Amazon UK with local address requirement for UK returns
Amazon UK has made significant changes to its returns policy, effective from 11 November 2024. If you sell in the UK marketplace, from now on you must provide your customers with a local address for returns. These changes are designed to simplify the process for consumers, but for you they may mean you have to adjust your logistics operations. However, you don’t need to worry – there are ways to meet these requirements and increase your competitiveness at the same time.
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Why does Amazon UK require a local address for returns?
Amazon wants to simplify the returns process for customers in the UK. Buyers need to be assured that they can return the product to a local return address, or that the return costs will be covered by you if no such address is available. If no address or prepaid return label is available, Amazon will automatically refund the buyer and allow them to keep the product.
How does the new returns policy on Amazon UK work?
You have 4 calendar days to offer the customer one of the return options (domestic address or return label). If you do not comply within this timeframe, Amazon will automatically refund the buyer and allow them to keep the product.
This means you must act quickly and efficiently to handle any return request. Failure to respond in time means the customer will receive a refund and you will incur the full cost.
To meet Amazon’s requirements and avoid problems, consider the following steps:
- Provide a local return address in the UK. If you do not have one, you can use our local address service for UK returns
- Provide prepaid return labels. You will make the returns process easier for your customers and build their trust.
Amazon is making similar changes to its returns policy in other countries. In addition, Amazon has tightened tracking requirements in Germany, which may affect the management of your sales in this marketplace. Keep track of policy updates on Amazon’s platform to stay up to date and avoid non-compliance issues.
Extended return period during the holiday season
Additionally, in a move aimed at increasing customer convenience, Amazon has introduced an extended returns period for the festive season. Products purchased between 1 November and 25 December will be able to be returned until 31 January or within 30 days of purchase (whichever is later).
You need to be ready to handle returns for a much longer period of time, which requires you to have a thoughtful logistical strategy, especially during the peak season.
Summary
Amazon UK’s new returns policy is designed to simplify processes for customers, but it also requires you to be more flexible and adapt your logistics. You have four days to offer the customer a suitable solution – a local address or a prepaid return label. If you fail to do so, Amazon will refund the buyer and you will incur the associated costs.
Prepare for change by using a professional returns service and ensure that your customers have the best possible shopping experience. This is the key to success in one of the most competitive e-commerce marketplaces.
If you want to learn more about returns, download our guide. Best Practices for easy, quick and efficient returns.
We discuss:
- Impact on ecommerce KPIs
- Reverse logistics
- Strategies for handling ecommerce returns
- Return process
- Return policy
- Sustainability
🌐 Wondering what form of returns and shipping will be ideal for your overseas customers? We invite you to talk to us about the possibility of making your shop more competitive abroad if only through a local address for returns and shipments, which will strengthen trust and make shopping easier for your customers. Get in touch via email: sales@global24.com or use the form below.
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