While most readers know that they can return an unread print book to a bookstore for a refund, it’s a little bit less known that readers can return eBooks to Amazon. eBook returns must be made within seven days of purchase.
Amazon makes it simple: “To request a refund and return, visit Manage Your Kindle, click the actions tab for the title you’d like to return, and select ‘Return for refund.'” Barnes & Noble will not let you return Nook eBooks and Sony eBooks cannot be returned.
Like with other product returns, the idea is to be customer-friendly and to let customers return items if they have any technical issues or simply purchased the wrong product. But returning digital items does raise the issue that customers could potentially copy digital items before they return them.
Do you think making eBooks returnable is a good idea?
The New York Times explains more about Amazon’s policy in regards to other digital media: “While you can usually return e-books to Amazon for a refund, other digital goods purchased from the site are not typically eligible for return. These items include MP3 files, apps and videos. If you want a refund because you are having trouble downloading the files or have other technical issues with your purchase, Amazon’s digital content troubleshooting guides may help.”