Keep your purchase and get a refund? The surprising new returns policy at Walmart and Amazon
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Imagine this: You order a shirt online, it arrives, and it’s not quite what you expected. Maybe the color is off, or the fit isn’t right. You brace yourself for the hassle of printing a return label, repacking the item, and trekking to the post office.
But then, a message pops up: “No need to return the item. Your refund has been issued.”
Sound too good to be true? For more and more shoppers, this is becoming a reality—especially at major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
Why Are Retailers Letting You Keep the Item?
It might seem like a generous act of customer service, but there’s a lot of strategy behind this shift. Processing returns is expensive and time-consuming for retailers.
For every item sent back, companies must pay for shipping, inspect the product, and decide if it can be resold.
For low-cost items—think a $12 kitchen gadget or a $15 t-shirt—the cost of handling the return can actually exceed the value of the product itself.
Instead, companies like Amazon and Walmart have started offering “refunds without returns” for certain purchases.
If you initiate a return on a qualifying item, you might be told to keep it and still receive your money back. This approach is especially common for:
When a retailer resolves your issue quickly and without hassle, you’re more likely to shop with them again. In today’s competitive online marketplace, that goodwill is priceless.
Also read: Is Walmart's new refund policy costing you money? A shopper reveals why you might not get your money back!
Who’s Doing It? (And How Does It Work?)
Amazon has been quietly using this policy since August 2024, allowing sellers to offer refunds without returns for products under $75.
Walmart has followed suit, especially for items sold by third-party sellers on their marketplace.
Other big names—Target, Chewy, Temu, Shein, and AliExpress—have adopted similar approaches, particularly for overseas shipments where return shipping is costly and slow.
Here’s how it usually works:
1. You initiate a return through the retailer’s website or app.
2. The system evaluates your request based on the item’s value, type, and your purchase history.
3. If eligible, you receive a message saying you don’t need to return the item, and your refund is processed automatically.
It’s important to note: You can’t request this option. It’s offered at the retailer’s discretion, and not every return will qualify.
Also read: The shocking truth about where your returned online purchases really end up – and why it matters!
The Fine Print: What Shoppers Need to Know
While this policy sounds like a win-win, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’s not a guarantee. Not every item or return will qualify. High-value items, electronics, and luxury goods almost always require a return.
- Don’t abuse the system. Retailers track return patterns. If you make frequent or suspicious returns, your account could be flagged or restricted.
- You may be asked to donate. Some companies, like Chewy, encourage customers to donate unwanted items to local shelters or charities, turning a business decision into a community benefit.
- No double-dipping. Once you receive a refund and are told to keep the item, you can’t resell it as “new” or try to return it again.
Refunds without returns are a smart, data-driven strategy that benefits both shoppers and retailers. You get a hassle-free experience, and companies save on shipping and processing costs. It’s a modern solution for a modern shopping world.
But remember: This isn’t a free-for-all. Use the policy responsibly, and it will continue to be a helpful option for everyone.
Read next: Think your Amazon return was settled? Think again—this shopper was in for a shocking surprise!
Have you ever received a refund and been told to keep the item? What did you do with it? Do you have tips for making the most of online returns? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
But then, a message pops up: “No need to return the item. Your refund has been issued.”
Sound too good to be true? For more and more shoppers, this is becoming a reality—especially at major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
Why Are Retailers Letting You Keep the Item?
It might seem like a generous act of customer service, but there’s a lot of strategy behind this shift. Processing returns is expensive and time-consuming for retailers.
For every item sent back, companies must pay for shipping, inspect the product, and decide if it can be resold.
For low-cost items—think a $12 kitchen gadget or a $15 t-shirt—the cost of handling the return can actually exceed the value of the product itself.
Instead, companies like Amazon and Walmart have started offering “refunds without returns” for certain purchases.
Some major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart are increasingly offering “refunds without returns,” allowing customers to keep items while still receiving a full refund. Image source: ANIRUDH / Unsplash.
If you initiate a return on a qualifying item, you might be told to keep it and still receive your money back. This approach is especially common for:
- Low-cost items (usually under $75)
- Bulky or hard-to-ship products
- Items that can’t be resold for hygiene or safety reasons
- Marketplace or third-party seller items
When a retailer resolves your issue quickly and without hassle, you’re more likely to shop with them again. In today’s competitive online marketplace, that goodwill is priceless.
Also read: Is Walmart's new refund policy costing you money? A shopper reveals why you might not get your money back!
Who’s Doing It? (And How Does It Work?)
Amazon has been quietly using this policy since August 2024, allowing sellers to offer refunds without returns for products under $75.
Walmart has followed suit, especially for items sold by third-party sellers on their marketplace.
Other big names—Target, Chewy, Temu, Shein, and AliExpress—have adopted similar approaches, particularly for overseas shipments where return shipping is costly and slow.
Here’s how it usually works:
1. You initiate a return through the retailer’s website or app.
2. The system evaluates your request based on the item’s value, type, and your purchase history.
3. If eligible, you receive a message saying you don’t need to return the item, and your refund is processed automatically.
It’s important to note: You can’t request this option. It’s offered at the retailer’s discretion, and not every return will qualify.
Also read: The shocking truth about where your returned online purchases really end up – and why it matters!
The Fine Print: What Shoppers Need to Know
While this policy sounds like a win-win, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’s not a guarantee. Not every item or return will qualify. High-value items, electronics, and luxury goods almost always require a return.
- Don’t abuse the system. Retailers track return patterns. If you make frequent or suspicious returns, your account could be flagged or restricted.
- You may be asked to donate. Some companies, like Chewy, encourage customers to donate unwanted items to local shelters or charities, turning a business decision into a community benefit.
- No double-dipping. Once you receive a refund and are told to keep the item, you can’t resell it as “new” or try to return it again.
Refunds without returns are a smart, data-driven strategy that benefits both shoppers and retailers. You get a hassle-free experience, and companies save on shipping and processing costs. It’s a modern solution for a modern shopping world.
But remember: This isn’t a free-for-all. Use the policy responsibly, and it will continue to be a helpful option for everyone.
Read next: Think your Amazon return was settled? Think again—this shopper was in for a shocking surprise!
Have you ever received a refund and been told to keep the item? What did you do with it? Do you have tips for making the most of online returns? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
