The 10 Things You Can’t Return to Amazon If You Change Your Mind
Amazon sells almost everything under the sun, but the e-commerce giant has strict rules about what items customers can return.
The policy’s fine print shows that software downloads, video games, and gift cards cannot be returned for a refund.
While these sound reasonable, Amazon also clarifies that it won’t take back live cockroaches, pet food, and theme park tickets — so make sure you commit to these purchases.
DailyMail.com has compiled a list of 10 products on Amazon that cannot be returned.
Amazon sells almost everything under the sun, but the e-commerce giant has strict rules about what items customers can return
Software downloads
You bought new photo editing software, but never opened the box. Good news: you can return it within 30 days of purchase.
If you bought a downloadable software package, opened the physical software box, or activated an online subscription, you’re out of luck.
Amazon states that “returned software or video games that are activated, used, or missing parts will incur up to 100% restocking costs.”
Ouch. Before purchasing any downloadable program on Amazon, read the reviews to check for red flags or missing features. Once it’s yours, there’s no going back.
Computer Games
As with software, that game is yours as soon as you open, play, activate or register it.
To change your mind? Your best bet is to try and sell it to a friend because Amazon won’t take it back.
Video games: Once you open, play, activate or register the game, that game is yours
Specific technical devices such as the Kindle can be returned within 30 days, but only if it is undamaged
Technical devices
Amazon does not take back certain devices such as laptops, desktops and Kindles more than 30 days after delivery. For some, that deadline is 90 days.
Check the product page for details on how long you have to return it.
Please note that if you return used, damaged or “materially different” technology, you may receive a partial or no refund.
“Renewed” products that have been professionally inspected by Amazon are covered by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
Gift cards and prepaid game cards
An Amazon gift card or any other gift card purchased on Amazon.com is not eligible for return.
Amazon says it will only take back gift cards if required by law.
The laws vary by state and do not apply to all types of gift cards.
In other words, it’s not very clear.
This category includes prepaid game cards such as World of Warcraft, Xbox 360 Live and Wii Points.
Live creepy critters
Did you know that Amazon sells insects? An order of 100 medium (3/8′ to 3/4′) Dubia cockroaches costs $24.95. A package of 2,000 live mealworms is a bargain at $26.50. You can pick live harvester ants, ladybugs, caterpillars, or whatever floats on your boat.
Amazon says it will only take back gift cards if required by law
Yes, you can buy live cockroaches on Amazon and no, you cannot return them
Caterpillars are sold in a pack of 10 as ‘Butterfly Kit Refill’. No joke. One reviewer says it’s a “very fun and interesting project for the whole family.” Another says the caterpillars took about two weeks to “come into their final shape.”
Tickets
Yes, Amazon sells theme park tickets. No, you cannot return them if your trip is canceled or something else happens.
Personal health items
Amazon offers countless health, beauty, and personal care items. Be careful before you buy. Not all are eligible for return. The customer service page for returns is vague, saying they won’t take back “some health and personal care orders.”
Before checking out, look for the “Returns” line on the product page. It’s below the Add to Cart and Buy Now buttons.
‘Eligible for a refund or replacement’ means you’re out of luck if you change your mind or don’t like it, but ‘if the item arrives damaged or defective, you can request a refund or replacement’.
Groceries
It’s convenient to get groceries from Amazon Fresh, but if you decide you don’t need something you bought, you can’t return it.
Amazon does, however, refund money if something arrives spilled, damaged, or unusable.
“If you’re not happy with the condition of any grocery product you receive from us, we’ll refund you up to 30 days from the delivery date.” says Amazon.
Amazon only refunds groceries if the product is damaged or spoiled
Just like human food, pet food is not eligible for return
Pet food
Like human food, pet food is not eligible for return.
That said, if it arrives damaged or defective in any way, Amazon will likely refund or replace it.
Everything you customize
This product type makes sense, but it’s still a shame if you’ve spent money on a custom product that doesn’t live up to what you expected. Sellers are under no obligation to accept returns of anything debossed, embroidered, printed, engraved or otherwise modified.
Other handmade items can be returned if you have all packaging and original labels.
There may be exceptions
It is also important to note that most sellers want happy customers.
Even if you’ve purchased something that doesn’t qualify for a return, it’s worth reaching out if your order is a major issue.
We saw a lot of reviews from people who bought bugs and got a refund or a new order, while unfortunately many of them died on the journey.