[amatecha]

For returns you have to print a barcode and put it in the box. You don't get your refund until they physically scan the code in the box. Maybe it's not standard everywhere, but this process has been around for some years now. If the package never gets to the return center, no refund would be processed…

[texaswhizzle]

I’ve never been asked to print a barcode and put it in the box. I just returned a $300 item last week, and all they wanted me to do was ship it back.

This is also true for Amazon business purchases. I have returned items around $600 and have never been asked to put a code in the box.

But I’ve never returned anything over $1,000.

[amatecha]

That's interesting, maybe it's different per country or perhaps even city/region? The two times I've ever returned something, I had to put a little printed barcode thing into the box with the returned item. Just did this a couple months ago.

[muststopmyths]

Same. I return stuff frequently and they stopped the barcode-in-the-box practice a couple of years (at least) ago.

In the USA FWIW. And no super expensive stuff.

[odnes]

Hmm, maybe I'm wrong then. Though I could imagine that if this happened to you legitimately that you would have some legal recourse to get your money back; you fulfilled your end of the return by posting it, its not your fault the courier screwed up.

[longwave]

Amazon UK usually refund you as soon as the package is scanned into the shipper's tracking system. I've dropped off a return at a Hermes point and received a refund notification while walking back to my car.

There is the caveat that they will recharge you if the item isn't in good condition, but if they never receive it, I guess they can only assume the shipper lost it.