Quote:
Originally Posted by soonerchick
Amazon should make clear guidelines so customers are not blindsided.
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This is the key. I took a while and browsed through Amazon's site trying to find the details and fine print of Amazon's return policy. I found a grand total of two statements of the policy and here they are:
There are a few more modification for different types of items (returning a cell phone doesn't cancel your service, for example, and software isn't returnable at all). Nothing in the policy says how often you may return items or for what reasons, as long as the items are in new condition.
Amazon is, however, clearly acting on a different policy.
People have claimed that a return rate of 15% or 25% or returning things after a vacation are unreasonable and that a retailer taking action against these things is reasonable. Even if I agree,
that isn't Amazon's stated policy.
To me, it's the same as cell data providers that claim to allow unlimited use, but slow down or cut off users that use "too much". I think that amounts to fraud and
the FTC agrees with me.
Those that are arguing that 15% (or 25% or whatever arbitrary fraction) or returning 7 of 8 otherwise identical items after choosing the color you like best is too many returns are arguing that Amazon should have a different policy. The reality is that Amazon agrees, so it sends out letters based on what their policy
should be. Amazon refuses to change the stated policy, though, presumably because more people will buy more things if they believe (incorrectly) that they can return anything in new condition within 30 days without other apparent limitation.