420']No. Just saying your gullbile at times is all lol. You're trying to scare him off and not get his return shipping back.[/QUOTE]

I wasn't even aware my comment was supposed to be taken seriously. Now who's gullible? ;)
 
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