A subtle but significant change is rolling out on Amazon Germany – for the first time, some customers are being charged for returning products with packaging while box-free returns remain free. Here’s what it means for Sellers…
Amazon introduced box-free returns in Germany back in 2022, allowing customers to return items without outer packaging by simply dropping them at designated lockers or collection points.
But now? In what is still only in a limited rollout, some packaged returns (packaged meaning those in boxes or bags) are incurring charges of €1.95 to €2.95.
The issue? Incentivising customers to ditch the boxes might have a welcome and positive environmental angle but the impact on Sellers is likely to be more complex – let’s dive a little deeper…
What does it mean for Sellers?
A shift in shopper behaviour?
German consumers already have a track record of returning items with minimal or no packaging — think taped-up shoeboxes with return labels attached.
And with this change, Amazon could be encouraging even more returns that skip the external box altogether – which sounds like a win for the environment, but could cause headaches for brands selling items like footwear, electronics or cosmetics, where intact branded packaging is crucial to making a product resellable as new.
A potential positive for FBA Brands
On the flip side, Amazon’s returns guidance suggests that box-free returns are only being offered for FBA or Amazon-sold items.
That could give Sellers using FBA a better customer experience than merchant-fulfilled competitors — especially if free returns continue to be a purchase decision driver in key markets like Germany.
Resalability still needs to be factored in
Even if the return is free and fast, Sellers will still need to plan for the condition of their returns.
After all, box-free doesn’t mean damage-free — and it could become harder to resell items as new if core components or packaging are returned damaged or incomplete.
Key takeaways for brands selling into Germany
This shift towards box-free returns is a welcome part of Amazon’s strategy to cut waste and reduce emissions, but Sellers need to be alert to the practical and commercial impact.
Here are some tips from our experts to keep your box-free returns in profit-making condition:
Review your packaging
Could your product be returned without external protection and still be resaleable?
Track return condition data
If box-free returns lead to a rise in unsellable stock, it’s time to raise a flag.
Use FBA wisely
It’s looking like box-free returns may be FBA-exclusive – could this be a reason to review your fulfilment strategy in the German market?
Our award-winning team has all the know-how you need to succeed across international marketplaces. Love to discover how we helped Kodak Batteries power international expansion through Amazon Germany and beyond? Read the case study here.