links for 2008-07-23
Rotten Apple
I would like to share an Amazon.com customer service story with everyone. Yesterday I received an email from Amazon.com stating that they had received my return item I sent back. The email also stated I was being charged a $212.00 restocking fee. Now, lets step back a minute and let me tell you why I sent the item back to Amazon.com.
I had bought a backup NAS (network attached storage) drive for home to use as a backup for all computers in the house. When I received the item it didn’t work properly. I first contacted the manufactures support and after two hours we decided the drive was indeed not working properly. They had offered an RMA which could take several weeks or I could just send it back to Amazon.com and have them swap the item out. I opted for the quicker way via Amazon.com.
The next day I contacted Amazon.com and informed them that the item didn’t work and that I would like a replacement item sent out. Within two days I had received my replacement item and all was good. I boxed up the item that did not work and was waiting for UPS to pick up the item. Well, over thirty had passed and one day I noticed a $1067.00 charge on my credit card from Amazon.com. I did a little research and found out it was because they didn’t receive the broken item back yet. I contacted Amazon.com and found out that I had to ship the item back versus them placing a call tag with UPS. I apologized to the lady and she said it wasn’t a big deal and that she would have UPS come pick the item up and once they received it back, they would refund the money.
Well a couple days went by and UPS had picked up the broken item. Now we are back to present time. So as I mentioned earlier, I received an email from Amazon.com stating they received the item but I was being charged a $212.00 restocking fee. So after I saw the email I contacted Amazon.com to find out why I was being charged a restocking fee on an item that was not work properly. Here is where the story gets interesting. My phone conversation went like this:
Amazon.com: Hello, how can we help you today.
Me: I’m calling about order #103-5368764-7373058
Amazon.com: Yes, I found your order, what can I do for you.
Me: I was wondering why I was charged a restocking fee on an item that was returned and was not working properly?
Amazon.com: Once second while I look at the notes on the return…….. Ok, I see we received the item back and you would like a refund.
Me: Yes, I would a refund but would like to know why I’m being charged a restocking fee.
Amazon.com: Please hold while I look at this further…… Ok, Sir, to avoid the restocking fee I can send out a replacement item if the item was damaged or not working properly.
Me: I already received my replacement item and the item I sent back was the item not working properly.
Amazon.com: Sir, please hold the line wile I research this further…… Sir, so we charged you $212.00 to your card, I don’t see where we charged you.
Me: No, I received an email stating you were taking $212.00 out of the $1067.00 I was charged for the replacement item.
Amazon: So you received your refund?
Me: No, I haven’t received anything yet. But before I receive my credit I want to make sure it is for the full amount.
Amazon.com: Sir, I’m sorry, I don’t follow.
Me: Ok, say I bought an apple from Amazon.com and the when I got the apple I noticed it was bruised. I called Amazon.com for a replacement and I was told you would send me a replacement but to make sure I sent back the bruised apple or would be charged for the replacement apple. I didn’t send back the bruised apple and now have two apple and have been charged for both apples. I didn’t want to pay for the bruised apple so I sent it back for a refund. Do you follow so far?
Amazon.com: Yes, but why not cut out the bruise on the apple and eat both of them?
Me: Never mind, have a good day.
The funny thing is, the guy was serious. I figured I would try again on Monday.
Amazon Unbox
So if you have been reading my blog since it’s rebirth you have heard me mention Amazon Unbox several times. I’m a big fan and have bought and rented several videos from this great service. We now have multiple Tivo’s that we can download video to daily. Below is top movies that can be download. If you haven’t given Amazon Unbox a try yet your really missing out on one of the better video services available. If your still renting from Blockbuster or Netflix, I suggest you return your last rental that is seating in your living room collecting late fees and buy a Tivo
Amazon Unbox Please Take My Money
I’m sad…. 
I’ve been trying to give Amazon my money but this is all they have to say:
We’re sorry!
An error occurred when we tried to process your request. Rest assured, we’re working to resolve the problem as soon as possible. If you were trying to make a purchase, please check Your Account to confirm that the order was placed. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Is anyone else having this problem?
Amazon Unbox Deals
This weekend only, Amazon Unbox is offering the following movies all for $0.99: The Contract, Shooter, Blade Runner, Hot Fuzz & Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. To rent these movies, you can head on over to the Unbox website or you can rent them on your TiVo via the following menu item: TiVo Central –> Find Programs –> Download TV & Movies –> Amazon Unbox –> Special Deals. Enjoy! (It makes me feel special that Amazon & Tivo are celebrating my birthday.)