If you have ever ordered something from Amazon, you may have experienced a situation where your package was delayed, lost, or damaged in transit. In such cases, you may have contacted Amazon’s customer service and requested a refund or a replacement.
But what happens if you get a refund from Amazon but the package eventually arrived? Do you need to return the item or pay back the money? Here are some possible scenarios and how to handle them.
You received a refund and the package arrived within the return window
The return window is the period of time during which you can return an item for a refund or exchange. The return window varies depending on the item and the seller, but it is usually 30 days from the date of delivery. You can check the return window for your item in Your Orders.
If you received a refund from Amazon and the package arrived within the return window, you have two options:
Keep the item and contact Amazon to reverse the refund. This is the honest and ethical thing to do, and it will also prevent any potential problems with your account in the future.
To reverse the refund, you can call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331 or use the online chat option on the website. Explain the situation and provide the order number and the tracking number of the package. Amazon will reinstate the charge on your original payment method.
Return the item and keep the refund. This is the option you should choose if you no longer want or need the item, or if you have already bought a replacement. To return the item, you can use the Online Returns Center on the website.
Also Read:When a Package is Out for Delivery How Long Does it Take?
Follow the instructions and print the return label. You will need to ship the item back to Amazon within the return window. You will not be charged for the return shipping cost if the item was sold or fulfilled by Amazon.
Received a refund and the package arrived after the return window
If you received a refund from Amazon and the package arrived after the return window, you have three options:
Can keep the item and do nothing
This is the easiest and most convenient option, but it is also the riskiest. Amazon may or may not notice that you received the package after the refund, and they may or may not take any action against you.
However, if they do notice, they may charge you for the item, suspend or close your account, or take legal action against you.
This is especially likely if the item is expensive or in high demand. Therefore, this option is not recommended, unless the item is very cheap or insignificant.
Also Read:When a Package is Out for Delivery, How Long Does It Take Amazon?
Keep the item and contact Amazon to pay for it
This is the safest and most responsible option, and it will also show your goodwill and honesty to Amazon. To pay for the item, you can call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331 or use the online chat option on the website.
Explain the situation and provide the order number and the tracking number of the package. Amazon will charge you for the item on your original payment method or issue you an invoice.
You can return the item and keep the refund
This is the option you should choose if you don’t want to pay for the item or if you have already bought a replacement.
However, unlike the first scenario, you will not be able to use the Online Returns Center to return the item, since the return window has expired. Instead, you will need to contact Amazon’s customer service and request a return authorization.
Also Read:How Long Does It Take Amazon to Process an Order?
Call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331 or use the online chat option on the website. Explain the situation and provide the order number and the tracking number of the package.
Amazon will send you a return label and instructions on how to ship the item back. You may or may not be charged for the return shipping cost, depending on the reason for the refund and the seller’s policy.
You received a replacement and the original package arrived
If you received a replacement from Amazon and the original package arrived, you have two options:
You can keep both items and do nothing. This is the same as the first option in the second scenario, and it has the same risks and consequences.
Amazon may or may not notice that you received both items, and they may or may not take any action against you. However, if they do notice, they may charge you for the extra item, suspend or close your account, or take legal action against you.
Also Read:Amazon Out for Delivery But Not Arriving Today
This is especially likely if the item is expensive or in high demand. Therefore, this option is not recommended, unless the item is very cheap or insignificant.
Return one of the items and keep the other. This is the option you should choose if you only want or need one of the items. To return one of the items, you can use the Online Returns Center on the website.
Follow the instructions and print the return label. You will need to ship the item back to Amazon within the return window. You will not be charged for the return shipping cost if the item was sold or fulfilled by Amazon.
Conclusion
Getting a refund from Amazon but the package came is a rare but possible situation that can happen due to various reasons, such as shipping delays, errors, or fraud.
Depending on when the package arrived and whether you received a refund or a replacement, you have different options on how to handle the situation.
Also Read:If My Amazon Package is Late Can I Get a Refund and Keep The Item
The best option is to contact Amazon and either reverse the refund, pay for the item, or request a return authorization, depending on the case.
This will ensure that you are in good standing with Amazon and avoid any potential problems or penalties. However, if the item is very cheap or insignificant, you may choose to keep it and do nothing, but this is not recommended and may have negative consequences.
