Small business owners love selling their products through Amazon because it expands their customer base and makes the shipping and handling process much more manageable.
But if you buy a product from an Amazon seller and wish to return it later, you may be curious about restocking fees. For example, how much of a restocking fee will you be charged?
Here is everything you need to know about the restocking fees that Amazon sellers charge!
What Is The Restocking Fee At Amazon?
The Amazon restocking fee is a percentage of the product’s price that Amazon sellers charge when an item is returned. If the product is outside the 30-day returns window, a 20% restocking fee may be charged. A 50% restocking fee may be applied for damaged goods, which will be deducted from the refund amount.
To learn how much Amazon sellers can charge in restocking fees, keep reading!
What Is A Restocking Fee?
A restocking fee is a percentage of an item’s original price that a seller will charge you upon the return of the product. A restocking fee varies based on the type of item and its condition when you return it.
Amazon sellers are only allowed to charge a restocking fee for items that were successfully returned.
Additionally, the restocking fee is taken from the refund that a seller issues you after returning an item.
Amazon lays out guidelines to direct sellers on how much to charge for a restocking fee.
When Does Amazon Charge A Restocking Fee?
If you return an item in its original condition and within the outlined return policy, a seller on Amazon is not allowed to charge a restocking fee.
However, a seller can charge a restocking fee when you return a product outside of Amazon’s return policy.
The circumstances that allow a seller to charge a restocking fee include cases where a product is:
- Used
- Damaged
- Defective
- Materially different condition
- Returns accepted beyond the return window
The best way to avoid being surprised by a restocking fee is to carefully review the seller’s and Amazon’s return policies.
Is Amazon’s Restocking Fee The Same For Every Item?
The restocking fee that Amazon sellers charge is not the same for every single item, and the price varies based on the condition and length of time it takes to return the product.
For example, there is no restocking fee if you change your mind about a purchase and return the item in its original condition or if you receive the item damaged.
You also do not have to pay a restocking fee if the product delivered to you is different from what you ordered.
However, if you change your mind about a product and return it with damage or outside the returns window, a seller can charge a restocking fee of 10% – 50% of the item’s original price (typically, it is 20%).
There is only one circumstance where you may have to pay a restocking fee of up to 100% of the product’s price if you return software or video games you have already opened.
How Does Amazon Handle Restocking Fee Disputes?
If you feel like the Amazon seller’s restocking fee is unfair, Amazon offers an opportunity to dispute your case. Contact Amazon’s Customer Service line to dispute a restocking fee and explain your situation.
The seller will also need to file the necessary paperwork for Amazon to analyze.
So, disputes over restocking fees can take a few days and even weeks to settle, as Amazon reviews each case carefully to ensure the buyer and seller are treated fairly.
Are Amazon’s Restocking Fees Illegal?
The laws about restocking fees sellers are allowed to charge vary based on the state.
Although most restocking fees are entirely legal, there are some circumstances where charging a restocking fee is illegal.
For example, restocking fees are considered illegal if:
- You received the wrong product
- The merchandise is defective
- The seller fails to deliver the item within a specified time period
- Restocking fees are not clearly disclosed to the customer
- The restocking fee exceeds 50% of the purchase price (unless the product is a computer software program or a video game)
How Many People Sell Products On Amazon?
Worldwide, Amazon has around 9.7 million sellers. Of those small businesses, 1.9 million are selling on the Amazon Marketplace.
Additionally, the number of people selling Amazon products is increasing yearly because of its ease and convenience. In fact, every year, almost one million people join the group of sellers on Amazon.
If you want to know more about Amazon, you can also read our related posts on how late does Amazon delivers, what happens if you get someone else’s Amazon package, and Amazon’s late delivery refund.
Conclusion
Amazon sellers charge restocking fees when you return an item. However, there are certain circumstances where you can avoid restocking fees.
If the wrong item is delivered or if the item is damaged, you cannot be charged a fee.
However, if you return the product outside of the allotted return window or return the product with damage, an Amazon seller is allowed to charge a restocking fee.
