How to Score an Instant Refund if Amazon Package is Late
As I’ve discussed before, Amazon is having a hard time getting stuff to you in the 2-day Prime shipping window. And it kinda sucks as Amazon packages seem to be arriving late more frequently these days. It’s especially unfortunate since you’re paying for the Prime service, and in many cases actually need the stuff quickly, which is why you ordered from Amazon in the first place. Here’s how you can quickly score an instant refund from Amazon when your package is late.
How Do I Get My Refund?
The best way to score a refund is to start a Live Chat session with Amazon and let the rep know your item is late.
Here’s how my chat went the other day when I made this hack work…
How Late Do the Items Have to Be?
I suggest waiting at least 24 hours late before you contact Amazon.
They’ll first tell you when your stuff is suppose to arrive, and ask that you contact them again if it still hasn’t arrived.
DON’T accept that as an answer.
Tell them, “Won’t need it then, please refund my account NOW, thank you.”
It’s been my experience that they’ll immediately offer to refund your account (in the form of a gift card) or original form of payment.
See Also: Amazon Actually Lets You Keep Some Items You Try to Return
Do I Have to Return Items After They Arrive?
Surprisingly, NO…or at least not always.
Once Amazon refunded my order, I was NEVER asked to mail back the stuff that came late.
It was mine to keep.
Sure enough my stuff arrived 3 days late.
I’ll either sell it stuff on eBay or find a different use for it.
Do I Have to be a Prime Member?
NO, but I think it might help.
It probably also helps if you order a lot from Amazon and have been a Prime member for at least a couple years.
I’m wondering if anybody reading this has had success with this hack that ISN’T a Prime member?
Let me know in the comments.
See Also: Here’s How to Make an Amazon Return After 30 Days
How Often Can I Do This?
I’m not sure.
Fortunately, you won’t need to do it very often, but I don’t see why you couldn’t try it every time an item doesn’t arrive on time.
After all, you’re paying for the 2-day shipping service so it’s smart to hold Amazon’s feet to the fire if they’re not holding up their end of the bargain.
With that said, DEFINITELY don’t lie and DON’T abuse Amazon’s generous policy or it will go away forever and they will raise their prices and the annual cost of Prime.
Will My Amazon Account Get Flagged?
Probably not.
I’m guessing if everybody did this, it would actually force Amazon to try and improve their delivery system.
See Also: The Amazon Bait & Switch Pricing Scam is 100% Real (Buyer Beware)
Ask the Reader: Have you tried this Amazon “refund trick” before? Was it as easy for you as it was for me?
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
