Need to return an item you purchased on Amazon? You may not even need to place it in a box, according to the company, thanks to thousands of free drop-off options on millions of items.
In a blog post today, Amazon wrote, “We understand that finding a box and tape, and printing a label for a return can still be a hassle. Now, most Amazon returns are easier than ever with no box required. After getting a QR code from the Amazon Return Center, items can simply be handed to an associate without a box or label, and they will pack and ship it for free.”
The “free, no-box returns” are available at Amazon physical stores (Amazon Books and Amazon 4-star); Kohl’s; Whole Foods Markets; and The UPS Store.
Returns are also free at AmazonFresh Pickup, and Amazon Hub Locker+ locations, but boxes are required for those returns.
Amazon also revealed that most items it fulfills qualify for a free return option. “Customers can buy with confidence knowing Amazon has great selection, fast shipping, low prices, and easy, hassle-free returns,” the company said in Friday’s blog post.
That increases pressure on other retailers, and eBay and Etsy are known for stepping up the pressure on third-party sellers as they try and keep up with the 800-pound gorilla.
You can find Friday’s post on the Amazon corporate blog.
Amazon is leaving the others in their dust. Still a great place to buy from.
Good thing I’m a 2 party ARTIST :o)
It surprised me last week when that was an option. I had to drive about two miles, (horrors) but it was super easy and credit was given immediately. Much better than a previous return a month or so ago when I was charged almost as much as the cost of the item for shipping and had no other way of returning.
For the customers, that convenience is great. But it will probably lead to even more waste, as not everyone will re-use or break down and recycle the original boxes. Don’t like that at all; or the furthering of the idea that in modern life, no one should have to deal with anything difficult – I don’t mean an example such as that given by GeeBee, but people who live in cities & areas where getting it shipped back or dropped off is easy. It also adds to the tendency of shoppers to think of online orders as a sort of lending library. I stopped selling on A’zon about five years ago & basically boycott it, but won’t be surprised if there’s a trickle-down effect from this to Ebay & Etsy; sites I do use.