Cross-border e-commerce sellers face additional financial pressures as Amazon US announces a significant policy change regarding return shipping costs. Effective January 14, 2024, marketplace sellers fulfilling their own orders will be responsible for carrier fee adjustments resulting from inaccurate return label information.
Key Policy Changes
Previously, Amazon would cover shipping cost discrepancies caused by incorrect return labels. Under the revised policy, sellers must bear these additional costs in two specific scenarios:
- Product dimension/weight inaccuracies: Sellers will be charged the difference between actual and listed shipping costs when returned items don't match the dimensions or weight specified in product listings. This emphasizes the need for precise product information management.
- Invalid return addresses: Carriers will charge $18 per package when return addresses prove undeliverable. Return locations must be in the seller's store country and capable of receiving returns, requiring sellers to maintain accurate address information.
Seller Concerns and Operational Challenges
The policy has raised concerns among third-party sellers who lack control over buyer return behaviors. Potential issues include:
- Customers returning items in non-original packaging, altering package dimensions/weight
- Possible misuse through oversized return packaging to inflate shipping costs
- Increased administrative burden for verifying return shipments
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Sellers can implement several measures to minimize financial exposure:
- Conduct regular audits of product listings to ensure dimensional/weight accuracy
- Maintain up-to-date, functional return addresses in appropriate jurisdictions
- Monitor return shipments for discrepancies and initiate carrier disputes when warranted
Merchants disputing shipping correction charges may file investigations through Amazon's refund issues portal by submitting supporting documentation.
Amazon Partners with Shutterstock for Enhanced Product Imagery
In a separate development, Amazon Advertising has partnered with Shutterstock to provide sellers access to the stock image platform's 390-million-asset library at no cost. This integration aims to improve product presentation across:
- Global brand campaigns
- Sponsored Display custom images
- Brand Store visual elements
High-quality imagery can significantly enhance customer engagement and brand perception during the shopping experience.
Accessing Shutterstock Resources
Sellers may utilize the image repository through these steps:
- Navigate to the "Creative Assets" application in Amazon Advertising Console
- Select "Search stock assets" and enter relevant product keywords
- Choose appropriate images and save to creative libraries
Strategic keyword selection aligned with product categories can help merchants identify optimal visual assets.
Platform Compliance Considerations
The return policy update underscores the importance of continuous seller adaptation to Amazon's evolving marketplace rules. Maintaining compliance while optimizing operational efficiency remains critical for sustainable e-commerce operations.