Consumer News: Open-Box vs. Refurb vs. 'Renewed': the real differences when buying electronics

The fine print most Amazon shoppers miss

• Most items come with a 30-day return window, but the exact rules can vary depending on the product category and whether its sold by Amazon or a third-party seller.

• Returns arent always free you may pay shipping or see deductions if youre returning something you simply dont want, especially with third-party sellers.

• Start your return early and keep all packaging and accessories to avoid delays, extra fees, or reduced refunds once the item is inspected.

Shopping with Amazon is convenient, but returns can get a little confusing.

Between different return windows, seller rules, and occasional fees, its not always as simple as free returns, no questions asked. But once you understand how their system works, returning items (and avoiding unnecessary costs) becomes much easier.

Heres a full breakdown of Amazons return policy, along with some practical tips to make it work in your favor.

The basics: Most items have a 30-day return window

For the majority of items sold and fulfilled by Amazon, you have 30 days after delivery to return them.

That includes:

• Electronics
• Clothing and shoes
• Household items
• Most third-party seller items (but not all more on that below)

Refunds are typically issued to your original payment method once the item is received and processed.

Start your return as soon as you know something isnt right. You dont need to ship it back immediately, but by initiating the return, it locks in your eligibility and you dont have to worry about missing the return window.

Pro tip: Dont ignore Amazons extended holiday return policy. Every year, items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned through January 31 of the following year. This makes it much easier to shop early for the holidays, since gift recipients still have plenty of time to return or exchange items after the season ends.

Not everything follows the same rules

This is where many Amazon shoppers get tripped up.

Some items have different return windows or restrictions, including:

• Apple products: 15 days
• Amazon Haul items: 15 days
• Digital content (books/music): Seven days (if not used/downloaded)
• Amazon Renewed:
  • 90 days (standard)
  • 365 days (Premium condition)
• Wedding registry gifts: 180 days
• Baby registry items: 365 days
• Holiday purchases: Extended (often until late January)

Non-returnable items include:

• Gift cards
• Downloadable software
• Perishable groceries
• Some personal care items
• Live plants, insects, or hazardous materials

Always check the Return Policy section on the product page before buying.

Pro tip: If youre buying a gift or something seasonal, double-check the return window, as it may be shorter than you expect.

Third-party sellers: Read the fine print

Its important to keep in mind that not everything on Amazon is sold by Amazon itself.

Items sold by third-party sellers may have:

• Different return policies
• Restocking fees
• Buyer-paid return shipping

Most sellers follow Amazons general guidelines, but theyre allowed some flexibility.

Action step: Look for Sold by and Fulfilled by on the product page. When you see Fulfilled by Amazon you know that returns will be easier.

Are Amazon returns really free?

Often returns are completely free with Amazon, but not always.

Free returns typically apply when:

• The item is defective
• The wrong item was sent
• The item arrived damaged

But if youre returning something because you changed your mind, it didnt fit, or you no longer want it, youll typically have to pay return shipping or see a small deduction from your refund.

When selecting a return reason, always be accurate, but also understand that some reasons may trigger fees.

How to return an item (step-by-step)

1. Go to Your Orders
2. Select the item and click Return or Replace
3. Choose a return reason
4. Select your refund method
5. Choose how youll send it back

Youll then get:

• A QR code (no box or label needed at some locations)
• Or a printable return label

Return options: More convenient than ever

Amazon has expanded their return drop-off options significantly.

When you initiate your return, youll be told what your options are in your area.

You can return items at:

• The UPS Store
• FedEx Office
• Kohl's
• Staples
• Whole Foods Market
• Other grocery stores in your area (I have a Save Mart in my town that now takes Amazon returns via a kiosk.)

Many of these locations:

• Pack the item for you
• Dont require a box
• Accept QR codes

Pro tip: Choose the no box, no label option whenever possible, as its the fastest and easiest.

Watch out for restocking fees

In some cases, Amazon may charge a restocking fee, especially if:

• The item is returned used or damaged
• Parts or packaging are missing
• You return it outside the policy guidelines

Action step: Its very smart to keep original packaging and accessories until youre sure youre keeping the item.

Return-less refunds: When you keep the item

Sometimes Amazon will tell you to keep the item and they'll still refund you your money.

These return-less refunds usually happens when:

• The item is low-cost
• Return shipping would cost more than the item
• Theres a quality issue

Youll be told to keep it, donate it, or to discard the item. Ive also had it happen on items that contain liquids or are health related. In most cases, Amazon doesnt want them back, as theyd have to throw them away.

This isnt something you can request, so its not worth trying to game the system to try and get free stuff. But rather, its automatically determined by Amazons internal system.

Common mistakes that cost you money

Even experienced shoppers make these mistakes when it comes to Amazons return policy:

• Waiting too long:If you miss the return window, you may be stuck with the item.

Pro tip: Ive found that if you start a live chat and apologize that you're late on your return, theyll typically make an exception and let you return the item. This is especially the case if the item is still brand new and youre only seven to 14 days past the 30-day window.

• Throwing away packaging too soon:Missing boxes or parts can potentially reduce your refund.
• Not checking seller policies:Those third-party returns can be stricter, so make sure whos fulfilling your order before youcomplete checkout.

You definitely can abuse their policy

If youre returning a large percentage of what you buy, Amazon is going to notice. At some point, they can flag your account and temporarily block you from making additional returns.

The same goes for starting returns and never actually sending the item back. Do it enough times, and it can raise red flags.

Behind the scenes, Amazon tracks something called your concessions limit. I was told this is essentially a threshold amount they assign based on your return and refund history. It could be a $500 threshold, or it could be closer to $1,000 Amazon keeps the actual amount close to their vest.

I was also told they have employees that review accounts and sets these limits for users who they think are pushing the policy too far. If you go over that limit, your account can get labeled for concession abuse.

In plain terms, that means if Amazon sees a pattern of frequent refunds, credits, or return-related requests, theyre not going to keep approving them.

Once youre flagged, future returns can be denied altogether, even if the request would normally qualify.

The good news is that you wont be blindsided. Amazon typically sends a warning email first before taking any action, which gives you a chance to course-correct.

How to avoid returns in the first place

The easiest way to win at returns is to avoid them altogether.

Before buying:

• Read reviews carefully (especially recent reviews, as those tell you what the current version is like).
• Always check sizing charts and product dimensions when available.
• Be sure to look at any customer photos and videos that come from legit buyers.
• Avoid too good to be true listings. Always trust your gut, if the deal seems to good to be true, it probably is.

What to do if your return is denied

If your return is rejected or your refund seems incorrect:

1. Contact Amazon customer service
2. Provide photos or documentation
3. Escalate if needed

Amazon is generally customer-friendly, but you need to be sure to follow up.

What to do when your steak costs more than it should

• Watch the unit price closely: Dont rely on the total, instead compare price per pound across similar meat packages to spot inconsistencies or red flags quickly.

• Double-check weight when unsure: Use in-store scales (or compare similar packages) to catch obvious mismatches between labeled and actual weight.

• Speak up and keep receipts: If something seems off, ask staff to reweigh it and request a refund.

A new investigation out of Canada found major grocery chains overcharging customers for underweight meat. The issue is that some packages appear to be priced with the packaging included in the weight, meaning shoppers are paying for plastic, not just food.

While this report focused on Canadian stores, the takeaway is just as relevant for U.S. shoppers. The fact of the matter is that pricing errors happen, and they can add up quickly, especially as food costs continue to rise.

In some cases, overcharges ranged from a few percentage points to nearly 17%. That might not sound like much, but on higher-priced items like meat, it can mean paying an extra dollar or more per package every time you shop.

Heres how to protect yourself and avoid overpaying.

Why this matters for U.S. shoppers

In both Canada and the U.S., grocery stores are required to price items based on net weight. This means the food only, not the packaging. But errors can still happen at multiple points in the process, from suppliers to in-store labeling.

If youve bought steak recently, you already know meat is one of the most expensive items in your cart. So even small discrepancies can hit your budget harder than you might think.

3 simple ways to avoid overpaying for meat

1. Check the price per poundnot just the total. Always look at the unit price (price per pound or per ounce). If something feels off, like a small package costing more than expected, youd be wise to pause and take a closer look.

Pro tip: Compare similar packages. If two packs look about the same size but clearly have different weights or prices on the tag, thats a red flag.

2. Use the in-store scale when possible

Many grocery stores (especially in the produce section) have scales customers can use. If youre unsure, quickly weigh your package, especially when buying more expensive cuts like rib-eye, filet mignon, and NY strip.

You dont need to be exact, but just by checking whether the number is noticeably off can help you catch issues.

3. Speak up and get a refund if needed

If you think youve been overcharged:

• Bring it up to customer service
• Politely ask them to reweigh the item
• Request a refund or price adjustment

Most stores will correct the issue quickly, and some may even offer a refund bonus depending on local pricing accuracy laws.

Pro tip: Its smart to keep your receipt until youve checked your purchases at home, especially for higher-cost items like meat.

A smart shopper habit that pays off

One of the most effective habits is to spot-check your groceries occasionally.

You dont need to weigh everything, but checking once in a while:

• Keeps stores accountable
• Helps you spot patterns
• Protects your budget over time

New research shows EV adoption may lower fuel prices and strengthen U.S. energy security

• Widespread EV adoption could cut U.S. household energy costs by more than 6% by 2035.

• Reduced gasoline demand may lower prices at the pump even for non-EV drivers.

• The shift could also reduce oil imports and boost U.S. energy exports.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are often framed as a personal choice one that benefits drivers willing to invest in newer technology. But new research suggests the ripple effects could extend far beyond individual car owners.

According to a study from Georgia Tech, putting more EVs on the road could actually lower energy costs across the board, including for people who still drive gas-powered cars.

The reasoning is fairly straightforward: when more drivers switch to electricity, demand for gasoline drops. That reduced demand can push down fuel prices, meaning even households without EVs may see savings. At the same time, the study points to broader national impacts, including improved energy security and shifts in how the U.S. participates in global energy markets.

Proponents of eliminating fuel efficiency standards and other EV-boosting policies often frame regulatory approaches as consumer-unfriendly, but our analysis shows that such policies have many long-term benefits, both for consumers and for the nations energy security, researcher Niraj K. Palsule said in a news release.

How researchers modeled the impact

To understand these potential effects, researchers used a version of the National Energy Modeling System a tool designed to simulate how energy is produced, consumed, and priced over time. Their version was tailored to better capture how different parts of the energy system interact with each other.

The study compared multiple policy scenarios between 2022 and 2035. One scenario assumed fewer incentives for EV adoption and weaker fuel efficiency standards. Another modeled a more moderate path forward, incorporating a mix of federal and state-level policies aimed at increasing EV use.

By running these side-by-side simulations, researchers were able to estimate how changes in vehicle technology and policy could influence fuel demand, electricity prices, and overall household energy spending over time.

What the study found

The results point to measurable, if gradual, economic benefits. By 2035, widespread EV adoption could reduce overall household energy bills by more than 6%, including over 4% savings on gasoline alone.

Lower demand for oil plays a key role here. The study estimates oil imports could fall by about 7%, while exports could increase by nearly 4%, shifting the U.S. further toward being a net energy exporter.

Interestingly, the savings arent limited to higher-income households or EV owners. Lower-income households many of whom may still rely on gas-powered cars could see slightly larger percentage savings on energy costs.

There are also secondary effects. As EV adoption grows, advances in battery technology could make energy storage cheaper and more efficient. That, in turn, may help stabilize or even slightly reduce electricity prices, offsetting concerns about increased demand on the grid.

Overall, the study suggests that the economic impact of EVs isnt just about what happens in your driveway its about how shifts in demand reshape the entire energy system.

AI-powered texts are impersonating major brands to trick consumers into handing over personal information

• Scammers are using AI to send convincing expiring rewards points texts that impersonate major brands like telecom companies and retailers

• These messages create urgency and often link to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information

• Experts say the safest move is to ignore unexpected texts and check your accounts directly through official websites or apps

If youve recently gotten a text warning that your reward points are about to expire, youre not alone and you may want to think twice before clicking anything.

A new wave of is targeting consumers across the U.S. by posing as trusted brands and creating a false sense of urgency around loyalty rewards. These messages often look convincing, mimicking companies like major telecom providers or retailers, and push you to redeem now before its too late.

According to TrendLife, scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate highly personalized, brand-specific messages at scale. The result? Fraud attempts that are not only more frequent, but also much harder to spot.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Marike Kuyper, Manager of Content Marketing and Education at TrendLife, and she explained how these are evolving, why rewards programs have become such a prime target, and what simple steps consumers can take to protect themselves.

What signs to look for

These operate in the same way. First, youll receive a text message claiming that your rewards points from a well-known brand are about to expire. The message will urge you to take immediate action, usually with a link to redeem points before theyre lost.

Kuyper explained that many scammers are pretending to be popular phone carriers in the U.S., like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Its common to see messages that look like this: Your AT&T reward points expire today. Redeem now, or Final notice: your Verizon points are about to expire.

What makes these particularly effective is how familiar they feel, she said. Loyalty programs are part of everyday life, so these messages blend in easily.

Our researchers have observed campaigns timed to coincide with genuine loyalty program news cycles, so that when a consumer has vaguely heard something about points expiring, the scam text feels like confirmation rather than a red flag, creating manufactured credibility. Increasingly, these are also part of broader, multi-step campaigns where a simple text can lead to a fake website, additional messages, or even a follow-up call as attackers try to build trust and extract more information.

Other red flags to keep in mind

Like many , urgency is a key tactic. However, Kuyper highlighted several other warning signs to watch for:

• Messages citing an exact point balance such as 11,430 rewards points remaining. Legitimate loyalty programs dont typically text you your precise point balance with a redemption link out of the blue.

• Messages are about rewards programs that you dont actively use or track.

• Links dont match the official domain of the brand (e.g. verizon.com, t-mobile.com, etc.).

• There are requests for personal, login, or payment information to redeem points.

• There are subtle inconsistencies in sender details or branding.

• Being asked to continue the interaction on another platform, such as moving from SMS to a messaging app, website, or phone call

That last tactic, known as platform hopping, is increasingly common, Kuyper said. Scammers use platform hopping to extend the interaction across channels, making the experience feel more legitimate and reducing the chance a victim will recognize the fraud occurring.

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself against these , Kuyper recommends that consumers slow down and verify before acting. Here are some of her other tips for staying safe online:

• Never click links in unsolicited messages

• Go directly to the companys official website or app to check your account

• Verify communications through trusted customer service channels

• Never share personal or financial information via text

• Use security tools, like Trend Micro ScamCheck, to identify and flag suspicious activity in real time

Stop overpaying for speed you dont actually need

• Audit your bill and pick the right speed:Check for expired promos, rental fees, and unused add-ons, and downgrade if youre paying for more speed than you need.

• Shop around and negotiate:Compare providers (including options like Starlink), then call your provider and ask for a better rate using competitor pricing as leverage.

• Cut extras and optimize your setup:Stop renting equipment, fix router placement, and watch for hidden fees to lower your bill without sacrificing performance.

Internet has become one of the more expensive non-negotiables in the average household budget. Between rising base rates, equipment fees, and confusing plan tiers, many people are overpaying (often by $20 to $80 a month) without realizing it.

The good news is you dont have to settle for slower speeds to save money. In fact, most savings come from smarter choices, not necessarily cutting performance.

Heres a step-by-step, actionable guide to lowering your internet bill while keeping the speed you actually need.

Start with a quick bill audit

Before making any changes, its smart to take 10 minutes and do an audit of your current internet bill.

Look for the following things:

• Expired promotional pricing
• Equipment rental fees ($10$20/month)
• Add-ons like security packages or streaming bundles
• Taxes and mystery fees on your bill

Most people discover theyre paying for at least one thing they dont need sometimes a couple things.

Pro tip: If your bill recently increased, its likely because a promo expired. Thats theleverage you need to call and negotiate a lower bill. If you make the cancel call, many companies will extend the promoto keep you on as a paying customer.

Choose the right speed (not the highest one)

One of the biggest ways people overpay is by choosing faster speeds than they actually use or need.

Heres a realistic breakdown:

• 50100 Mbps: Light use, streaming, browsing
• 100250 Mbps: Families, multiple devices
• 2501000 Mbps: Heavy users, gamers, remote work

Many households paying for high speeds could downgrade and save moneywithout noticing a difference.

Run a speed test during peak hours in the evening. If youre not maxing out your plan, youre definitely overpaying.

Pro tip: Stability matters more than raw speed. A reliable 200 Mbps connection often feels faster than a spotty 1 Gbps plan.

Shop around theres more competition than ever

Even if you think you only have one provider available in your area, check again.

Your options may often include:

• Cable or fiber
• 5G home internet
• Fixed wireless
• Satellite providers like Starlink

Whats especially notable right now is how Starlink has evolved. For years, satellite internet was known for being expensive and limited. But thats changing.

Starlink now offers multiple residential tiers starting at $50/month, with higher tiers scaling up depending on speed and priority. That shift from a single premium plan, to more flexible pricing, is honestly refreshing to see. It shows that even newer providers are starting to compete on affordability, not just performance.

Even if Starlink isnt the right fit for you, that kind of pricing pressure is helping push the entire market in a better direction.

Pro tip: Take screenshots of competitor pricing before you call your current provider and use that as your ammo when calling to negotiate a lower bill.

Call and negotiate your bill

This is the most overlooked step, yet the one that delivers the biggest savings.

Call your provider and say:

Ive been reviewing my bill and comparing options. Id like to stay, but I need a better rate.

Ask for:

• Promotional pricing
• Loyalty discounts
• Plan adjustments
• Fee waivers

Be sure to mention competitor pricing (especially the $50/month 100 Mbps package from Starlink) and how youre considering switching unless you can get better pricing. That offer alone can unlock better deals and pricing.

If you don't get anywhere with the first person you speak with, be sure to ask for the retention (or loyalty) department as they usually have more flexibility to offer you a discount.

Stop renting equipment

Rental fees are one of the easiest costs to eliminate.

Typical charges:

• Modem: $10$15/month
• Router: $5$10/month

Thats up to $300+ over time.

Instead, buy your own modem/router (usually $100$200 total), but be sure to check compatibility with your provider before you do.

Youll also notice that a good router often performs better than what your provider gives you.

Fix your setup before upgrading your plan

Slow internet isnt always your monthly plan's fault. Often, its your setup thats the problem.

Try this first before calling:

• Move your router to a central location
• Keep it elevated and unobstructed
• Avoid placing it behind walls or inside cabinets
• Use a mesh system for larger homes

A $100 mesh system can solve dead zones and is often much cheaper than upgrading your plan.

Watch for hidden fees

Even a cheap plan can balloon with fees.

Common ones include:

• Broadcast TV fees
• Regional sports fees
• Data overage charges
• Installation fees

Always ask: Whats the all-in monthly cost?

Pro tip: Internet pricing isnt static and neither should your bill be.

Set a reminder every 12 months to:

• Review your plan
• Compare competitors
• Renegotiate

Pro tip: Treat your internet bill like a subscription it needs regular check-ins.

The bottom line

Lowering your internet bill isnt about settling for less, its about being intentional with what youre willing to pay for your exact needs.

The biggest wins come from:

• Choosing the right speed.
• Negotiating your rate.
• Eliminating unnecessary fees.
• Taking advantage of growing competition.

And that competition is finally working in your favor. Seeing providers like Starlink introduce more flexible, lower-cost tiers is a clear sign that things are shifting, and thats good news for your wallet.

Spend an hour on this today, and you could save hundreds over the next year, without sacrificing the speed you rely on every day.