Why Doesn’t Amazon Verify Returned Items? Rampant Return Fraud Hurting Sellers
As sellers, we’re increasingly frustrated by Amazon’s lack of inspection on returned packages. There seems to be no consistent process in place to verify whether the item being returned is actually the original product that was shipped. This creates a major vulnerability for fraudulent returns.
In some cases, customers return completely different items—or even empty boxes—and the return is still accepted without question. This not only results in a financial loss for sellers, but also erodes trust in the system Amazon has built.
Why isn’t Amazon doing more to ensure returns are legitimate? For a platform that prioritizes customer satisfaction and seller accountability, this gap in return verification is deeply concerning.
Why Doesn’t Amazon Verify Returned Items? Rampant Return Fraud Hurting Sellers
As sellers, we’re increasingly frustrated by Amazon’s lack of inspection on returned packages. There seems to be no consistent process in place to verify whether the item being returned is actually the original product that was shipped. This creates a major vulnerability for fraudulent returns.
In some cases, customers return completely different items—or even empty boxes—and the return is still accepted without question. This not only results in a financial loss for sellers, but also erodes trust in the system Amazon has built.
Why isn’t Amazon doing more to ensure returns are legitimate? For a platform that prioritizes customer satisfaction and seller accountability, this gap in return verification is deeply concerning.
39 replies
Seller_WtOwWhtSrFjva
They have no clue what the products are. A piece of jewelry looks the same as a pack of seeds. The amount of time and what would they do when something is returned wrong?
There is just no feasible way. What they should do is stop this insane return policy.
They just do not care.
Seller_JxGBh45c1NGew
You can always switch to FBM. You will still get a bunch of fraud returns, but at least you will be in control and can take some action against it. FBA has become a huge scam money moneymaker for Amazon.
Seller_h4btKGmOmHFLr
Haven't you seen their 2024 annual report? Huge increase in profits! Due to the placement fees they added to third party sellers? Removing listings and then charging you the per unit fee for a removal when they ship it back in bulk? Never checking customer returns and returning to sellable when warranted? Etc. Etc. Etc. And now only reimbursing 50 to 60 percent of the value of third party seller's product. And they did all of this without "raising fees" on sellers. Can't wait to see the profits for 2025.
Seller_ryKYQKRdxINeH
i have had countless bogus returns and it appears to be getting worse now that amazon has a refund at first scan policy and the customers who are scammers know exactly how to do it. They order something new and still wrapped in the original plastic wrap and as soon as it it delivered i get a return notification. When the item is delivered to me it would be old, used and worthless. So sad!!! What makes it even worse is that i have to pay for the return shipping which is like a second kick in the groin. I suck it up because i am still in profit and Amazon is still my got to selling platform even with all of the imperfections.
Seller_zSWez2Mzpdboa
Amazon is refusing to give 3PL sellers a button, to block buyers, that abuse returns. eBay has had this function for years.
So, this means that Amazon is very well aware of the problem, and chooses to profiteer from every single return, by tacking on a "Return Processing Fee".
Giving us 3PL sellers the ability to block repeat returners, would directly impact the profits that Amazon gathers from this game.
This warrants for a complaint to the FTC.
Seller_2UQL96K7Patvu
I purchased a GE LED Surface Mount Indoor Floodlight three pack. Amazon had it listed as "Used-Like New". Box I received still had the return label with the customers name on ii and the box was trashed. Lastly, only ONE of the three lights was inside and it was used.
So, Amazon treats their customer they same way they treat their sellers.
Seller_4rRNixveclWuI
There is a certain percentage of fraud they are willing to accept on behalf of 3rd party sellers. I only do FBM because i get to file a Safe-T claim for the $49 missing item and I get $6.48 from Amazon for it.
Seller_QhvrIp4npKDGG
Supplements can't get returned, so the buyer keeps it, and I have to not only refund the person but pay a fee on top of that, and I have no idea why. To add insult to injury, the buyer, as a verified buyer, can now also leave you a bad review, which they often do. The seller gets no benefit of the doubt.
Seller_nBUcRErQhJ4JW
You mean check the items and make sure they are correct before they put it back in stock and ship a wrong or defective item to the next customre? Then that customer leaves a bad review and the seller ends up paying shipping both ways due to Amazons lack of insepcting the return?
Or check the return before refunding the consumer for a return , because any reasonably intelligent person would think thats a good idea
Any reasonably intelligent person would check returns before refunding, wouldnt they ?
