As an Amazon FBA book arbitrage seller, managing returns is part of maintaining a healthy inventory. Amazon handles the initial return process, determining if items are restockable or unsellable. Understanding these procedures helps you make informed decisions about your inventory, minimize costs, and optimize profitability.
When a customer returns a book, Amazon evaluates the item’s condition and decides whether to return it to your inventory or classify it as unsellable. Only unsellable items are shipped back to your prep center for further action.
Amazon Restocks the Item:
If Amazon deems the book resellable, it is returned to your active inventory.
Unsellable Items Returned:
If the book is classified as unsellable, Amazon will send it back to your prep center.
30-Day Return Window:
Customers typically have 30 days from receipt to return items.
Categories of Returns:
Buyer’s Remorse: Return due to customer preference (e.g., wrong item).
Defective Items: Return due to issues with the item.
Shipping Errors: Return due to incorrect item being sent.
Return Shipping Costs:
Depending on the reason for the return, you may incur return shipping fees.
Restocking Fees:
Amazon generally does not allow restocking fees, but for your own storefront, you can specify them under certain conditions.
If the book is in good condition, reshipping it to Amazon FBA is the best option. The prep center will handle:
Cleaning and Labeling: Minor cleaning or labeling to prepare the book for resale.
Repackaging: Ensuring the book is packaged correctly for FBA shipment.
If the book requires repairs or is in questionable condition, it will be flagged for your review. The process includes:
Condition Assessment:
The prep center evaluates the book for:
Cover damage
Page quality
Spine integrity
Signs of wear and tear
Cleaning and Repairs:
If feasible, the prep center will:
Remove dust, debris, or stickers
Fix bent covers
Replace damaged pages
Client Options:
After assessment, you'll receive options to:
Resell the Book: If it’s restored to good condition.
Dispose of the Book: If it’s beyond repair.
For unsellable books, disposal can minimize storage and shipping costs. Here’s how it works:
Mark for Client Review:
Flag the item in the system for review.
Decide on Disposal:
Instruct the prep center to dispose of the item if no recovery options are viable.
Automatic Disposal:
If no action is taken within 90 days, the book will be disposed of automatically unless you provide other instructions.
If the book is unsellable on Amazon but still has potential value, consider alternative marketplaces like eBay:
List as Merchant-Fulfilled:
Sell the book yourself with detailed descriptions and condition notes.
Prep Center Assistance:
The prep center can help with storage and shipping to customer.
Track Return Trends:
Identify frequent return reasons and address them to improve your processes.
Enhance Listings:
Provide accurate descriptions and clear images to set expectations and reduce returns.
Monitor Inventory Health:
Regularly check the Inventory Health Report in Seller Central to identify potential issues.
A: Assess the book for potential refurbishment. If repairs aren’t feasible, consider disposal or liquidation.
A: Amazon does not allow restocking fees for FBA returns, but for your own storefront, you can specify this under certain conditions.
A: Improve your product descriptions, be transparent, use high-quality images, and provide excellent customer service to manage buyer expectations.
Managing returns and unsellable inventory requires a clear understanding of Amazon’s processes and available options. Whether you return to Amazon, review, dispose, or sell on other platforms, having a strategy helps minimize costs and maintain efficiency. If you need further assistance, feel free to submit a support ticket—we’re here to help you!
