Too many people returning books.
Something that used to happen only rarely, is now happening more and more frequently. Someone buys a book (usually a textbook). Then, 3-4 weeks later, they "changed their mind". Now they want a full refund (after using the book in class), and Amazon is only too happy to oblige. Recently, someone asked for a refund for a textbook after 37 days because she "changed her mind". No way would I accept that. Unfortunately, Amazon had other ideas. It automatically deducted the money from my account, and I still haven't received the book, and likely never will. And another thing--why is the "return portal" in Seller Central so clunky and confusing? Overall, Seller Central is pretty good, but this is a glaring exception.
Too many people returning books.
Something that used to happen only rarely, is now happening more and more frequently. Someone buys a book (usually a textbook). Then, 3-4 weeks later, they "changed their mind". Now they want a full refund (after using the book in class), and Amazon is only too happy to oblige. Recently, someone asked for a refund for a textbook after 37 days because she "changed her mind". No way would I accept that. Unfortunately, Amazon had other ideas. It automatically deducted the money from my account, and I still haven't received the book, and likely never will. And another thing--why is the "return portal" in Seller Central so clunky and confusing? Overall, Seller Central is pretty good, but this is a glaring exception.
6 replies
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
The textbook business is absolutely awful. I respect anyone who even tries. We did for a very short time and people are brutal. They either don't pay attention and buy the wrong book then return it or they use it for the semester then want to return it, or sell it back in awful condition.
The return portal is clunky so sellers get frustrated and decide to just eat the refund.
Seller_zGoDlPZLneGhF
You're experiencing the ever growing crowd of "free rental/borrowing" customers Amazon has created, attracted, and enabled.
This get's worse each and every year. In the last 24 months the rate of return fraud and abuse on Amazon has exploded. Instead of addressing the issue, Amazon increases fees, imposes new fees, conjures up new policy changes to reduce their costs, and finds new ways to siphon money from their sellers. Essentially, they'll ignore the issue until they can't anymore.
Seller_Hi7wbO2Kbo6bl
Textbook selling has always been like that. It bears almost no resemblance to other used book selling.
You are not selling to people who decided they want that book. They were "forced" to buy it and resent it. They blame everyone, including the seller and have no remorse using any means, any lie to get their money back. After all -- it's your fault they had to buy it.
Aria_Amazon
Hello @Seller_DKMYQXpmRQRYK,
I understand the concern about returns, especially when it comes to textbooks that may have been used for several weeks. This is something many sellers in the books category experience.
Amazon's standard return window is typically 30 days from delivery. When you receive a return request that seems outside the normal time frame, you do have the ability to review it through the Manage Returns section in Seller Central. You're not required to automatically accept every return request, especially if it falls outside the applicable return window.
For the situation where funds were automatically deducted, this can sometimes happen if the return was processed through certain automated systems. If you believe a return was approved in error or outside policy guidelines, you can appeal the decision through Seller Support. Having documentation like delivery confirmation and the original return request details can be helpful when making your case.
Regarding the return portal experience in Seller Central, I appreciate you sharing that feedback. The interface can feel complex when managing multiple returns. Many sellers have found it helpful to bookmark the direct Manage Returns page and to keep detailed notes on each return case for reference.
Keeping clear records of all buyer communications and delivery confirmations can make a difference when you need to review or appeal return decisions. And if you're facing a return that seems outside the normal parameters, feel free to reach out to Seller Support with your specific order details.
If you're still experiencing issues, please reply to this thread with your case ID so I can assist you further.
Best,
Aria
