Amazon Extended Holiday Returns 2025 Begins Today
Amazon has officially activated its extended holiday returns 2025 policy. From November 1 through December 31, nearly all consumer purchases can be returned until January 31, 2026 (and Apple products until January 15, 2026) under the Extended Holiday Returns policy.
For sellers, this longer window intensifies refund and return-abuse exposure, especially with refunds at the first scan, which issues buyer refunds when the return label is scanned. Without airtight documentation, you can lose both inventory and cash flow while your Order Defect Rate (ODR) rises.
Why Refund-at-First-Scan Hurts Sellers
When buyers use Amazon-issued return labels, the system can trigger refunds before the item arrives. If the return never reaches your warehouse or comes back damaged, you must prove loss to qualify for a SAFE-T claim.
Amazon expects clear evidence, carrier tracking, outbound and inbound weights, serial numbers, and product-condition photos to verify that the original product was sent and that the return differs. Weak proofs lead to denied claims, increased ODR, and even temporary fund holds.
Steps to Protect ODR During Amazon Extended Holiday Returns 2025
1. Separate FBA and FBM Workflows
For FBA items, monitor Amazon’s warehouse receipts through Manage SAFE-T Claims. For FBM, document every outbound shipment and photograph packaging before hand-off.
2. File SAFE-T Claims Promptly
You have 7 calendar days from the date Amazon issues a refund to file a SAFE-T claim.
Attach delivery scans, weight logs, and serial confirmations.
3. Track A-to-Z Claims
High A-to-Z ratios drive ODR up fast. Respond to every case with tracking and customer communication records.
4. Audit Return Abuse
Flag repeat buyers who trigger excessive refunds. Amazon allows you to document abuse patterns through Account Health for escalation.
When Funds Are Withheld
If refunds or ODR flags cause disbursement holds, confirm compliance with the Funds Disbursement Eligibility policy inside Account Health. Persistent delays may justify formal demand and arbitration under the Business Solutions Agreement.
How DAM Law Protects Q4 Revenue
DIY messages often miss SAFE-T documentation standards. DAM Law Firm sets up compliant Q4 return protocols, creates evidence packs with shipment photos, serial logs, and carrier proofs, files timely claims, and defends A-to-Z cases to keep ODR under 1 percent.
If your Amazon extended holiday returns 2025 cases lead to wrongful denials or withheld funds, our firm escalates through formal demand and arbitration to restore your balance and protect your account standing.
Need immediate help protecting Q4 returns? Contact DAM Law Firm today for a rapid audit and SAFE-T claim strategy.
