Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I don't, and let me give you an example to illustrate why I think it would be a bad idea:
If there was a limit of X% of items ordered, people could abuse the system as the person we had here at MR did, by using Amazon as a "try and return" service for high-value products which constituted a small percentage of their overall purchases. Eg, buy 100 items in a year, amongst which were ten £1000+ cameras. That would not a desirable state of affairs.
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I don't think that Amazon's policy in any way discourages "try and return" and given Amazon's desire to replace B&M stores, I would consider a customer using Amazon's returns system this way to be acting in good faith. If I felt that Amazon stated in some way that customers are expected to avoid making returns, then I would feel differently. I think, however, that Amazon actually wants the business of some "try and return" customers, but not others.
I think that there are ways that Amazon could explain its policy without jeopardizing its ability to combat genuine fraud. To not do so is unconscionable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
If there was a limit of X% of the total value of goods ordered, people could have their accounts closed for returning just one high-value item. Eg, spend a total of £2000 at Amazon in a year, but return just one £1000 camera. This would be even less desirable than the previous situation.
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There are claims that this is happening.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
A flexible approach, where Amazon consider the return pattern of the individual purchaser when deciding whether or not they wish to terminate their business relationship with that person, is a much more sensible approach (IMHO).
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Even if I'm willing to afford Amazon maximum flexibility on whom to choose as customers, I still think that Amazon should have to disclose the criteria. I don't actually think that Amazon is worried about people figuring out how to game their rules, rather they think that if people know what the rules are, they'll lose customers. I think that Amazon is culling customers that are unprofitable, but customers aren't given enough information to make an informed decision about whether to be Amazon customers in the first place. Furthermore, I think that Amazon is cultivating this exact state of affairs. To me, that's deeply unethical.