Amazon stops refunds on mobile phones, to offer replacements only

Amazon’s return policy has been changed to a replacement policy which means that all mobile phones that are fulfilled by Amazon, purchased on or after February 7, 2016, will have a replacement only policy

Amazon’s return policy has been changed to a replacement policy which means that all mobile phones that are fulfilled by Amazon, purchased on or after February 7, 2016, will have a replacement only policy (Getty Images)

Amazon's return policy has been changed to a replacement policy which means that all mobile phones that are fulfilled by Amazon, purchased on or after February 7, 2016, will have a replacement only policy.

Mobile phone items that are fulfilled by Amazon will no longer be eligible for refunds. In case you have received a defective or a damaged mobile phone, you will be eligible for a free replacement.

Unlike before, when Amazon would return your money if the phone delivered to you was damaged or defective, they will send you new package.

So, if you've bought a phone from Amazon after February 7 and it turns out to be a rotten egg, you put it back in the box, the delivery guy will get you a new one and pickup the previous package. However, you will have to report the mishap within 14 days to make sure that the damaged or defective device is replaced.

This policy isn't just limited to phones but sellers of books, movies and television shows (on digital disks) will be subjected to the 14-day-deadline for reporting defects -- or 10 days if you no longer need the item -- from the delivery of the product. There are more products sold by Amazon that cover the are eligible for replacement and have policies of their own.

While all the items can be replaced for damage or defect if reported within specified time-frame, phones, larger appliances (ACs, refrigerators, washing machine, dishwashers, microwaves) and furniture.

Rest of the purchases that aren't needed anymore can be returned to Amazon for a refund by returning the package in the "new and unopened condition" it was received in.

The discontinuing of their refund service could be a way to push their Reglobe Buyback scheme that pays you back money on purchase of a new mobile from Amazon. On purchasing a new phone, the order ID can be used to set up a pickup of your old phone to receive the payment in return.