As I noted earlier in this thread, Amazon customer service e-mailed me and clearly stated that an open-box return that is not defective nor the wrong item due to Amazon's error has a 20% restocking fee.
Mr. Coxner can refer to the online return policy all he wants, but it is apparently incomplete. Amazon responded to a specific query on this issue and was very clear regarding its return policy. Note that when returning a computer for an exchange or refund it must be in "new" condition according to the table at the link. As far as Amazon is concerned, once it has been booted-up the first time it is no longer considered to be "new."
I have personally bumped into the restocking fee regarding a portable Mac ordered from Amazon in the past. At that time there also was no restocking fee noted in its online return policy. Amazon would not budge from its return policy.
Unless someone contacts Amazon and receives a different reply, one should assume that returning something that is not defective or shipped in error will incur a 20% restocking fee.
Let's try one more. I've already given you the link to the Amazon page on return policies, with no mention of restocking fees.
Here is their page on restocking fees:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/cust...2?ie=UTF8&nodeId=901926&qid=1312933088&sr=1-2
Calculating Refund Amounts
The following conditions and exceptions apply, as do those listed on the Product Specific Policies pages.
Partial refunds/Restocking Fees
Any unopened media item or non-media item in original condition that is
returned more than 30 days after delivery: 80% of item's price.
Any book that has obvious signs of use: 50% of item's price.
Any CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened (taken out of its plastic wrap): 50% of item's price.
Any item that is not in its original condition, is damaged, or is missing parts for reasons not due to our error: up to 50% of item's price
If you return an item using the return label provided in the Online Returns Center and the reason for return is not a result of our error, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Below is an example of the options you'll see in the Returns Center. If you choose the U.S. Postal Service option, the amount that will be deducted from your refund is displayed. If you choose the Self Return option, you'll pay the cost charged by the carrier selected.
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Note there is no specific mention of "computers". It says "original condition" not "unused" or "unopened". The only 20% restocking fee for non-media (which would include computers) is for returns
AFTER 30 DAYS.
I will give you that Amazon had a different stated policy a few years ago. Here is the wording
FROM THAT TIME.
Any opened computer returned within 30 days of delivery: 85% of item's price.
Any unopened media item or non-media item in original condition that is returned more than 30 days after delivery: 80% of item's price.
Any book that has obvious signs of use: 50% of item's price.
Any CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened (taken out of its plastic wrap): 50% of item's price.
Any item that is not in its original condition, is damaged, or is missing parts for reasons not due to our error: up to 50% of item's price
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That WAS the policy. It is NOT the current policy. Even with that past policy it was at Amazon's discretion whether to impose it and they rarely did. I returned an XBox 360 during that time, along with OPENED software. I got a full refund, including the software. However, I'm a very active Amazon customer so I suspect they cut me a break. But, that's just a guess, they may have done it for everyone.
As for being banned, I'm sure Amazon does have an algorithm for it.
If you're a first time customer and you return a $2000 computer 5 times, then yes, you're probably risking being banned.
If you spend $1000 a year on Amazon, and have been a customer for a few years, then you can probably return a $2000 computer 2 or 3 times without being banned.
If you spend $10000 a year, you can probably return it as many times as you wish.
No matter who you are, or how many times you return it, there is no restocking fee.
