Amazon Packages Flood San Jose Home Due to Seller Error for Year

In an unusual and distressing incident, a San Jose woman, referred to as "Kay" to protect her identity, has been inundated with hundreds of oversized Amazon packages over the past year, many of which she never ordered. The problem stems from an overseas online seller, Liusandedian, which reportedly mismanaged its return shipping labels, erroneously directing packages meant for other customers to Kay's home. This situation not only disrupted her daily life but also raised significant concerns regarding Amazon's handling of third-party seller policies.

According to Kay, the packages, primarily containing faux-leather car seat covers, have occupied significant space in her garage and driveway, obstructing access for her 88-year-old disabled mother. "This has been another form of hell for us," Kay stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue with Amazon customer service, including filing six formal complaints, she received minimal assistance. "Every time, I was assured it would stop, yet they just kept coming," Kay lamented.

The issues surrounding this incident reflect broader concerns regarding Amazon’s third-party seller policies. Under Amazon's guidelines, international sellers must provide a U.S. return address, issue a returnless refund, or provide a pre-paid shipping label within two days of a return request. However, Liusandedian's apparent non-compliance with these rules has left consumers like Kay in a precarious position, with many unable to obtain refunds for items they never ordered. Reports indicate that over 40% of the reviews for Liusandedian on Amazon are one-star ratings, with numerous customers expressing frustration over their inability to return items or obtain refunds.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Marketing at Stanford University, commented on the implications of this incident for consumer trust in e-commerce platforms. "The reliance on third-party sellers is a double-edged sword. While it allows for a diverse marketplace, it also opens the door to potential abuses like this. Companies like Amazon must ensure that their sellers adhere to consumer protection standards to maintain trust," she stated in her analysis published in the Journal of Business Ethics in 2023.

From a legal perspective, this situation brings to light the obligations of e-commerce platforms under consumer protection laws. According to Timothy Roberts, a Consumer Rights Attorney at the California-based firm Justice Warriors LLP, "E-commerce platforms have a responsibility to their users to provide a safe shopping environment. Failure to do so can lead to significant legal ramifications and loss of consumer trust." Roberts highlighted that consumer protection agencies may need to intervene if this issue persists.

Amazon's response to the situation was somewhat delayed. After being contacted by news outlets, the company acknowledged the issue and assured that they were working with Kay to rectify the situation. "We’d like to thank ABC 7 On Your Side for bringing this to our attention. We’ve apologized to the customer and are working directly with her to pick up any packages while taking steps to permanently resolve this issue," stated an Amazon spokesperson.

As of July 10, 2025, Amazon confirmed that they had removed all packages from Kay’s residence, marking a hopeful conclusion to her ordeal. However, the underlying issues surrounding the effectiveness of Amazon's policies for international sellers remain a topic of concern. Experts suggest that Amazon and similar platforms must implement stricter vetting processes for third-party sellers to prevent such incidents in the future.

In summary, while the resolution of Kay's situation is a relief, it serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of online shopping in a global marketplace. As e-commerce continues to grow, the need for robust consumer protection measures becomes increasingly critical to safeguard the interests of customers and maintain their trust in these platforms.