Yes, that's what I said, it varies by product category and cost.  Hard to predict which route they will take for any item.

I like that some companies include a return label right with the order. When contacted, others will provide a link to download a return label. In both cases they pay the postage. But, we still have to be willing to repackage the item for return so sometimes it's not worth it.

Linda

You don't need to repackage the item for returns to Amazon, Kohl's, Macy's, Best Buy, and a few others.  In fact, they will charge you more if you do.

We get fast delivery from Amazon Prime but also the same time for WalMart.  I've even taken to order some bathroom supplies online for a cheaper cost for multiples than for a store item.  I absolutely hate going in stores anymore.

You make a great point; Amazon is not the cheapest at all for many household staples.  Depending on what you buy and your needs, Walmart is sometimes a better deal.  I buy most of those things at Costco/Sam's, so Walmart online rarely works out for me, but I have friends who use it almost daily.

  On 12/10/2019 at 6:58 AM, Carlos said:

You don't need to repackage the item for returns to Amazon, Kohl's, Macy's, Best Buy, and a few others.  In fact, they will charge you more if you do.

So, you send things back to Amazon with no package? How does that work? You just stick the return label right on the shirt? I usually put in back in the package it arrived in and tape it shut.

Linda

Sam's Club has free shipping with the upgraded membership. We find that to be very useful. We've ordered a variety of things using that method, enjoying both the great value and the fast delivery to the door. Jay

  On 12/10/2019 at 2:51 PM, sandsys said:

So, you send things back to Amazon with no package? How does that work? You just stick the return label right on the shirt? I usually put in back in the package it arrived in and tape it shut.

Linda

You drop it off at a variety of places with no package, and show a QR code on your phone.  They hand you a receipt, and you're done.  I use the UPS store that's on my way to anywhere in town.  I know Kohl's takes Amazon returns, and there are others.

I too would normally just pack it up in the spare packaging we always have around, but that costs them more so they actually charge if you do that.

  On 12/10/2019 at 11:24 PM, Carlos said:

You drop it off at a variety of places with no package, and show a QR code on your phone.  They hand you a receipt, and you're done.  I use the UPS store that's on my way to anywhere in town.  I know Kohl's takes Amazon returns, and there are others.

I too would normally just pack it up in the spare packaging we always have around, but that costs them more so they actually charge if you do that.

 

As I understand this process, all the returns from that day or time period go into one or so larger containers, so there is less waste and less time spent opening and disposing of shipping containers.

Yup, they are also batched into the proper place for the specific products to be returned.  We have at least three Amazon locations in Phoenix, each handles different things.  I had a conversation about this with the people at the UPS store when they were boxing up the returns one day.