Does Amazon Check Returns? (Expensive, Damaged + Process in 2024)

Are you getting ready to return an item to Amazon but wondering – does Amazon check returns? Do they inspect expensive items more closely? What about damaged or broken returns – will those get checked?

I‘ve done extensive research on Amazon‘s return policies and processes and will provide a detailed breakdown below on what items they inspect upon return and how the process works.

Does Amazon Check Returns in 2024?

The short answer is yes, Amazon checks returned items in 2024, although the extent of the inspection depends on the item value and condition.

According to Amazon‘s return policy, all items are supposed to be inspected by warehouse workers upon arrival at the return center. However, some sources indicate that only expensive items or those prone to fraud get thoroughly checked.

Here are a few key points on Amazon‘s return inspection process:

Amazon checks the serial numbers on returned items to ensure they match what was originally purchased and prevent fraud. If serial numbers don‘t match, refunds may be denied.
Expensive items like laptops, gaming consoles, smartphones, or high-end electronics get more scrutiny. Amazon needs to verify condition before reselling.
Returns over a certain dollar threshold automatically trigger an inspection. This helps cut down on return fraud for big ticket items.
If you‘ve returned over 10% of your total orders, your returns get extra attention as you may be flagged for potential abuse.
Amazon doesn‘t thoroughly check low cost or damaged/unsellable returns as those usually get discarded or donated anyway. Focus is on items they can resell.
Inspections happen at return centers in Kentucky and Nevada before items are processed further. Workers there do testing and grading.

So in summary, Amazon does say they check every return but seems to focus on high-value, resellable items. Keep reading for more details.

How Does Amazon Check Returns?

When an Amazon return shows up at a return center, here are some of the ways workers inspect and verify the items:

Scanning serial numbers – The unique serial number on each product gets scanned to match against original purchase records. This checks for fraud or incorrect items.
Powering on electronic devices – Any electronics like laptops, tablets, speakers, etc get powered on to test functions and condition.
Checking for damage – The external condition of items gets inspected closely for any damage not reported by the customer.
Open box testing – If an item was opened but supposedly unused, warehouse workers will open boxes and test items.
Grading and diagnostic testing – For products like laptops, workers run diagnostics to grade them for resale or refurbishing.
Photo documentation – Any identified issues are photographed to have proof in case a customer disputes a return denial.
Physical inspection – Visual inspection of product for unreported defects or missing accessories/parts.

Amazon has gotten quite advanced in quickly assessing returns through methods like AI-powered diagnostic tools. But human oversight is still critical, especially for high-value returns.

Does Amazon Check Expensive Returns?

The consensus from Amazon warehouse workers is that expensive items get the most scrutiny when returned to Amazon. These items often have the highest risk of fraud and abuse, so Amazon needs to verify condition.

According to one warehouse employee on Reddit, devices that are prone to getting returned like gaming consoles, PCs, tablets, TVs, smart home tech, and phones go through rigorous checks.

Even if the item is unopened, just having the seal broken can trigger a closer inspection. The device may get powered on and tested to verify full functionality, even if unused.

For very expensive returns over $500-$1000, the inspection process is even more involved:

Photo documentation throughout the process
Thorough diagnostic testing on electronics
Verification of all accessories/parts included
Grade rating for resale on open box items
Higher-level worker supervision of inspection

So if you‘re returning that brand new $2000 TV or gaming laptop, expect Amazon to check it very closely before issuing a refund.

Does Amazon Check Cheap Returns?

For inexpensive returns under $50, Amazon does not appear to check these as thoroughly. The rationale is that low-cost items have less fraud risk and will often end up discarded anyway if damaged or defective.

According to warehouse workers, cheap returns essentially get a quick visual inspection before going into the general return bins. Checking serial numbers or testing inexpensive items takes too much time and labor.

An employee on Reddit said they almost never open or power on returns under $100, as their center focuses on pricier items. So those cheap phone cases, usb cables, and assorted household items are unlikely to face much scrutiny upon return.

Just don‘t take it as a license to return clearly used or broken cheap items! Amazon can still deny refunds on these if abuse is evident, especially for frequent returners. But inexpensive returns do seem to face less inspection rigor overall.

Does Amazon Check Broken Returns?

If an item is damaged beyond repair or clearly defective, Amazon will not thoroughly check these returns. Since the items are unsellable, they are usually disposed of or donated if still usable.

However, Amazon may conduct some basic inspection of broken/damaged returns:

Scan serial number – Check if item matches original purchase in their system
Assess damage – Determine if item is completely broken or has some reusable parts/value
Check for missing accessories – Partially damaged items may have reusable components like cords, remotes, etc.
Determine disposition – Decide if item gets discarded, donated, recycled, or listed for parts/repair
Verify return reason – Check for customer abuse or misrepresentation

So Amazon will do some initial triage on clearly broken items but doesn‘t meticulously inspect them since they have no resale value anyway. Refunds are issued assuming the damage matches the customer‘s report.

Does Amazon Check Returned Laptops?

Laptop returns will definitely get checked by Amazon given their high value, especially any open box items. Unopened laptops in original packaging may have less inspection if serial numbers match.

But any laptops with packaging removed or showing signs of use will go through Amazon‘s full return evaluation:

Powering on and testing full functionality
Checking for any physical/cosmetic defects
Running thorough diagnostics to grade condition
Verifying all accessories are included
Downgrading condition if issues found (e.g. open-box excellent vs. good)
Initiating a repair order if cost effective
Photo documenting any damage or problems

Laptops must be in new condition to be resold as open box items, so Amazon workers will thoroughly inspect these. Any misrepresentation of laptop condition can result in fees/deductions as well.

Laptops also have a 30 day return window, after which they can only be returned for replacement under warranty. So inspecting condition is critical before that window closes.

Does Amazon Check Damaged Returns?

Amazon‘s approach to checking damaged returns depends on the specifics of the situation:

Level of damage – Is the item completely broken or still partly usable/sellable? Minor issues get more inspection than totally broken items.
Item value – More expensive items, even if damaged, will get checked to identify reusable parts or components with some value.
Return center location – The Nevada and Kentucky centers have dedicated areas to evaluate damaged/defective returns.
Potential for resale – If the item has any chance of being resold through Amazon Warehouse Deals or a 3rd party, it will be thoroughly checked.
Disposition options – Damaged items may be donated if still usable or recycled depending on what makes sense.

So clearly broken $10 household items would go straight to the trash or recycling. But that damaged $500 TV may get sent to the return center tech team to identify if display components are salvageable before recycling the rest.

Bottom line – the more valuable the item, the more effort Amazon will put into inspecting damaged returns for reusable parts or to verify customer‘s damage claims.

What Items Cannot Be Returned to Amazon?

While Amazon accepts returns on millions of products, some specific item categories cannot be returned according to their policies:

Digital purchases like eBooks, music downloads, or software
Prepaid phone cards or gift cards (Amazon or otherwise)
Customized products like photo prints or personally engraved items
Food, grocery, alcohol, or hygiene items
Products requiring destruction to open like cosmetics/beauty items
Items missing UPC codes or serial numbers
Products that have passed the manufacturer warranty
Third party seller items not fulfilling Amazon‘s return criteria

Attempting to return any of the above items to Amazon will result in the return getting rejected upfront. Other categories like laptops, mobile phones, and camera drones have 30 day return windows – after that window, returns need to go through the manufacturer.

If you receive an item that doesn‘t match the listing description, is defective, or arrives damaged, you can initiate a return through Amazon‘s Online Return Center as long as it falls within their policies. Just don‘t expect a refund on gift cards or that downloaded MP3 album!

What is the Amazon Return Process?

If you need to return an eligible purchase to Amazon, their return process includes the following steps:

Initiate return request – Within 30 days of delivery, log into your Amazon account and go to Online Return Center. Select item(s) to return and choose reason code.
Get return authorization – Amazon will email a return label within 1-2 days. For 3rd party seller items, the seller has 48 hours to authorize return request.
Print return label – Use the emailed label to print a QR code, shipping label, and return authorization form.
Pack and seal return – Repackage the return in original box if possible. Seal box with return label visible.
Drop off return – Schedule free UPS pickup or drop at UPS location or Kohl‘s. Returns don‘t go to Amazon facilities.
Amazon processes return – Once received at return center (typically takes 5-7 days), return is inspected and refund initiated.
Receive refund – Within 14 days of return delivery to Amazon, the refund will be issued to your original payment method.

Make sure to print the provided QR code and follow included return instructions to avoid issues processing your return. Most items are eligible for refund upon return – Amazon just needs to receive and validate the item before refunding.

Can I View the Status of an Amazon Return?

Yes, you can check the real-time status of any Amazon return by:

Going to Your Orders and locating the return request
Click "View return status" – this shows current progress
See status like "Return requested", "Return received", "Refund initiated"
Get estimated refund date once inspection complete
Troubleshoot any issues if return stuck in "Return requested"

Amazon‘s return tracking is helpful for monitoring the inspection process and knowing exactly where your refund stands. If your return shows as "Return received" that means it has passed Amazon‘s inspection and refund will be coming within 14 days typically.

How Long Does it Take To Receive a Refund After Amazon Return?

From the time Amazon receives your returned item, here is the typical refund timing you can expect:

5-7 days – Average transit time for items to reach Amazon return facilities from UPS dropoff.
2 days max – Amazon will inspect and process returns within 48 hours of arrival.
3-5 days – Once return is approved, refund is initiated and transferred to your payment method.
14 days max – By their policy, Amazon issues all return refunds within 14 days of receiving the item back.

So the full cycle from start to getting your money back will be around 3-4 weeks depending on shipping times. If your refund doesn‘t arrive within 14 days of return delivery, contact Amazon customer service.

Can Amazon Ban You for Too Many Returns?

While Amazon wants to enable easy returns for customers, they will crack down on excessive returns that appear abusive. However, an outright ban is extremely rare unless outright fraud is detected.

Here‘s what Amazon looks for in prohibiting customers:

Return rate over 15% – If over 15% of your orders get returned, you risk being flagged. 10% is warning threshold.
High dollar returns – Expensive items getting returned frequently raise red flags.
Pattern of fraud – Things like suspicious serial numbers, items not matching descriptions, or misrepresentation of condition.
Return of "Unreturnable" items – Trying to return gift cards, digital items, or other prohibited products.

For most customers, you have nothing to worry about unless you are returning almost everything you order or exhibit clear deception/fraud. Before a ban, Amazon will issue warnings about excessive returns.

An outright lifetime ban only happens these days in pretty extreme cases of return abuse according to employees. Amazon values customer retention too much to ban someone over minor infractions.

Conclusion

Amazon absolutely does check returns and has a thorough inspection process, especially for higher cost items they can resell. While cheap or broken returns may get minimal checking, electronics, gaming and PC gear, and other expensive products get put through extensive functional testing and diagnostics upon return.

Knowing Amazon‘s procedures for checking serial numbers, powering on devices, running diagnostics, and photo documenting any damage or defects means you should feel confident returning truly defective or wrongly shipped items. Just don‘t expect them to overlook outright product abuse or fraud when checking returns.

I hope this guide has helped explain what Amazon looks for when you return items and how their inspection process works. Let me know if you have any other Amazon return related questions!