Seriously, Amazon? I mean....WTF?

[Meghan54]

OK, so I'm shopping bookshelf speakers and buy a pair of KEF Q300's from Amazon/Prime to try out. Got 'em but just didn't completely like their sound. They're actually quite good for their size and price, but I have an itching to try some Dali Zensors and Wharfedale Diamond 10.2's before committing. I've already auditioned a set of B&W 628's and found them wanting...too brittle in the upper registers for me.

Anyway, I spend a week with the KEF's and decide to return for exchange or refund. As they'd been purchased via Prime and were sold directly by Amazon, didn't think this was going to be a problem.....but I was soooooo wrong.

Go to return them and the action is refused because the speakers have "special handling and transportation requirements", whatever that means. They came in their own cardboard box via a UPS truck, nothing special with handling or transport, so I take advantage of email and ask why.

Get a response back from an Amazon CSR, to wit:

I've checked and see that the item is hazardous item.

Due to safety reasons, we cannot accept the return of any hazardous materials--these include but are not limited to items that are flammable, gas-powered or use propane or natural gas, have rechargeable batteries or contain powerful magnets--at any of our fulfillment centers. The risk of accident is simply too great or the return of these type items is restricted by state or federal law.

Interesting. The speakers were just fine to have shipped into your warehouse, picked by some nameless/faceless worker, and delivered by an unsuspecting UPS driver, but when I choose to have them returned to you, suddenly they're "hazardous material".

And I wrote pretty much the same in a return email, basically venting my frustration with the above. (BTW....the "powerful magnets" that are being feared are shielded in the speaker.)

And I get this in return......

To make this right for you, I've issued a refund of $XXX.99 to your Original Payment Method. You'll see the refund on your Credit card statement in the next 2-3 business days.

Further, there is no need to return the Item; You may keep it or dispose of it locally. To safely dispose of this item please check out the following link: http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard

And I get a separate email stating:

We're writing to let you know we processed your refund of $xxx.99 for your Order 110-5xxxxxx-8xxxxxx. This refund is for the following item(s): Item: KEF Q300B Bookshelf Loudspeakers - Black Ash (Pair) Quantity: 1 ASIN: B00CE3LG9U

Way to go, Amazon. Just when I was trying to ween myself from you, you go and do something like this. Crap! Now how am I supposed to maintain my moral indignation surrounding the speakers being mislabeled as hazardous materials and your refusal to refund. Sheesh. Talk about taking all the fun out of life!

 

[LTC8K6]

I wonder if they are losing a lot of money, or have a high profit margin?

They have done that to me, told me I did not need to return merchandise, and credited me also. More than once.

I have heard this from many folks.

 

[NetGuySC]

Seems kinda lowlife to buy something just to try, it seems as though the decision to return was made even before you purchased the speakers. I'm wondering why didn't you try the KEF, the Dali Zensors and the Wharfedale Diamonds at a brick and mortar before "committing". Anyways, good day to you

 

[xaeniac]

This is what ruins the type of customer service that Amazon provides for everyone. Prices go up and policies get changed due to abuse of the system. I got that they won't accept the return, but on an item like what you have if they accepted a return they would have to offer it in warehouse deals and take a loss regardless. Prob less of a hassle to have it tested, pay shipping both ways and commit employee hours to it for the return.

 

[John Connor]

Yeah, I bought my THX certified Logitech Z-5300's on ZipZoomFly (Website Doesn't exist anymore) and the speakers came via a special truck. The box had labels all over it saying magnetized material and the driver was like what is this and I said speakers. He laughed and said this could have gone on a regular truck.

Magnetized material... I have my center speaker near my monitor FFS.

BTW, Thanks OP for giving me an idea on how to get some nice free speakers! :twisted: LOL! J/K

 

[CPA]

That's interesting because I just returned a pair of XBox/PS headphones and with the return label printed out a "Hazardous Item" warning that I needed to also affix to the box. I'm guessing the return center I used was different than yours and in a state that doesn't prohibit it. They took $9 off my return for shipping

 

[Dari]

Don't do that again. You're fucking things up for everybody else.

 

[Thump553]

That's interesting because I just returned a pair of XBox/PS headphones and with the return label printed out a "Hazardous Item" warning that I needed to also affix to the box. I'm guessing the return center I used was different than yours and in a state that doesn't prohibit it. They took $9 off my return for shipping

Interesting. The headphones are perfectly safe to have an inch or so from your brain but are hazardous two dozen feet away and shielded by lots of cardboard boxes and packing materials.

Do agree that the OP is abusing the Amazon system. Speakers are a very subjective thing, test them out in a local shop or big box store or buy them from an internet retailer that specifically permits no question asked returns.

 

[olds]

Seems kinda lowlife to buy something just to try, it seems as though the decision to return was made even before you purchased the speakers. I'm wondering why didn't you try the KEF, the Dali Zensors and the Wharfedale Diamonds at a brick and mortar before "committing". Anyways, good day to you

This is what ruins the type of customer service that Amazon provides for everyone. Prices go up and policies get changed due to abuse of the system. I got that they won't accept the return, but on an item like what you have if they accepted a return they would have to offer it in warehouse deals and take a loss regardless. Prob less of a hassle to have it tested, pay shipping both ways and commit employee hours to it for the return.

I lean toward this. Someone always has to fuck it up for everyone else.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I just returned a Kindle Voyage and it has a rechargeable battery. I had to print out a little warning label (part of the return process) and tape it to the box, however.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

NY has enacted laws that in effect make disposal of common items illegal. Toss computer components in the trash and you are breaking the law. I'm not surprised by Amazon's response because retailers and consumers are distinctly different under regulations.

Wait till you get the government run UHC people are asking for.

 

[Greenman]

Buying something just because you want to try it out is a roach maneuver.

 

[Berliner]

Magnetized material... I have my center speaker near my monitor FFS.

Are you talking about a CRT?

Also: F...ing Magnets, How Do They Work?

 

[JTsyo]

I wonder if they are losing a lot of money, or have a high profit margin?

They have done that to me, told me I did not need to return merchandise, and credited me also. More than once.

I have heard this from many folks.

They just barely squeak by with some margin each year. They are trading profits for market share. For example in 2013 they had $74.45 billion in sales but only a profit of $274 million, fraction of a percent profit margin. 2012 they actually had a loss.

 

[DrPizza]

Think about it - powerful magnets. Someone might swallow one. Banned!

 

[railer]

Buying something just because you want to try it out is a roach maneuver.

Yeah. Go to Best Buy if you want to "try it out". Not the same environment as your living room, you say? Too bad.

Those are $500 speakers.......unreal.

 

[CPA]

Okay, just checked the return label. The speakers were sent to Nevada. OP, where was your return center?

 

[nickbits]

While buying things from Amazon to try isn't cool, neither is going to a store and then buying them on Amazon. I'm inclined to believe the first method is less douchey since Amazon made the decision to carry the item, even if it ruins it for everyone. That's why they offer free returns on clothes, they know there is a high probability you will not but it if it is a hassle to return. Say Amazon puts all stores out of business then what is the alternative?

 

[OutHouse]

OP is a douchebag

 

[IndyColtsFan]

While buying things from Amazon to try isn't cool, neither is going to a store and then buying them on Amazon.

I don't do price matches as a regular practice. If I go to a store and they have an item I want, I check who has it cheaper and buy from there -- oftentimes, that is Amazon and assuming I don't need the item NOW, I will order it from Amazon. If I need something NOW and a local store has it, I might then request a price match but that has not yet happened for me.

With that being said, you have to be careful with Amazon and not make the assumption that they're the cheapest because oftentimes, they're not only NOT the cheapest, but they are WAY overpriced. Hot tub chemicals is one thing I buy and Amazon is way too expensive.

 

[ponyo]

I don't do price matches as a regular practice. If I go to a store and they have an item I want, I check who has it cheaper and buy from there -- oftentimes, that is Amazon and assuming I don't need the item NOW, I will order it from Amazon. If I need something NOW and a local store has it, I might then request a price match but that has not yet happened for me.

With that being said, you have to be careful with Amazon and not make the assumption that they're the cheapest because oftentimes, they're not only NOT the cheapest, but they are WAY overpriced. Hot tub chemicals is one thing I buy and Amazon is way too expensive.

What most people don't know is that many large B&M stores will price match Amazon. So there is no need to order from Amazon and wait 2 days for delivery. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowes will all price match Amazon. All you have to do is go to the customer service desk and show them the identical item for less at Amazon with Amazon as the seller and they will price match it on the spot. It's their corporate policy. The days of B&M stores being Amazon showcase is over.

 

[Berliner]

Price matching with very different costs.

Sounds reasonable.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

What most people don't know is that many large B&M stores will price match Amazon. So there is no need to order from Amazon and wait 2 days for delivery. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowes will all price match Amazon. All you have to do is go to the customer service desk and show them the identical item for less at Amazon with Amazon as the seller and they will price match it on the spot. It's their corporate policy. The days of B&M stores being Amazon showcase is over.

Perhaps you missed this part of my post:

I don't do price matches as a regular practice.

I'm well aware that most stores will match them. However, IMO, I shouldn't have to waste time waiting in line at the customer service desk to get them to pricematch something, especially when I rarely, if ever, need something urgently. You either compete with Amazon or you don't. If you can't compete on price, you'd better offer something else.

 

[IEC]

Think about it - powerful magnets. Someone might swallow one. Banned!

Yup. That's why Buckyballs got banned. As ridiculous as it may seem.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I'm guessing you can't return hard drives either.