INTERNET retail giant Amazon has slapped bans on giving customers refunds on a series of bestselling products, it has been revealed.
The online shopping firm founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos has ruled off-limits any returns on popular purchases including computer software and video games, theme park tickets and gift cards – plus plenty of groceries.
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A new top ten hitlist has been published of the items least likely to get you any sympathy from Amazon should you change your mind about buying.
Certain tech devices such as laptops, desktops and Kindles will also not be accepted back by the Seattle-based multinational, no matter what reason given when wanting a return.
And away from work – whether in the office or working from home – live cockroaches and pet food are also covered by that Amazon small print, according to a study by MailOnline.
Software downloads
The link might look tempting – but clicking on it could come at a rueful cost, according to the top alert on the newly-revealed list.
Software such as photo-editing can only be sent back if it arrived with you in the post in a box which you left unopened, according to Amazon policies – and even then, within 30 days of purchase.
They will refuse to take it back, nor refund the cost, if you opened the box when it comes to physical software, downloaded it or activated an online subcription.
The firm states: “Returned software or video games that are activated, used or missing parts will incur up to a 100% restocking fee.”
Video games
That goes for video games too, then.
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The site’s bestseller list is presently dominated by Nintendo‘s The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which showcases the plumber brothers also featured in a new Hollywood film starring Chris Pratt as Mario and Charlie Day as Luigi.
Also riding high in Amazon’s video game charts are the Sony Playstation 5‘s Street Fighter 6 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Tech devices
Laptops, desktops and Kindle readers must also be kept at least 30 days after being delivered.
The time can stretch to 90 days for some devices, however, so buyers have been told to check each one’s product page.
There is little doubt, though, that no refunds would be offered if the machine gets sent back used, damaged or “materially different”.
Gift cards and pre-paid game cards
Amazon gift cards have become a default go-to for many wondering what to get a relative or friend on a special occasion.
Hopefully they will happily accept, because no Amazon gift cards are eligible for returning – and this also applies to pre-paid game cards for the likes of World Of Warcraft, Xbox 360 Live and Wii Points, in more bad news for gamers.
Live creepy-crawlies
Some might think it insane but insects are sold live online by Amazon – but should you buy, you can’t try to reject them.
The site offers 100 medium-sized – that is, 3/8′ to 3/4′ – Dubia coachrackes for $24.95, while $26.50 could get you a pack of 2,000 mealworms.
Also on offer are live harvester ants, ladybugs and caterpillars – with one reviewer describing a “Butterfly Kit Refill” 10-pack as a “very fun and interesting project for the whole family”.
Yet Amazon fine print specifies live insects as no-return options.
Theme park tickets
Hoping to head to a theme park for a fun day out? Beware, if buying tickets via Amazon, just in case something might come up and mess with your day trip plans.
Groceries
Amazon say they will provides refunds if groceries arrive spilled, damaged, or unusable.
The firm promises: “If you aren’t satisfied with the condition of a grocery product that you receive from us, we’ll issue a refund up to 30 days from the delivery date.”
Yet this doesn’t apply should you decide you neither need nor want something you ordered after all.
Personal health products
Amazon’s returns customer service page suggests it will accept back “some health and personal care orders” – but the policy varies across the many beauty, health and personal care items up for sale.
Consumers are being advised to check the “Returns” line on each individual product page, beneath the “Add to Cart” and “Buy Now” buttons.
You could yet get a refund or replacement “if the item arrives damaged or defective”, mind.
Pet food
Sorry, Rover, but any hopes of a refund on pet food are over – just like groceries for us humans, Amazon’s returns policy only helps out if the goods arrived damaged or defective in some way.
Anything you try to brand your own way
Customising items puts people at risk of being stuck – customised buys which don’t turn out the way you wanted are likely ineligible for refunds, according to analysts.
That could be something ordered online to be given an inscription, embroidered or engraved or given any other kind of personal stamp.
Certain handcrafted specialties, however, could potentially be returned – though make sure to have all the packaging and original tags.
The message might then be: buy in haste, repent at leisure – yet it has also been suggested that some individual sellers using Amazon could yet be amenable if you ask them to let you think again.
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