I'm outraged! Amazon banned me forever because of too many returns

[PDE]

I just got an email from amazon.com telling me that I am no longer welcome to use their site and that my account has been closed with immediate effect. The reason, they say, is that I've had too many problems with shipments. I confess that over the past few years I've returned far too many apple computers than is normal, but most of the time I've first been to Apple who've told me that I can either have it fixed or return it to amazon and recommended the latter.

I've also bought tons and tons of expensive stuff from them over the years without any issue at all, including cameras, lenses, telephones, computers and books.

I'm really really outraged because I also have lots of amazon credit that I got by using my amazon.com credit card AND all my receipts are on my account so that I have no way of proving purchases anymore. I can't even log on!

Needed to vent. I really can't believe that they would penalise me for using their return policy. If they can't handle that people return defective products, they shouldn't have that policy. A lot of stores don't.

Any advice? I don't want to lose my receipts because it'll be hard to get warranty service if I need it. And, of course, I don't want to lose my credit that I have accumulated through my amazon card.

Unbelievable.

[r.j.s]

Businesses reserve the right to refuse service ... try calling their customer service, there may be more to this than you think.

[t0mat0]

Prepare a case, get information, then go through the procedure they have. Be polite, slowly escalate it to higher people.
It might pay to make a written list of the returns, the problems, and also the Apple meeting you had where someone mentioned returns rather than repair - each return cost Amazon, rather than just Apple it would seem.
How many are we talking here, and what for? It might seem that you were scamming them

[PDE]

I've written to them, but they told me I cannot contact customer service because they will not help me. Maybe the letter will do something.

What makes me most mad is that I didn't get any kind of warning, nor any chance to use my credit, nor a chance to download my receipts. That's just not right.

As for how many returns: quite a few over the course of the past 2 1/2 years, but I've also kept quite a few (I've bought for me, friends and family) and I've bought other very expensive items that I've kept (such as nikon D300 a few months ago and the MBP I'm using now). The only items I've been returning are Apple laptops - because of lots of different issues (screens primarily, but also other issues).


I wish I could make a list of the returns, but I don't have the documentation and I don't remember exactly. I always rely on having my receipts on their site.

[PDE]

Luckily I did take pictures of the defective displays. I've sent them to amazon and hopefully they'll change their minds when they see them. I'm really upset about this as I buy so much for them and would hate to not be able to do that anymore.

[thejas]

I thought you might be interested in this conversation thread at another site. Amazon seems to have made a huge sweep in the last couple days. No one can quite figure out the trigger on who they axed and why. It seems quite varied. Anyway, if you watch it you might be able to see if anyone gets a resolution from it in the next few days.

Hope it helps!

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=908910&highlight=amazon

[Sun Baked]

Businesses reserve the right to refuse service ... try calling their customer service, there may be more to this than you think.

Businesses are smart to fire any customer deemed too time consuming or expensive compared to their revenue.

Might be bad luck that led to your getting axed, but from their point of view they might not be able to satisfy you like you deserve in the future and your luck may improve with another retailer.

[benzslrpee]

exactly how much stuff were you buying and then returning? i mean, if you return all the stuff you buy from them then they don't really make any money do they? seems like a logical move.

[mkrishnan]

Businesses are smart to fire any customer deemed too time consuming or expensive compared to their revenue.

Being disallowed from using the Amazon store seems reasonable enough, but restricting access to one's credit card seems like an exceptional step and some kind of conflict of interest... so another venue of attack may also be to contact Visa or MC or whomever has their logo on the Amazon CC.

However, I can't say I have a lot of sympathy for the core issue of not being allowed to buy from Amazon, since you say you've returned multiple expensive items for things that, honestly, were not in the realm of manufacturing defects (in the sense that, at that time, all the MBP's had the same screen issues)....

[alphaod]

You abused their good service by acting as a bad customer so they no longer want you business. I'm happy with Amazon's great service and I usually do exchanges not returns.

Basically they have 2 choices:
1) Make their policy more stringent and lose paying customers who do little or no returns.
2) Keep current policy and ban customers who abuse the service.

Best advice is you can ask them to provide you a copy of easy receipt you've made—only thing they might need to offer.

[PDE]

I didn't abuse their return policy. I used it when I received defective items. In the past three months, I've made purchased for over $5500. I don't do exchanges because they take time - I just return and order a new item. Here are just a few of the screens I've received on MBPs and returned....tell me if you think they're illegitimate returns. ( I removed the pictures for now until I resolve the issues with amazon - but one display started inverting, another had a huge dark shadow up the middle, one had the beams of light at the bottom, another had yellowing at the bottom...etc etc)

I can't believe you'd defend that they ban somebody who has just followed their policies. After all, amazon has a 15% restocking fee if you misrepresent the condition of the return - if they don't charge that, I have to assume they agree with my assessment. BS is all I can say.

exactly how much stuff were you buying and then returning? i mean, if you return all the stuff you buy from them then they don't really make any money do they? seems like a logical move.


I've bought TONS of stuff that I haven't returned and lots of it was expensive too. Mostly I've returned MBPs with crappy displays since I refused to pay a high price and get subpar quality. The display I have now on my MBP is very good, but Apple replaced my display several times before I got this one. So there are good displays, but only occasionally it seems. So: I return defective computers but keep most things I buy. They could have warned me first, before cutting off access to my account.

[alphaod]

I didn't abuse their return policy. I used it when I received defective items. In the past three months, I've made purchased for over $5500. I don't do exchanges because they take time - I just return and order a new item. Here are just a few of the screens I've received on MBPs and returned....tell me if you think they're illegitimate returns.

I can't believe you'd defend that they ban somebody who has just followed their policies. After all, amazon has a 15% restocking fee if you misrepresent the condition of the return - if they don't charge that, I have to assume they agree with my assessment. BS is all I can say.

I didn't say I support their decision. I just said they assess that you were not a worthy customer anymore.

If there was a form for it, I'd vouch for you!

[PDE]

You abused their good service by acting as a bad customer so they no longer want you business. I'm happy with Amazon's great service and I usually do exchanges not returns.

Basically they have 2 choices:
1) Make their policy more stringent and lose paying customers who do little or no returns.
2) Keep current policy and ban customers who abuse the service.

Best advice is you can ask them to provide you a copy of easy receipt you've made—only thing they might need to offer.

You;re making a lot of assumptions without knowing anything about the situation.

[alphaod]

You;re making a lot of assumptions without knowing anything about the situation.

I'm sorry then.

[benzslrpee]

to answer your the question in your original post: financial services always keep records.

i don't see why Amazon can't email you a list of your receipts but if they won't then call the 1800 number on the back of your Visa and ask them for your transaction history. you can get it going back to at least 10 years but it'll be up to you to find dollar amounts of when, where and what you bought.

you next question was regarding credits that were applied to your Visa. i'm kind of confused by your terminology here...a "credit" in banking circles is generally understood as a deposit/refunding money. since it's a Visa i'm going to assume you couldn't deposit money into it, but if you return an item, whatever you were charged must have been credited back onto the card...cause it's a return and all.

if you meant "credit" as some sort of rewards type incentive, then i'm sorry because you'll never get those back. those cease to exist once you're no longer a customer. they are not considered a legally tangible form of currency so arguing for it is a moot point...kind of how people can't make AT&T give back their accrued rollover minutes if they lose it.

[PDE]

to answer your the question in your original post: financial services always keep records. i don't see why Amazon can't email you a list of your receipts but if they won't then call the 1800 number on the back of your Visa and ask them for your transaction history. you can get it going back to at least 10 years but it'll be up to you to find dollar amounts of when, where and what you bought.

I still have my amazon.com credit card which is issued by Chase, and of course I can still access my purchase history on the Chase site. What I don't have anymore are the receipts for all the items I've purchased on amazon, as those are stored in my account which I no longer can access. Without the receipts, I cannot file claims in the future through VISA performance guarantee services (extended warranty) since they require both the credit card statement AND the receipt with itemisation of the purchased. This service is the main reason I keep using this particular VISA card.

you next question was regarding credits that were applied to your Visa. i'm kind of confused by your terminology here...a "credit" in banking circles is generally understood as a deposit/refunding money. since it's a Visa i'm going to assume you couldn't deposit money into it, but if you return an item, whatever you were charged must have been credited back onto the card...cause it's a return and all.

if you meant "credit" as some sort of rewards type incentive, then i'm sorry because you'll never get those back. those cease to exist once you're no longer a customer. they are not considered a legally tangible form of currency so arguing for it is a moot point...kind of how people can't make AT&T give back their accrued rollover minutes if they lose it.


Sorry for not being clear. My credit card through amazon/chase gives me points. For each $2500 spent, I get a $25 'gift certificate' which I enter into my amazon account and which is then applied toward any purchase I make through amazon. It's one of the reasons I have the CC in the first place since I buy a lot of stuff from amazon. With the sudden closure of my account, I just lost several hundred dollars. As I'm still a customer of Chase through my amazon.com CC, I am still accruing points, but they're no longer redeemable since amazon has closed my account.

Hope that clarifies and thanks for trying to answer...

I thought you might be interested in this conversation thread at another site. Amazon seems to have made a huge sweep in the last couple days. No one can quite figure out the trigger on who they axed and why. It seems quite varied. Anyway, if you watch it you might be able to see if anyone gets a resolution from it in the next few days.

Hope it helps!

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=908910&highlight=amazon


Thanks! It does make me a little more optimistic that others are experiencing the same situation. I'd hope that Amazon will see that regardless of what they think they're accomplishing with this, it's not the right way to go about doing it. Closure of accounts is pretty serious and should at least be prefaced by some kind of warning or chance for the customer to explain (if needed). Also, by closing accounts, customers no longer have access to the evidence that would prove their 'innocence' (the tone of their letter made it sound like customers had acted illegally somehow). Not fair and not right. We'll see how this develops...


sorry mods for the extra posts....

[johnny gringo]

Man, that's ridiculous. I think Verizon or some other cell phone provider did this recently: "fired" a bunch of their most-complaining customers. It's their right to do so but that doesn't make it right. But don't give up hope, there's always a home for you at http://www.theybannedme.com :p

[clevin]

I think all the advise have been given are good. and We can't judge the situation fairly just listening to your complain, You really should contact amazon in some way and explain your situation. Keep complaining here won't take you anywhere.

[alphaod]

Man, that's ridiculous. I think Verizon or some other cell phone provider did this recently: "fired" a bunch of their most-complaining customers. It's their right to do so but that doesn't make it right. But don't give up hope, there's always a home for you at http://www.theybannedme.com :p

I did get banned from Verizon wireless for abusing the data network. :rolleyes:

[jessica.]

I think all the advise have been given are good. and We can't judge the situation fairly just listening to your complain, You really should contact amazon in some way and explain your situation. Keep complaining here won't take you anywhere.

And that folks should sum it all up.
Coming here to complain about Amazon is as productive as coming here to complain about AT&T. Nothing settles business like a good old fashioned phone call.

[aristobrat]

Needed to vent. I really can't believe that they would penalise me for using their return policy. If they can't handle that people return defective products, they shouldn't have that policy. A lot of stores don't.
I hope that you're able to get your credit and receipt issue with Amazon taken care of.

Where does this put you with future Apple notebook purchases?

Is there another retailer that will allow you to buy and return as frequently as you did with Amazon (but without penalty)?

[Ninja Guidan]

I didn't abuse their return policy. I used it when I received defective items. In the past three months, I've made purchased for over $5500. I don't do exchanges because they take time - I just return and order a new item. Here are just a few of the screens I've received on MBPs and returned....tell me if you think they're illegitimate returns. ( I removed the pictures for now until I resolve the issues with amazon - but one display started inverting, another had a huge dark shadow up the middle, one had the beams of light at the bottom, another had yellowing at the bottom...etc etc)

I can't believe you'd defend that they ban somebody who has just followed their policies. After all, amazon has a 15% restocking fee if you misrepresent the condition of the return - if they don't charge that, I have to assume they agree with my assessment. BS is all I can say.




I've bought TONS of stuff that I haven't returned and lots of it was expensive too. Mostly I've returned MBPs with crappy displays since I refused to pay a high price and get subpar quality. The display I have now on my MBP is very good, but Apple replaced my display several times before I got this one. So there are good displays, but only occasionally it seems. So: I return defective computers but keep most things I buy. They could have warned me first, before cutting off access to my account.

Hey...just for s---- and giggles, what is your "return to keep ratio?"

[PDE]

Hey...just for s---- and giggles, what is your "return to keep ratio?"

Honestly, not counting laptops in the past two years, my return rate is exceedingly low. Probably around 2-3%. My laptop return rate over the past few years has been very high because of horrid quality control from Apple, especially with regard to displays. Having said that, I always keep one MBP eventually, but often it has been after at least one exchange/return. For example, this summer I bought two macbook pros, one of which was exchanged for a new because of an inverted display (bad cable perhaps - Apple genius recommended that I return it given that it was almost brand new). The exchanged one I kept. So, all in all, Amazon sent me three macbook pros, and I returned one. They got $4,000 from me and probably returned the other one to Apple and maybe lost the return shipping they reimbursed me. Since April I've also bought a watch ($200) and a $1700 camera body, both of which I've kept.


I have only once or twice returned items without either asking for an exchange (because of a defect) or immediately ordering a replacement and waiting for a refund for the first item. I know what I want when I order and don't usually change my mind. Only when I get an item that really is low quality or obviously defective do I return it.


I think all the advise have been given are good. and We can't judge the situation fairly just listening to your complain, You really should contact amazon in some way and explain your situation. Keep complaining here won't take you anywhere.

I normally would call, but the letter I got explicitly told me that I should not call customer service as they will not help me. They gave me, and others who received the same letter, only one option to contact them and that was by email. I sent a letter and quite a few photos of defective displays I've received on macbook pros, but there has been no reply. So, don't assume I'm just twiddling around here bitching about my experience. I've done all I can do at this point and will pursue this further on Thursday if I haven't heard back from them by filing a complaint with the BBB and with Chase.



And that folks should sum it all up.
Coming here to complain about Amazon is as productive as coming here to complain about AT&T. Nothing settles business like a good old fashioned phone call.

Absolutely agreed. Regrettably, Amazon didn't feel the need to provide me with that privilege despite having been a loyal customer since their inception. They chose to treat me like a criminal with a nasty, uncompromising email.

[Keebler]

Honestly, not counting laptops in the past two years, my return rate is exceedingly low. Probably around 2-3%. My laptop return rate over the past few years has been very high because of horrid quality control from Apple, especially with regard to displays. Having said that, I always keep one MBP eventually, but often it has been after at least one exchange/return. For example, this summer I bought two macbook pros, one of which was exchanged for a new because of an inverted display (bad cable perhaps - Apple genius recommended that I return it given that it was almost brand new). The exchanged one I kept. So, all in all, Amazon sent me three macbook pros, and I returned one. They got $4,000 from me and probably returned the other one to Apple and maybe lost the return shipping they reimbursed me. Since April I've also bought a watch ($200) and a $1700 camera body, both of which I've kept.


I have only once or twice returned items without either asking for an exchange (because of a defect) or immediately ordering a replacement and waiting for a refund for the first item. I know what I want when I order and don't usually change my mind. Only when I get an item that really is low quality or obviously defective do I return it.




I normally would call, but the letter I got explicitly told me that I should not call customer service as they will not help me. They gave me, and others who received the same letter, only one option to contact them and that was by email. I sent a letter and quite a few photos of defective displays I've received on macbook pros, but there has been no reply. So, don't assume I'm just twiddling around here bitching about my experience. I've done all I can do at this point and will pursue this further on Thursday if I haven't heard back from them by filing a complaint with the BBB and with Chase.





Absolutely agreed. Regrettably, Amazon didn't feel the need to provide me with that privilege despite having been a loyal customer since their inception. They chose to treat me like a criminal with a nasty, uncompromising email.

call them up without giving your name or use a fake name and explain politely that you would like a copy of your receipt history. Tell them, 'look, i don't want to do business, but i need my receipts in case i have a warranty issue'.

if that fails, you live in the US right? tell them you'll sue their a$$ for not allowing you to see your receipts. that might make them move a bit.

Although, i do wonder if they sent printed receipts with their products? I normally receive invoice/receipt copies with product I purchase over the web. I will admit I've never purchased anything through Amazon so maybe they're different?

Oh, and I can't believe no one else has mentioned this - I'm sure you know the deal, but the next time you buy a display or another computer.....buy it in person. Don't deal over the web. You need to see it live and buy the one you're satisfied with b/c it would eliminate you sending items back.

Good luck,
Keebler

[PDE]

call them up without giving your name or use a fake name and explain politely that you would like a copy of your receipt history. Tell them, 'look, i don't want to do business, but i need my receipts in case i have a warranty issue'.

if that fails, you live in the US right? tell them you'll sue their a$$ for not allowing you to see your receipts. that might make them move a bit.

Although, i do wonder if they sent printed receipts with their products? I normally receive invoice/receipt copies with product I purchase over the web. I will admit I've never purchased anything through Amazon so maybe they're different?

Oh, and I can't believe no one else has mentioned this - I'm sure you know the deal, but the next time you buy a display or another computer.....buy it in person. Don't deal over the web. You need to see it live and buy the one you're satisfied with b/c it would eliminate you sending items back.

Good luck,
Keebler

I ordered from amazon because they didn't charge tax, had lower prices and good rebates and didn't charge for shipping. For a macbook pro, for example, that meant a savings of often $300+ compared with Apple. Kind of significant. And, of course, because I knew that if there were a problem, they'd exchange it without fuss. But, you're right, shopping locally makes it easier, though you can't inspect before you pay there either.

They did send shipping slips with itemisation, but I was so confident that the receipts were safe in my account with amazon that I threw them away. How could anybody predict this?

Anyway, thanks for the good wishes. I can't sue because it's just not worth it and threatening to sue when I'm not committed to would just be a waste of time. If they don't reinstate me, however, I will close my CC with them, file complaints with the BBB and CHase, and share my experience on the internet. What else is there to do?

Cheers!

[dornoforpyros]

I haven't read this whole thread, but to the OP I'd suggest sharing your story with http://consumerist.com/

This type of thing is right up their alley.

[Rodimus Prime]

I didn't abuse their return policy. I used it when I received defective items. In the past three months, I've made purchased for over $5500. I don't do exchanges because they take time - I just return and order a new item. Here are just a few of the screens I've received on MBPs and returned....tell me if you think they're illegitimate returns. ( I removed the pictures for now until I resolve the issues with amazon - but one display started inverting, another had a huge dark shadow up the middle, one had the beams of light at the bottom, another had yellowing at the bottom...etc etc)

I can't believe you'd defend that they ban somebody who has just followed their policies. After all, amazon has a 15% restocking fee if you misrepresent the condition of the return - if they don't charge that, I have to assume they agree with my assessment. BS is all I can say.




I've bought TONS of stuff that I haven't returned and lots of it was expensive too. Mostly I've returned MBPs with crappy displays since I refused to pay a high price and get subpar quality. The display I have now on my MBP is very good, but Apple replaced my display several times before I got this one. So there are good displays, but only occasionally it seems. So: I return defective computers but keep most things I buy. They could have warned me first, before cutting off access to my account.


and there you have it. You RETURNED THE ITEM. That cost them a fair amount of money each time. you have had exchanged it they could of recovered the cost form apple in some way. instead they have to eat the cost.

Cannt say I blame them. What they received in profit from you clearly did not justify how much you where costing them.

your only hope is to contact customer service and see if they will help you but they have little motivation to do so.

[PDE]

and there you have it. You RETURNED THE ITEM. That cost them a fair amount of money each time. you have had exchanged it they could of recovered the cost form apple in some way. instead they have to eat the cost.

Cannt say I blame them. What they received in profit from you clearly did not justify how much you where costing them.

your only hope is to contact customer service and see if they will help you but they have little motivation to do so.

actually it was amazon that told me I could either return and reorder or exchange. They didn't seem to care either way...
Why would it make any difference in terms of apple? The computers were still defective.

[Hawkeye411]

So you got banned because you made too many returns and your upset because you can't access your receipts which would allow you to take advantage of the Visa return policy in the future? LOL Interesting!

I still have my amazon.com credit card which is issued by Chase, and of course I can still access my purchase history on the Chase site. What I don't have anymore are the receipts for all the items I've purchased on amazon, as those are stored in my account which I no longer can access. Without the receipts, I cannot file claims in the future through VISA performance guarantee services (extended warranty) since they require both the credit card statement AND the receipt with itemisation of the purchased. This service is the main reason I keep using this particular VISA card.




Sorry for not being clear. My credit card through amazon/chase gives me points. For each $2500 spent, I get a $25 'gift certificate' which I enter into my amazon account and which is then applied toward any purchase I make through amazon. It's one of the reasons I have the CC in the first place since I buy a lot of stuff from amazon. With the sudden closure of my account, I just lost several hundred dollars. As I'm still a customer of Chase through my amazon.com CC, I am still accruing points, but they're no longer redeemable since amazon has closed my account.

Hope that clarifies and thanks for trying to answer...




Thanks! It does make me a little more optimistic that others are experiencing the same situation. I'd hope that Amazon will see that regardless of what they think they're accomplishing with this, it's not the right way to go about doing it. Closure of accounts is pretty serious and should at least be prefaced by some kind of warning or chance for the customer to explain (if needed). Also, by closing accounts, customers no longer have access to the evidence that would prove their 'innocence' (the tone of their letter made it sound like customers had acted illegally somehow). Not fair and not right. We'll see how this develops...


sorry mods for the extra posts....

[PDE]

So you got banned because you made too many returns and your upset because you can't access your receipts which would allow you to take advantage of the Visa return policy in the future? LOL Interesting!


No, that is not what I said, implied or indicated, and if you had read what I wrote that would have been completely clear. Also, since there is no stated limit on how many defective items a customer can return, saying that I returned 'too many' is not fair. I returned defective items that I paid a lot for and I maintain that is reasonable. Would you have kept a $2000 item dollar that was defective? Would you have sent your brand new computer in for repair, rather than use the return policy the shop uses to attract customers? Even the Apple geniuses recommended that I return rather than repair since the machines were new.

One of the benefits of my VISA card is that I get free double warranty so that IF my equipment fails after the manufacturer's warranty runs out, I am covered. In addition, after that free second year, I purchased extended warranty through VISA. Both the VISA benefits require receipts, which I can't access anymore.

I wonder how the above will be misinterpreted?

[Sun Baked]

Hello from Amazon.com.

A careful review of your account indicates you've experienced an extraordinary number of incidents with your orders and corresponding shipments.

In the normal course of business, the occasional problem is inevitable. The rate at which such problems have occurred on your account is extraordinary, however, and cannot continue. Effective immediately, your Amazon.com account is closed and you are no longer able to shop in our store. I am very sorry for any disappointment this may cause.

Please know that any accounts related to yours have also been closed. If you were to open a new account, the same will result and it will also be closed. In the event that you attempt to do so, we will not accept the return of any additional orders, nor will we issue further refunds in connection with any future orders. We appreciate your cooperation in refraining from using our web site.

If you require additional assistance, or have any concerns, feel free to contact us directly at account-appeals@amazon.com.

Please do not contact regular Customer Service again, as they will no longer be able to assist you.


Regards,

Account Specialist
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.comSeems some of the people got the letter while processing a current return, only to see the return rejected.

[thechidz]

after reading this thread I wont be shopping at amazon very much

[jeremy.king]

Apple's so-called quality issues are Apple's problem. Not Amazon's.

I don't blame Amazon at all. Seriously, how many returns have you had? You keep using vague terms like 'quite a few,' so I get the feeling it is excessive and you don't want to own up to that.

As for receipts, you should have them in your email. I'm going to guess those were deleted too?

Just curious, when you return an item, do you lose the Amazon points/credits that were earned as part of the original purchase?

[PDE]

Apple's so-called quality issues are Apple's problem. Not Amazon's.

I don't blame Amazon at all. Seriously, how many returns have you had? You keep using vague terms like 'quite a few,' so I get the feeling it is excessive and you don't want to own up to that.

As for receipts, you should have them in your email. I'm going to guess those were deleted too?

Just curious, when you return an item, do you lose the Amazon points/credits that were earned as part of the original purchase?

I don't get any points if I return items. I'm not hiding anything, but I sadly can't keep track of all the Apple computers I've bought over the years. the return rate sure was excessive and a really ****ing nuisance for ME. But that's not my fault and I'm not going to feel that I'm responsible for Apple's poor quality control, or Amazon's decision to sell Apple products. Yes, it's apple's quality issue, but amazon has chosen to carry apple products and I'm buying from Amazon, not Apple. They're responsible for what they sell and my purchased is with them.

When I get a defective macbook pro, I go to Apple first and they usually ask me when I got it. When I reply that it's just a few days old, they ask if I can return it to the seller because it's not nice to have to send it in for repair when it's brand new. Since I buy from amazon, I usually can return it. I've actually finally given up on returning and just keep fixing through Apple instead, especially if it's a defective display and the rest of the computer is working fine. But it did take me a long time to lower my basic standard that a computer shouldn't have defects out of the box.

I've kept some receipts, but because I've been happy archiving all my receipts with amazon since they make it so easy to search and print out. I assumed that I would remain a customer and that I could print out my receipt whenever i wanted to.

For your amusement, I'll try to figure out how many laptops I've bought, kept and returned. I'll have to get back to you though. If I had access to the receipts, it would be much easier.

I just can't get how many people are willing to defend Amazon's position here. You don't have to believe me, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with how Amazon i going about things. I'm amazed at comments everywhere assuming that the customer is wrong. Really amazed.

[mkrishnan]

They're responsible for what they sell and my purchased is with them.

Yes, they are, and they clearly can't live up to your expectations, and so they have decided not to sell to you anymore. That's really the beginning and the end of the story, isn't it? You're criticizing them for exercising exactly the responsibility you say you expect of them.

[jeremy.king]

I just can't get how many people are willing to defend Amazon's position here. You don't have to believe me, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with how Amazon i going about things. I'm amazed at comments everywhere assuming that the customer is wrong. Really amazed.

I believe your story.

I just think you fail to realize (or accept) the cost you have forced Amazon to incur through your continuous returns. Do they pay return shipping or did you? Amazon's prices are based on a pretty low margin and excessive returns cost them a little chunk of change. They still have to pay someone to handle the warranty with Apple and they can't resell that computer, even if it is fixed, as new. Would you feel better if they charged 15% restocking? Probably not. Would you feel better if they just said, "Hey, just pay us for all the shipping fees we incurred, and we'll welcome you back?" Probably not.

I'd suggest shopping somewhere else and give Chase a call to see if they can convert the rewards to another vendor. Luckily for you, you have plenty of choice for getting your Apple computers.

[aristobrat]

For your amusement, I'll try to figure out how many laptops I've bought, kept and returned. I'll have to get back to you though. If I had access to the receipts, it would be much easier.
If this helps any, ...

http://forums.macrumors.com/search.php?do=finduser&u=62022&starteronly=1

[MacDawg]

OK, I will confess up front I haven't waded through ALL of the stuff in this thread... but I am just curious as to what you do with all of these laptops and equipment you are buying? You are saying you buy LOTS of lappies and more... but it can't be for personal use... I mean how many MBP's does one need? You say you have kept a lot of them. Are you reselling and using Amazon as your source and quality control on Apple? Just asking... I can't imagine the need to buy all of the equipment you say you have bought on your personal account.

If this helps any, ...

http://forums.macrumors.com/search.php?do=finduser&u=62022&starteronly=1

Revealing...

Woof, Woof – Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[thechidz]

Yes, they are, and they clearly can't live up to your expectations, and so they have decided not to sell to you anymore. That's really the beginning and the end of the story, isn't it? You're criticizing them for exercising exactly the responsibility you say you expect of them.
they may have the right to do this, but the fact that they are doing it to so many customers means that they don't really care too much about customer satisfaction and thus, I will not be making any large purchases from them. (not to mention the fact that they now charge sales tax to new york state, that is a deal breaker)

[Apple Ink]

File a complaint at your state's/country's Consumer Affairs Office! At least get the credit back and use it!

[Unspeaked]

As a private business, Amazon can do whatever they please.

They clearly did not think you were worth keeping as a customer - despite your thousands of dollars in purchases over the past few months - and did something about it.

If you were so short-sighted as to A) not save any of your paper receipts and B) not keep digital copies locally on your computer, you really have no right to complain that you can't access your transaction history on your Amazon account. What if they'd gone out of business and shut down the site? You'd be in the same boat.

As for your Amazon credit, what you're referring to is the gift certificates you earn (like rewards points) on purchases. Why don't you gift these to someone, sell them on eBay, or do something more productive than complain about being unable to use them?

Amazon is not the only place in the world that sells Apple laptops, not even the only place that sells them tax free, so I really don't see what the issue is. If you find yourself in a corner, it appears that you painted yourself there.

[Sdashiki]

Set up a new account?

They cant stop that.

:rolleyes:

[MacDawg]

Set up a new account?

They cant stop that.

:rolleyes:

According to the letter posted by Sun Baked on page 1 they can...


Hello from Amazon.com.

A careful review of your account indicates you've experienced an extraordinary number of incidents with your orders and corresponding shipments.

In the normal course of business, the occasional problem is inevitable. The rate at which such problems have occurred on your account is extraordinary, however, and cannot continue. Effective immediately, your Amazon.com account is closed and you are no longer able to shop in our store. I am very sorry for any disappointment this may cause.

Please know that any accounts related to yours have also been closed. If you were to open a new account, the same will result and it will also be closed. In the event that you attempt to do so, we will not accept the return of any additional orders, nor will we issue further refunds in connection with any future orders. We appreciate your cooperation in refraining from using our web site.

If you require additional assistance, or have any concerns, feel free to contact us directly at account-appeals@amazon.com.

Please do not contact regular Customer Service again, as they will no longer be able to assist you.


Regards,

Account Specialist
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com

Woof, Woof – Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[gnasher729]

Set up a new account?

They cant stop that.

:rolleyes:

Dangerous. If he buys another item and decides to return it, and they figure out that his original account was canceled, they could make life difficult. They could say that any contract between him and Amazon is void; if they are not forced by law to accept the returned computer but only by their returns policy then they might not accept it back, but send a letter "your computer is now at our head offices and you can pick it up in person at any convenient time during business hours". Just if they decide to be nasty. I don't know whether that would be legal, but unless you _know_ it is illegal, I wouldn't take any chances.

they may have the right to do this, but the fact that they are doing it to so many customers means that they don't really care too much about customer satisfaction and thus, I will not be making any large purchases from them. (not to mention the fact that they now charge sales tax to new york state, that is a deal breaker)

Companies don't care about customer satisifaction per se. They usually care about customer satisfaction because it means the customer comes back, buys more stuff, and makes more profit for the company. If the company has a customer who costs them money and is judged likely to cost more money in the future, they don't really want that customer to be satisfied, they want him to go away and stay away.

[Apple Ink]

According to the letter posted by Sun Baked on page 1 they can...


Hmmm.... but probably a different family member's CC and maybe..... maybe a different address (though is it required? Probably just a small tweak)

But as posted above..... there are infinitely many more options and many of them better than Amazon!

[jeremy.king]

Hmmm.... but probably a different family member's CC and maybe..... maybe a different address (though is it required? Probably just a small tweak)

The OP's issue is that he has racked up some Amazon rewards and can't use them now because of his account closing. Sure he can use a different/email/address but he won't be able to get those rewards, which I think is the whole point of his gripe (well, that, and no formal warning)...

[Unspeaked]

The OP's issue is that he has racked up some Amazon rewards and can't use them now because of his account closing. Sure he can use a different/email/address but he won't be able to get those rewards, which I think is the whole point of his gripe (well, that, and no formal warning)...

The rewards exist independently of the Amazon account. As I said earlier, the OP can gift the rewards codes, sell them on eBay or - heck - ask someone he knows with an Amazon account to buy something for him.

The only two grips the OP has (besides the account closing, of course) is that he no longer has access to his purchase history - which is by and large his fault - and he can't use the Amazon rewards he earned - when, in fact, he can.

[PDE]

The rewards exist independently of the Amazon account. As I said earlier, the OP can gift the rewards codes, sell them on eBay or - heck - ask someone he knows with an Amazon account to buy something for him.

The only two grips the OP has (besides the account closing, of course) is that he no longer has access to his purchase history - which is by and large his fault - and he can't use the Amazon rewards he earned - when, in fact, he can.

You seem to like to comment on things you know little about. In fact, I cannot use my rewards because they are in my account at amazon. There is no way to access them or use them, or gift them to anybody. When I get my certificates, I always put them into my amazon account so that they will be readily available when I make purchases. Once I've done that, the paper certificates are used so I just throw them away.

Secondly, we live in a digital age. Amazon offers a wonderful purchase history/archive service where it is easy to search and locate by date/year, print out and otherwise find old records. Keeping paper receipts for tons of books, electronics and what not doesn't make any sense. I've never ever been banned from a store before and naturally couldn't have predicted that I would banned WITHOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE MY CREDIT AND ACCESS MY RECORDS. I don't think that is short-sighted at all. I do have some emails and old receipts, but only some of them.

Boy, people are cynical here. I frequently upgrade my and my girlfriend's computers (sell the old ones on craigslist) and over the past few years I've also bought computers for my parents, a few of their friends and few of my own friends - I've put it on my credit card for their convenience since I was helping them switch to macs and they gave me free hands to get a system for them. I'm an academic and photographer, not some kind of sketchy reseller that uses amazon to make money.

Anyway, all I wanted was:

1. A fair warning after years of being a loyal and very frequent customer.
2. Access to the records I stored in good faith on their site, i.e. receipts.
3. Access to the credit I EARNED through my credit card that Amazon has simply stolen from me.
4. Not being treated like a criminal.

It may be that Amazon hasn't made money off me for the past two years (which I doubt), but that's an extremely short-term perspective. If this hadn't happened, I would have ordered a $1300 lens this week and I would have continued buying things regularly from them, most of which I would not return. In the long run, they would have made tons of money off me, not to mention off all the friends I would continue to recommend amazon too. Many of my friends have started buying all their expensive electronic purchases from amazon and I would have continued to promote amazon.

Anyway, you guys believe what you want and if you think Amazon is handling this in a good way, so be it. I don't agree and could never agree with that. No matter what the outcome is, I will never purchase another item from Amazon and I will cancel my Amazon credit card too.

[MacDawg]

Boy, people are cynical here. I frequently upgrade my and my girlfriend's computers (sell the old ones on craigslist) and over the past few years I've also bought computers for my parents, a few of their friends and few of my own friends - I've put it on my credit card for their convenience since I was helping them switch to macs and they gave me free hands to get a system for them. I'm an academic and photographer, not some kind of sketchy reseller that uses amazon to make money.

Forgive me if I made it sound like an accusation... I was just curious as to the nature of that many purchases. I was not implying it was a sketchy business, just wondering about the nature of the purchases.

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[mac-er]

I feel for you, but I honestly don't think that writing a letter will help anything.

They've clearly decided that they don't wish to do business with you anymore.

Exactly how many returns have you done? (Sorry, if I missed that, but I am curious on the actual number).

[marbles]

I haven't read the entire thread , but I hear what your saying from reading your first few posts

If they have denied you access to your credit card ( amazon or no) then that is surely illegal , as for denying access to credit you already have on your account , I'm fairly certain that is illegal to( unless it is written into terms of service that such a loss would occur) , if your in the UK go to trading standards .before you do anything get yourself a copy of TOS and go through it with a clear head and a fine tooth comb .

I would also find out any addresses of higher management and put forward to them ( calmly !)exactly what you have bought and kept and what has been returned , then if what your saying is just ,it should work out , one would hope .

[Apple Ink]

The OP's issue is that he has racked up some Amazon rewards and can't use them now because of his account closing. Sure he can use a different/email/address but he won't be able to get those rewards, which I think is the whole point of his gripe (well, that, and no formal warning)...


6 Posts before yours:
File a complaint at your state's/country's Consumer Affairs Office! At least get the credit back and use it!

Or sell them off at ebay!

[Unspeaked]

You seem to like to comment on things you know little about. In fact, I cannot use my rewards because they are in my account at amazon. There is no way to access them or use them, or gift them to anybody. When I get my certificates, I always put them into my amazon account so that they will be readily available when I make purchases. Once I've done that, the paper certificates are used so I just throw them away.

Secondly, we live in a digital age. Amazon offers a wonderful purchase history/archive service where it is easy to search and locate by date/year, print out and otherwise find old records. Keeping paper receipts for tons of books, electronics and what not doesn't make any sense. I've never ever been banned from a store before and naturally couldn't have predicted that I would banned WITHOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE MY CREDIT AND ACCESS MY RECORDS. I don't think that is short-sighted at all. I do have some emails and old receipts, but only some of them. .

Wait, so not only did you not have the good judgement to save some purchase history outside of Amazon's system (like I said, if you didn't save the paper receipts, you should have at least saved a digital PDF of the checkout page or something - anything - that isn't tied to Amazon's servers, which you have zero control over), but you also blindly inputting each gift certificate you got into Amazon before it was even needed, for the sake of not needing the paper copies laying around?

You have to admit, no matter how badly Amazon may have handled this situation, you brought much of this on yourself; it was your own judgement that prevented you from backing up your receipts, saving the paper copies or not blindly entering your gift certificates online before you needed to use them.

Don't get me wrong - I don't side with Amazon 100% on this - but surely you can see how you could have done things a little differently? Don't you?

[notjustjay]

You have to admit, no matter how badly Amazon may have handled this situation, you brought much of this on yourself; it was your own judgement that prevented you from backing up your receipts, saving the paper copies or not blindly entering your gift certificates online before you needed to use them.

Yes, it's always how it goes -- it is awfully convenient that every single little thing is going exactly against the poor victim.

Not knowing the full story (does one ever get the full story from the victim?) I can't comment, and can only wish the OP luck, (what else can any of us do?) but I know lots of stores are cracking down. Classic example, Costco now only allows returns within 90 days on electronics, to prevent abuse.

Some interesting discussion over in SlickDeals, including:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=12769504&postcount=253

[Macrimonious]

I sympathize with the OP here to a certain extent, and while I believe you when you say that you're not some "sketchy" re-seller, it doesn't bode well when you cant remember how many freaking laptops you've returned. A dozen? Two dozen? More? Did you return other stuff besides laptops?

The thing that doesn't make sense to me, and, obviously, didn't make business sense to Amazon, is that you would continue your purchasing behavior even despite the numerous returns.

You even said so yourself that it was a big inconvenience to you, so why keep buying from them? If I bought one big ticket item on Amazon, found I had to return it, I would be hesitant to do it again, let alone more times than I can remember.

You seem like the kind of guy who can throw some money around, why waste your valuable time returning MBP's over and over and over when you can go to an Apple Store, have a great shopping experience, and deal with a human face to face in case you're not satisfied...?

It just doesn't add up for me.

[aristobrat]

You seem like the kind of guy who can throw some money around, why waste your valuable time returning MBP's over and over and over when you can go to an Apple Store, have a great shopping experience, and deal with a human face to face in case you're not satisfied...?
I think PDE mentioned the cost factor in another post, but I'm guessing that another factor involved is that when you're returning a notebook based on a subjective issue (i.e. a defect in the screen that you consider a fault isn't guaranteed to be considered a fault by everyone else), Amazon's return process is way more likely to guarantee you a full-refund than a retail store.

[CrackedButter]

Why buy from Amazon in the first place? Why not just purchase directly from Apple. Seems you have cash to burn.

I haven't read anywhere where it states how many laptops you bought and returned btw.

[alphaod]

Why buy from Amazon in the first place? Why not just purchase directly from Apple. Seems you have cash to burn.

Because you can't buy books and other stuff from Apple. :D

[Peace]

One would think. With all your returns to amazon you would have the receipts in your email.

I always print out receipts I get via email from companies I do business with.

[donga]

One would think. With all your returns to amazon you would have the receipts in your email.

I always print out receipts I get via email from companies I do business with.

if you're green or don't want to print it out, you can always print > save as pdf, then you'll have the receipt anytime you want

[Chappers]

You still havent said how many returns you have made.

I dont know how old you are, but you seem to have come a long way without knowing the golden rule of life that is -

Trust nobody but yourself.

[Chappers]

Looks like Mr.Outraged had so many returns to count that he isn't coming back.

[brad.c]

You seem to like to comment on things you know little about.

I heavily sympathize with the OP in this situation, but I am also curious what about the quantities in question. If they are enough to raise flags with Amazon, then you should already be adding them up to build your defense. Doesn't matter that you don't have access to your records, I can't imagine that any one private individual wouldn't keep local copies. If the quantity of purchases are truly so high, then surely you must be running a reseller or consultation business—why then don't you keep records for tax purposes?

You did start the thread. So post the specifics.

No matter what the outcome is, I will never purchase another item from Amazon and I will cancel my Amazon credit card too.

Unfortunately, it sounds like that decision was made for you.

[BigHungry04]

Man, that's ridiculous. I think Verizon or some other cell phone provider did this recently: "fired" a bunch of their most-complaining customers. It's their right to do so but that doesn't make it right. But don't give up hope, there's always a home for you at http://www.theybannedme.com :p

It was actually Sprint. I was working for Sprint at the time, and it was really funny. Sprint has been losing customers faster than they get new customers, so eventually Sprint will fail, and either be bought by another carrier or just cease to exist. I hope for the latter.

Sprint was letting go of customers who called in multiple times a day about billing issues. A lot of that was in the notes on the customers' accounts, however most of the idiot customer service reps did not know how to/or cared to put the notes in the correct category, so some customers were let go due to incorrect labeling of notes by customer service representatives.

To the OP: Sorry about your problem with Amazon.com, but maybe you shouldn't purchase laptops from them. I know you said cost is an issue, but even though most people here seem to be filthy rich, most of them don't buy a new laptop every few months. I know I wouldn't. I don't plan on buying a new MBP for at least 5 years.

[hexonxonx]

BestBuy and CircuitCity will do the same thing. If you have too many returns in a certain amount of time, they will ban you from their stores. It's not an unheard of rule. They lose too much money on people returning things. This is especially why many electronics now have the stocking fee on returns. It discourages people from returning things for stupid reasons other then being defective.

[iMacmatician]

Don't get me wrong - I don't side with Amazon 100% on this - but surely you can see how you could have done things a little differently? Don't you?Agreed. Things are rarely, if ever, completely black or white. But sometimes it's seen that way.

[thejadedmonkey]

<snip>but you also blindly inputting each gift certificate you got into Amazon before it was even needed, for the sake of not needing the paper copies laying around?
You say that like it's a bad thing to do. How often do YOU get a gift card and not redeem it straight away out of fear that the company offering it might decide to lock you out?


<snip>but I know lots of stores are cracking down. Classic example, Costco now only allows returns within 90 days on electronics, to prevent abuse.

Barnes & Noble (where I work) recently changed their return policy too; from unlimited to 14 days. Talk about a huge shift in policy, but hey, that's life.

[nsbio]

I think it would not be unreasonable for Amazon to first have provided the customer with a warning instead of proactively closing the account.

I have been shopping on Amazon since 2001 and have not returned a single item to them. However, this downright nasty behavior by Amazon (not giving a forewarning to customers) makes me less confident and much more cautious about shopping with them.

[Unspeaked]

You say that like it's a bad thing to do. How often do YOU get a gift card and not redeem it straight away out of fear that the company offering it might decide to lock you out?

Have you ever used an Amazon gift certificate before?

The process is not the same as a regular gift card.

You get a code, which at that point can be used by anyone. What I was saying is the OP should have just held onto the code - which is what I do with an Amazon code when I get it.

The next step is to input the code into your Amazon account, at which point you've committed it to that account. You haven't spent it yet, but it's not among your credit card and billing info as a saved form of payment.

If the OP has only gotten the code and not entered it into his Amazon account, he could now still use it by giving it to someone, selling it or whatever. Instead, he tied it to the account they suspended, and can no longer access it.

It's not a matter of redemption, in this case.

[Kwill]

Honestly, not counting laptops in the past two years, my return rate is exceedingly low. Probably around 2-3%...

And you are telling a group of strangers all of this because??? The only real audience for this is, as has been mentioned, customer service. In the end, it is Amazon's call and there are other vendors out there. Sorry for your troubles.

[kixsand]

I found this post in another thread started by the OP back in 2007. The thread was titled "I love Amazon.com".

It seems prophetic now:

I've returned so many MBPs/macbooks to amazon that I'm surprised I'm not banned from buying from them forever! And never a question- any defect is accepted and they will either send you a replacement or full refund. The only thing I've noticed is that after one replacement they will not keep replacing, but will then tell you that there is a larger problem with the model and that they recommend waiting and purchasing again at a later date. They still refund you the full amount, but they won't send out another replacement so if you want to try again you need to order again and start over...

It seems to me that there are clear signs of abuse and that Amazon had an obligation to fire this customer.

My opinion.

darren

[rhett7660]

I agree. It sucks for you, but Amazon.com has a right to say no thanks if it doesn't want your business.

[Unspeaked]

I found this post in another thread started by the OP back in 2007.

Wow, nice detective work - old MR threads come back to haunt the OP ;)

[elgruga]

Wow, nice detective work - old MR threads come back to haunt the OP ;)

Exactly.

This is a worthless thread - I can NOT understand why it wasnt simply erased.

There is a troll aspect here too - by returning so many (we were never told how many) Apple laptops, its a negative to Apple without any evidence.

[aristobrat]

Exactly.

This is a worthless thread - I can NOT understand why it wasnt simply erased.

There is a troll aspect here too - by returning so many (we were never told how many) Apple laptops, its a negative to Apple without any evidence.
He has screenshots of most of the screens of the notebooks that he returned, so I don't think he's trolling to hurt Apple, ... I think he's just upset at Amazon for suddenly turning off his acct.

[Chappers]

He has screenshots of most of the screens of the notebooks that he returned, so I don't think he's trolling to hurt Apple, ... I think he's just upset at Amazon for suddenly turning off his acct.

I agree - he's no troll - seen the photos. His complaint does seem to be against amazon - it just happens to be MBP's that he's returned although I wish he had continued here to explain - I'm sure he would have received some help.

Although I still can't believe that these days people don't keep receipts.

Its naive at best.

[aristobrat]

although I wish he had continued here to explain - I'm sure he would have received some help.
FWIW, he did a little more explaining recently in the middle of this thread:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=558172

[Unspeaked]

I love how this thread keeps going even though the OP hasn't posted since the 2nd page.

I guess I don't blame him for avoiding it after the majority of responses he got, but I find it very amusing...

[madoka]

I guess I don't blame him for avoiding it after the majority of responses he got, but I find it very amusing...

Dude was found to have returned some $12,000-$14,000 worth of MBPs in the past 2 years. I'd be too embarrassed to return as well if I made that big a stink about how unfair Amazon was.

[webworm98]

Yes, I know this is an old post, I came across searching google for Amazon ban. I just though I would add some points.

Why buy from Amazon in the first place? Why not just purchase directly from Apple. Seems you have cash to burn.

I haven't read anywhere where it states how many laptops you bought and returned btw.

Not necessarily apple, but a lot of companies use Amazon payments and people cant buy their products

Dude was found to have returned some $12,000-$14,000 worth of MBPs in the past 2 years. I'd be too embarrassed to return as well if I made that big a stink about how unfair Amazon was.

Maybe for the original poster. However, some got banned for 3 returns no matter how much they purchased. Some got banned for no reason.

What would be interesting to know if people that have ban accounts if they can still use Amazon Canada or Amazon Uk

If you get banned I would contact the bbb. You could write Amazon and tell them you wont return any more items, they may reopen your account for buying only.

[bruinsrme]

If this helps any, ...

http://forums.macrumors.com/search.php?do=finduser&u=62022&starteronly=1

It must be a love hate relationship
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=332768

[shokunin]

Wow.. amazon just shut-down my account. Oddly enough 2 days I ago I initiated a return on a pneumatic nailer worth $149. This is probably my third return in 8 years. Yes 8 years, I've bought 2 Mac Pro's (2006 & 2008), 2 Mini's (G4 PPC, Intel C2D), 1 Imac (2008 C2D), and 1 white Macbook (1st Intel CoreDuo), and NEVER needed to return any Apple product.

I've also bought a few grand worth of Canon Lenses and other equipment and yet they shut me down for no reason. What's wierd is that in the last 60 days alone, I've ordered over 50 items over $2K worth of merchandise and now my account is gone.

I can't even print out receipts for warranty purposes. Total value of all returns is less than $1000 out of $20K over those 8 years or so.

So calling the CSR is no help so far. If they don't want me as a customer, fine, but I have $700 in gift certificates in my account that I can no longer access... argh!

[webworm98]

Wow.. amazon just shut-down my account. Oddly enough 2 days I ago I initiated a return on a pneumatic nailer worth $149. This is probably my third return in 8 years. Yes 8 years, I've bought 2 Mac Pro's (2006 & 2008), 2 Mini's (G4 PPC, Intel C2D), 1 Imac (2008 C2D), and 1 white Macbook (1st Intel CoreDuo), and NEVER needed to return any Apple product.

I've also bought a few grand worth of Canon Lenses and other equipment and yet they shut me down for no reason. What's wierd is that in the last 60 days alone, I've ordered over 50 items over $2K worth of merchandise and now my account is gone.

I can't even print out receipts for warranty purposes. Total value of all returns is less than $1000 out of $20K over those 8 years or so.

So calling the CSR is no help so far. If they don't want me as a customer, fine, but I have $700 in gift certificates in my account that I can no longer access... argh!

If you have returned an item and paid with a credit card or a debit card with a Mastercard/Visa symbol. You can file a dispute with you bank.

Contact the BBB about the $700 gift certificates. Amazon has to allow you to use the $700 gift certificates. I would also contact the Attorney General in the state where Amazon is located.

Before you do the complaints, see if you can log-in to the Amazon Canada or Amazon UK and order using the $700 gift certificates. You would use the same account log-in.

[aristobrat]

So calling the CSR is no help so far. If they don't want me as a customer, fine
Do they give no reason for closing your account?! :eek:

[Ttownbeast]

If they owe you no money the matter is simple and has been around for thousands of years practiced by all shopkeepers. It's a concept called "the right to refuse service." It was this thing businesses used to post under the open sign telling customers that. Amazon apparently decided not to do anymore business with you so live with it.

[webworm98]

If they owe you no money the matter is simple and has been around for thousands of years practiced by all shopkeepers. It's a concept called "the right to refuse service." It was this thing businesses used to post under the open sign telling customers that. Amazon apparently decided not to do anymore business with you so live with it.


Amazon should warn you when you first open your account. Two many returns to Amazon, we will close your account. They do warn you when you open a seller's account.

They do owe him/her money. He has a lot of credits or gift certificates, that why I told him to use Amazon Canada.

What Amazon should do, is when you run out of your return limit, refuse returns instead of closing a persons account. You have to get your return approved anyway, so can't Amazon say no?

After this incident, I will make sure not to get anything that is two expensive from there.

the right to refuse service.

Sort of as long it is not discrimination. If it is a public place, no they can not refuse service. Like a public library at least without a court order. In most states (maybe all) the business must display the sign at the door. Amazon does not have it on thier home page.

[JML42691]

...In most states (maybe all) the business must display the sign at the door. Amazon does not have it on thier home page.
But I'm sure when you signed up for amazon.com (although I don't use amazon, so I'm not 100% sure), you agreed to some Terms and Conditions or something like that that was probably 20,000 words long that nobody ever reads but always checks off the box claiming that they did. I'm sure somewhere in those 20,000 words there was some clause that states that they can refuse service, somewhere...

[wywern209]

wow.. OP that sucks. maybe you should write an email to amazon's public relations or whatever that is higher up that handles this sort of stuff and explain that there were SERIOUS issues with the items that you ordered. Hmm.. i should prob tell my 'rents about this banning thing. esp my dad who does a lot of photography and frequents amazon.

[Ttownbeast]

Amazon should warn you when you first open your account. Two many returns to Amazon, we will close your account. They do warn you when you open a seller's account.

They do owe him/her money. He has a lot of credits or gift certificates, that why I told him to use Amazon Canada.

What Amazon should do, is when you run out of your return limit, refuse returns instead of closing a persons account. You have to get your return approved anyway, so can't Amazon say no?

After this incident, I will make sure not to get anything that is two expensive from there.

the right to refuse service.

Sort of as long it is not discrimination. If it is a public place, no they can not refuse service. Like a public library at least without a court order. In most states (maybe all) the business must display the sign at the door. Amazon does not have it on thier home page.

There might be some fine print stating when such things as credits and gift certs are redeemable. even a brick and mortar store sets policies stating how long a rain check is useable for and 700 bucks in credit and gift certs doesn't sound like something that would keep forever.

[webworm98]

There might be some fine print stating when such things as credits and gift certs are redeemable. even a brick and mortar store sets policies stating how long a rain check is useable for and 700 bucks in credit and gift certs doesn't sound like something that would keep forever.

Yes, but that has changed with the new law that was passed by the U.S. congress any gift certificates or gift card without a credit card logo must remain valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Michigan state law may include the gift cards with the credit card logos but I am not sure. Michigan has the 5 years expiration date as well.

So, another words, Amazon needs to reopen his account until the $700 are gone or the 5 years are up, whichever comes 1st and not allow him to return any items he purchases. Tip if they do reopen his account. He shouldn't purchase anything directly from Amazon, he should buy from other seller. Most items I bought from Amazon sellers are decent.

[Mr Skills]

What Amazon should do, is when you run out of your return limit, refuse returns instead of closing a persons account. You have to get your return approved anyway, so can't Amazon say no?

I don't live in the US, but I assume it must be against the law for them to refuse a return if the item is demonstrably defective. If not, I'd be shocked.

[Ttownbeast]

Yes, but that has changed with the new law that was passed by the U.S. congress any gift certificates or gift card without a credit card logo must remain valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Michigan state law may include the gift cards with the credit card logos but I am not sure. Michigan has the 5 years expiration date as well.

So, another words, Amazon needs to reopen his account until the $700 are gone or the 5 years are up, whichever comes 1st and not allow him to return any items he purchases. Tip if they do reopen his account. He shouldn't purchase anything directly from Amazon, he should buy from other seller. Most items I bought from Amazon sellers are decent.

2 problems there--maybe Michigan's law states that, but a company that operates globally may not be specifically subject to a single states laws and just because Michigan says five years international policies on commerce may differ if Amazon were based out of Michigan then maybe. Second there is the Ex Post Facto rule constitutionally which does not guarantee that just because our OP here has accumulated 700 bucks worth of expired unused credit since a law was passed by congress "after the fact" 700 dollars is a lot of credit to earn over time.

I'd be fairly certain it wasn't earned all at once I've been using Amazon myself now for 4 years and barely used 100 bucks worth of their promotional services accumulated over that time.

I think the OP in this case is more pissed that he couldn't bully Amazon into redeeming the outdated credits and probably got his account suspended in the process bothering them about this. And since it wasn't money out of his pocket but perks amazon offered for a limited period he lost nothing. It's kind of like going to Vegas--you get comps for being a good customer but that doesn't extend the rights to be an ******* because they can still kick you out of the hotel for being unruly comps or not. I don't think the OP gave the whole story and came here to rant just to justify his own POV and garner some consumer sympathy.

[webworm98]

2 problems there--maybe Michigan's law states that, but a company that operates globally may not be specifically subject to a single states laws and just because Michigan says five years international policies on commerce may differ if Amazon were based out of Michigan then maybe. Second there is the Ex Post Facto rule constitutionally which does not guarantee that just because our OP here has accumulated 700 bucks worth of expired unused credit since a law was passed by congress "after the fact" 700 dollars is a lot of credit to earn over time.

I'd be fairly certain it wasn't earned all at once I've been using Amazon myself now for 4 years and barely used 100 bucks worth of their promotional services accumulated over that time.

I think the OP in this case is more pissed that he couldn't bully Amazon into redeeming the outdated credits and probably got his account suspended in the process bothering them about this. And since it wasn't money out of his pocket but perks amazon offered for a limited period he lost nothing. It's kind of like going to Vegas--you get comps for being a good customer but that doesn't extend the rights to be an ******* because they can still kick you out of the hotel for being unruly comps or not. I don't think the OP gave the whole story and came here to rant just to justify his own POV and garner some consumer sympathy.


Here the gift card laws
http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/003889.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_CARD_Act_of_2009


The Credit CARD Act of 2009 prohibits gift cards (store issued or bank issued “gift cards”) from expiring before 5 years from the date of purchase or when money was last loaded onto a card, and prohibits fees for the first 12 months. These consumer protections will go into effect next summer. Stronger state laws will remain valid.

That part is the U.S. Regulation/law. So, if funds were added to the Amazon gift card anytime after February 22, 2010 then he has 5 years to use it provided he is U.S. resident and used the Amazon website in the U.S.

Now if it is a Promotional credit and not considered a gift card, then amazon can cancel it at anytime.

If his state has stronger laws, Amazon must abide by them because they do business in that state.

[webworm98]

I don't live in the US, but I assume it must be against the law for them to refuse a return if the item is demonstrably defective. If not, I'd be shocked.

That's a misnomer except for an auto & home purchase.

Auto
6 month lemon law included as is.

House
Several years unless you tell it is sold "AS IS" and needs repair which you can't pay for.

Most states if not all require a sign to be displayed if you don't allow returns or returns for certain items. Wal-mart does not allow return of airbeds but will allow an exchange. There is a sign there.

The only other exception is fraud.

[Ttownbeast]

Here the gift card laws
http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/003889.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_CARD_Act_of_2009




That part is the U.S. Regulation/law. So, if funds were added to the Amazon gift card anytime after February 22, 2010 then he has 5 years to use it provided he is U.S. resident and used the Amazon website in the U.S.

Now if it is a Promotional credit and not considered a gift card, then amazon can cancel it at anytime.

If his state has stronger laws, Amazon must abide by them because they do business in that state.

Accumulation of 700 dollars in any sort of credit in a period of approximately 4 months doesn't sound very likely dealing with e-commerce, and just because Michigan says so doesn't mean that Amazon is forced to abide by your definition of "stronger laws" just because the state tells you its law is stronger does not necessarily mean that it is. Besides Amazon is contractually based not law based here's the link to one of the user agreements mentioned which when starting an Amazon account the customer must agree to:

https://payments.amazon.com/sdui/sdui/about?nodeId=6019

Here is the most interesting part:
1.1 Eligibility. To use the Service, you must (a) have an e-mail account, (b) create a payments account with us (a "Payment Account") by providing complete and accurate registration information, (c) for mobile payments, have an SMS-enabled mobile phone, and (d) if you are an individual, be at least 18 years old or, if you represent a business, be duly authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of the business. We treat all activities under a Payment Account to be those of the registered user. You must update registration information promptly upon any change. We reserve the right to refuse to provide or discontinue the Service to any person or entity at any time for any reason. If you are not a permanent U.S. resident or citizen or a business entity authorized to do business in the United States, you will have limited privileges (described below), and you should understand these limitations before registering for a Payment Account or accepting any payments from other users.

And last I checked courts rarely award the customer for negligence--when the customer agrees it is assumed that they read the policy and knowingly entered into the contract there is no way around this if you want to use the service.

[webworm98]

Accumulation of 700 dollars in any sort of credit in a period of approximately 4 months doesn't sound very likely dealing with e-commerce, and just because Michigan says so doesn't mean that Amazon is forced to abide by your definition of "stronger laws" just because the state tells you its law is stronger does not necessarily mean that it is. Besides Amazon is contractually based not law based here's the link to one of the user agreements mentioned which when starting an Amazon account the customer must agree to:

https://payments.amazon.com/sdui/sdui/about?nodeId=6019

Here is the most interesting part:


And last I checked courts rarely award the customer for negligence--when the customer agrees it is assumed that they read the policy and knowingly entered into the contract there is no way around this if you want to use the service.


We reserve the right to refuse to provide or discontinue the Service to any person or entity at any time for any reason

Yes, they can do that but they still would have to either refund him $700 or allow him to use those funds before they close his account provided it is an amazon gift card.

Laws in the U.S. supersede contracts or agreements. If you read a credit card contract. It says something like this

If any portion of this contract become invalid because of a law, the rest of it shall remain enforced.

As far enforcing a law from one state to another.
Indiana made a stronger telemarketing do not call list and it applies to both in-state and out of state telemarketers. The law was challenged by an out of state telemarketer, saying Federal don't call list trumps that law & that Indiana laws does not apply to out of state business. The Judge sided with the state. For one they are calling Indiana residents, so they are doing business with Indiana residents. So, yes a business does or is suppose to follow state laws even if they are located outside the state but a lot don't because no action is taken against them. Indiana has taken action against both in state & out of state telemarketers for violating the state's do not call list.



Now back to the $700 whatever it is.

I really never heard that someone would have $700 credit toward merchandise. When, I return something to a merchant, I usually exchange it or ask for a credit to my card. I would rarely take merchandise credit.

[Ttownbeast]

Yes, they can do that but they still would have to either refund him $700 or allow him to use those funds before they close his account provided it is an amazon gift card.

Laws in the U.S. supersede contracts or agreements. If you read a credit card contract. It says something like this



As far enforcing a law from one state to another.
Indiana made a stronger telemarketing do not call list and it applies to both in-state and out of state telemarketers. The law was challenged by an out of state telemarketer, saying Federal don't call list trumps that law & that Indiana laws does not apply to out of state business. The Judge sided with the state. For one they are calling Indiana residents, so they are doing business with Indiana residents. So, yes a business does or is suppose to follow state laws even if they are located outside the state but a lot don't because no action is taken against them. Indiana has taken action against both in state & out of state telemarketers for violating the state's do not call list.



Now back to the $700 whatever it is.

I really never heard that someone would have $700 credit toward merchandise. When, I return something to a merchant, I usually exchange it or ask for a credit to my card. I would rarely take merchandise credit.

Yes but we are not talking about a credit card contract here and just because a law is passed does not always mean that it nullifies a contract after the fact unless the parties in the contract have added such a clause. Businesses have rights to set policies through contracts despite government regulations as they see fit as long as it is not harmful. One such example is employment laws where workers can enter into a contract to make less than the minimum wage such is common in the food service industry where some food service workers make less than 4 dollars an hour even though federal minimum wage dictates a minimum of 5.25 in such an instance even though the law is supposedly "stronger" the contract between the parties is what sets the standard.

[webworm98]

Yes but we are not talking about a credit card contract here and just because a law is passed does not always mean that it nullifies a contract after the fact unless the parties in the contract have added such a clause. Businesses have rights to set policies through contracts despite government regulations as they see fit as long as it is not harmful. One such example is employment laws where workers can enter into a contract to make less than the minimum wage such is common in the food service industry where some food service workers make less than 4 dollars an hour even though federal minimum wage dictates a minimum of 5.25 in such an instance even though the law is supposedly "stronger" the contract between the parties is what sets the standard.

I didn't say it nullifies a contract, just the part that is against the law. The rest stays in effect.

On the U.S. Federal minimum wages you are partially correct.
Food service still must be paid minimum wage. The difference is if they get tips. No tips, they get the full $7.25 an hour if they only get $6.00 for one hour, then the business must give them $1.25 for that hour.

Note $7.25 is now the new Federal Minimum wages including full and part time workers, even if your hired for to work for a non-for-profit organization. Just ask an accountant.

[Ttownbeast]

I didn't say it nullifies a contract, just the part that is against the law. The rest stays in effect.

On the U.S. Federal minimum wages you are partially correct.
Food service still must be paid minimum wage. The difference is if they get tips. No tips, they get the full $7.25 an hour if they only get $6.00 for one hour, then the business must give them $1.25 for that hour.

Note $7.25 is now the new Federal Minimum wages including full and part time workers, even if your hired for to work for a non-for-profit organization. Just ask an accountant.

Not when you sign a contract which many food service workers do, if you sign that contract you are basically signing a waiver relinquishing the rights to pay by federal standards which is what holds up in court. The minimum wage law protects workers who have not waived that universal right to a fair wage or do not have some sort of collective bargaining in place as an assurance.

My bad on the 5.25 though I hit the wrong key.

[DesignerOnMac]

You seem to like to comment on things you know little about. In fact, I cannot use my rewards because they are in my account at amazon. There is no way to access them or use them, or gift them to anybody. When I get my certificates, I always put them into my amazon account so that they will be readily available when I make purchases. Once I've done that, the paper certificates are used so I just throw them away.

Secondly, we live in a digital age. Amazon offers a wonderful purchase history/archive service where it is easy to search and locate by date/year, print out and otherwise find old records. Keeping paper receipts for tons of books, electronics and what not doesn't make any sense. I've never ever been banned from a store before and naturally couldn't have predicted that I would banned WITHOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE MY CREDIT AND ACCESS MY RECORDS. I don't think that is short-sighted at all. I do have some emails and old receipts, but only some of them.

Boy, people are cynical here. I frequently upgrade my and my girlfriend's computers (sell the old ones on craigslist) and over the past few years I've also bought computers for my parents, a few of their friends and few of my own friends - I've put it on my credit card for their convenience since I was helping them switch to macs and they gave me free hands to get a system for them. I'm an academic and photographer, not some kind of sketchy reseller that uses amazon to make money.

Anyway, all I wanted was:

1. A fair warning after years of being a loyal and very frequent customer.
2. Access to the records I stored in good faith on their site, i.e. receipts.
3. Access to the credit I EARNED through my credit card that Amazon has simply stolen from me.
4. Not being treated like a criminal.

It may be that Amazon hasn't made money off me for the past two years (which I doubt), but that's an extremely short-term perspective. If this hadn't happened, I would have ordered a $1300 lens this week and I would have continued buying things regularly from them, most of which I would not return. In the long run, they would have made tons of money off me, not to mention off all the friends I would continue to recommend amazon too. Many of my friends have started buying all their expensive electronic purchases from amazon and I would have continued to promote amazon.

Anyway, you guys believe what you want and if you think Amazon is handling this in a good way, so be it. I don't agree and could never agree with that. No matter what the outcome is, I will never purchase another item from Amazon and I will cancel my Amazon credit card too.

While I agree with what you wanted, I am a little surprised that you do not print your invoices...either for warranty needs, or for business needs, if your computers are for a business. I would never rely on someone else keeping this info for me. As mentioned, contact CC company for purchase info, and I hope you get them.

[Ttownbeast]

While I agree with what you wanted, I am a little surprised that you do not print your invoices...either for warranty needs, or for business needs, if your computers are for a business. I would never rely on someone else keeping this info for me. As mentioned, contact CC company for purchase info, and I hope you get them.

Damn right, everything that is in writing should be kept as a record. I have applied this practice since high school.


I kept every record of every transaction including material receipts for shop class since the 9th grade I made sure I had unlimited access in some manner as long as the data mattered to any records concerning me since I was 15 anything so I could produce printed information of I kept or knew where I could access it for as long as I thought I needed it. The OP didn't, the OP in my opinion assumed too much and now is acting out all butthurt because the OP did not read the agreement closely enough to protect their own rights. You don't watch your own ass then pleading negligence wont save you.....unless perhaps (and this is rare) someone else has power of attorney over your financial affairs.

[webworm98]

Not when you sign a contract which many food service workers do, if you sign that contract you are basically signing a waiver relinquishing the rights to pay by federal standards which is what holds up in court. The minimum wage law protects workers who have not waived that universal right to a fair wage or do not have some sort of collective bargaining in place as an assurance.

My bad on the 5.25 though I hit the wrong key.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm

Actually, you can't waive your rights on the minimum wage law at least in California. Trying to find out if this applies to all states not just California. In California waiter & waitress are required to be the full minimum wages and tips can't be included.


Signing a contract with an employee could get you in trouble with the IRS. Most people that sign contracts are considered Independent contractors by the IRS. The Basic definition of an Independent contractor. Independent contractors must provide their own equipment. Example a caterer is an Independent Contractor. Now, if they used the customers stove. Then during that time, that person would have to be paid minimum wage unless they pay the customer for the use of the stove. It is complicated on what an Independent Contractor is. To find out what is considered an Independent Contractor contact you tax preparer.

Independent contractors can set their own prices.

Before I make a caterer mad. I know they get a lot more money than minimum wage.

[Ttownbeast]

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm

Actually, you can't waive your rights on the minimum wage law at least in California. Trying to find out if this applies to all states not just California. In California waiter & waitress are required to be the full minimum wages and tips can't be included.


Signing a contract with an employee could get you in trouble with the IRS. Most people that sign contracts are considered Independent contractors by the IRS. The Basic definition of an Independent contractor. Independent contractors must provide their own equipment. Example a caterer is an Independent Contractor. Now, if they used the customers stove. Then during that time, that person would have to be paid minimum wage unless they pay the customer for the use of the stove. It is complicated on what an Independent Contractor is. To find out what is considered an Independent Contractor contact you tax preparer.

Independent contractors can set their own prices.

Before I make a caterer mad. I know they get a lot more money than minimum wage.

It doesn't necessarily get you in trouble with the IRS to sign a waiver, it just means you might have to file the taxes yourself using the 1099 form quarterly rather than rely on the company you are contracted with to handle the matter then of course file your 1040 in mid January--there are such things as independent contracts for hourly pay, and contracts can state that the business agreeing to service with the individual may provide the necessary tools to do the task.

Which brings me to the issue of the OP here--perhaps Amazon needed to keep it's books balanced for tax purposes for the quarter and dropped a few hundred volatile account holding users such as the OP based on an abnormal purchase history, all that processing for returns costs them money even if they are not the direct seller.

[smb19]

i was banned from amazon for life :mad: i sent a stinking email to there seller
performance people. and recieved this 6 hours later



Greetings from Amazon.co.uk, This message is to inform you that we have reactivated your Amazon.co.uk seller account, and you may now resume listing items for sale on our site. We apologise for any inconvenience this closure may have caused. As part of our ongoing commitment to improve the customer experience on Amazon.co.uk, we sometimes err on the side of caution. Amazon Sellers are expected to maintain an order defect rate (the percentage of orders that have received a negative feedback, an A-to-Z Guarantee claim or a service credit card chargeback) of less than 1% of orders received. Excessive levels of order cancellation, refunds or late shipments can also lead to account restrictions. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best of luck selling on Amazon.co.uk. Regards, Seller Performance Amazon.co.uk

lol there such nice people:D

[ROADGAME JINX]

I've read this and many similar threads and I would like to add my feelings to the topic.

I too was banned from Amazon.com for being a "bad customer". As the author of this thread honestly stated...it is a SLAP TO THE FACE and carries with it ALL KINDS OF CONNOTATIONS and IMPLICATIONS.

And I've seen all of the threads by people embracing Amazon.com and taking their side. This makes me ill and some of the statements in this discussion thread are an absolute disgrace by ANY STANDARDS!!

Amazon.com is just another USA CORPORATION. It is a business with ONE OBJECTIVE AND ONE OBJECTIVE ONLY - MAXIMIZE PROFITS.

Everything else is SMOKE-SCREEN AND DECEPTION!!

"We care for our customers!" (Because it helps to maximize profits)
"We go the extra mile to satisfy you, make your purchase experience as pleasant as it can be....yap yap” (We do this because competition is fierce and our sole objective is to maximize profits. The more consumers "like us" and see us as "a good, fair, honest business" we will maximize profits.

REST ASSURED that part of this objective means sacrifice and what would appear to be LOSS for Amazon.com.

If the average customer returns 3% of all purchases made per year at Amazon.com.....and those returns yield a cost factor of X to Amazon.com...then you can REST ASSURED that these variables are all considered in their elaborate profit/loss strategy.

"Well....Amazon is not unreasonable because I have made a lot of purchases and done my fair share of returns. They have not banned me!!"

True for most people. HOWEVER!!

If Amazon.com discovered that they could BAN any customer who ever returned a SINGLE ITEM and maximize their profits....YOU BET YOUR IGNORANT BOTTOM LINE DOLLAR THAT THEY WOULD DO EXACTLY THAT!!!

EVERYTHING done by ALL BIG CORPORATIONS in this country are based on elaborate equations that consider public relations, consumer opinions and maximizing profits.

Does ANYONE HONESTLY THINK THAT AMAZON WOULD SAY, "Well...we've made billions upon billions of sales dollars on this anniversary of our inception and to GIVE BACK to the people....we will reduce prices on all items by 10% across the board....just to be appreciative and show the world that IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT MONEY FOR US!!"

BELIEVE ME...THEY COULD DO THAT MORE OFTEN THAN MOST OF US WOULD BELIEVE. WILL IT EVER HAPPEN?? There is only one way it could happen - if the bean counters could show the high-level executives that doing so would yield higher profits in a larger timeline.

AMAZON does not BAN USERS BECAUSE THEY ARE BAD PEOPLE OR BECAUSE THEY APPEAR TO BE DISHONEST OR SHADY....THEY BAN PEOPLE BASED UPON MATH EQUATIONS AND WHO FALLS WITHIN THE "RED FLAG" NUMBERS.

And while it APPEARS to be fair and just behavior from a retail monster....the TRUTH is that it is a VERY DANGEROUS trend and one for which we ALL SHOULD BE....AT VERY LEAST.....GUARDED AND SUSPICIOUS!!!

Like all other MONSTER CORPORATIONS in the USA....AMAZON employs a CLASSIC BUSINESS STRATEGY:

HIDE A BAD MOTIVE BEHIND A SEEMINGLY GOOD INTENTION

IS COINCIDENCE that all other retail monsters have followed suit with Amazon's very arrogant, controversial and DANGEROUSLY INDEPENDANT move of selectively banning patrons and customers??

NO COINCIDENCE WHATSOEVER!! As long as people will accept it....as long as the "BOLD, BRAVE MOVE" doesn't negatively impact consumer perception and opinion....they will ALL JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON!! WHY? BECAUSE IT INCREASES PROFITS!!!

So let’s TRULY EXPOSE Amazon for what they are doing: Hiding a BAD MOTIVE behind a GOOD INTENTION:

"Some consumers EXPLOIT our return policies and in order to advert passing the cost onto all customers in the form of increased general prices....we have enacted a security system that weeds out all "UNDESIRABLES".

At face value...this seems HONEST, FAIR and INNOCENT ENOUGH. But in TRUTH...it is NONE OF THOSE THINGS!!

There are honest and dishonest people EVERYWHERE. It has been that way since the very beginning. Does ANYONE HONESTLY THINK that Amazon had to respond to an ABRUPT NEW TREND???

All of a sudden...there comes this MIGRATION of "UNDESIRABLES" who buy and return items OVER AND OVER AGAIN!! It's costing us SO MUCH MONEY!!! It will capsize us if we don't do something DRASTIC SOON!!"

Uhhh.....IN A PIGS EYE!! There have ALWAYS been desirable and undesirable customers. IT IS NOTHING NEW!! WHAT IS NEW, HOWEVER, IS THIS ARROGANT, INDEPENDANT ATTITUDE OF BIG BUSINESS TO THINK THAT IT CAN CON PEOPLE INTO THINKING THAT THEY CAN FREELY DESCRIMINATE AGAINST SOME BUYERS AT THEIR DISCRETION AND WITHOUT ANY SENSE OF FAIRNESS HONESTY OR IMPARTIALITY.

So Amazon executives (the scumbags that have always poisoned this planet on everyone's behalf in favor of greed and lust for power) start running some equations after banning a "PILOT GROUP" of undesirables. They wait to see how these people will react.

Will there be a public OUTRAGE and accusations of DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES AND DISCRIMINATION? No??? Nobody making any BIG WAVES?? OK...PROCEED WITH A LARGER PILOT GROUP OF BANNED UNDESIRABLES AND LETS LAY LOW...STUDY THE STRATEGY AND IMPACT.

OK!! Now let's REALLY PLAY WITH NUMBERS!! IF WE CAN BAN THE TRULY DISHONEST, BAD CUSTOMERS...WHY NOT LUMP IN THOSE WHO ARE TOO PICKY...TOO "RETURN-HAPPY"???

Does ANYONE HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT AMAZON OR ANY OTHER RETAILER WOULD STOP BY BANNING ONLY THE OBVIOUS DISHONEST CUSTOMERS?

OF COURSE THEY DO. The degree to which big business behaves immorally...the degree to which big business misbehaves...partakes in illegal and criminal practices is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONATE to the level of passiveness, carelessness, apathy, laziness and selfishness of all consumers as a whole.


FIRST AND FOREMOST....AMAZON WANTS ANY BANNED CUSTOMERS TO FEEL ASHAMED......DISGRACED.....REJECTED....EMBARASSED....SCARED...AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

THIS IS WHY THEY IMPLEMENT A CUSTOMER BAN AS THOUGH YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE BEING FIRED FROM YOUR JOB.

WHAT ARROGANCE!!! Why? BECAUSE AN ASHAMED CUSTOMER IS A QUIET ONE!!! AN EMBARASSED, BROKEN, REJECTED CUSTOMER IS ONE THAT LAYS DOWN QUIELTY (LIKE A DOG) WHEN THE BIG RETAIL CHAIN SAYS THEY SHOULD DO SO.

AND THE LAST THING THAT AMAZON OR ANY OTHER RETAIL MONSTER WANTS IS FOR PEOPLE TO BE POSTING OR TALKING AS I AM NOW. THE BIGGEST NIGHTMARE FOR AMAZON OR ANY OTHER RETAIL CHAIN IS A CONSUMER UNION - AN ORGANIZED, REPRESENTED AND WELL-INFORMED LANDSCAPE OF CONSUMERS ALL OVER!!

BANNING CUSTOMERS FOR EXCESSIVE RETURNS IS FRAUD. IT IS A CRIMINAL ACT KNOWN AS DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES.

THAT IS WHY IT TOOK ONE OF THE BIGGEST GIANTS - AMAZON - TO TRY SUCH A BOLD, DISGUSTINGLY ARROGANT MOVE FIRST. THEY HAVE THE RESOURCES TO FIGHT AND SURVIVE....SHOULD CONSUMERS WAKE UP AND REJECT THEM FOR THEIR BRASH, UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS.

WHEN YOU MAKE A PURCHAS WITH AMAZON YOU HAVE A "BLANK CHECK" RETURN POLICY (with a few product-specific exceptions). THEREFORE...TO REJECT CUSTOMERS WHO ARE NOT BREAKING ANY OF THEIR POLICIES IS.....DANGEROUS AT BEST. IS IT DISCRIMINATION? It may very well be...and a superior court judge....millions of dollars in legal fees from now...will be the one to decide it.

But you can ALSO BET that AMAZON is watching the numbers. They are considering the risk of a class-action suit against them and other retailers and they act defensively and proactively to that regard - REST ASSURED!!

Bottom line? There have ALWAYS been customers who have exploited return policies of big retailers. That's why big retailers can charge so much more than competitors. People are willing to pay more because the overall experience and assurance during a purchase is worth the extra bucks.

And now they have betrayed that crucial aspect of their offering.

I will bet anyone a DIME TO A DOLLAR that many customers got screwed while being banned from Amazon and other retailers. The BIG GREAT STORE...upon decision to "FIRE" it's customer.....refused returns on any and all outstanding purchases.

That is breach of contract. It is 100% illegal, immoral and wrong and Amazon will make an extra TEN MILLION DOLLARS THIS YEAR ALONE by doing EXACTLY THAT.

Where along the line did it get lost? BUSINESSES - NO MATTER HOW LARGE - NEED CUSTOMERS!! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!!!

And if people WISED UP AND UNITED....AMAZON WOULD COWER AND RECANT THAT POLICY SO FAST IT WOULD MAKE US ALL LAUGH!!

AND IF YOU THINK FOR ONE SECOND THAT THOSE CUSOMERS THAT DO A LOT OF RETURNS THREATEN TO INCREASE COSTS TO EVERYONE.....I HAVE A BRIDGE TO SELL YOU!!!

THAT WOULD NEVER EVER HAPPEN!! IT COULD NOT BECAUSE IT WOULD PUT THE RETAIL MONSTER OUT OF BUSINESS. NO, THE ONLY THING AT RISK WITH "UNDESIRABLE CUSTOMERS" IS COMPROMISED PROFITS - NOTHING MORE.

So to all those who have been banned by Amazon because your returns do not coincide with their forecasts for the current year....I say this:

Buy through family and friends!! Amazon banned my account and I ordered (AND RETURNED) FIVE PURCHASES WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

Sure...it's a little inconvenient but Amazon can't stop me!! AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN A DISHONEST CUSTOMER TO AMAZON. I did TONS OF RETURNS for small-dollar items and they never cared.

It was only when I made a few BIG-DOLLAR PURCHASES AND RETURNED TWO OUT OF THREE OF THEM...THAT I WAS FLAGGED. AGAIN...IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MATH....ITS ALL ABOUT MAXIMIZING PROFITS AND NOTHING MORE.

But when you buy online...you can't touch the product so it's sometimes hard to know if you want it or not. Take care of it...return it in new condition....and if they decide it cannot be sold because of a fingerprint....maybe they should re-think their return policies!!

Bottom line.....UNTIL THEY TREAT EVERYONE THE SAME WAY....THEY ARE ACTING AS CROOKS AND CHEATS!!!

IT'S OK TO MAKE RETURNS....UNTIL IT ANNOYS US THEN WE BAN YOU.

WHAT KIND OF ARROGANT CRAP IS THAT??? HAS ANYONE REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT IT??

WELL...BAN ME ALL YOU WANT!! I WILL BUY FROM YOU WHENEVER I DESIRE AND YOU CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!! I MAKE THIS STATEMENT WITH PRIDE AND PLEASURE!!!

And I have EVERY CONFIDENCE that these arrogant jerks will get theirs. In the interim... TRUTH WILL OUT!!!

[InsanelyApple]

Can't you just make another Amazon acount with a different card and another person's, who is living with you, name?

[rdowns]

Dude, you deserve your own thread. Talk about issues. :D

[KingCrimson]

Yeah I think constantly returning expensive PCs would get you in trouble...:rolleyes:

[Darth.Titan]

I've read this and many similar threads and I would like to add my feelings to the topic...

That sir, was the most ignorant load of naive, idealistic tripe I've ever read.

Talk about entitlement issues... :rolleyes:

[eawmp1]

This is the Lazarus thread.

IT WAS FROM 2008 AND REFUSES TO DIE!!!

ROADGAME JINX, take a double dose of your lithium and call your shrink ASAP.

[Chip NoVaMac]

text

Hope that you feel better after your rant....

Keep in mind that here in the US the right of returning anything to a retailer is a privilege - not a right.

Retailers here in the US can have rules as to their return policies. No returns, or a 14 day return/exchange - what have you...

Shops that have the means to track purchases and returns also have the ability to block future sales as well. How those "blocks" are made are up to each retailer.

So let’s TRULY EXPOSE Amazon for what they are doing: Hiding a BAD MOTIVE behind a GOOD INTENTION:

"Some consumers EXPLOIT our return policies and in order to advert passing the cost onto all customers in the form of increased general prices....we have enacted a security system that weeds out all "UNDESIRABLES".

At face value...this seems HONEST, FAIR and INNOCENT ENOUGH. But in TRUTH...it is NONE OF THOSE THINGS!!

Your emphasis was left - however self serving to your rant...

Working in a retail shop... I must say there is a point that one must say that the "customer" is not worth the cost of sales and returns. I personally have seen "customers" that have bought and returned very new camera over the last few years.. and in the end never having purchased their final camera from us...

Maybe it is time for retailers in the US to adopt the EU model... no returns unless defective as I have been told...

Maybe it is me, but my returns either via Amazon or brick and mortar stores are limited to stuff that did not work as I had hoped - or that I had buyers remorse on.. All of which are far and in between...


I've read this and many similar threads and I would like to add my feelings to the topic.

I too was banned from Amazon.com for being a "bad customer". As the author of this thread honestly stated...it is a SLAP TO THE FACE and carries with it ALL KINDS OF CONNOTATIONS and IMPLICATIONS.

And I've seen all of the threads by people embracing Amazon.com and taking their side. This makes me ill and some of the statements in this discussion thread are an absolute disgrace by ANY STANDARDS!!

Amazon.com is just another USA CORPORATION. It is a business with ONE OBJECTIVE AND ONE OBJECTIVE ONLY - MAXIMIZE PROFITS.

Everything else is SMOKE-SCREEN AND DECEPTION!!

"We care for our customers!" (Because it helps to maximize profits)
"We go the extra mile to satisfy you, make your purchase experience as pleasant as it can be....yap yap” (We do this because competition is fierce and our sole objective is to maximize profits. The more consumers "like us" and see us as "a good, fair, honest business" we will maximize profits.

REST ASSURED that part of this objective means sacrifice and what would appear to be LOSS for Amazon.com.

If the average customer returns 3% of all purchases made per year at Amazon.com.....and those returns yield a cost factor of X to Amazon.com...then you can REST ASSURED that these variables are all considered in their elaborate profit/loss strategy.

"Well....Amazon is not unreasonable because I have made a lot of purchases and done my fair share of returns. They have not banned me!!"

True for most people. HOWEVER!!

If Amazon.com discovered that they could BAN any customer who ever returned a SINGLE ITEM and maximize their profits....YOU BET YOUR IGNORANT BOTTOM LINE DOLLAR THAT THEY WOULD DO EXACTLY THAT!!!

EVERYTHING done by ALL BIG CORPORATIONS in this country are based on elaborate equations that consider public relations, consumer opinions and maximizing profits.

Does ANYONE HONESTLY THINK THAT AMAZON WOULD SAY, "Well...we've made billions upon billions of sales dollars on this anniversary of our inception and to GIVE BACK to the people....we will reduce prices on all items by 10% across the board....just to be appreciative and show the world that IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT MONEY FOR US!!"

BELIEVE ME...THEY COULD DO THAT MORE OFTEN THAN MOST OF US WOULD BELIEVE. WILL IT EVER HAPPEN?? There is only one way it could happen - if the bean counters could show the high-level executives that doing so would yield higher profits in a larger timeline.

AMAZON does not BAN USERS BECAUSE THEY ARE BAD PEOPLE OR BECAUSE THEY APPEAR TO BE DISHONEST OR SHADY....THEY BAN PEOPLE BASED UPON MATH EQUATIONS AND WHO FALLS WITHIN THE "RED FLAG" NUMBERS.

And while it APPEARS to be fair and just behavior from a retail monster....the TRUTH is that it is a VERY DANGEROUS trend and one for which we ALL SHOULD BE....AT VERY LEAST.....GUARDED AND SUSPICIOUS!!!

Like all other MONSTER CORPORATIONS in the USA....AMAZON employs a CLASSIC BUSINESS STRATEGY:

HIDE A BAD MOTIVE BEHIND A SEEMINGLY GOOD INTENTION

IS COINCIDENCE that all other retail monsters have followed suit with Amazon's very arrogant, controversial and DANGEROUSLY INDEPENDANT move of selectively banning patrons and customers??

NO COINCIDENCE WHATSOEVER!! As long as people will accept it....as long as the "BOLD, BRAVE MOVE" doesn't negatively impact consumer perception and opinion....they will ALL JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON!! WHY? BECAUSE IT INCREASES PROFITS!!!

So let’s TRULY EXPOSE Amazon for what they are doing: Hiding a BAD MOTIVE behind a GOOD INTENTION:

"Some consumers EXPLOIT our return policies and in order to advert passing the cost onto all customers in the form of increased general prices....we have enacted a security system that weeds out all "UNDESIRABLES".

At face value...this seems HONEST, FAIR and INNOCENT ENOUGH. But in TRUTH...it is NONE OF THOSE THINGS!!

There are honest and dishonest people EVERYWHERE. It has been that way since the very beginning. Does ANYONE HONESTLY THINK that Amazon had to respond to an ABRUPT NEW TREND???

All of a sudden...there comes this MIGRATION of "UNDESIRABLES" who buy and return items OVER AND OVER AGAIN!! It's costing us SO MUCH MONEY!!! It will capsize us if we don't do something DRASTIC SOON!!"

Uhhh.....IN A PIGS EYE!! There have ALWAYS been desirable and undesirable customers. IT IS NOTHING NEW!! WHAT IS NEW, HOWEVER, IS THIS ARROGANT, INDEPENDANT ATTITUDE OF BIG BUSINESS TO THINK THAT IT CAN CON PEOPLE INTO THINKING THAT THEY CAN FREELY DESCRIMINATE AGAINST SOME BUYERS AT THEIR DISCRETION AND WITHOUT ANY SENSE OF FAIRNESS HONESTY OR IMPARTIALITY.

So Amazon executives (the scumbags that have always poisoned this planet on everyone's behalf in favor of greed and lust for power) start running some equations after banning a "PILOT GROUP" of undesirables. They wait to see how these people will react.

Will there be a public OUTRAGE and accusations of DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES AND DISCRIMINATION? No??? Nobody making any BIG WAVES?? OK...PROCEED WITH A LARGER PILOT GROUP OF BANNED UNDESIRABLES AND LETS LAY LOW...STUDY THE STRATEGY AND IMPACT.

OK!! Now let's REALLY PLAY WITH NUMBERS!! IF WE CAN BAN THE TRULY DISHONEST, BAD CUSTOMERS...WHY NOT LUMP IN THOSE WHO ARE TOO PICKY...TOO "RETURN-HAPPY"???

Does ANYONE HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT AMAZON OR ANY OTHER RETAILER WOULD STOP BY BANNING ONLY THE OBVIOUS DISHONEST CUSTOMERS?

OF COURSE THEY DO. The degree to which big business behaves immorally...the degree to which big business misbehaves...partakes in illegal and criminal practices is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONATE to the level of passiveness, carelessness, apathy, laziness and selfishness of all consumers as a whole.


FIRST AND FOREMOST....AMAZON WANTS ANY BANNED CUSTOMERS TO FEEL ASHAMED......DISGRACED.....REJECTED....EMBARASSED....SCARED...AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

THIS IS WHY THEY IMPLEMENT A CUSTOMER BAN AS THOUGH YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE BEING FIRED FROM YOUR JOB.

WHAT ARROGANCE!!! Why? BECAUSE AN ASHAMED CUSTOMER IS A QUIET ONE!!! AN EMBARASSED, BROKEN, REJECTED CUSTOMER IS ONE THAT LAYS DOWN QUIELTY (LIKE A DOG) WHEN THE BIG RETAIL CHAIN SAYS THEY SHOULD DO SO.

AND THE LAST THING THAT AMAZON OR ANY OTHER RETAIL MONSTER WANTS IS FOR PEOPLE TO BE POSTING OR TALKING AS I AM NOW. THE BIGGEST NIGHTMARE FOR AMAZON OR ANY OTHER RETAIL CHAIN IS A CONSUMER UNION - AN ORGANIZED, REPRESENTED AND WELL-INFORMED LANDSCAPE OF CONSUMERS ALL OVER!!

BANNING CUSTOMERS FOR EXCESSIVE RETURNS IS FRAUD. IT IS A CRIMINAL ACT KNOWN AS DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES.

THAT IS WHY IT TOOK ONE OF THE BIGGEST GIANTS - AMAZON - TO TRY SUCH A BOLD, DISGUSTINGLY ARROGANT MOVE FIRST. THEY HAVE THE RESOURCES TO FIGHT AND SURVIVE....SHOULD CONSUMERS WAKE UP AND REJECT THEM FOR THEIR BRASH, UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS.

WHEN YOU MAKE A PURCHAS WITH AMAZON YOU HAVE A "BLANK CHECK" RETURN POLICY (with a few product-specific exceptions). THEREFORE...TO REJECT CUSTOMERS WHO ARE NOT BREAKING ANY OF THEIR POLICIES IS.....DANGEROUS AT BEST. IS IT DISCRIMINATION? It may very well be...and a superior court judge....millions of dollars in legal fees from now...will be the one to decide it.

But you can ALSO BET that AMAZON is watching the numbers. They are considering the risk of a class-action suit against them and other retailers and they act defensively and proactively to that regard - REST ASSURED!!

Bottom line? There have ALWAYS been customers who have exploited return policies of big retailers. That's why big retailers can charge so much more than competitors. People are willing to pay more because the overall experience and assurance during a purchase is worth the extra bucks.

And now they have betrayed that crucial aspect of their offering.

I will bet anyone a DIME TO A DOLLAR that many customers got screwed while being banned from Amazon and other retailers. The BIG GREAT STORE...upon decision to "FIRE" it's customer.....refused returns on any and all outstanding purchases.

That is breach of contract. It is 100% illegal, immoral and wrong and Amazon will make an extra TEN MILLION DOLLARS THIS YEAR ALONE by doing EXACTLY THAT.

Where along the line did it get lost? BUSINESSES - NO MATTER HOW LARGE - NEED CUSTOMERS!! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!!!

And if people WISED UP AND UNITED....AMAZON WOULD COWER AND RECANT THAT POLICY SO FAST IT WOULD MAKE US ALL LAUGH!!

AND IF YOU THINK FOR ONE SECOND THAT THOSE CUSOMERS THAT DO A LOT OF RETURNS THREATEN TO INCREASE COSTS TO EVERYONE.....I HAVE A BRIDGE TO SELL YOU!!!

THAT WOULD NEVER EVER HAPPEN!! IT COULD NOT BECAUSE IT WOULD PUT THE RETAIL MONSTER OUT OF BUSINESS. NO, THE ONLY THING AT RISK WITH "UNDESIRABLE CUSTOMERS" IS COMPROMISED PROFITS - NOTHING MORE.

So to all those who have been banned by Amazon because your returns do not coincide with their forecasts for the current year....I say this:

Buy through family and friends!! Amazon banned my account and I ordered (AND RETURNED) FIVE PURCHASES WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

Sure...it's a little inconvenient but Amazon can't stop me!! AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN A DISHONEST CUSTOMER TO AMAZON. I did TONS OF RETURNS for small-dollar items and they never cared.

It was only when I made a few BIG-DOLLAR PURCHASES AND RETURNED TWO OUT OF THREE OF THEM...THAT I WAS FLAGGED. AGAIN...IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MATH....ITS ALL ABOUT MAXIMIZING PROFITS AND NOTHING MORE.

But when you buy online...you can't touch the product so it's sometimes hard to know if you want it or not. Take care of it...return it in new condition....and if they decide it cannot be sold because of a fingerprint....maybe they should re-think their return policies!!

Bottom line.....UNTIL THEY TREAT EVERYONE THE SAME WAY....THEY ARE ACTING AS CROOKS AND CHEATS!!!

IT'S OK TO MAKE RETURNS....UNTIL IT ANNOYS US THEN WE BAN YOU.

WHAT KIND OF ARROGANT CRAP IS THAT??? HAS ANYONE REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT IT??

WELL...BAN ME ALL YOU WANT!! I WILL BUY FROM YOU WHENEVER I DESIRE AND YOU CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!! I MAKE THIS STATEMENT WITH PRIDE AND PLEASURE!!!

And I have EVERY CONFIDENCE that these arrogant jerks will get theirs. In the interim... TRUTH WILL OUT!!!

[Chip NoVaMac]

This is the Lazarus thread.

IT WAS FROM 2008 AND REFUSES TO DIE!!!

ROADGAME JINX, take a double dose of your lithium and call your shrink ASAP.

In the end there are those that were "caught" by policies of retailers - that posters were felt wronged..

The truth would be in seeing records from both Amazon and these "customers"... I know in the shop I work at - it is hard to get banned....

I do wonder if the negative posters about Amazon are the same ones that used Costco's previous return privilege to allow them to update their digital cameras, TV's, stereos, and such under the "unlimited" returns Costco once allowed?

[macquariumguy]

Wow.

[shawnathan]

What ever happened to the OP? Did he get banned from MacRumors forever because of this thread?

[iStudentUK]

<SNIP>

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pHdOSQV2FZw/TPb_7N7MKyI/AAAAAAAADQM/zcut_amNI9U/s1600/calm%2Bdown.jpg

That is all.

[arkitect]

RANT!!!


WELL...BAN ME ALL YOU WANT!! I WILL BUY FROM YOU WHENEVER I DESIRE AND YOU CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!! I MAKE THIS STATEMENT WITH PRIDE AND PLEASURE!!!

Masochism Tango…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TytGOeiW0aE

[steves2]

Ok now I know I'm not the only one!!!!! We just moved into a new home (rental). The house already has internet so I was able to jump right on the wifi to continue selling on Amazon and I got a letter saying that our account was matched to an existing account that had recently been banned and that our account would now be banned forever! WTF!!!!!!! We never had a single return, 100% positive feedback (over 1000) and for no reason my account is closed FOR LIFE! IS THIS SOME SORT OF JOKE? I have read about this before but not sure what I did to have this happen to me. The Banned From Amazon http://www.bannedfromamazon.com eBook says that they may have matched my IP address to someone who had been banned before? Can that be true? Any one have any success? HELP!

[*LTD*]

Ok now I know I'm not the only one!!!!! We just moved into a new home (rental). The house already has internet so I was able to jump right on the wifi to continue selling on Amazon and I got a letter saying that our account was matched to an existing account that had recently been banned and that our account would now be banned forever! WTF!!!!!!! We never had a single return, 100% positive feedback (over 1000) and for no reason my account is closed FOR LIFE! IS THIS SOME SORT OF JOKE? I have read about this before but not sure what I did to have this happen to me. The Banned From Amazon http://www.bannedfromamazon.com eBook says that they may have matched my IP address to someone who had been banned before? Can that be true? Any one have any success? HELP!

What exactly does this thread tell you so far?

[blueroom]

Can I buy the Banned from Amazon book on my Kindle?

[mac jones]

Frankly, this sort of thing doesn't make me feel particularly bad. I pity nut cases who return expensive laptops 5 times 'just to get it right'.

When Amazon bans them it is better for the normal people. (or at least, 'normal shopping habits' ) :D

No offense. I'm sure the OP and others are great people. It's just this type of behavior that's so despicable.

I mean it's really mental illness. (some kind of OCD). And combine that with the marketplace, they have no choice but to ban them.

I wonder if the OP realizes he has a problem and it's not normal? I also wonder how many others are like this. I know at least 3 from these forums as the OP has supporters, which invariably means this behavior is normal to them also.

[noahfence]

Frankly, this sort of thing doesn't make me feel particularly bad. I pity nut cases who return expensive laptops 5 times 'just to get it right'.

When Amazon bans them it is better for the normal people. (or at least, 'normal shopping habits' ) :D

No offense. I'm sure the OP and others are great people. It's just this type of behavior that's so despicable.

I mean it's really mental illness. (some kind of OCD). And combine that with the marketplace, they have no choice but to ban them.

I wonder if the OP realizes he has a problem and it's not normal? I also wonder how many others are like this. I know at least 3 from these forums as the OP has supporters, which invariably means this behavior is normal to them also.

I bought a 15" MacBook Pro directly from the Apple retail store, which when I opened was covered in dirt and fingerprints, and had a 1" ding on the bottom. I exchanged it for another, which had an uneven margin around the screen (extremely noticeable on the matte screen option). I exchanged it for another, and the screen was not flush with the body when closed.

So I decided to exchange it for a MacBook Air, which when I opened had a 1cm gouge in the aluminum between the K and I keys. When I bought it in to exchange it, and Apple employee stated that this would be the last laptop I would be able to exchange, since they "ordinarily wouldn't exchange laptops in case of the minor defects you've experienced."

Apparently, Apple believes customers should happily accept dented MacBooks covered in dirt and fingerprints, or scratched MacBook Airs.

And because I don't, that means I'm mentally ill and obsessive compulsive?

Give me a break.

I think it just means Apple has some serious, serious quality control problems.

Anyway, I digress. What I'm trying to get at is I don't find it hard to believe the OP may have had legitimate reasons to return a seemingly excessive number of laptops. While it is unfair that Amazon should have to absorb the costs of Apple's horrible quality control, it is also unfair to punish the customer if there were legitimate defects with the laptops.