Have you recently bought some car parts from AutoZone that don’t quite make the grade?
You might not realize that the brake pads or the battery you’ve selected are unsuitable until you try to install them. In this case, you will want to get your money back or exchange the product for the correct option.
With more than six thousand locations across the United States, AutoZone is one of the largest car parts retailers. You can find just about anything you could possibly need for your vehicle in a single store. But sometimes, you can still end up with the wrong product.
So, let’s take a closer look at the return policy at AutoZone and find out how to make a claim.
Contents
About the AutoZone Return Policy
The company offers a generous return policy that covers just about everything that it sells. In most cases, you can take unwanted items back to a store within ninety days of purchase. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully and be aware of the exceptions.
Such as?
Generally speaking, you need to take back unwanted items with the receipt and in the original packaging. Items can be returned to your nearest store or to the fulfillment center for online purchases. When returning items to a store, you will also need to present a form of government-issued ID.
Accepted government-issued identification includes:
- A US or Canadian driver’s license
- US state ID or Canadian province ID
- A US military ID
- Mexican voter registration card
- Passport
Your ID is used to track the number of returns you make and identify potential red flags. It can indicate if you try to take back too many products within a period of a few weeks or months. So, your claim may be refused if you return items too often. And it may also be refused if the product has been used or is not in its original packaging.
Core products
Certain items can be returned even if you don’t have proof of purchase. These are products that can easily be resold if they are in perfect condition. But in most cases, the store manager has the right to accept or refuse core products.
Returning batteries
The terms and conditions also cover batteries, although they usually have to be in their original packaging. However, if you want to take back a car battery within the warranty period, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. But if the packaging is already open, the store manager may be called to make the final decision.
Returning products without a receipt
Returning unwanted products is a bit more complicated if you don’t have the receipt. However, you can still request a refund or exchange if the product is under warranty. Alternatively, the customer service team may be able to locate the receipt for you.
How?
The customer service team is able to use a system to track your information that isn’t available to in-store employees. If you paid using a credit card, they can usually use your card information to verify the purchase. The purchase can also be verified using your phone number or the product SKU number.
What if I paid cash?
Unfortunately, if you paid using cash, your information is unlikely to be stored in the system. In this case, it’s best to head to your nearest store and ask to speak to the manager. The manager may offer you store credit for the value of the product if it’s still under warranty. However, the product usually has to be in its original packaging so that it can be resold in the store.
AutoZone Rewards
Locating your proof of purchase is easier if you have an AutoZone Rewards account. Because if you purchased the product using this account, the purchase information will automatically be stored. You can use the dedicated app or your phone or head to the company’s website to find the purchase details.
Other benefits of the Rewards program include:
- $20 reward for every five credits
- Manage vehicles
- Free repair guides
- Exclusive discounts
Excluded Items
It is important to note that certain items are not covered under the terms and conditions. This means that, for certain AutoZone products, you will not be able to claim a refund or exchange even if you meet the other conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at the main types of products that are excluded.
Gift Cards
This vehicle parts retailer sells a wide range of different types of gift cards in denominations of $20 to $200. These gift cards can be purchased in stores as well as on the company’s website. However, the sale of all gift cards is final, and they cannot be returned for a refund or exchange.
Final Sale Items
Certain items sold in stores feature a Final Sale sticker on them. These are clearance items that are unlikely to be resold in the future. As a result, the sale of these items is final, and you cannot apply for a refund or exchange.
Customized Products
These products have been adapted in a certain way to meet your exact specifications. This includes floor mats that are embossed with your name, for example. And once you order one of these products, you cannot exchange them or request a refund. So, before ordering a customized item for yourself or a loved one, you need to make sure it’s what you want.
Returning Online AutoZone Purchases
If you are unhappy with a purchase you made through the company’s website, you can also send it back. Just make sure the product is still covered by the warranty and meets the terms and conditions of the general return policy.
Where to Start?
When you purchase items online, you can select in-store pickup or delivery. And no matter which option you choose, you will find full records of your purchase. This helps to make returning items for a refund or exchange especially easy.
If the item was damaged during the delivery process, you can receive a full refund or exchange. However, you need to visit your nearest store to make a claim. And this is likely to be a bit of a hassle if your nearest store is miles away.
The Good News?
Fortunately, you also have the option of mailing products back to your nearest AutoZone Fulfillment Center. However, you will have to pay for the return shipping yourself unless you can prove that the company made an error. In this case, the shipping costs will be refunded along with the cost of the products.
Returning Items to the Fulfillment Center
If you want an exchange rather than a refund, returning items to the fulfillment center is a good option. Although the process takes a few days to complete, this is a fairly convenient option.
Let’s take a look at the steps you need to complete to get a replacement product.
Fill Out the Return Form
You can find the necessary form in part B of the shipping invoice. But you need to take the time to fill out the provided return form in as much detail as possible. This includes your contact information and basic information about the purchase. It will help the warehouse staff to process your refund more quickly.
Package the Product
You need to place the product back in its original packaging and select an appropriate shipping box. Additionally, you need to make sure that you include a copy of the receipt in the box with the product.
And be Aware
If the item is fragile, it’s best to use packing material like bubble wrap to protect it during shipping. Otherwise, you risk returning a damaged product, and you might not qualify for an exchange.
Attach the Shipping Label to the Package
It’s worth calling the company’s customer support team to see if you qualify for a free shipping label. If you do, you will be sent a shipping label within a couple of days. You can then stick the shipping label onto your package once it is properly sealed.
Take the Item to the Shipping Company
You’ll need to choose a shipping service to send your parcel back to the company. And make sure you include the delivery service receipt if you are shipping the parcel from outside the United States.
Popular shipping options include:
- United States Postal Service
- FedEx
- UPS
It is advisable to carefully consider the pros and cons when choosing a shipping service. While the United States Postal Service usually offers the lowest rates, delivery times tend to be the longest. So, it might be worth paying a little more for shipping if you want to get your hands on your refund quickly.
Wait to Receive Your Refund
Once your parcel is received at the fulfillment center, your product will be carefully inspected. If it passes the inspection, your refund will be processed. It usually takes between five and seven days to receive your refund. You will receive a notification if your product doesn’t pass the inspection, and the reason will be explained in detail.
What Times Can You Go to Autozone To Get a Refund?
To make sure you don’t arrive for a refund or exchange, only to find the store closed, take a look at the updated AutoZone Hours for 2023.
You might also be interested in our answers to Does AutoZone Install Batteries, the Best Places to Sell Used Car Batteries, and The Best Places to Get Free Air for Your Tires.
How about getting a job with Autozone?
Firstly, if you have a record, it’s well worth finding out Does Autozone Hire Felons, as well as Does Autozone Run Background Checks before you apply.
Then we can take you through everything you need to know about the Autozone Application process. We can even help you give yourself a little extra leverage during your interview!
Check out our in-depth guides to Answering Tell Me About Yourself in Interview. As well as what the best approach is when asked, Why Do You Want to Work Here or, even more tricky, Why We Should Hire You and not someone else?
Ok, back to…
Final Thoughts
Most products that AutoZone sells are covered by a generous ninety-day warranty period. This gives you plenty of time to take the product home and make sure it meets your needs. And if you need to exchange the product or want a refund, you simply need to take it back to the store.
However, it is important to read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully before making a claim. Certain products are excluded from the ninety-day warranty, and you also need to bring the original receipt. So, if you have misplaced the receipt and original packaging, you will need to take it to the store manager.
Happy returns at Autozone!