Amazon return

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Grogan
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Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

It looks like Amazon is THE place to buy hardware. I've been happy with the shipping (I'd say exemplary for around here) but the return procedure has gotten so easy I'm gobsmacked. I was going to just initiate an RMA and probably procrastinate for a day or two as I'm wont to do but it was so easy I went and did it immediately.

Really, that's easier than taking something back to a store and explaining/arguing.

Bring a QR code to any official Purolator (our fastest, most expensive courier) depot and they'll handle all of it. You don't even have to box it, just "bring the item" and scan the QR code. I already had it ready in the shipping carton with packing materials, I just hadn't closed the box yet, so I went upstairs and printed the QR code and brought it in just like that. It cost me nothing, and I even got my scrap sheet of paper back :-)

Now, because this isn't an item that's in stock or will ever be again (not a popular unit) the only option was "refund to Visa". Curiously, no option for an Amazon store credit (which is what I'd have chosen, I need a new UPS for the other desk anyway). I'll bet they changed that, because they get their merchant fees back that way or something.

I would anticipate that Amazon just ships things back for credit and because they have clout, it'll just end up back at Antec (or if there's a third party involved maybe reconditioning to sell to some other chump)

That was not a very good PSU, I don't feel dishonest about returning it. It "works", but precision matters more now with modern hardware. I think that unit is defective by design, at the very least.

P.S. I once had a job processing vacuum/extractor/carpet sweeper unit returns. Bissell had a plant in our town and that was my first job there.

The units would come back so full of dirt that they couldn't work anymore. Obviously the customer used the shit out of them and they worked. So I was denying those returns, "used, pans dirty, damaged by customer" etc. Suddenly, the CEO of the Canadian division in the Niagara Falls office called to talk to $8/hour me and gave me shit. You don't ever deny a return from these big box retailers. Boy... that was a lesson. I thought I was doing my job. Any job I take I try to do the best I can. I actually liked that job, because I also reconditioned units. Some of them could be sold as "seconds" and others we sold at company yard sales (and we used the money for an employee fund). I also made a few genetic monstrosities from parts that were pretty cool :lol:
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Grogan
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

... and about 8 hours later, this came:
We've issued your refund for the item below. Your return is now complete*.

View return & refund status :

Item details:
High Current Gamer Gold...

Refund total: CDN$ 203.34**
Refund will appear on your Visa in 2-4 business days.

* This is an advanced refund. If we don't receive the item listed above, we may charge your original payment method.
That's unreal.
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Zema Bus
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Zema Bus »

I returned something to Amazon not long ago for a cross shipment replacement, they shipped the replacement almost right away, well before my return arrived there (here returns go to Las Vegas).
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Grogan
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

Well, they win. Amazon comes at a human cost (and I hate that about them) but there's no better service than that and I'd be an idiot not to use them. The Prime membership fees are chicken feed too, if you buy a lot of stuff.
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

I'll post this here because it's somewhat related. I went in to update my credit card info at Amazon Prime, so they wouldn't miss a payment. They automatically updated to my new expiry date (and won't actually let me in there to see the settings, I'd have to add a new card and remove that one). I don't mind, it was exactly what I was going to do anyway (and I never want a pre-auth payment to fail because of expiry date) but I don't get how they can do that. What good is an expiry date if some company has privilege to automatically update it, or ignore the CCV security number change (that one is more lax than expiry date though).

I have to update my expiry date with every service I have pre-auth payments with (some of them I have to phone to do it), but somehow Amazon is just able to update that. I only activated the new card a few days ago too.

Anyway, I'm pleased enough with Amazon to change to yearly billing. $99/year vs. 119.88. I also don't mind because you're not locked in, if you cancel you get a refund on remaining unused time.

I don't think Prime makes a lot of difference for us in terms of shipping here, it's the same contracted courier and delivery times. However, I do get deals and free shipping on things there might otherwise be fees on. Also, free games if I cared to check out monthly offerings. I just did and I could get "Bus Simulator 21" for free! Imagine the thrill of following a bus route and picking up passengers. I can't wait :roll:
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Michael_horatio
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Michael_horatio »

I've not had any problems with Amazon returns here. Only happened about 3 times but was easy. Call them and they don't really ask any questions except maybe a very general brief description of why you don't want the item. They send me a prepaid return label to print, stick in on a box and they come and pick it up. Refund usually comes within a few days of them picking the item up. Pretty well everything I've ever bought was free delivery with Prime. I don't remember ever paying for a delivery with Prime.
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

Returning that PSU was just a few clicks on the web, and a QR code to go and print. I did give a description, as honestly as I could (It was fine, but I was truly unhappy with the voltage regulation... I'd seen better, even from them). In this town, a "Purolator depot" is like a variety store, drug store etc. and there are several. I went to an easy one, at a store where I could just as easily have gone for what I was going to get that day anyway. So it was done faster than even my laziness would sabotage :mrgreen:

There are things you just couldn't fucking buy if you had to pay for shipping, too. Like a UPS... I remember going to Newegg to order one of those and seeing $80 for shipping. That got them a closed browser tab.
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Michael_horatio
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Michael_horatio »

Grogan wrote: Tue Jun 25, 2024 3:32 am There are things you just couldn't fucking buy if you had to pay for shipping, too. Like a UPS... I remember going to Newegg to order one of those and seeing $80 for shipping. That got them a closed browser tab.
ya, I've seen things that had big extra delivery charges that Amazon didn't cover, but as you said 'close tab the right'... :D
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Re: Amazon return

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Yeah... "close tabs to the right" is what I do when I'm REALLY mad ("everybody fuck off") :twisted:
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

So this time, returning a "RedThunder" keyboard/mouse combo, my return options were different, and I had 3 choices.

1) Intelcom residential pickup. Not viable, because "an adult" has to be actively there for the transaction... all day, whenever they show up etc. We're not in the habit of listening for the door.
2) Canada Post. (NEVER, if I have a choice. Only "if they are the last one on earth" :evil: )
3) UPS drop off. That's the most practical and what I chose.

I have to print and affix shipping label, a hazard label (Li-ion batteries) and a return authorization UPC code inside the box. I'm responsible for packing it vs. the Purolator drop-off with QR code scan, and my refund won't be issued until they receive it, unlike the QR code Purolator drop-off.

Still fine (all I ever would really expect.. that QR code and Purolator thing was unreal)
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Michael_horatio
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Michael_horatio »

Should be good enough. You'll get your money back, that's what matters...
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

Oh, actually I still did get the advanced refund... as soon as the package was actually dropped off and it entered into the system. Same as with the QR/Purolator in that respect.
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

Amazon (I have Prime) is a very good service. I ordered two Cyberpower UPS units late Thursday night and they were here before I got up today. That's fast for any kind of free shipping.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BCMLLSHL?th=1

(except they were $245 CAD when I ordered them, that one shows $258 :lol: )

Every time I buy new UPS's, the controls get more complicated and sophisticated. I had to download a "function guide" to figure out the sensitivity and threshold settings.

The upstairs one gave up the ghost because I think theirs trips more often (though briefly) due to laser printer on the same circuit even though not plugged into the UPS in any way. My current one is still good, but I need a second one as that one died some time ago and I've got PC, monitor, modem, router all plugged into this one, but the second PC is just in the surge outlets. I'd hate to have that one go dead during file transfers etc.
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Zema Bus »

Sometimes I'll get something the same day, order it at 2 AM and I'll have it by 8 PM.

I haven't bought a new UPS in a while since I've had solar batteries but once I move I'll need to use them until I get solar again.
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Grogan »

If I lived in the Toronto area it might be like that, if the merch is in their Mississauga warehouse, but it's a good 3 hours in transit and that's not something that would happen on the same day. The best I can get is next day shipping, which so far, has been consistent. I don't want to buy anywhere else (and I used to be an Amazon hater) lol
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Re: Amazon return

Post by Zema Bus »

Yeah I remember back when you hated Amazon :) Where I'm probably going to end up in AZ there's an Amazon warehouse so I should still get fast shipping.
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