Amazon Gift Card Guide 2025: Tips & Tricks

As a senior e-commerce operations expert with 5 years of experience in Amazon Global Selling, I have successfully managed return processes, optimized product reviews, and developed effective promotion strategies across multiple categories. This article provides a comprehensive guide on Amazon gift cards, covering problem scenarios, underlying logic, solutions, and pitfalls to avoid, based on the latest platform policies and real-world examples from Chinese sellers.

Problem Scenario: The Challenge of Managing Gift Card Returns

Many sellers encounter difficulties when handling returns for Amazon gift cards. Unlike physical products, gift cards are digital and cannot be returned or exchanged easily once purchased. However, some customers still attempt to return them, leading to customer service issues and potential account risks.

• Customer claims they received the wrong code
• Customer wants a refund after using the card
• Unintentional purchase due to typos

Underlying Logic: Why Gift Cards Are Not Eligible for Returns

According to Amazon's official policy (as outlined in the Amazon Seller Central Help Page), gift cards are considered non-returnable items because they are not tangible goods. Once activated, they become unusable and irrecoverable. This makes it crucial for sellers to understand and enforce this rule effectively.

Solution: How to Handle Gift Card Returns Properly

To manage gift card returns effectively, sellers should:

• Clearly state the return policy in the product description
• Use the "Gift Cards" category in Seller Central to ensure proper categorization
• Respond to return requests politely and refer to the Amazon policy
• Keep records of all communication to protect against disputes

Example: A Chinese seller on Amazon US faced a return request for an unused gift card. By clearly stating the return policy in the listing and responding politely, they avoided any chargebacks and maintained a good account standing.

Pitfalls to Avoid: Common Mistakes When Selling Gift Cards

Here are some common mistakes that sellers should avoid when selling gift cards:

• Misclassifying gift cards under the wrong category
• Failing to disclose the return policy in the product listing
• Offering refunds for used gift cards
• Not monitoring customer feedback closely

Tip: Always review Amazon’s return policy regularly to stay updated on changes.

Comparison Table: FBA vs. Merchant-Fulfilled for Gift Cards

Factor	FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)	Merchant-Fulfilled
Cost	Higher initial cost, but less management required	Lower upfront cost, but more time and effort needed
Shipping Time	Faster delivery, as Amazon handles shipping	Varies depending on seller’s logistics
Customer Satisfaction	Generally higher due to Amazon’s reputation	Depends on seller’s efficiency and reliability
Account Risk	Lower risk if following Amazon guidelines	Higher risk if not managing orders properly

Conclusion

Managing Amazon gift cards requires a clear understanding of return policies, proper categorization, and effective communication with customers. Sellers should always follow Amazon’s guidelines to avoid penalties and maintain a healthy account. By avoiding common mistakes and leveraging the right fulfillment method, sellers can successfully sell gift cards while minimizing risks and maximizing profitability.