Amazon FBM Return Codes: How to Handle Prepaid Returns

What are prepaid return codes for Amazon FBM sellers

Managing returns for Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) sellers requires special attention, especially understanding and handling prepaid return codes. These codes provide crucial information about why an item was returned and help sellers quickly process customer requests.

Important note: Properly understanding return codes is essential to improve returns management, optimize refund policies, and reduce potential financial losses.

Amazon return codes: list and meanings

No.	Return reason	Liability
1	Accidental order	Buyer
2	Better price available	Buyer
3	Packaging intact but item damaged	Seller
4	Estimated delivery date missed	Seller
5	Missing parts or accessories	Seller
6	Packaging and item damaged	Seller
7	Wrong item sent	Seller
8	Defective or not working	Seller
9	Extra item beyond order	Seller
10	No longer needed or wanted	Buyer
11	Unauthorized purchase	Seller
12	Inaccurate description	Seller
13	Damaged during delivery	Seller
14	Performance or quality not adequate	Buyer
15	Not useful or incompatible with intended use	Buyer
16	Damaged due to inadequate packaging	Seller
17	Part not compatible with existing system	Buyer
18	Installation too complex or incomplete	Buyer

Warning: Codes indicating frequent defects or damage may signal supplier or carrier issues.

Responsibility for return shipping costs

Time from receipt to return request	Return reason	Original shipping cost	Return shipping cost
0-14 days	Seller	Seller	Seller
0-14 days	Buyer	Seller	Buyer*
15-30 days	Seller	Seller	Seller
15-30 days	Buyer	Buyer	Buyer*

If return qualifies for free returns or the seller is outside the selling country, return shipping costs are seller’s responsibility.

Effectively managing returns: benefits and strategies

Proper returns management delivers tangible benefits:

Increased customer satisfaction.
Fewer negative reviews.
Reduced financial loss through root cause control.

Recommended strategies for effective returns management:

Regularly monitor return codes to spot recurring issues.
Clearly communicate return policies to customers.
Implement a fast dispute resolution system.

For more details, see the complete FBM returns guide.

SellerMagnet Analytics Dashboard: track returns and costs

Track multi-marketplace inventory, orders, and returns.
Automatically calculate costs associated with returns and refunds.
Detailed reports to analyze performance and recurring issues.

Concrete benefits: Monitoring returns with SellerMagnet enables immediate issue response, improving customer satisfaction and reducing financial losses.

Step-by-step guide to handling FBM returns

Handling Amazon FBM returns requires clear, structured procedures. Follow these main steps:

Receive the return request and immediately evaluate the assigned return code.
Verify and analyze the reason: check frequency of specific codes to identify quality or service issues.
Respond promptly to the customer: confirm the return or propose an alternative solution.
Process the refund or replacement quickly.

Advanced tip: Use the SellerMagnet Analytics Dashboard to automate monitoring and management of all steps, significantly reducing manual handling time.

Stop Juggling Tools - SellerMagnet Combines Everything You Need in One Platform.

Join a smarter way to manage your Amazon store

Try for Free

Recommended Posts

Tags: Advertising & PPC Amazon Basics

10 Advanced Amazon Seller Ads That Scale Profit

The seller guide to advanced Amazon ads. Retargeting, video, DSP, category and product targeting, bidding, and tests to scale profit.

Tags: FBA Amazon Updates Amazon Basics

Prime Big Deal Days Seller Playbook (Oct 7–8)

A practical plan for Amazon sellers to win Prime Big Deal Days: choose PED vs coupons vs Deals, scale Sponsored Products, and protect margin.

Tags: FBA Inventory Management

Give Returns a Second Life with FBA Grade & Resell

Turn Amazon FBA returns into revenue with Grade & Resell. Learn grading, pricing, eligibility, and when to use alternatives.

Tags: FBA FBM Amazon Basics

How to Optimize Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) on Amazon

A seller’s guide to raising customer lifetime value on Amazon with product ladders, reviews, Subscribe & Save, and analytics.

Tags: SellerMagnet Tools Product Research Amazon Basics

How to Find Profitable B2B Products on Amazon

A practical guide for Amazon B2B sellers: where to find products, validate margins, set business pricing, and scale with data.

Tags: FBA FBM SellerMagnet Tools Amazon SEO

Improve Conversion on Amazon: The Seller’s Playbook

Actionable steps to increase conversion on Amazon: better titles, images, A+ content, pricing tests, reviews, and analytics.

Tags: FBM Inventory Management Amazon Basics

Amazon FBM Return Codes: How to Handle Prepaid Returns

Learn how Amazon FBM return reason codes work, who pays shipping costs, and how to manage returns effectively with SellerMagnet.

Tags: FBA FBM SellerMagnet Tools Amazon Basics

White Label vs Private Label on Amazon: Complete Guide

White or private label? Guide to differences and SellerMagnet tools to succeed on Amazon.

Tags: FBA FBM SellerMagnet Tools

SellerMagnet Review Requester: Automate Amazon Reviews

Automate and manage Amazon review requests, boost your reputation and save time with SellerMagnet Review Requester.

Tags: FBA FBM

How to Succeed During Amazon Prime Day 2025: Key Strategies

Learn how to optimize ads, targeting, and budgets to maximize your sales during Amazon Prime Day 2025.

Tags: SellerMagnet Tools Product Research Amazon Basics

How to Dropship on Amazon in 2025

Learn how to start and grow a dropshipping business on Amazon. Rules, suppliers, tools, and key strategies explained.

Tags: Amazon SEO Amazon Basics

How Augmented Reality and 3D models are Changing Shopping on Amazon

Learn how AR and 3D models improve Amazon shopping experience and increase conversions with the right tools.

Join a smarter way to manage your Amazon store

Why Choose SellerMagnet?

With SellerMagnet, you have everything you need to dominate the Amazon marketplace and grow your business without the burden of manual management. The platform includes tools to monitor profits, optimize pricing, analyze products and gather reviews - boosting your efficiency and competitiveness.

Amazon

Analytics Dashboard

The Analytics Dashboard gives you a clear view of your finances and profits.

Learn More

Amazon

Repricer

The Repricer keeps your prices competitive to boost BuyBox chances.

Learn More

Amazon

Sourcing Tool

The SellerMagnet Sourcer helps you find profitable products with ease.

Learn More