Amazon Restocking Fees: US Sellers Guide

Many sellers ask: Does Amazon charge a restocking fee if buyers change their minds? Yes, but… The restock fee that Amazon sellers can charge depends on the item’s condition and the reason for return.

This guide outlines when, how, and how much US sellers can charge as a restocking fee, ensuring compliance while protecting your revenue.

⚠️ Please note that the information provided is accurate as of September 24, 2025. For the most up-to-date details, we recommend visiting Amazon’s Guidelines for Charging Restocking Fees and Amazon Return Policy pages.

When Can You Charge a Restocking Fee? #

Restocking fees are one of the few tools Amazon sellers can use to recoup losses when items are returned under specific conditions. 

However, these fees must be applied fairly, transparently, and in accordance with Amazon’s strict policies.

You are allowed to charge a restocking fee only in specific return scenarios, including:

Eligible Scenarios #

Situation	Restocking fee	Maximum fee
Buyer returns an item outside the return window	Yes	Up to 20%
The item returned is used, damaged, or materially different	Yes	Up to 50–100% depending on severity
Buyer returns an opened CD/DVD/VHS/Vinyl	Yes	Up to 50%
Buyer returns open software or video games	Yes	Up to 100%
Buyer returns the wrong item (materially different)	Yes (after failed resolution)	Up to 100%
Buyer sends back an empty package or box	Yes	Up to 100%

Not Eligible Scenarios #

Situation	Restocking fee	Notes
Buyer changes their mind but returns the item in original condition and on time	No	“Changed mind” includes accidental order or a better price
The item is damaged during shipping	No	File a claim with the carrier instead
Buyer receives an item that’s used or broken	No	You bear the cost as a seller or file a claim

General Restocking Fee Calculation Guidelines for US Sellers #

Amazon provides flexibility, but you must align your charges with the item condition and return reason:

Return reason	Condition of the returned item	Max restocking fee
Changed mind, original condition, within the return window	Unopened, like new	0%
Changed mind, original condition, outside return window	Unopened, like new	Up to 20%
Returned with minor wear or missing parts	Opened or used	Up to 25%
Returned damaged or heavily used	Severe damage, visible use	Up to 50%
Returned open software or games	Unsealed	Up to 100%
Returned a different item or an empty box	Wrong item / no item	Up to 100%

ℹ️ Reminder: Fees are calculated based on the item price only (excluding shipping).

Amazon Restocking Fees by Category #

So, Amazon charges for returns. If the item is returned in an open or damaged condition, a deduction may apply.

⚠️ Please note that the examples below show information on Amazon restocking fees by product category for Amazon Canada. Be sure to check the Amazon Restocking Policy specific to your country.

Books, CDs, DVDs, Tapes, Vinyl #

Condition	Fee/Deduction
Opened / Signs of use	Up to 50% refund reduction
New condition, returned within policy	No deduction

Electronics (General) #

Scenario	Fee/Deduction
Missing UPC / Serial number	No refund issued
Not reset (e.g., contains personal data)	Return may be rejected
Opened but not defective	Potential deduction
Returned new, within 30 days	No deduction

Apple Devices #

Scenario	Fee/Deduction
iCloud is not signed out	Return may be rejected
Returned within 15 days	No fee
Amazon Renewed Apple products	Return within 90 days
AppleCare+ cancellation	Handled under AppleCare+ terms

Amazon Devices (e.g., Kindle, Fire TV) #

Condition	Fee/Deduction
New condition, returned within 30 days	No fee
Gift returns	Gift card refund (not exchangeable)

Furniture & Mattresses #

Condition	Fee/Deduction
Unboxed or used mattress	No return accepted
Unopened mattress	Return accepted
Furniture damaged or altered	Deduction may apply

Shoes, Clothing & Accessories #

Scenario	Fee/Deduction
New and unworn	No fee
Worn, altered, stained	Partial refund or rejection
The Drop collections (custom)	Return shipping deducted

Software & Video Games #

Condition	Fee/Deduction
Opened (seal broken)	Up to 100% of the price
Sealed and new	No fee

Baby Items, Toys & Breast Pumps #

Category	Return window	Restocking implication
Baby Registry gifts	365 days	No fee
Regular baby items & toys	30–45 days	No fee if unopened
Breast pumps	30–45 days	Must be unused & sealed, or return rejected

Gifts & Gift Cards #

Type	Return/Refund policy
Gift cards	Non-returnable
Gift items	Refund via gift card (not original payment)

Automotive Products #

Return type	Policy
With the manufacturer's warranty	Amazon honors it directly
Sold by third-party sellers	Contact seller

Health & Personal Care #

Example	Return status
Grocery, wine, pet food	Not returnable, only refundable
Hazardous materials	Not returnable, contact manufacturer
Used cosmetics / opened health items	May not be accepted unless defective

Jewellery & Watches #

Condition	Fee/Deduction
No certificates or packaging	Return rejected
Resized or worn items	Return rejected
New with documentation	Return accepted

⚠️ For jewellery or watches valued at $75 or more, use a shipping method that includes tracking when returning the item.

Customized / Handmade Items #

Scenario	Fee/Deduction
Buyer error (e.g., typo)	Not refundable
Seller error (wrong customization)	Fully refundable under A-to-Z Guarantee
Handmade return	Follows Amazon A-to-Z policy

Amazon Warehouse & Renewed #

Type	Return policy
Used/Open Box	30-day return
Amazon Renewed	90-day return
No exchanges	Refund only

How to Avoid Amazon Restocking Fee Disputes #

Charging restocking fees can help recoup losses from returned products, but mishandling them can lead to buyer complaints, negative reviews, or A-to-z Guarantee claims.

This guide shows you how to apply restocking fees properly, minimize disputes, and stay compliant with Amazon’s policies.

1. Know When You Can Charge a Restocking Fee #

So, once again, you can only charge a restocking fee under Amazon’s approved conditions:

Allowed:

• Item returned outside the return window;
• Used, damaged, or materially different item returned;
• Media/software returned opened;
• Empty box or wrong item sent back.

Not allowed:

• Buyer changes mind but returns the item on time and in original condition;
• Return due to Amazon or seller error;
• The item arrived defective or damaged due to shipping.

Refer to Amazon’s official restocking policy for detailed guidance.

2. Document Everything With Photos and Notes #

• Take clear photos of the returned item before issuing a partial refund
• Capture:
  • Physical damage;
  • Missing parts or packaging;
  • Opened seals or used condition;
  • Evidence of a different item.

Use the “Refund Notes” field in Seller Central to explain why a restocking fee was applied. Documentation is essential if Amazon investigates a dispute.

3. Use Amazon’s Refund Workflow Properly #

⚠️ Avoid issuing refunds outside the system, as that can result in disputes or system flags.

Within Amazon Seller Central:

1. Go to: Seller Central > Orders > Manage Seller Fulfilled Returns;
2. Search: Enter the Order ID to locate the return;
3. Refund: Click “Issue refund” under the Action column;
4. Apply fee: Choose “Charge restocking fee”;
5. Finish: Confirm refund and submit.

For more control, use the “Issue a Partial Refund” option when needed.

ℹ️ A partial refund on Amazon means returning less than the full item price to the buyer, typically due to the item being returned in a used, damaged, late, or incomplete condition. Sellers may also deduct return shipping costs if the buyer is at fault (e.g., changed their mind), or issue a partial refund as a goodwill gesture without requiring the item to be returned. However, if the seller is responsible for the issue, a full refund, including shipping, must be provided. To avoid disputes, always explain the reason for a partial refund to the buyer in advance.

4. Proactively Communicate With Buyers #

Before applying a restocking fee:

• Send a message to the buyer explaining the reason for the deduction;
• Reference Amazon’s official return policy if needed;
• If a buyer returns the wrong item, offer to return it to them and ask if they wish to send back the correct one.

Open, polite communication often prevents claims and builds buyer trust.

5. Be Transparent in Your Return Policy #

Set expectations upfront by:

• Including your restocking fee terms in your seller profile;
• Adding it to your product listing FAQs where relevant.

For example: “A restocking fee of up to 20–50% may apply for used, damaged, or late returns in line with Amazon’s return policies.”

⚠️ Avoid vague or overly strict policies; Amazon may suspend listings for violating return guidelines.

6. Avoid These Common Mistakes #

Mistake	Consequence
Charging a fee for a return in perfect condition	Risk of A-to-z Guarantee claim or refund reversal
Failing to provide photo evidence of damage	The seller loses the dispute by default
Charging restocking fees on FBA returns	Policy violation may trigger warnings
Ignoring buyer messages or complaints	Negative reviews and reduced account health

7. Use A-to-z Guarantee Disputes to Improve #

If a buyer wins a dispute, review the claim and Amazon’s decision carefully. Use the feedback to:

• Improve your return documentation process;
• Adjust your messaging strategy;
• Fine-tune your restocking fee guidelines for future returns.

Treat disputes as quality control opportunities.

8. Use Third-Party Tools #

With M2E Multichannel Connect, you can:

• Synchronize return requests automatically;
• Issue partial refunds in one place: Instead of going into Seller Central for each case, you can manage refunds (including restocking fees) directly from the M2E dashboard;
• Apply consistent policies across channels: Set up return and refund rules for Amazon.

💡 Learn more about M2E Multichannel Connect and discover the features that level up your online store experience.