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Post by librarylady on Dec 28, 2019 18:04:46 GMT
Amazon returns: Don't get tricked into doing it the hard way
Amazon's many return shipping options offer conveniences, but also confusion. Follow these tips to send items back to Amazon the easy way. Don't spend a single penny returning your unwanted Amazon package -- not even on gas. Amazon returns are getting more complicated with more options than ever before, and it's easy to hastily click the first return shipping method Amazon offers, even though that might not be the easiest or most convenient way for you. That's because Amazon does its best to bury its easiest, most convenient and usually free return option beneath the retail giant's preferred ("cheaper") return methods.
Exhibit A: Amazon recently started offering free return shipping through Kohl's, which now accepts Amazon returns at its 1,150 department stores, so that's the first option Amazon offers you. Sure, that sounds like a great deal, but it's really just corporate sleight-of-hand. After all, you shopped at Amazon because you didn't want to leave the house, right? Well, keep your keister planted right where it is, because I'm going to show you how to return items to Amazon the same way you ordered them -- without ever having to trek beyond your own front door. Sure, you could take your Amazon return to your closest Kohl's store, but why?
When telling Amazon the reason for your return, choose wisely
The first thing Amazon asks after you start the return process is the reason for your return. Be careful, because the wrong reason could cost you -- literally.
Almost all returns to Amazon are free (whether you take them to Kohl's or not), but Amazon will charge you at least $6 (more for big, heavy items) for front-door pickup if you say you're returning a purchase for one of these three reasons:• No longer needed: You changed your mind and don't want the item any more. • Bought by mistake: You accidentally hit Buy it Now or forgot to delete an item from your cart before checking out. • Better price available: You find the same thing at, say, Walmart for less than what you paid for it at Amazon.
However, if you choose any of these options as you process your return shipping method, the cost for UPS Pickup will be absolutely free:• Inaccurate website description: Example: The photo shows a deep royal blue, but the item is a light sky blue. Similar to but different from "Wrong item was sent" (see below). • Item defective or doesn't work: Could be that it's broken or simply doesn't do what it's designed to do (for example, a can opener that spins up but doesn't cut the lid off). • Product damaged, but shipping box OK: The box isn't dented, cut or scratched, but the item inside has cosmetic or mechanical damage. • Item arrived too late: The item was delivered past the guaranteed delivery and missed, for example, a birthday. • Missing or broken parts: Similar to "Item was defective or doesn't work" but applies not to the item itself but the attachments, etc. that come with it. • Product and shipping box both damaged: Somewhere between being boxed up and arriving at your door, the package was mishandled, and the product arrives broken. • Wrong item was sent: If you received a completely different item, not just that the size, shape or color wasn't what you selected (see "Inaccurate website description"). • Received extra item I didn't buy: Something extra got packaged with your order, and you feel obliged to return it. Didn't approve purchase: Someone, either in your family (a child, a spouse) or a friend (say, one on whose computer you logged into Amazon and forgot to log out) ordered something and you got charged.
Free UPS pickup is our favorite option for Amazon returns.
Your refund method doesn't affect return shipping
Next you'll have to choose how you want your money back. The quickest way is to receive a credit to your Amazon account, which Amazon will issue as soon as UPS scans your return into its system, but then you're stuck spending the money at Amazon. You can also have the funds put back on your debit or credit card. But even though Amazon will issue the refund as soon as UPS takes possession of your return package, it still could take another three to five business days to show up in your account. The choice is down to you. Whichever way you go, though, you'll still need to decide exactly how you want to send the item back.
Don't accept the default return shipping methodWhen Amazon asks you to select a return shipping method, Kohl's Dropoff will almost always be the default pre-selected option, but it's not the one you want (unless you need to go to Kohl's anyway). To get to the UPS Pickup option, you'll have to scroll down and possibly even click on a link that reads something like 2 other return options.
When you finally see the option for UPS Pickup, it should also show the cost as $0.00 (unless, of course, you choose one of the three return reasons that cause Amazon to charge you for this service). Tap or click UPS Pickup then select Confirm Your Return. All that's left is packing everything up and setting it out
Follow whatever instructions Amazon gives you, which will probably just be to print out a packing slip and place it in the package with your return. Tape up the box good and tight -- even over the return label so it won't get damaged -- then put the package near your front door so you don't forget to set it out on the next business day. You might even want to set a reminder on your phone or with a digital assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant so you don't forget. If you do happen to forget to leave your return outside for UPS, in the best case scenario UPS will leave a note and attempt pickup two more times. Worst case, the UPS driver will leave a prepaid mailing label that you'll have to apply to the package yourself, then you'll have to cart the thing to the nearest UPS Store or UPS Dropoff location.
Good luck, and many happy returns. |
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Post by colleen on Dec 28, 2019 18:10:56 GMT
Thank-you!
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Post by llinin on Dec 28, 2019 19:54:34 GMT
I find dropping off at UPS to be my easiest option. You don’t have to package it up, just walk in with the item and let them scan the return code on my phone. I get a notification that my refund was issued before I even pull out of the UPS parking lot.
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Post by monklady123 on Dec 28, 2019 20:16:04 GMT
I prefer to take mine to the UPS store. I think that I tried the UPS pickup once but I believe I had to be home to hand it to the driver....? It's been awhile now so I'm not absolutely sure. But for me the UPS store is convenient because it's right across the street from my Costco. So I park in the Costco lot, run across the street (there's never any parking at my UPS stores because they're all right on a busy business street), return my item (no need to box it up at all), the UPS person scans my code, done.
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Post by lucyg on Dec 28, 2019 20:38:27 GMT
Thank you all! Good info.
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Dec 28, 2019 20:56:51 GMT
I prefer the UPS store because it's on my way home from work. I've never seen a Return at Kohl's option on my return page. I wonder if that's because the nearest Kohl's is so far away from me?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 23:25:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2019 21:40:41 GMT
I think the free UPS pickup is great, but I wouldn't do it if I'm honestly returning it for one of the three non-qualifying reasons. For some reason, that article feels like it's encouraging you to pick one of the other return reasons just to qualify for the free pickup.
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MsKnit
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Post by MsKnit on Dec 28, 2019 21:42:20 GMT
I prefer the UPS store because it's on my way home from work. I've never seen a Return at Kohl's option on my return page. I wonder if that's because the nearest Kohl's is so far away from me? There is a mileage max for Kohl's drop off. Can not remember what the distance is, though. We are too far away for that option. I can just as easily take anything to the UPS store, as it's basically the same distance as Kohl's. |
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Post by coaliesquirrel on Dec 28, 2019 22:08:09 GMT
FWIW, we did a return at Kohl's recently (we were actually going there anyway) and they actually gave us a coupon along with the return receipt. It was for 30% or 40% off, so rather a good one if you don't have their credit card or aren't used to playing their pricing games and there's something you need anyway.
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Post by elaine on Dec 28, 2019 22:15:14 GMT
I like the newish “you don’t even have to pack it up, just bring it to the UPS store option.” The UPS store is right next to my grocery store and I haven’t had great luck having UPS actually pick up packages left on my front porch. Not to mention packaging the thing back up is more of a nuisance than just dropping the item off at UPS and letting them package it up.
Returning to Kohl’s is definitely NOT my default. I’ve only done it once when I knew I had a trip to Kohl’s for something else anyhow.
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 23:25:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2019 22:17:21 GMT
Another tip-if you have a UPS delivery coming already, you can use the "UPS Dropoff" option and just give the package to your driver when he comes to drop off your new package. I prefer this to the "pickup option" because I often have more than one return at a time and then I don't have to keep track of which package is which the day he comes with all the labels (in the "drop off" option, you print the label. In pickup, driver brings them).
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Post by gale w on Dec 28, 2019 22:44:23 GMT
Great info. The nearest kohl's or ups stores are an hour's drive away and the nearest drop-off is about 25 minutes away and has limited hours.
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seaexplore
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 28, 2019 22:47:13 GMT
I find dropping off at UPS to be my easiest option. You don’t have to package it up, just walk in with the item and let them scan the return code on my phone. I get a notification that my refund was issued before I even pull out of the UPS parking lot. Same. So easy. I'm by a UPS store at least once a week anyway. |
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Post by gar on Dec 28, 2019 22:51:54 GMT
Would asking for an Amazon UK version be too much? Just kidding  |
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
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Post by sassyangel on Dec 28, 2019 23:11:22 GMT
We were actually going to Kohl’s to return some sweaters my husband was gifted and hated.
I had a duplicate gift to return to Amazon. Naturally a Kohl’s return was not offered to me as an option. 😏
I did learn if you want a free return there are three options not to choose as a reason for return.
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sassyangel
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Post by sassyangel on Dec 28, 2019 23:13:31 GMT
Interesting article. I'm going to stick with the "drop it at the UPS store" option. It's next door to my pilates studio so convenient, not to mention not having to pack the return up. I'm also hesitant to leave packages on my porch for pickup as there have been issues with porch pirates in our area. The "Return to Kohl's" option never comes up for me, but I suspect that it's because it's an almost 30 min. drive to the closest one. You won’t get the Kohl’s return option ever, unless you live within 10 miles of one. Something I found out when I was trying to figure why I wasn’t getting the option. (I do live within 10 miles of one so that wasn’t it). |
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Post by Scrapper100 on Dec 28, 2019 23:15:36 GMT
Interesting information but I will stick to UPS store Dropoff as I often don’t have a box to return things I need to return seem to come in bags and taping them back up doesn’t always work or it’s a huge box with multiple items but I’m returning the smallest. I don’t want to print a label and I don’t trust stuff being left on our porch. I haven’t lost a package yet but porch thieves are common around here. Luckily I don’t have many things to return but if I do the UPS store is pretty quick and easy.
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Post by elaine on Dec 28, 2019 23:18:02 GMT
We were actually going to Kohl’s to return some sweaters my husband was gifted and hated. I had a duplicate gift to return to Amazon. Naturally a Kohl’s return was not offered to me as an option. 😏 I did learn if you want a free return there are three options not to choose as a reason for return. No!!! If you read carefully, you can’t pick those three options if you have an oversized item and want UPS front door pickup as your free return option - and then it is only a $6 surcharge. You can pick any option and still have free returns if you are willing to bring your item (no matter the size) to a UPS store or Kohl’s or have UPS front door pickup if it isn’t oversized. The writer’s view is a bit slanted and not universal - as we have seen here that Kohl’s isn’t the default for everyone and isn’t even an option for some. |
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sassyangel
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Post by sassyangel on Dec 28, 2019 23:19:43 GMT
I like the newish “you don’t even have to pack it up, just bring it to the UPS store option.” The UPS store is right next to my grocery store and I haven’t had great luck having UPS actually pick up packages left on my front porch. Not to mention packaging the thing back up is more of a nuisance than just dropping the item off at UPS and letting them package it up. Returning to Kohl’s is definitely NOT my default. I’ve only done it once when I knew I had a trip to Kohl’s for something else anyhow. I used that yesterday. I did have to pay for a box at my UPS store, though. Only 3.47, but I wasn’t expecting that. |
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sassyangel
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Post by sassyangel on Dec 28, 2019 23:24:55 GMT
We were actually going to Kohl’s to return some sweaters my husband was gifted and hated. I had a duplicate gift to return to Amazon. Naturally a Kohl’s return was not offered to me as an option. 😏 I did learn if you want a free return there are three options not to choose as a reason for return. No!!! If you read carefully, you can’t pick those three options if you have an oversized item and want UPS front door pickup as your free return option - and then it is only a $6 surcharge. You can pick any option and still have free returns if you are willing to bring your item (no matter the size) to a UPS store or Kohl’s or have UPS front door pickup if it isn’t oversized. The writer’s view is a bit slanted and not universal - as we have seen here that Kohl’s isn’t the default for everyone and isn’t even an option for some. Oh! Good to know, I only had a duplicate bluray to return, so definitely not oversized.  Yeah, there is a UPS store right next to Kohl’s, so it wasn’t a big deal to return it there. It just would’ve been really helpful, seeing as we were going there anyways. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get the option to show up, seeing as my local store advertises it prominently. |
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Post by donnab on Dec 29, 2019 1:26:02 GMT
Some items only allow me to take to UPS and some give me the option of Kohls. The last item I took to UPS I took unwrapped (since that is what I can do for Kohls) and I was charged for the packaging.  |
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Post by Scrapper100 on Dec 29, 2019 1:34:26 GMT
Some items only allow me to take to UPS and some give me the option of Kohls. The last item I took to UPS I took unwrapped (since that is what I can do for Kohls) and I was charged for the packaging. I guess I got lucky one time I took the bag it was shipped in but the last time I just took the item and wasn’t charged. |
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seaexplore
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 29, 2019 1:47:21 GMT
Some items only allow me to take to UPS and some give me the option of Kohls. The last item I took to UPS I took unwrapped (since that is what I can do for Kohls) and I was charged for the packaging.  I always just take whatever it was shipped in when I return to UPS. Never been charged for packaging. |
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tincin
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Post by tincin on Dec 29, 2019 1:50:41 GMT
I love the Kohl’s option. Twice I’ve done returns there and both times I got a 25% off for Kohl’s. One I used because I was going to shop anyway, the other I didn’t but it was a nice gesture.
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Post by gale w on Dec 29, 2019 2:02:06 GMT
Interesting article. I'm going to stick with the "drop it at the UPS store" option. It's next door to my pilates studio so convenient, not to mention not having to pack the return up. I'm also hesitant to leave packages on my porch for pickup as there have been issues with porch pirates in our area. The "Return to Kohl's" option never comes up for me, but I suspect that it's because it's an almost 30 min. drive to the closest one. You won’t get the Kohl’s return option ever, unless you live within 10 miles of one. Something I found out when I was trying to figure why I wasn’t getting the option. (I do live within 10 miles of one so that wasn’t it). I was told by the lady at the ups store that if you choose the option where you print a qr code (unfortunately this is what ds chose last time) you can return it at kohl's and they can scan it. I haven't tried it though. |
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Post by ToniW on Dec 29, 2019 5:01:17 GMT
I find dropping off at UPS to be my easiest option. You don’t have to package it up, just walk in with the item and let them scan the return code on my phone. I get a notification that my refund was issued before I even pull out of the UPS parking lot.
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Post by nlwilkins on Dec 29, 2019 9:15:45 GMT
I like that when I drop off at Ups or Kohl's, I get a receipt for it thus having proof that I dropped it off.
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Rhondito
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Post by Rhondito on Dec 29, 2019 15:12:31 GMT
We have UPS pickup at our office every day so I just toss my returns in with whatever is going out. Couldn't be more convenient for me I'm a little conflicted about the options the article gives for reasons for return. It's basically telling you to lie in order to avoid return shipping fees. Does that bother anyone else? |
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SabrinaP
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Post by SabrinaP on Dec 29, 2019 15:32:09 GMT
I like UPS Dropoff too. I like that I don’t have to worry about repackaging it. They take care of it and all I have to do is have them scan the code on my phone.
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sassyangel
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Post by sassyangel on Dec 29, 2019 21:43:39 GMT
We have UPS pickup at our office every day so I just toss my returns in with whatever is going out. Couldn't be more convenient for me I'm a little conflicted about the options the article gives for reasons for return. It's basically telling you to lie in order to avoid return shipping fees. Does that bother anyone else? A little bit. And if a return was genuinely my error, i'd expect to pay to return it. But, I used one of them because I don't think all their return reasons provided cover all possible return scenenarios, either. I was given duplicate gifts off my wishlist. Technically, that was a "no longer needed" but I really don't see why I should pay to return something that wasn't my fault, either - being as I didn't have duplicates on my lists. When you're an e-commerce business, I assume you factor the costs of customer return into your business model. Amazon is hardly hurting. |
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Yeah, there is a UPS store right next to Kohl’s, so it wasn’t a big deal to return it there. It just would’ve been really helpful, seeing as we were going there anyways. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get the option to show up, seeing as my local store advertises it prominently. 
