Overview

Amazon’s 2024 holiday season will feature an extended return window that lets shoppers send back most items bought between November 1 2024 and December 31 2024 until January 31 2025. The policy stretches the usual 30‑day period to almost three months, affecting cash flow, inventory handling, and operational planning for every seller on the platform.

Key Points

• Extended deadline — Purchases made during the November‑December window can be returned until January 31 2025, nearly tripling the standard 30‑day period.
• Applies to all fulfillment types — Both Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) and seller‑fulfilled (FBM) orders are covered by the extension.
• Change‑of‑mind returns included — Customers may return items they simply no longer want, not just defective or damaged goods.
• Optional longer windows — Sellers may voluntarily offer a more generous return period, but they cannot opt out of the mandatory extension for most categories.
• Statutory rights unchanged — Existing consumer‑protection laws for faulty products remain in effect throughout the holiday window.

How the Extended Holiday Return Window Works

1. Eligibility period — Any order placed from November 1 2024 through December 31 2024 automatically qualifies for the extended return timeline. For example, a toy purchased on November 15 2024 can be sent back as late as January 31 2025.
2. Return processing — Returns submitted after the standard 30‑day cutoff are still accepted, and Amazon processes refunds according to the seller’s chosen fulfillment method. An FBM seller who receives a returned kitchen gadget on January 20 2025 must inspect, restock, and issue a refund just as they would for a regular return.
3. Policy enforcement — Amazon will not allow sellers to shorten the window for eligible orders, but they can add extra days if they wish. A seller of high‑value electronics might choose a 45‑day window (ending February 14 2025) to boost buyer confidence.

Seller Impact