Amazon ends ‘refund policy’ for mobile phones

Next time you buy a smart phone from Amazon, remember mobiles purchased from the website are no longer eligible for refunds.

The-commerce giant has notified customers about its new return policy which is applicable on all purchases made post on or after February 7.

The new policy is applicable to all mobile phones that are fulfilled by Amazon. As per the new policy, buyers will be eligible for a replacement only if the product is defective or has got damaged during transit.

The replacement too will be valid only for duration of 10-days from the date of delivery of the mobile phone.

‘All mobile phones that are fulfilled by Amazon, purchased on or after 7th February 2016, will have a replacement only policy. Mobile phone items that are fulfilled by Amazon will no longer be eligible for refunds. In case you have received a defective or a damaged mobile phone, you will be eligible for a free replacement,’ says the company on its returns policy page.

‘The page also states, ‘Items that you no longer need must be returned in new and unopened condition with all the original packing, tags, inbox literature, warranty/ guarantee card, freebies and accessories including keys, straps and locks intact.’

Most analysts agree that many buyers were abusing the company’s refund policy with many buying latest smart phones, and returning them after a week after trying them.

Rival Flipkart has a 30-day replacement guarantee for mobile phones sold by sellers with Flipkart Advantage and 10-days for other sellers.

‘Replacement guarantee for sellers with Flipkart Advantage, 30-day replacement guarantee for all other sellers for fashion and books categories, and 10-day replacement guarantee for all other sellers,’ reads the replacement policy on the company`s website.

As for the other e-commerce giant Snapdeal, its policy appears most strict.

‘We require a document from the brand/OEM’s service centre confirming that the delivered item was defective. We will carry out a quality check to validate the complaint before processing any request for refund/replacement. Returns/replacements will be accepted for only those items which are found to be faulty/defective,’ reads Snap deal’s policy.