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Refunds

We can process returns and refunds only for items directly purchased from and fulfilled by Amazon.com. If you just need to return an item, go to our online Returns Center. For more information about refunds, click the links below.

How long does it take to receive my refund?

Refunds are requested after we receive and process your return. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (see below for specific guidelines). We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.

You can view completed returns and refunds at the bottom of an order's summary page in Your Account. If the return and refund do not appear in Your Account within four weeks from the day you sent us your return, please e-mail us for further assistance.

How will my refund be issued?

If you paid by... Your refund will go to... ... after your return is processed
Credit card Credit card 3-5 business days
Bank account Bank account Up to 10 business days
Check or money order Amazon account balance
(to request a check, e-mail us)
1 business day
Gift certificate Gift certificate balance 1-2 business days
Credit card and gift certificate Credit card first, then gift certificate balance 3-5 business days
Borders/Waldenbooks Gift Card Amazon.com e-mail gift certificate 1-2 business days
Borders/Waldenbooks Gift Card and credit card Credit card amount first, then Amazon.com e-mail gift certificate 3-5 business days
Promotional certificate No refund issued N/A

 

How are refunds calculated?

The amount of your refund depends on several factors:

If you printed a postage-paid return mailing label from our website or used a pre-paid label sent by Customer Service, the cost of return shipping is deducted from your refund unless the return is the result of our error.

Items that meet our returns guidelines will receive a full refund.

Items that do not meet our returns guidelines will receive only partial refunds:

  • Any unopened media item or non-media item in original condition that is returned more than 30 days after delivery: 80% of item's price.
  • Any book that has obvious signs of use: 50% of item's price.
  • Any CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened (taken out of its plastic wrap): 50% of item's price.
  • Any item that is not in its original condition, is damaged, or is missing parts for reasons not due to our error: up to 50% of item's price.

If you returned only one item from a multi-item shipment, you will be reimbursed only for the per-item shipping fee for the item you returned and not the per-shipment fee. Visit domestic shipping rates or international shipping rates for a breakdown on the fees.

If you return any items from an order that received FREE Super Saver Shipping, the original shipping savings associated with the returned item(s) will be deducted from the refund amount unless the return was due to our error.

If you used a gift certificate to pay for all or part of an item you want to return, that part of your refund will be credited to your account for use on a future purchase. Please note that the original expiration date will still apply.

If you return an order that was placed using a promotional certificate or discount, you will not be refunded for the amount of the promotional offer, as these discounts were deducted from the original purchase amount.

If after reading this information, you feel that the amount of your refund was incorrect, please e-mail us.

How are refunds from other sellers processed?

Items purchased from other sellers must be returned directly to that seller. Upon receipt of your return, the seller will contact Amazon.com to initiate the refund process. You'll receive an e-mail from Amazon.com confirming the amount once the refund has been completed.

If you have not received the refund within four weeks of sending your order back, please contact the seller. If the seller does not respond to your concerns, you may be eligible for our A-to-z Guarantee.

How are refunds for gifts processed?

The online Returns Center allows gift recipients to return items they received as a gift even if the order was not marked as a gift at the time of purchase. The type of refund or credit you receive depends on how the gift was purchased and how it was returned. Visit our Gift Returns & Refunds page for more about gift refunds.

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