Say Goodbye to Traditional Returns – What Michigan Shoppers Should Know About Amazon and Walmart’s New Policies

Retail giants like Amazon and Walmart are changing the way shoppers handle returns, and it could be a game-changer for Michigan shoppers. Here's what you need to know about this quiet but potentially money-saving policy update.

The Pros and Cons of Shopping Online

It’s no secret—and some of us have even been gently (or maybe not so gently) called out by friends—that online shopping can hurt local businesses.

Shopping online offers unmatched convenience, especially for busy Michigan shoppers who might not have time to visit stores in person. With a few clicks, items arrive right at your door, often with competitive prices and fast shipping.

On the other hand, shopping locally supports Michigan businesses and communities directly. You can see, touch, and test items before purchasing, and local stores often provide personalized service.

A New Return Policy Emerges

Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and other online outlets have implemented policies that are leaving some customers scratching their heads. This practice isn't entirely new, but it seems to be happening more frequently as of late—and you may have experienced it already.

Major online retailers are now issuing refunds to customers and telling them to keep their items. Here’s how it works: you’re not happy with an item, so you initiate an online return. Then, instead of asking you to ship it back, the merchant simply refunds your money and tells you to keep it

It’s happened to me, and it’s happened to my wife on multiple occasions.

What This Means for Michigan Shoppers

It’s worth noting that this policy generally applies to smaller, relatively inexpensive items. Amazon won’t refund your money and tell you to keep a 65-inch TV or an Apple Watch.

But for smaller items, and products with very little resale value, it’s a different story. According to UnionRayo, processing returns for items like underwear, makeup, and kitchen accessories is often more hassle than it’s worth. It’s likely more cost-effective for retailers to let customers keep these items, and the move may even help build customer loyalty.

The Pros and Cons of This New Policy

In our case, my wife was told to keep a lip gloss that she wasn’t happy with. I was told to keep a power adapter that wasn’t the right voltage. That item will sit in the basement for the next 30 years, you know, just in case I need it.