Overview

When Amazon buyers initiate a return using a prepaid return label, they must select a return reason code that explains why they are sending the product back. These standardized codes help sellers understand the nature of each return, identify patterns in product issues, and take corrective action to reduce future return rates. Familiarity with these codes is essential for any seller managing returns through Amazon's prepaid return system.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Return reason codes are standardized — Amazon provides a defined set of reason codes that buyers choose from when requesting a prepaid return, giving sellers consistent data to analyze.
• Codes span multiple categories — Reasons range from sizing and fit issues to product defects, compatibility problems, items not matching descriptions, and buyer remorse.
• Some codes indicate seller-addressable problems — Reasons like "different from what was ordered" or "different from website description" point to listing accuracy issues that sellers can fix.
• Defective product codes affect account health — Codes related to items not working properly, missing parts, or damaged arrivals can impact seller metrics if they occur frequently.
• No-fault codes exist — Reasons such as "no longer needed" or "no reason given" typically reflect buyer preference rather than a product or listing problem.

Categories of Return Reasons

Amazon's return reason codes can be grouped into several broad categories. Buyer preference reasons include codes like "no longer needed," "no reason given," "arrived too late," and "ordered by mistake." These generally reflect changes of mind rather than product deficiencies. Product mismatch reasons cover situations where the item received differs from what was expected, such as "different from what was ordered," "different from website description," "wrong color," or "not as expected." These codes often signal that a listing needs to be reviewed for accuracy.

Sizing, Fit, and Compatibility Issues

A significant portion of return reason codes relate to sizing and fit, which is especially relevant for apparel and footwear sellers. Codes in this group include "item is too large," "item is too small," "half size too large," "half size too small," "full size too large," "full size too small," "too wide," "too narrow," "shaft does not fit," and "arch does not fit." For non-apparel products, compatibility-related codes such as "not fully compatible with my existing system," "not compatible with existing system," and "difficult installation" help sellers understand when product specifications or compatibility information may be insufficient in their listings.