What Is Try Before You Buy on Amazon? Your Definitive Guide

Amazon’s Try Before You Buy is a program that allows eligible customers to order select items – primarily clothing, shoes, and accessories – without paying upfront. You get a seven-day trial period to try on the items at home, see how they fit, and decide what you want to keep. Only after the trial period ends are you charged for the items you choose to keep. Items you don’t want are returned to Amazon free of charge. It’s like having your personal fitting room, stocked by Amazon.

Diving Deeper into Try Before You Buy

Think of it as a curated shopping experience. Amazon leverages its vast inventory and logistical prowess to bring the department store experience directly to your doorstep. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about empowering customers to make confident purchasing decisions, reducing the frustration of online shopping, and minimizing returns. In a world of fast fashion and instant gratification, Try Before You Buy offers a more considered and satisfying approach.

How Does It Actually Work?

The process is remarkably simple:

1. Browse and Select: Look for items marked with the “Try Before You Buy” badge. These items typically include clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children.
2. Add to Your Cart: Add eligible items to your cart as you normally would.
3. Checkout (No Charge): At checkout, you won’t be charged for the Try Before You Buy items. You’ll only see a temporary authorization hold to verify your payment method.
4. Receive Your Order: Amazon ships the items to your door.
5. Seven-Day Trial: The trial period begins when your order is delivered. You have seven days to try on the items, mix and match them with your existing wardrobe, and decide what you want to keep.
6. Mark Your Selections: During the trial period, you’ll need to log in to your Amazon account and mark which items you’re keeping and which you’re returning.
7. Return Unwanted Items: Pack the unwanted items in the original packaging (if possible) and use the prepaid return label provided by Amazon. You usually have a 30-day window to return unwanted items.
8. Pay Only for What You Keep: After the seven-day trial, Amazon will charge your payment method for the items you marked as “Keep.”

The Advantages of Try Before You Buy

• Reduced Risk: Eliminate the gamble of online clothing purchases. No more agonizing over sizing charts or hoping the color looks right in person.
• Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your home and try on clothes at your leisure.
• Improved Fit: Ensure the perfect fit before committing to a purchase. This is especially crucial for shoes.
• Wardrobe Integration: See how new items complement your existing wardrobe.
• Eliminate the Hassle of Returns: Avoid the back-and-forth of traditional online returns if you don’t like something.
• Cost Savings: In the long run, keeping only what you love reduces impulse buys and minimizes wasted spending on items that end up unworn.

Who Is Eligible for Try Before You Buy?

Amazon doesn’t explicitly state a rigid eligibility criteria, but generally, eligibility is based on:

• Amazon Prime Membership: Try Before You Buy is primarily a benefit for Amazon Prime members.
• Account Standing: A good payment history and a history of reliable purchases on Amazon.
• Location: It’s available in most regions where Amazon Prime operates, but some locations may have limited availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Amazon Try Before You Buy really free?

Yes, in the sense that you’re not charged upfront for the items you order. You only pay for what you decide to keep after the seven-day trial. However, you need an active Amazon Prime membership to access the program, so the cost of Prime is a factor to consider.

2. What happens if I forget to return items after the trial period?

If you don’t mark your selections within the seven-day trial period, Amazon will automatically charge you for all the items in your order.

3. Can I wash or wear the items during the trial period?

You can try on the items, but it is strongly discouraged to wash or wear them extensively. Amazon expects items to be returned in their original condition, with tags attached. Think of it as trying on clothes in a store – you wouldn’t wear a dress to a party and then return it.

4. How do I return items from Try Before You Buy?

Returning items is simple. Amazon provides a prepaid return label. Pack the unwanted items securely in the original packaging (if possible), attach the label, and drop it off at a designated shipping location (usually UPS or a similar carrier).

5. What happens if an item is damaged or lost during the trial period?

If an item is damaged or lost while in your possession, contact Amazon customer service immediately. They will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action, which may involve charging you for the damaged or lost item.

6. Can I use coupons or promotional codes with Try Before You Buy?

The applicability of coupons and promotional codes can vary. Check the specific product page for any applicable discounts or promotions. Some items may be eligible for additional savings, while others may not.

7. Are all items on Amazon available for Try Before You Buy?

No, only select items are eligible for Try Before You Buy. Look for the “Try Before You Buy” badge on the product page to confirm availability. The program primarily focuses on clothing, shoes, and accessories.

8. How many items can I order at once through Try Before You Buy?

The limit on the number of items you can order through Try Before You Buy can vary based on factors like your account history and Amazon’s internal policies. Generally, you can order multiple items within a single order, but there might be a limit to prevent abuse of the program.

9. Can I exchange items through Try Before You Buy?

No, exchanges are not directly supported within the Try Before You Buy program. If you need a different size or color, you’ll need to return the original item and place a new order for the desired replacement.

10. What payment methods are accepted for Try Before You Buy?

Amazon accepts a variety of payment methods for Try Before You Buy, including credit cards, debit cards, and Amazon gift cards. However, ensure that your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds to cover the potential charges if you decide to keep the items.

11. How does Try Before You Buy differ from Amazon Wardrobe (which was discontinued)?

Amazon Wardrobe was a previous iteration of this service. Try Before You Buy is its evolution, incorporating lessons learned and streamlining the process. While the core concept remains similar, Try Before You Buy often features a broader selection and a more user-friendly interface. The major difference is that the program is much improved and now more accessible.

12. Where do I find the items that are eligible for Try Before You Buy?

You can find eligible items by searching on Amazon using keywords like “Try Before You Buy clothing” or by browsing the dedicated Try Before You Buy section on the Amazon website or app. Amazon also frequently features Try Before You Buy items in its promotional emails and on its homepage. Look for the “Try Before You Buy” filter when browsing clothing, shoes, and accessories.

In conclusion, Amazon’s Try Before You Buy is a game-changer for online shopping. It offers a convenient, risk-free way to try on clothes at home and ensures you only pay for what you love. By understanding the program’s mechanics and addressing common questions, you can maximize its benefits and elevate your online shopping experience. Embrace the future of retail, one try-on at a time.