Do You Need Original Packaging to Return to Amazon? All You Need To Know

Amazon has become one of the most popular places to shop, and with good reason. Amazon sells a wide variety of products, great prices, and excellent customer service. However, sometimes things go wrong and your only option is to return an item. 

When it comes to returning items to Amazon, a lot of people are unsure about what they need to do and what is Amazon’s policies on making returns.

In this post, I will answer one of the people’s burning questions: Do you need original packaging to return to Amazon?

Besides that, I will also discuss other common concerns regarding returns on Amazon, such as how to return the item to Amazon directly and what are the items that are eligible for return. 

Keep reading for more information!

Can You Return to Amazon Without Original Packaging?

You’ve probably been in a situation where you needed to return something you bought online.

Maybe it was the wrong size or color, or it just wasn’t what the seller advertised and you were not completely satisfied. And if you’re like most people, you probably just threw the item back in the box and sent it on its way.

So, what do you do if you need to return items to Amazon, but you no longer have the original packaging?

Do Amazon returns have to be in original packaging?

In general, product packaging such as boxes, manuals, and warranty cards, must be returned with the item, and items returned without original documentation can be rejected. However, Amazon is pretty flexible when it comes to free returns as long as you have your order number.

You can return most items sold and fulfilled by Amazon within 30 days of receipt for a full refund. But it’s always a good idea to thoroughly read the product detail page to see if there are any conditions.

Of course, it’s always best to return an item in its original packaging if possible. But if you’ve lost the original box or it was damaged in some way, don’t worry – you can still make a return.

However, there are a few items that can’t be returned unless they’re unopened or in their original packaging, such as fashion items.

Returns for such items have to be in new, unworn condition, including all their original tags, packaging, and authenticity certificates, especially for fine art items. Any items returned without their original documentation and packaging will be returned to the customer.

The Amazon return center also doesn’t accept returns on items that have been damaged, unless the damage was caused by them.

If you’re not sure whether or not you can make an Amazon return no box, just contact Amazon customer service and they’ll be happy to help.

What Are The Conditions For Making A Return On Amazon?

A standard 30-day return policy applies to the majority of Amazon products. That means that for up to 30 days after the delivery date, you can return the product in new and unused condition for whichever reason.

All items sold by Amazon that are eligible for return and weigh less than 50 pounds have at minimum one free return option.

So, what are the items that cannot be returned?

Returns for items fulfilled by third-party sellers are not accepted by Amazon. The return policy is set by the Amazon business third-party seller. In Your Orders, you can see detailed information about each item.

Collectible coins that have been graded or that have been packaged by the government must be returned in their original packaging, together with any supporting documentation. Returns of original government packaged coins that do not include the original packaging and documentation will be turned down.

Returns for these items are not accepted by Amazon:

• Kindles, laptops, and desktops more than 30 days after delivery
• Hazardous materials or those that use flammable gasses or liquids
• Products that have a missing UPC or serial number
• Downloadable software products or digital products from the Amazon appstore, Amazon Digital Music Store, Amazon Luna Store, or Amazon Video store
• Live insects
• Fresh flowers and live plants
• Open software
• Some jewelry items
• Grocery items
• Accessed online subscriptions
• Open software
• Products that have special international shipping restrictions
• Certain personal and health care orders
• Prepaid game cards and phone cards
• Some gift cards

Grocery items and items from Amazon Fresh cannot be returned as well. However, they may be refunded or replaced.

Meanwhile, returns policy for new, used, and refurbished items will depend on the individual marketplace vendors

Kindle books and digital educational resources can be returned within seven days from purchase. But, of course, packaging and physically returning the item will not be a problem.

Now that you’ve figured out whether your non-digital item can be returned or not, the next thing you have to think about is actually returning the item.

The process is easy, and packing your item or printing a label isn’t a problem. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Go to Your Orders and return the item you want.

When you choose Return or Replace Item in Your Orders, a message will come up indicating whether the product you purchased from Amazon is returnable. There will be no message if the product is not returnable according to Amazon’s return policy.

You can request a replacement or refund in Your Orders if non-returnable open box items purchased are delivered when defective or damaged or with missing parts. You can contact customer service if the refund or replacement alternative is unavailable.

Step 2: Add a reason for why you’re returning this item

Step 3: Select a drop-off location that accepts returns. 

Step 4: You will receive a QR code from Amazon.

Step 5: Take the item to your drop-off location together with this code, and you can get free shipping on eligible products.

How To Return Amazon Item Without Original Packaging

Here is how to return Amazon item without original packaging: 

Step 1: Log into your Amazon account on the Amazon site.

Step 2: To see your most recent orders, go to Your Orders.

Step 3: Select Return or Replace Items after choosing the order.

Step 4: Choose a reason for return from the drop-down menu after selecting the item you would like to return.

Step 5: Choose how you want to handle your return. Choose whether to issue a refund or a replacement, if applicable. Submit return request appears for items purchased from an Amazon seller.

Prior to actually approving a replacement or refund, the Amazon seller reviews return requests. You can file an A-to-Z Guarantee claim if you do not hear back within two business days.

Step 6: Choose your preferred method of return.

Step 7: Print your return authorization and return label. Every label is associated with a single return. Do not combine items from multiple shipments or orders in the same shipping box to ensure that you’re getting the right refund.

Step 8: Some instructions from the Returns Center will have been sent to you after requesting the return.

Make sure you pack your item according to these instructions if your Amazon return doesn’t have the original manufacturer’s packaging and select how you’d like them returned.

What If I Lost The Packing Slip?

If you’ve lost the packing slip, don’t worry. You can still return your item as long as you have the order number. This is advantageous because it helps reduce your packaging waste.

Amazon will generate a return label for you, and you’ll just need to drop off the package at your preferred drop-off location. If you require an order receipt, print one from your Amazon account. Follow these steps to get your invoice:

• Go to the Orders tab.
• Select the appropriate date range from the drop-down menu.
• Select View Invoice after scrolling to find the order.
• Use the print button on your browser to print this page for your records.

How Long Do I Have To Return Something I Bought On Amazon?

You have 30 days from the date of purchase to return most items sold by Amazon. This, however, does not apply to all items.

For example, within 90 days of delivery, purchases made as a gift from your Amazon Birthday Gift List can be returned.

The registry owner’s purchases are covered by Amazon’s standard 30-day return policy. This is convenient for every gift giver.

Here are more exceptions to the standard 30-day return period:

• Amazon Items purchased from Amazon Warehouse can be returned within 90 days of delivery.
• Baby items can be returned within 90 days of delivery.
• Baby Registry gifts can be returned for a full refund within 365 days of delivery.
• Amazon Renewed items sold are eligible for free return shipping if the return is made within 90 days of receipt of shipment (or for a Renewed Premium product, within 1 year of receipt).
• Within 90 days of delivery, items bought as a gift from your Amazon Birthday Gift List can be returned.
• Within 90 days of delivery, purchases made as a gift from your Amazon Prime Custom Gift List can be returned.

After you place an order that you want to return, you might consider deleting the Amazon order history if you don’t want to see that order anymore.

Bottom Line

So, do you need original packaging to return to Amazon?

As we have seen in this article, you do not need the original packaging to return an item to Amazon. This also applies if you’re returning an amazon gift without the sender knowing.

You can use a different kind of packaging for eligible items as long as you include the order number.

Just make sure that the item is in good condition and that all of the pieces are included. You can also print out a shipping label from the Amazon website and attach it to any package you choose.

If you have any questions about returning an item, feel free to leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.