Amazon’s class action lawsuit over delivery fees officially dismissed

Amazon faced a class action lawsuit concerning their delivery fees for timed deliveries that were delayed, leading to the refusal of refunds. Typically, class action lawsuits are settled, resulting in claimants receiving their due payments. However, this particular case took a different turn. The lawsuit against Amazon.com Services has been dismissed, bringing an end to the legal battle.

For many Amazon users, the appeal of using the online marketplace lies in its array of delivery options. By utilizing a combination of drivers and external delivery services based on the product and retailer, Amazon offers customers the flexibility to customize their delivery windows, ensuring they are present to receive their packages upon arrival.

Customers have the option to pay extra to secure a specific time slot for delivery with the promise that their package will be delivered within that timeframe. However, it frequently happens that deliveries do not occur as scheduled, leading to customer complaints. Valerie Morales expressed her frustration over a late delivery despite paying an additional fee for a specific time slot. Similarly, Kaye Adamson and Corie shared experiences of delayed deliveries despite paying extra charges, leading to further dissatisfaction among customers.

The lawsuit was initiated by the estate of Tonny Storey, who ordered tea from Amazon and paid an additional fee for a specific delivery window, which was not honored. The company refused to issue refunds, citing that the order did not qualify for guaranteed delivery based on the terms of the agreement. Despite claims that Amazon violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act by not providing automatic refunds for late deliveries after charging extra for specific time slots, the U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson ruled in favor of Amazon.

Judge Evanson determined that Amazon had adequately informed customers about potential shipping delays and outlined how customers could address such issues. She also emphasized that the lawsuit did not present evidence of deceptive or unfair practices by Amazon. The judge rejected the argument that customers should automatically receive refunds for late deliveries, stating that Amazon’s policy of requiring customers to request a refund aligned with legal standards.

Ultimately, the case was dismissed with prejudice, with the judge noting that the plaintiff had multiple opportunities to amend the claim under the state’s Consumer Protection Act but failed to provide a valid argument. This ruling signifies Amazon’s victory in the legal dispute over delivery fees and sets a precedent for future cases involving similar claims.