Managing returns and refunds is essential for multichannel sellers. Both Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) and Walmart Multichannel Solutions (MCS) let you fulfill orders from channels like Shopify, eBay, and TikTok Shop using their fulfillment networks. This guide explains how returns and refunds work for each program and what sellers need to know to handle them efficiently.
How Amazon MCF Returns Work
When a customer wants to return an order fulfilled via Amazon MCF:
- The seller can either manage the return themselves or let the customer send it back directly to Amazon.
- The seller initiates a return in Seller Central under Orders → Manage Orders → Return tab.
- Amazon generates a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form that includes:
- A return mailing label with the destination fulfillment center address.
- A return authorization slip with item details and barcode.
- The customer ships the product back at their own expense (postage not included).
- Since order placement and payment occurred outside of Amazon, you’re responsible for both arranging the return shipment to the Amazon fulfillment center and issuing the refund to the customer.
- Once received, Amazon inspects the product:
- Sellable items are restocked into inventory.
- Unsellable items must be removed via Amazon’s standard removal process.
(Source: Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment Blog, Service Terms)
How Walmart Multichannel Solutions Returns Work
For orders fulfilled through Walmart’s Multichannel Solutions:
- Returns are accepted by mail only — in-store returns are not supported.
- The seller logs in to Seller Center → Multichannel orders → Create return.
- Choose items, select the return reason, and download the return shipping labels provided by Walmart.
- The seller forwards the labels to the customer, who ships the package via FedEx.
- Walmart processes the return at its facility and follows your return rules:
- Sellable inventory is restocked.
- Unsellable inventory is either shipped back or disposed of, depending on your settings.
Important: Since payment for multichannel orders occurs outside Walmart, the seller handles refunds or store credit directly through the channel where the sale originated.
Return processing fees depend on item weight and are charged once the shipment is scanned. Sellers can view these charges on the Payments page in Seller Center.
(Source: Walmart Knowledge Base – Multichannel Solutions: Create Customer Returns)
Tip: GeekSeller connects sellers with both Walmart WFS/MCS and Amazon MCF, helping automate order routing, inventory sync, and returns reporting across platforms.
If you want to streamline how you handle multichannel fulfillment and returns, contact us to learn more.
