Amazon FBM Return Codes: How to Handle Prepaid Returns

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Amazon FBM Return Codes: How to Handle Prepaid Returns
By René | 5 min read

Table of Contents

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:
  1. Regularly monitor return codes to spot recurring issues.
  2. Clearly communicate return policies to customers.
  3. Implement a fast dispute resolution system.
For more details, see the complete FBM returns guide.
169 amazon fbm returns 2025 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:
  1. Receive the return request and immediately evaluate the assigned return code.
  2. Verify and analyze the reason: check frequency of specific codes to identify quality or service issues.
  3. Respond promptly to the customer: confirm the return or propose an alternative solution.
  4. 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.
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