Bengaluru: Amazon India customers returning tablets, laptops, desktops, monitors, cameras and camera lenses purchased after 11 May will not get refunds but can avail of replacements if required, the e-commerce firm has said.

“All tablets, laptops, desktops, monitors, cameras and camera lenses that are fulfilled by Amazon and purchased on or after 11 May 2016, are eligible for a replacement-only policy and will no longer be eligible for refunds. In case you have received a defective or a damaged product, you will be eligible for a free replacement," stated a post on Amazon India website. Moreover, the items need to be returned within 10 days of delivery, the company said.

Amazon has enforced a similar policy for large appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves, besides furniture.

The Seattle-headquartered company, which is gradually catching up with Indian rivals Flipkart Ltd, had in February applied a similar strategy for mobile phones.

“All mobile phones that are fulfilled by Amazon, purchased on or after 7 February 2016, will have a replacement only policy. Mobile phone items that are fulfilled by Amazon will no longer be eligible for refunds. In case you have received a defective or a damaged mobile phone, you will be eligible for a free replacement," stated an earlier post on Amazon website.

Amazon did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on what prompted the move.

Amazon India offers more than 55 million products from more than 85,000 sellers. In comparison, Flipkart offers more than 40 million products from more than 90,000 sellers while Snapdeal offers more than 35 million products from 300,000 sellers.

Amazon generated more sales in October-December last year than it did in all of 2014. Amazon’s gross sales, net of discounts and product returns, jumped 250%. In the January quarter, its volumes or number of shipments grew 150%. Snapdeal reported growth of 90% in gross sales, including discounts and product returns, for the year ended March, and its growth fell in the second half of the year. Flipkart’s monthly sales have remained stagnant since November, Mint reported on 20 May.

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