New York Woman opens new Amazon package. Then she reveals how she instantly knows it’s a return: ‘Straight back it goes’

A woman purchased an item on Amazon. Then she opened the box and immediately decided to return the product. The reason why? She said the packaging, a plastic bag with green text on it, was an indication that another person had already purchased the product and returned it. 

New York City lifestyle content creator Natalie (@nattythebratty) posted a video with more than 638,100 views. In it, she said she would immediately return the product to Amazon. Some viewers who claimed to have worked for Amazon’s fulfillment centers seemingly confirmed that packages wrapped in a similar bag had already been used by someone else. Others said they never even realized that Amazon might sell previously used products back to customers. 

Does Amazon sell used products?

The mystery of how certain Amazon packages arrive at customers’ doorsteps is a continuing conundrum. Previously, some people have received packages with their name on them despite not ordering anything. Then, there are individuals who receive Amazon orders from reputable companies that don’t have their original packaging.

Natalie isn’t the only one to question products in plastic bags or those coming from the platform. In fact, she has a reason for it. Amazon does sell “new” products that have previously been returned. 

POC Network, a tech website, reported that a series of customers complained about receiving the wrong used items in the mail. That led the publication to conclude that Amazon regularly sells used products. 

POC Network described the phenomenon, saying, “The product is listed as “new” (not used, or coming from the Amazon Warehouse Deals section). However, the product that comes in might be enclosed in the Amazon Warehouse Deals bag with a sticker showing that the item has been gently used but verified by Amazon as just fine.”

ConsumerAffairs also reported that “items that arrive in transparent plastic bags (often used during Whole Foods returns)” are frequently lightly used, tested goods. It added that if an item “shows up loose, resealed, or without retail packaging, it’s likely part of Amazon’s return-resale pipeline.”

How did commenters respond?

A few commenters who say they worked for Amazon confirmed Natalie’s suspicions. 

“Amazon Manager here and yes. LPNs are used or slightly new. XOO are always new. Those bags can be used for damaged items or also for vendor returns(vrets). Or also, a department could be out of standard of work and is just using it for a quick solution. Lots of things,” one viewer said. 

Another viewer echoed a similar sentiment. “I used to work in the FC…yes she’s right. Also the girl that said no is also right because items do get damaged and get repackaged in those bags. However, if your item does come in one of these bags and has an LPN number it’s definitely a customer return. If it has a X00 number or any other barcode number then it’s new.”

Unfortunately, a number of people who saw the video had already realized that Amazon sells returns. Natalie’s comments section featured a few stories from those customers. 

One viewer said, “60% of the items I receive are returns. Probably higher for clothes. Sellers charging full price for returns shouldn’t be allowed.”

Another viewer added, “One time i got a humidifier and inside someone put their old one inside the box. i was so sick and mad, they need better quality control.” 

@nattythebratty

Straight back it’s going ?

♬ original sound – NATALIE

The Mary Sue reached out to Natalie and Amazon via email for more information. 

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