Handling seller-fulfilled returns on Amazon is already a challenge in and of itself. When you're selling large or heavy items, returns become even more complicated, frustrating for all involved parties, and not to mention – expensive.
As of November 4, 2024, Amazon made it easier for sellers of bulky items. Customers can now access pre-paid return labels for large and heavy returns. Depending on the reason for the return, either the seller or the customer will cover the cost. This new feature could save you time, money, and hassle when managing returns for your larger products. On the flip side, it also leaves sellers with less control over what happens with their large and heavy items getting returned.
What Does Amazon Classify as a Large & Heavy Item?
According to Amazon, items that meet the below criteria are classified as large and heavy:
- Weighs more than 90 lbs
- Doesn’t exceed 150 lbs
- Exceeds 96 inches in length
- Exceeds 130 inches in total length plus girth (length plus girth is defined as length plus 2 x width + 2 x height)
Amazon Pre-Paid Return Labels for Large and Heavy items:
Amazon has partnered with UPS to streamline the return process for seller-fulfilled large and heavy items. Customers now have easy access to pre-paid return labels directly through Amazon, making returns more convenient than ever. Amazon believes this will help cut back on the number of A-Z Claims that are received on large and heavy items.
Who Covers Pre-Paid Return Labels for Large & Heavy Items on Amazon?
Depending on who is at fault, either the customer or the seller will pay for the label. In most situations, if the return reason is classified as buyer’s remorse, the customer will pay the return label fee. If the Amazon seller is technically at fault, they will have to eat the cost of the return label. This chart breaks down who is at fault for customer returns on seller-fulfilled orders.
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