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VANITY - Buying Electronics From Amazon A Good Deal or a Risk?
self | 01/06/08 | self

Posted on 01/06/2008 2:39:14 PM PST by Yaelle

I am buying a very expensive though small piece of electronics (a HD camcorder that can fit in a purse or pocket). It's got a great price on Amazon, better than anywhere else. I was thinking that because it's so small and I have little kids, I might need some kind of extended warranty, which I usually never get nor need.

Can I count on the manufacturer to provide good customer service for this product? Should I buy elsewhere in case something goes wrong or I get a lemon? Any suggestions from the techies?


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: amazon; electronics; ripoff; warranty
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I'm not a techie but I know there are a lot of you out there. Do you take advantage of Amazon's great prices, and risk that the product will be OK and stay OK? Is that a risk that is too big to take with a small, expensive toy in the hands of a family?
1 posted on 01/06/2008 2:39:17 PM PST by Yaelle
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To: InterceptPoint

What do you think? You’ve helped me so much already; thanks.


2 posted on 01/06/2008 2:41:13 PM PST by Yaelle (If Fred loses it's our loss. Not his.)
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To: Yaelle

What are the terms of the warranty? And who carries the warranty?


3 posted on 01/06/2008 2:41:45 PM PST by i_dont_chat (Your choice if you take offense.)
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To: Yaelle

Amazon is OK. They sometimes act as an outlet for manufacturers and other retailers, and can offer quite nice discounts occasionally. I have never had any problem with anything I have bought through them.


4 posted on 01/06/2008 2:41:53 PM PST by P8riot (I carry a gun because I can't carry a cop.)
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To: Yaelle

Know who you are buying from, they all have ratings and pay by CC.


5 posted on 01/06/2008 2:42:20 PM PST by boomop1
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To: P8riot

Me either never a problem.


6 posted on 01/06/2008 2:42:57 PM PST by boomop1
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To: Yaelle

It’s obsolete already whatever it is. Buy books from Amazon, never obsolete.


7 posted on 01/06/2008 2:44:58 PM PST by RightWhale (Dean Koonz is good, but my favorite authors are Dun and Bradstreet)
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To: Yaelle

I buy electronics from Amazon all the time. As someone said, always use a credit card ... in all purchases, not just Amazon. If something goes wrong the card will return your money under many circumstances.


8 posted on 01/06/2008 2:45:24 PM PST by BunnySlippers (Buy a Mac ...)
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To: boomop1

How do I know from whom it ultimately comes? Scanning the details now, I still don’t see a “source.”


9 posted on 01/06/2008 2:45:33 PM PST by Yaelle (If Fred loses it's our loss. Not his.)
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To: Yaelle

The key with amazon is checking who you are buying through. They serve as a conduit for other retailers and individual sellers.


10 posted on 01/06/2008 2:46:09 PM PST by mnehring
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To: RightWhale
Buy books from Amazon, never obsolete.

Why? What are we supposed to do with a book?

;-)

11 posted on 01/06/2008 2:46:32 PM PST by lowbridge
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To: Yaelle

I usually prefer to buy through Amazon. Never had any problems.


12 posted on 01/06/2008 2:46:37 PM PST by poindexter
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To: i_dont_chat

It SEEMS to say it is not from a 3rd party. Trying to find any warranty info.


13 posted on 01/06/2008 2:47:09 PM PST by Yaelle (If Fred loses it's our loss. Not his.)
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To: Yaelle

I don’t know about that purchase in particular. Probably you should look at it and see what kind of warranty you get. But I’ve bought a lot of books and DVDs from Amazon as well as such things as a Japanese pole pruning saw and a hydraulic log splitter, and they’ve always been very good about things.

They replaced some books that vanished in the mail, no charge or argument about it. And they allow you to return books any time if there’s a problem.

I got the log splitter from them because it was about half the price offered anywhere else. So, my general experience with them has been excellent.


14 posted on 01/06/2008 2:47:28 PM PST by Cicero (Marcus Tullius)
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To: Yaelle
I have bought several electronics items through Amazon in the last month, including a couple where there was some problem with getting the right thing. In each case, the problem was resolved quickly and properly. So far as I can tell, Amazon deals with a variety of resellers, and does a good job of keeping them in line and responsible.

I usually prefer newegg.com, if Newegg has what I want, as Newegg prices tend to be better, and their computer related selection, my area of interest, wider. But I don't hesitate to go with Amazon if their price is better or they have what I want and Newegg doesn't.

I recommend Amazon.

No one can guarantee that the product will be OK initially; they usually are, but occassionally something fails and then you are depending on buying from a responsible reseller who is willing and able to resolve any up front problems quickly and fairly.

And no one can guarantee that a product will stay OK, nor does whom you buy it from have much to do with the chances that it will stay ok.

15 posted on 01/06/2008 2:48:32 PM PST by ThePythonicCow (The Greens and Reds steal in fear of freedom and capitalism; Fear arising from a lack of Faith.)
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To: Yaelle

I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on all manner of things at Amazon over the years, and I have never had any problem with anything. I also willingly pay for Amazon Prime shipping each year ($80 for unlimited 2-day shipping; $5 per item for unlimited next day) because the service is just plain wonderful.

In addition to that, if I ever had to return something (for any reason) back it went with no hassle to me (you can even have UPS come and pick it up for a small charge.)


16 posted on 01/06/2008 2:50:13 PM PST by ECM (Government is a make-work program for lawyers.)
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To: ThePythonicCow

Thank you so much, and thanks to all the others who’ve helped.

I can’t find any warranty info but I assume the product comes with at least some basic thing from Sony (the manufacturer). If I had purchased from a brick-and-mortar I’d probably be tempted to buy an extended.


17 posted on 01/06/2008 2:52:38 PM PST by Yaelle (If Fred loses it's our loss. Not his.)
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To: Yaelle

I cannot think of any overwhelming reasons to not buy from Amazon. The prices can be good, shipping is up to you, and they are pretty good with returns of defective products.

About the only thought I have is the lack of a local retail outlet that you could return (convenience and speed).

As far as manufacturer taking care of you - it depends on the manufacturer, but you should generally receive the same treatment regardless of where you buy it (other than “gray market goods - a whole different story).

Some credit card issuers have automatic warranty extensions built in (been so long since I even had a credit card, I don’t remember which ones).

And as far as extended warranties - they are generally a waste of money, particularly in your case - as they normally don’t cover abuse (children tearing it up). Some can be a bit forgiving, but most will deny the claim if it was dropped, had parts twisted off, etc... IN fact, any signs of abuse can often result in canceled warranty...


18 posted on 01/06/2008 2:52:49 PM PST by TheBattman (LORD God, please help us to elect a Godly and patriotic man for President in 08, Amen.)
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To: Cicero

That is amazing about the log splitter!


19 posted on 01/06/2008 2:53:36 PM PST by Yaelle (If Fred loses it's our loss. Not his.)
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To: Yaelle

You might also look at NewEgg.com


20 posted on 01/06/2008 2:53:40 PM PST by TheBattman (LORD God, please help us to elect a Godly and patriotic man for President in 08, Amen.)
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