Extended Timeframe for Amazon Returns Back Again for the Holiday Season

We're entering that magical season again—when the air sparkles with festive cheer and everyone is busy hunting for the perfect gifts, throwing holiday parties, and decking the halls. But for eCommerce sellers, this joyous time brings its own challenges: extended return periods, leading to a rise in customer abuse, and soaring return rates that can seriously impact profits.

What is the Extended Return Timeframe for Amazon Returns in 2024?

Any Amazon orders placed between November 1st and December 31st can be returned all the way through January 31st—giving customers a generous extension to rethink their purchases. This applies to all product types with the exception of Apple branded products. This means customers have a significant increase in the amount of time to return an unwanted item.  

This impacts sellers because returns are already pesky to try to forecast and account for, and with an extension of time to initiate those returns on the customer’s end, this unfortunately only leads to a greater negative impact.

How Can Sellers Prepare for the Extended Amazon Holiday Return Window?

Amazon has been extending the return timeframe for the holidays for several years now, so luckily, established sellers can pull last year’s data to get an idea of what to expect. We recommend tapping into last year’s data, so you can get a clearer picture of what’s ahead. We suggest pulling a return report for the November 1st to December 31st window and comparing it to your returns during typical non-peak seasons.

Once you've analyzed the data, consider adjusting your sales forecasts to reflect the anticipated spike in returns. It’s a smart move to stay ahead and keep your projections on point during the holiday rush!

Why Does Amazon Extend the Return Timeframe During the Holidays?

During the holiday season, Amazon extends its return timeframe to stay competitive with other retailers. If you’ve shopped online for gifts, you’ve likely noticed that it’s not just Amazon making this move. Retail giants like Walmart, Target, Costco and more offer an increased return window – so it only makes sense for Amazon to offer the same to remain competitive. This allows shoppers to enjoy a stress-free shopping experience, knowing they have plenty of time to return gifts if needed.

If you're a client looking for more information, contact your account team! If you’re interested in learning more about how Blue Wheel can aid in your brand efforts in online marketplaces, schedule a consultation with our team, we would love to hear from you.