Why is Amazon Refunding at First Scan
Our account is not set to refund at first scan, we inspect our packages and assess whether the product has been used before refunding, and we require the customer to pay outgoing and return shipping costs.
Amazon has recently started refunding at first scan, and refunding in full. They expect us to pay outgoing and return shipping and provide the refund before we even receive the returned item.
Why is this happening? Our return policy is posted and we do not offer free shipping or free return shipping.
case ID 16752061071
Why is Amazon Refunding at First Scan
Our account is not set to refund at first scan, we inspect our packages and assess whether the product has been used before refunding, and we require the customer to pay outgoing and return shipping costs.
Amazon has recently started refunding at first scan, and refunding in full. They expect us to pay outgoing and return shipping and provide the refund before we even receive the returned item.
Why is this happening? Our return policy is posted and we do not offer free shipping or free return shipping.
case ID 16752061071
43 replies
Seller_hZlWagzEXNMRm
lol, this is Amazon's sandbox, either play by their rules or there are other sites or your own site to abide by. Amazon has had this for a couple of years now, thats why safe t claims exist. Amazon doesn't care about your silly posted return policy, Amazons return policy is simple: Buyers are the platinum gold here, make them happy at all costs. If there is an issue after a return is made, then you have options in the safe t claim section to help.
Seller_IFRrkIcoHoGF8
Because amazon continues to allow customer fraud & buyer scams. They don't care and will deny your safe T claim with zero valid reason. Speaking from experience. They know it's a problem but don't care because the money is coming out of the sellers account.
This is the key to amazon fraud for years. We all know that we don't really know what's in the box untill WE RECEIVE IT AND INSPECT IT but amazon will always GO AGAINST YOUR RETURN SETTINGS- and give the refund at first scan and then leave you to deal with the problem on your own. SAFE T claims are a total joke. It's like they work with their eyes closed and don't bother to look at pictures or proof.
The reason why sellers get scammed out of money and damaged items is because amazon continues to allow customers to fraud us- meaning : Full refund at first scan, while still in transit, without truly knowing what's inside and is it still in new condition.
Solution: AMAZON needs to honor the return settings of the seller, that's why the settings are there to begin with.
AMAZON needs to WAIT UNTIL RETURN BOX IS RECEIVED to issue any refund.
That will end 90% of customer fraud.
Will they do anything to change this? Nope. It's been going on for years. It's to the point where "how much more can you tolerate from Amazon before you quit this platform ".
Seller_Sram36TnVt73c
I am finding that some returns are not refunded at first scan.
I had two recent returns. One was refunded at first scan, the other one was not. Both orders were under $30.
The one that was NOT refunded ended up being a fraudulent return. Not sure if that means Amazon is on to them or not, but just know the RFS thing is inconsistently applied, but not sure what variables are used in its use or disuse.
On fraudulent returns that are not scanned, some suggest letting Amazon do the refund, because if YOU do it, you are ineligible to recover funds through a safe-t claim. Or claim 100% restocking fee, but it seems to me these are often reversed by Amazon. And apparently the buyer can file an A to Z claim during the timeframe before you or Amazon refunds. However, once Amazon processes the refund, only THEN can you attempt to recover costs through a safe-t claim.
It's all an overcomplicated process that should be simplified.
Seller_AXC06kcsKI1qG
You have to fully read thru all the return policies that have been tweaked here & there for years. There are times order returns can be fully handled by the seller and other times when it's automated. You can apply for an exemption if your items qualify. If they do, then the policy that you are reading about charging for shipping will apply. If they do not, the other policy applies.
Some categories don't allow returns, Some sellers send their own return label (ex, Hazmat), Custom items, etc.
So the policy can bend depending on item, category, price, FBA, FBM.
You can always add a few cents to each item to cover a percentage of loss that may occur from returns/damages/Not Received claims.
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
As far as I understand you cannot opt out of Refund at First scan. This is an Amazon policy now. While you may have been able to in the past, I don't think you can now.
Seller_8UYHnTIxJNqVK
When I receive a return authorization that I know for sure is probably bogus I refund a temporary amount of 10 cents. This for whatever reason triggers the refund and when they actually ship it back and it scans they don't get the full refund until you issue it. This has stopped the refund at first scan and has put the control of my products in my hands. I wait till I get the package back, inspect it and if all is well they get their money back, if not I charge my item damage fee aka restocking fee upload the photos and call it a day.
Joey_Amazon
Hello @Seller_ir2sdQjTkfjTh,
Thank you for being a part of this community and posting your issue here at the forums!
I'm afraid Refund at First Scan is mandatory for both FBA and Seller Fulfilled. Check out the home page when you have a chance.
As far as your issue associated with Case ID 16752061071, I must say that the direction you received from Noemie is correct. If you feel the customer/buyer reason for return exonerates you from the charge, please file a SAFE T claim.
Thanks,
Joey
Seller_KvuXBL1ug1xuU
I assume you are new to the AMZ platform.
1. Everyone offers free return shipping, thats mandated as of a policy change a few years back.
2. Although you CAN ping them for the outbound shipping if returned, via a safe-t claim for "other"...although the catch is that your shipping had to have been charged seperatly to the customer on the initial sale. (ex anything you have with free shipping, you are out of luck).
3. Refunding at first scan isnt a big deal. If it comes back broken or fradulent...then thats what safe-t claims are for...
Seller_9Ykm6aD0jaipi
Refund at first scan has been Amazon policy for a few months now for orders under $100.
From a related post:
Discussion results
Refund at First Scan
user profile
Refund at First Scan
by Maverick_Products
5 days ago
Based on the information provided, we understand that you would like to know more regarding your order returns.
There is no option to opt out of Refund at First Scan.
Refund at First Scan is mandatory for Fulfillment by Amazon and merchant-fulfilled sellers as part of our efforts to offer a consistent and seamless customer returns experience.
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