Amazon Sellers to Bear Higher Costs Under New Return Policy

Published: 12/29/2025
Amazon Returns Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) Restocking Fees
A new development in Amazon's return policy seemingly allows sellers to charge restocking fees in specific situations, primarily targeting Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) sellers. FBM sellers should be wary of extra shipping costs resulting from incorrect return label information. It's crucial to closely monitor policy changes and implement effective measures to reduce operational costs and risks. This policy shift necessitates careful attention to detail and proactive management of returns for FBM sellers to maintain profitability and avoid unexpected expenses.
Amazon Sellers to Bear Higher Costs Under New Return Policy

Many Amazon sellers have long hoped for policies that would shift the balance in their favor when handling customer returns. Recently, discussions about a potential game-changing update to Amazon's return policy have circulated among seller communities. The buzz suggests that under certain conditions, sellers may now charge buyers a restocking fee for returned items—a measure that could help offset losses.

The Promise of Restocking Fees

Initial reports of this policy change originated from a seller's inquiry on a knowledge-sharing platform, where they claimed to have discovered provisions in Amazon's policy allowing sellers to impose restocking fees. Upon verification, Amazon does indeed specify five scenarios where such fees may apply:

  • When buyers return undamaged items for personal reasons after the allowed return window has expired
  • When non-media items returned within the return period show damage or significant differences from the original shipped product
  • When returned books exhibit obvious signs of use or handling
  • When media products (CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, or vinyl records) are returned opened
  • When software or video games are returned after being unsealed

The Reality for FBA Sellers

While these provisions initially appeared as a significant win for sellers, further examination revealed a crucial limitation. The restocking fee policy primarily applies to merchants using Amazon's Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN), where sellers handle their own shipping and logistics. For the majority of sellers who utilize Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), these provisions offer no direct benefits.

This realization has tempered enthusiasm among many sellers who had hoped for broader policy changes that would apply across all fulfillment methods.

New Challenges for Self-Fulfilling Sellers

Compounding the disappointment, Amazon simultaneously introduced new requirements that may increase costs for MFN sellers. Effective January 14, sellers became responsible for any carrier-imposed shipping correction fees resulting from inaccurate return label information provided by the seller.

This change introduces additional operational complexity and financial risk for self-fulfilling merchants. Sellers must now devote more resources to ensuring the accuracy of return label information while acknowledging that some errors may occur despite their best efforts.

Strategic Recommendations for Sellers

For merchants navigating these policy changes, several proactive measures can help mitigate risks:

  • Implement rigorous verification processes for return label information
  • Partner with reliable shipping carriers known for consistent service quality
  • Consider shipping insurance to offset potential correction fees
  • Maintain clear communication with customers regarding return expectations

While Amazon's updated return policy offers limited benefits through restocking fees, the simultaneous introduction of new seller responsibilities underscores the importance of careful policy analysis and operational adaptation. For self-fulfilling sellers particularly, staying informed about policy changes and implementing protective measures remains essential for maintaining profitability in an increasingly complex marketplace.

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