Amazon extends return period, limits stock over 15kg

Amazon temporarily extends its return period and limits stock weights for products that require two people to pick, pack or ship. This is a consequence of new measurements for the business while dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Return period

Merchants on Amazon will see the platforms return window extended to the 31st of May, reports Tamebay. This accounts for all products sold between February 15th and April 30th. It includes both products fulfilled by Amazon (FbA) and fulfilled by merchants (FbM).

Amazon extends the returns period as many customers are unable or unwilling to return unwanted items at the moment. This can be due to the need to visit a brick-and-mortar store to complete the return. Consumers might not have the ability to use all alternative methods many retailers know.

At the same time, this is an attempt to provide consumers with the confidence to make a purchase. As a return period now maximum is 105 days, there is a large window for consumers to try a product. This new return period applies to orders from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.nl and Amazon.com.tr.

Consumers can return products on Amazon.es after February 15th, up to 30 days after the official restoration of freedom of movement in Spain.

Limiting Stock

Merchants selling essentials through Amazon FbA will have to adhere to shipment weight guidelines. The marketplace announced they will temporarily limit receiving, restocking and shipping for products that require two people to pick, pack and ship. This applies to products (>15 kg) and parcels (>15 kg). Amazon takes this decision to protect the well-being and safety of employees.

Shipments and products over 15 kg that are underway to Amazon fulfilment centres will be taken care of. Any shipments that are rejected will be sent back. Amazon, however, expects that to be only in limited cases.

If shipments over 15 kg are registered in the Seller Central but are not shipped yet, it should be cancelled. The marketplace states you can create a new shipment and the tool advises if there is a fulfilment centre capable of handling your products.