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Is it risky to buy expensive computer component via Amazon/Newegg when it is from unheard reseller
- Thread starter hajime
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Short answer: yes
Long answer: yeeeeees
I'm always leary, especially after reading an article about how Apple bought a bunch of "genuine" Apple chargers off Amazon... and most were not real.
I could be mistaken, but I don't think that Fulfilled by Amazon means that they in any way verify anything. They just take receipt of pallets of goods, and handle shipment when orders are received.
Long answer: yeeeeees
I'm always leary, especially after reading an article about how Apple bought a bunch of "genuine" Apple chargers off Amazon... and most were not real.
I could be mistaken, but I don't think that Fulfilled by Amazon means that they in any way verify anything. They just take receipt of pallets of goods, and handle shipment when orders are received.
Refunds and returns can be problematic. Third parties will in some cases charge a restocking fee where as if sold and shipped by Amazon/Newegg they don’t. You would also more than likely have to pay to ship it back and possibly not get the original shipping charge refunded.
You have to do your research carefully and read the refund/return policies of the 3rd party sellers.
You have to do your research carefully and read the refund/return policies of the 3rd party sellers.
I had purchased an expensive camera that was fulfilled by Amazon. Turned out to be a gray market version (so didn't have US warranty). I ultimately ended up getting a refund form the seller, but it wasn't that Amazon handled everything... they pretty much just forwarded my complaint to the seller and waited for them to respond. It definitely wasn't as seamless as ordering directly form Amazon as seller. And Amazon didn't seem to care that the seller didn't accurately advertise the camera as not being a US Version that would not have a warranty.
Counterfeiting is rampant among these "unheard companies". I would not buy any electronic item from any of these companies.
Yeah, in that case enough back and forth usually gets Amazon involved and they penalize the seller and refund your money. Though for cameras, I personally prefer BH or similar. I definitely prefer Amazon when it comes to computer hardware. NewEgg fell off the charts many years ago prior to their stake sale and their recent woes with breaches has left further distrust in their past customers.
Alternatively, if you can find a store in person that will price match first party Amazon listings, then you're good to go. Some retail chains and smaller chains do carry higher end gear depending on locale.
I typically avoid Amazon for camera bodies (most lenses are fine), glass or ceramic products.
