Amazon scam - advice on how best to proceed

HillStreetBlues

Personally can't see it being the fulfilment centre.
From what I've read the security is tight, A soundbar isn't the kind of thing you sneak out in your lunchbox.

robatwork

HillStreetBlues said:

Personally can't see it being the fulfilment centre.
From what I've read the security is tight, A soundbar isn't the kind of thing you sneak out in your lunchbox.

Now THAT depends on the size of your lunchbox.


(I miss Sid James)

marlot

Quite a few people I know, no longer buy high value items from Amazon. 

Argos seems to have sharpened it's act, and I've bought a few things there recently instead.

marlot

HillStreetBlues said:

Personally can't see it being the fulfilment centre.
From what I've read the security is tight, A soundbar isn't the kind of thing you sneak out in your lunchbox.

I suspect the courier is taking it home for a repack.

marlot

The other issue with Amazon is the rise of fakes.  Especially things like Makita/Bosch/etc tool batteries.

Companies using 'Fulfilled by Amazon' send fakes in.  They're all put in the same bin.  So even if you buy from a reputable dealer, you might get a fake.

miller

I have recently videoed cutting the seals/unboxing products delivered as that might help if something goes wrong. These days the couriers disappear like greyhounds out of the traps, ultimately all their photo proves is that a box was delivered, nothing else.

The substitute items in the OP I find revealing. If you had adequate time and opportunity to substitute anything, why in this case would you enclose £20 of sugar, not something equally as heavy, but of lesser value? Is there a best before date on it?

cymruchris

I ordered a replacement battery for a DJI drone at around £180 - and received a sealed box that when opened was rice and toilet paper. When I spoke to the Amazon chat thing, they didn't argue, didn't ask for proof, just issued the refund there and then, and I didn't have to return the box. I imagine their 'process' will depend on the product, the location, and other reported issues in your local area rather than a blanket policy. Whatever steps they require - follow them - and no doubt you'll eventually get your refund.

robatwork

cymruchris said:

I ordered a replacement battery for a DJI drone at around £180 - and received a sealed box that when opened was rice and toilet paper. When I spoke to the Amazon chat thing, they didn't argue, didn't ask for proof, just issued the refund there and then, and I didn't have to return the box. I imagine their 'process' will depend on the product, the location, and other reported issues in your local area rather than a blanket policy. Whatever steps they require - follow them - and no doubt you'll eventually get your refund.

You missed what I believe is the most important factor to the "Computer says Yes" algorithm. That's you and your buying profile. Bought loads with very low return percentage of varying values? Instant refund and no need to return sir. New account and 50% returns or a few high value returns?  Here's some hoops sir, please jump through.

cymruchris

robatwork said:

cymruchris said:

I ordered a replacement battery for a DJI drone at around £180 - and received a sealed box that when opened was rice and toilet paper. When I spoke to the Amazon chat thing, they didn't argue, didn't ask for proof, just issued the refund there and then, and I didn't have to return the box. I imagine their 'process' will depend on the product, the location, and other reported issues in your local area rather than a blanket policy. Whatever steps they require - follow them - and no doubt you'll eventually get your refund.

You missed what I believe is the most important factor to the "Computer says Yes" algorithm. That's you and your buying profile. Bought loads with very low return percentage of varying values? Instant refund and no need to return sir. New account and 50% returns or a few high value returns?  Here's some hoops sir, please jump through.

Bought loads - returned quite a bit - but as I said, I don't think there's a blanket policy for everyone - there are factors that influence which path they choose, but if you follow the steps they outline, they'll usually get there in the end and issue the refund.

Peppa537

marlot said:

Quite a few people I know, no longer buy high value items from Amazon. 

I no longer buy expensive electronic items from Amazon in case this happens. Chances are it won't but you hear about it more and more and it isn't worth the risk to me. My eldest was going to get an iPhone from Amazon earlier this year because it was available from them with interest free payments over 12 months (she'd done this before with no problems, you can overpay as well to clear it quicker). I leant her the money and she bought elsewhere and is paying me back instead. My husband wanted some Sennheiser headphones for his birthday, I bought them direct from Sennheiser. It isn't just the risk of the product not being in the box, very occasionally Amazon Logistics deliver to the wrong address and their CS just isn't as good as it used to be.