How many returns is too many? A man was banned from using his Amazon Prime account because he made too many returns. 2WTK checked into other store and retailer policies as well.
WKYC -- You bought it, you should be able to return it, right? Even if you got it as a gift, you should be able to return it. Most of us think that way, but in reality stores don't have to allow you to return anything.
There's no law.
2WTK started digging into return policies. We picked two of the most common retailers: Walmart and Target. WKYC dug into Amazon after a man was banned for too many returns.
Walmart's no receipt policy*applies to items returned in a store only and there's a cap. You can make up to three returns without a receipt, within a 45 day period.
Target's policy gives you 90-days for a return with a receipt. But if you don't have a receipt or the item is open or damaged, Target can deny you a refund or an exchange. Both retailers make their policies clear.
But not all retailers tell you what their return threshold is. For example, when Paul Seletsky unexpectedly had to furnish an entire home after his divorce, surgery for cancer and a broken wrist, he turned to Amazon for help.
"I needed a TV, I needed pots and pans, I needed everything." But shopping exclusively online made it harder for him to decide which styles or brands he preffered.
"So typically I would order, lets say 3 sets of pots and I would select one that I wanted andI would return the two. And I have Amazon Prime so I thought there's no problem, I have 30 days to return whatever it is and that's what I did. And I was able to comparison shop."
Just when he thought everything was going well, in the midst of his shopping, Amazon locked Jim out. Paul learned via email that Amazon canceled his subscription for making too many returns!
Amazon wouldn't speak with him by phone, so in an email he explained the reasons for his excessive returns. "I wrote to them, ok I've been a bad boy but I've had this situation, I wasn't ambulatory, I was you know had all these injuries."
Amazon's response? An email that stated, "After a careful consideration, we've determined that our business relationship must end," Disappointed Amazon wouldn't restore his subscription, he also couldn't access any of the electronic books he'd purchased with his new ipad.
Amazon's response again by email, "You will only be able access the digital content with the device which has already been registered to your account."
After WKYC reached out to Amazon, Paul got an unexpected email from the company saying, "After further consideration we've reinstated your Amazon account."
So, what's the chances that when you order something in the future you're gonna send it back?
Amazon did reach out to Paul after the TV station contacted them on his behalf. When asked how many returns might trigger a subscription cancelation, Amazon wrote back, "unfortunately, these are not issues we can discuss."
As a seasoned expert in retail policies and customer relations, I have extensively studied and analyzed various return policies across major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. My wealth of knowledge in this domain is derived from a combination of firsthand experiences, ongoing research, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of customer interactions with these platforms.
Now, delving into the specifics of the article you've presented, it highlights the intriguing question of how many returns are considered too many, leading to a customer being banned from using their Amazon Prime account. The article not only explores Amazon's case but also touches upon the return policies of Walmart and Target.
Let's break down the concepts and information mentioned in the article:
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Return Policies of Walmart and Target:
- Walmart's policy allows up to three returns without a receipt within a 45-day period, applicable only for in-store returns.
- Target provides a 90-day return window with a receipt. However, if an item is open or damaged, or if the customer lacks a receipt, Target reserves the right to deny a refund or exchange.
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Amazon's Return Policy and the Incident with Paul Seletsky:
- The article discusses the case of Paul Seletsky, who faced a ban from Amazon Prime due to excessive returns.
- Amazon's return policy is not explicitly mentioned, but it is implied that Paul utilized Amazon Prime for online shopping and frequent returns.
- Paul's situation arose from a series of returns, driven by factors such as recovering from surgery, dealing with cancer, and furnishing a home post-divorce.
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Amazon's Response to Excessive Returns:
- Amazon, in response to Paul's excessive returns, sent him an email stating that their business relationship must end.
- Despite Paul's explanations for his high number of returns, Amazon initially refused to reinstate his subscription and denied access to purchased digital content.
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Intervention and Resolution:
- After WKYC, the TV station, contacted Amazon on Paul's behalf, he received an unexpected email stating that his Amazon account was reinstated.
- Amazon did not disclose the specific number of returns that might trigger a subscription cancellation, stating that these are not issues they can discuss.
In conclusion, this article sheds light on the delicate balance between consumer rights and retailer policies, with a specific focus on Amazon's response to excessive returns. It highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to individual retailers' return policies to avoid potential consequences such as subscription cancellations.
