Amazon is a powerhouse when it comes to home appliances and stocks everything a happy home could ever need including:
- Washer dryers
- Kettles
- Microwaves
- Ovens
- Toaster
- Dishwashers
If you’ve purchased an appliance from Amazon but are looking to make a return; perhaps it’s not what you hoped for, it’s defective or you’ve simply changed your mind, then it’s essential to get up to speed with Amazon’s returns policies.
Many companies have a limited window in which you can return products so it’s vital to check the returns policy as soon as you realize you want to initiate a return.
To help you out there, we’ve looked at Amazon’s returns window for appliances, how to initiate a return, what the returns delivery options are, and much more.
We’ve even looked at what Amazon’s competitors offer by way of comparison.
Let’s dive in…
What is Amazon’s Appliance Returns Policy? The Short Answer
Amazon asks that you return appliances to them within 30 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange. If you’re already beyond that timeframe, we’ll cover what you can do below.
Amazon has a lot of wiggle room when it comes to returns and will let you return most appliances for pretty much any reason such as:
- If your appliance is defective
- If it was ordered by mistake
- Duplicate orders
- An unwanted gift
- If you’ve changed your mind.
We recommend checking your appliance as soon as you receive it and before the delivery person leaves if possible. Amazon advises you to reject the delivery if you notice any obvious defect or damage to your appliance upon receipt.
What is Amazon’s Holiday Returns Policy for Appliances?
Amazon extends its returns policy for most appliances purchased between October 11 and Christmas day until January 31 (different years may vary).
This means you get that little bit of extra time to return items purchased for someone for Christmas or if you’ve received a gift for Christmas that you want to return.
How to Return an Appliance to Amazon
You can return an item to Amazon using Amazon’s website or their app.
We’ll take you through what you need to do:
- Log in to your Amazon account
- Look for the orders and returns section which is in the top right corner on desktop or on the bottom row of the app (click the little man icon and choose orders)
- Select your appliance from your list of orders and select the option to return or replace
- Choose an option from the drop-down menu as to why you want to return your product
- Complete the text box
- Select your preferred method to return
- Print off the returns label or arrange pick up
Most items are eligible for free returns delivery but for some bigger items, there will be a charge.
Amazon generally offers free returns for appliances under 50lb in weight but there may be a charge for heavier items. You will be informed of this when you make your return.
The good news is that Amazon does not charge a restocking fee so there will be no charge to pay just for the fact you’ve returned your appliance.
Do I Need the Box and Accessories to Return an Appliance to Amazon?
Amazon generally asks that you return your appliance with all the boxes, and accessories and in a like-new condition.
However, in our experience, you’re unlikely to come unstuck just because you’re missing some minor packaging.
If you have lost the main box for the product or key accessories such as cables, chargers, or components then reach out to someone using Amazon’s help center and explain your situation.
However, there may be a charge if you’ve lost some of the key components.
How Long to Get a Refund?
It can take up to 14 business days before you will see the money back in your account.
It can be quicker than this but will generally take around this amount of time or a bit longer if it’s a large appliance (i.e. a refrigerator) as time will be needed for it to be picked up, shipped back to the warehouse and your refund processed.
Outside the 30-Day Window? What to Do?
If you’re only just outside the window, we would recommend talking to someone at Amazon’s help center as they may be able to extend it slightly, especially if it’s only just expired.
If your item has developed a fault then you will still have the manufacturer’s warranty/guarantee to rely on.
Most appliances come with at least a year’s warranty which you can use to secure a refund, repair, or exchange in the event a fault develops (the exact terms of the warranty will depend on the manufacturer).
However, Amazon does specify that you should take it up with the manufacturer if you wish to claim under the warranty. While they do say that, we have often reached out to Amazon and they’ve offered to replace items even beyond the 30 days if they’ve developed a fault.
A third option is to sell your device on sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or on online forums. You can get reasonable resale value for working appliances and money for parts for broken ones.
How Does Amazon’s Appliance Returns Policy Compare?
If you’re still shopping around for an appliance or you’ve decided to purchase one from somewhere else having previously purchased from Amazon, then it’s worth having a look at how some of Amazon’s competitors’ policies measure up:
| Competitor | Returns Window |
| Costco | 90 days |
| Lowe’s | 2-30 days |
| Walmart | 90 days |
| Best Buy | 15 – 60 days (depending on membership) |
| Target | 30 days |
| Kohl’s | 180 days |
Final Thoughts
Amazon’s 30-day returns policy for appliances is fairly underwhelming against the competition and only Best Buy offers a less generous policy.
However, most people will be prepared to forgive Amazon because of the convenience and reputation they have.
However, if a lengthy returns policy is a deal maker for you, then Kohl’s, Costco, or Walmart are certainly better options.
