Buying at Amazon - more expensive?

MarkWatson

I always thought that buying from a trader via Amazon was no more expensive than buying direct from the trader...not true it seems.

Take this - a magic trick callend "The Invisible Deck". I found it on Amazon for £7.99:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MagicMakers-Invisible-Deck/dp/B003374I7S/ref=lh_ni_t

Seemed like a reasonable price, but then I just thought I'd check how much it was from the trader direct, who supplies it through Amazon, Free Post Magic:

http://www.freepostmagic.co.uk/tricks/invisible-deck-bicycle-red-trick

£6.99 - cheaper!

Is it just that item, that a trader marks up the price when selling through Amazon, or has this happened to anyone else?

chunkychocky

Amazon's policy for traders is that they are not permitted to charge more than they do from their own website, however due to the horrendous Amazon charges for low profit items many traders simply cannot afford to list them on Amazon at that price so are forced to either not list them or put the price up so that they at least do not make a loss. It does happen regularly and is always worth checking the seller's own website. Of course with Amazon you are getting some Amazon protection and in the event of a problem you may find that you can get your money back more easily if you've paid through Amazon.

jenniewb

Some do, some don't, it is worth trying going direct but don't forget your missing on the same after sales care which IMO is pretty good on Amazon. Had items 11 months sold before being returned and replaced by Amazon amazingly quickly and all postage refunded to me, can't say I'd place bets on other companies doing the same especially as at one point I had both the broken item and the replacement in my home at the same time (with no further charges to myself) as I'd had trouble getting to the post office to send them back as Amazon were that hot to deal with the problem.

I have tried a few companies which don't seem to be better on Amazon such as Advanced MP3 players (though they also seem to have pretty good after care service and send things out pretty quick.)

libra10

I've just ordered a new iphone 4s 16GB from Amazon Marketplace, and have just checked the trader's own website.

Both prices are exactly the same.

I bought from Amazon as I had a considerable number of vouchers and decided to spend them.

Wouldn't have been pleased though if the seller was selling more cheaply on his own website.

jenniewb

I tend to find ebay more expensive the Amazon too, its been that way for a while. Still you will always find things that buck the trend and it doesn't hurt to google for cheaper prices just incase and be aware that this time of year prices discounts and offers change on a daily basis.