Amazon deliveries substituted by make-weight goods

lkgreenwell

I have come across *lots* of accounts of people ordering an expensive item from Amazon, and being delivered some bogus substitute. Apple products seem to be a favourite, which is worrying, as I plan to purchase an iPhone 
Is this for real, or are people trying it on?
I read one account, I can’t get out of my mind, of someone receiving dog food, instead of an iPhone!

tacpot12

It does appear to be a real problem, but I've not had it happen to me, mainly because I don't buy expensive stuff on Amazon. I'm interested to see if you do get any replies from UK-based Amazon customers who have had this happen to them, and not just someone they know.

It could just be scaremongering by retail outlets that don't like the impact that Amazon has had on their business, but I'm inclined to think the worst. We buy our dog food from Amazon, and it is always dog food when it arrives with us! 

Trace-T

I have purchased two iPhones from Amazon and did indeed receive an iPhone in each box thankfully. A code sent via email was required to give to the driver before he handed it over.

MikeJXE

Why risk Amazon when there are plenty n of outlets that sell phones new and old 

prowla

Is it Amazon or companies selling via Amazon?
I've recently bought something new and received a used one; it's been sent back and am awaiting the refund.

cymruchris

Yes it does happen, although I'm sure that because it happens, there are a number of people who also try it on.

I ordered a DJI battery for my drone via Amazon warehouse, supplied by Amazon. I paid around £150 instead of the usual £180, as it was listed 'as new'. On arrival, the battery box was sealed, but inside the box was rice and toilet paper. It had been purchased, stolen, refilled to the gram with rubbish, and then returned with a new seal. I then bought it. 

It took about 5 minutes on Amazon help chat for the operator to refund me immediately, and they didn't even want to see photos, or the product returned. (So I'm guessing I wasn't the first to suffer it).

I'm lucky that I have CCTV at home, so that I could prove what was in the box - but if you do decide to order something expensive - get the video on your phone rolling when you answer the door, to the point you open the box and see what's inside. 

I have also bought an iPhone 13 Pro from Amazon warehouse, and that came through without issue (and was a decent deal). 

Murphybear

I’ve bought hundreds of items during the last few years, I’ve never had a problem.  The majority of them have been fairly low priced.  I’ve had one non delivery in all that time for which they refunded my money in 3 days, they were out of stock of the original item

I will probably be upgrading my iPad this year and will probably go to John Lewis.