GlassKnees
Well-Known Member
I have read a number of stories about people getting ripped off ordering stuff online, but I've had good experiences, usually ordering stuff via Amazon, but occasionally on Ebay and other websites. But I got burned on Amazon, so I thought I'd share my story:
I was in the market for a camera for one of my quadcopters. I wanted either a GoPro Hero 4 or something equivalent. I had seen some videos on YouTube where cameras were used that produced great videos but were cheaper than GoPros. One in particular caught my attention, the YI 4K Action Camera. It seemed to produce better videos than a GoPro Hero 4 and it was half the cost. So, I started searching around for a good deal.
On Amazon.com, I found what seemed like a dynamite deal - a brand new Yi 4K for $119.99 plus shipping. While this seemed like a deal that was too good to be true, was aware of sellers who got something as a gift that they didn't want and put it up for sale at a price below going retail. The seller was "BullockDA"- I did not check out his history... Big mistake.
I placed the order, and soon I got an email notificaton that the camera had shipped and would arrive around April 15 - I was provided with a tracking number. I had placed the order on April 2.
Patiently, I waited... April 15 came and went, then the 16th, the 17th.... I tried to check the status using the USPS website and the tracking number I was given - no luck.
After going to the local Post Office, my fear that I was snookered was growing. As soon as I arrived home, I checked out BullockDA on Amazon's site - it had over 70 reviews in the last 12 months with a 3% postive rating - virtually all the comments were the same: product didn't arrive, the tracking number was bogus, and attempts to contact the seller were futile.
I tried contacting Amazon, but try as I might, I could not find any contact information nor a link to report problems like this! Since I paid with an Amazon credit card from Sychrony Bank, I tried calling the bank using the phone number on the back of the card. When I called, I was subjected to an endless series of sales pitches from AT&T service to insurance. There was no option available to speak to a live person!
So, I went to their website - finally found a link to a chat box and I was able to communicate with a live person. After going into the details, and answering some questions, an incident report was filed and I should get a letter in a few days and I expect to have the charge removed from my Amazon card. As to whether BullockDA will suffer any consequences, I expect not - he will disappear like a cockroach only to reappear as somebody else.
The lesson is clear - be sure to check out a prospective seller before you commit to purchasing anything online. I think I will luck out - I expect to get the charge removed, but I also plan not to use my Amazon Prime credit card again. I have since purchased the camera from Amazon from the manufacturer - a camera is at one of Amazon's fulfillment centers and I will get it in two days. The camera cost $200, but with reward points on my card, I will actually pay about $7. So this story has a happy ending....
I was in the market for a camera for one of my quadcopters. I wanted either a GoPro Hero 4 or something equivalent. I had seen some videos on YouTube where cameras were used that produced great videos but were cheaper than GoPros. One in particular caught my attention, the YI 4K Action Camera. It seemed to produce better videos than a GoPro Hero 4 and it was half the cost. So, I started searching around for a good deal.
On Amazon.com, I found what seemed like a dynamite deal - a brand new Yi 4K for $119.99 plus shipping. While this seemed like a deal that was too good to be true, was aware of sellers who got something as a gift that they didn't want and put it up for sale at a price below going retail. The seller was "BullockDA"- I did not check out his history... Big mistake.
I placed the order, and soon I got an email notificaton that the camera had shipped and would arrive around April 15 - I was provided with a tracking number. I had placed the order on April 2.
Patiently, I waited... April 15 came and went, then the 16th, the 17th.... I tried to check the status using the USPS website and the tracking number I was given - no luck.
After going to the local Post Office, my fear that I was snookered was growing. As soon as I arrived home, I checked out BullockDA on Amazon's site - it had over 70 reviews in the last 12 months with a 3% postive rating - virtually all the comments were the same: product didn't arrive, the tracking number was bogus, and attempts to contact the seller were futile.
I tried contacting Amazon, but try as I might, I could not find any contact information nor a link to report problems like this! Since I paid with an Amazon credit card from Sychrony Bank, I tried calling the bank using the phone number on the back of the card. When I called, I was subjected to an endless series of sales pitches from AT&T service to insurance. There was no option available to speak to a live person!
So, I went to their website - finally found a link to a chat box and I was able to communicate with a live person. After going into the details, and answering some questions, an incident report was filed and I should get a letter in a few days and I expect to have the charge removed from my Amazon card. As to whether BullockDA will suffer any consequences, I expect not - he will disappear like a cockroach only to reappear as somebody else.
The lesson is clear - be sure to check out a prospective seller before you commit to purchasing anything online. I think I will luck out - I expect to get the charge removed, but I also plan not to use my Amazon Prime credit card again. I have since purchased the camera from Amazon from the manufacturer - a camera is at one of Amazon's fulfillment centers and I will get it in two days. The camera cost $200, but with reward points on my card, I will actually pay about $7. So this story has a happy ending....
