Buying a camera on Amazon, can I return it?

SiestaPaul

Hi all, I'm looking to buy a mirrorless Fuji camera for my brother, but I'm not sure if Amazon accepts returns for this type of item? It's around £800 and I want to be sure it's something I can refund if he decides he'd rather stick with his old camera.

I know Amazon are quite lenient with their returns policy and will accept almost anything provided it's unused and undamaged. The UK page doesn't say anything about cameras being excluded. However I'm getting some conflicting info on the internet. I've read articles about Amazon no longer accepting refunds, only exchanges but I'm not sure if this only applies to certain countries?

theonlywayisup

UK Consumer Rights legislation gives you a change of mind return option when buying online from the UK.  There are some things excluded but a camera is not one of them.

68ComebackSpecial

Why don't you get your brother to visit some physical stores, decide which model he would prefer and then shop around for the best price? 

SiestaPaul

theonlywayisup said:

UK Consumer Rights legislation gives you a change of mind return option when buying online from the UK.  There are some things excluded but a camera is not one of them.

So there's no chance Amazon can refuse a return/refund, provided the item is still brand new? 

Sandtree

SiestaPaul said:

theonlywayisup said:

UK Consumer Rights legislation gives you a change of mind return option when buying online from the UK.  There are some things excluded but a camera is not one of them.

So there's no chance Amazon can refuse a return/refund, provided the item is still brand new? 

There is always something that can go wrong... look at the threads on here about people returning expensive items and the vendor saying all that they received back is an empty box.

The risks are very low, as long as your being honest, but the speed of refunds is slower with expensive electronics. I've returned a £2,000 camera lens and got a refund without issue but they did say they'd be "checking it over" before refunding.

Flight3287462

OP why are you approaching this purchase from a difficult angle?  Just ask him if the camera is suitable.

If he might prefer his old one surely he will have had to try the new one so it won't be new when you send it back?

68ComebackSpecial

You also need to be aware that many of the cameras for sale on the Amazon site are actually sold by third party sellers rather than Amazon themselves which can create complications regarding returns. The other issue frequently seen with returns of online electronic purchases is whether the refund can be reduced owing to "excessive handling" - something which you may run into as, presumably, your brother will actually want to try the camera out before deciding whether he wants to keep it.

photome

Why not give your local camera shop some business rather than Amazon and ask your brother before shelling out £800 on something he might not want

bris

You need to be careful with unnecessary handling. It's all very well going to Currys or Jessops and picking up a camera and having a shot but if the model you want is not on display you cant just pick up a new sealed one, and open it and start using it so testing in a shop has limitations.

There are plenty of problems returning opened electrical items from Argos, Currys, John lewis etc on here so taking a punt on an £800 camera is a risk. 
There are plenty of reviews, recommendation and youtube videos that will give you an idea whether it's suitable or not, but better still let your brother decide before you buy it.