Refund at first scan for seller-fulfilled returns

Amazon's "Refund at First Scan" (RFS) process simplifies the handling of returns for sellers by automatically issuing refunds to customers when the returned item is dropped off and scanned at a designated carrier location using a prepaid return label provided by Amazon. Here are some important details and answers to common questions about the RFS process:

**Benefits of Refund at First Scan (RFS):**

- Simplifies the manual effort needed to process returns in Seller Central.

- Significantly reduces customer contacts and A-to-z guarantee claims.

- Makes it easy to comply with Amazon's policies.

**Actions Required:**

- There is no action required from you to offer RFS to your customers. Return requests authorized through Amazon's prepaid return label program are automatically eligible for RFS.

**Issuing Refunds for Returns That Don't Receive RFS:**

- Yes, you are still required to issue refunds for returns that do not receive RFS. For any returns that don't receive an RFS refund, you must issue a refund within two business days of receiving the return, or Amazon may issue a refund on your behalf.

**Notification of Refunds Issued on Your Behalf:**

- Amazon will notify you of all refunds issued on your behalf through refund notification emails. You can update your notification preferences in Seller Central.

**Handling Damaged, Incomplete, or Materially Different Returns:**

- If a customer returns a damaged, incomplete, or materially different item, you can file a SAFE-T claim to request reimbursement for the refund issued by Amazon. You have 60 calendar days to file such a claim. Details on eligible refunds for reimbursement and the claim process can be found in Amazon's Reimbursement Policy for seller-fulfilled orders with prepaid return labels.

**Criteria for RFS Eligibility:**

- RFS will only issue refunds for customer returns that fall within the scope of Amazon's return and refund policies and for which you are already obliged to issue a refund. Amazon also considers the customer's return history before processing an RFS refund.

**Shipping Costs for RFS Refunds:**

- The return and delivery shipping costs for RFS refunds are determined by Amazon's return and refund policies, which apply to all RFS eligible orders. The specific costs vary depending on the return reason and timing of the return.

**Filing a SAFE-T Claim:**

- If you believe that the automated customer refund was not in accordance with Amazon's returns policy, you can file a SAFE-T claim to request reimbursement for the refund issued. Details on eligible claims and the claim process can be found in Amazon's Reimbursement Policy for seller-fulfilled orders with prepaid return labels.

Overall, RFS simplifies the return process for both sellers and customers, reduces administrative work, and ensures compliance with Amazon's policies. Sellers should still monitor returns and file claims when necessary to address any issues that may arise.