Returning Lens to Amazon

<p>Got an expensive lens, used it mildly, on one several day road trip, decided it's the wrong lens for me. Has anyone had actual experience with this type of return? I don't want to lose 50%. I'm not trying to claim it's completely unused either, but there's no way to categorize it on their return form. I have to decide today, it's the 30th day.</p>

<p>I decided to return it but I wish there were more options so you could explain exactly what the problem was and they could determine its value. Since there isn't, I'll simply return it and hope I get the full refund. For the sake of the next buyer it would be nice if there was a modest discount, but there's no such option.</p>

<p>I would venture a guess here: if you used the lens, you own the lens. Asking for a refund in a case like this is tacky (and not really honest.)</p>

<p>Just my pair of cents worth of advice....</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Huh. Are you saying that people normally don't return lens they've touched and taken about 50 shots with? What do you do then? As I said, 'very mildly used and undamaged' with a small fee off my refund would be my preference. But I don't want the lens, and it's 1,200 dollars, and there is no such option. So what should I do? </p>

<p>FYI, I've never been in this position before. I do a lot of research before I buy and don't hardly ever return something. I've never returned a photographic item except for damaged filters. The lens is much heavier and more cumbersome than I thought it would be based in the description - and I can't use it - so...???</p>

<p>I really don't like it that you accused me of dishonesty when I was asking for advice about what to do and never claimed I didn't take it out of the box. I was pretty clear that I did and Im looking for some honest option. </p>

<p>I now can't return the lens and have to swallow the loss, so it'll just sit here unused and 1,200 down the drain. So much for that.</p>

<p>I find the whole idea of trying and returning lenses or anything most peculiar ... if I was outlaying $1200 I would make sure I wanted it first.</p>

<p>Last thing I bought from Amazon was extrmely slow in arriving, took over two weeks when two days was forecast and found it very hard to work my way around the Amazon site ... it is locked into options that didn't apply to my inquiry like so many computer driven sites these days. The item did eventually arrive after I chased up the carrier, it was a large snow blower.</p>

Another reason to buy at brickmortar!!! You took in to a several day road trip means you own it

no return priviledge!!

<p>If I were Daria, I'd return the lens. It's not like it has significant use on it and there was (apparently) a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy (?)</p>

<p>$1200 is a bit much to swallow if there's a return policy. That's what restocking charges are all about.</p>

<p>I'll sell it as used instead. I guess i could go post an ad here. The problem with selling almost brand new expensive things is that it's hard to get almost full price which is why I wish there was an organized option to do the trade, say take a fee of 100 from me and sell to the buyer for 200 less.</p>

<p>Gearheads return stuff all the time, because it's a 'bad copy' or they didn't like the See-A or Eye-Cue. I suspect by this time, prices reflect the number of items that have to be resold as 'refurbished'. My feeling is that if you want to rent a lens, do so. If you want to buy a lens, do so. Items which are genuinely defective are another case, and should be exchanged without cost to the buyer.</p>

<p>The store's return policy should dictate whether to return a product. That was the agreement in place when the lens was initially purchased. The store will very likely have specific conditions (as new, no marks or damage, all wrapping material, unfilled warranty card, etc.). Some will have a restocking fee, others will not. </p>

<p>I live in an isolated town with no photography store, so all of my lens/camera purchases are done online. I follow the store's return policy to the letter if I have to make a return.</p>

<p>Daria,</p>

<p>I just read Amazon's return policy. Something I presume you did before you gave them your $1200. If it's unopened (yours is not), you are entitled to a full refund; else, it's unreasonable for you to expect them to take it back. I respect the fact that you used it lightly but the fact is you DID use it and you had it for 30 days. Amazon cannot resell it as new so they'd have to take a loss on it. Such a return policy would simply drive their cost of sales and operations higher and they'd not be able to be so affordable or competitive. Web retailers can be so competitively cut-throat because of these policies and, honestly, wouldn't survive otherwise. If you want generous return policies, shop brick-and-mortar (and obviously check their return policy as well). Brick-and-mortar businesses find it almost impossible to compete against the Amazons of the world and forgiving return policies are often the competitive differentiation that they use to win you as a customer.</p>

<p>Sell it on Craigslist and justify the loss as a learning experience or "30 days rental fee".</p>

<p>This is Amazon policy:<br>

"Camera & Photo items purchased from Amazon.com and most sellers are easily returned within 30 days of receipt of shipment. These items must be in new condition with original packaging and accessories".<br>

<br>

New condition with original packaging does not mean unopened.<br>

<br>

Amazon has received many many many of my dollars over the years. They can afford to take a loss on one item. </p>

<p>This is where they sell returned stuff if it doesn't meet their definition of new:<br /> http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_ex_p_4_0?me=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&rh=n%3A1267878011&bbn=1267878011&ie=UTF8&qid=1350613062<br>

\</p>

<p>If you read through the forums here you'll see people do exactly what you're talking about quite often. It could be that they get the lens/camera body/whatever, and it's not what they thought it'd be from the description, they don't like the image quality from it, they don't like the size/weight, or various other reasons. It seems that Amazon's policy is written with these cases in mind. As an online retailer they seem to understand that things like this will happen because the buyer isn't able to test out whatever they're buying before they get it. I've returned a few things to them for various reasons, whether on day 1 or day 30, and only ever had them deduct the shipping cost. It's one of the reasons I do most of my sopping with them. I know that if I'm not happy for whatever reason, I can return the item (As long as it's an item actually sold by Amazon and not one of the third policy sellers). </p>

<p>Daria,</p>

<p>I owe you an apology if I read their policy wrong. Thanks for the correction. </p>

<p>No worries. :)</p>

<p>Daria, stop worrying and just return the lens. You don't need to give them any lengthy explanation as to why you are returning it. If you are still within the 30 day return period then all you'll have to pay is shipping. I assume you still have the original packaging!?<br>

Amazon's return policy is the best in the industry.</p>

<p>One of my relations went on a touring holiday around the south western states. They flew to California, rented an RV and bought a GPS. After the two week holiday they took the GPS back to the shop saying they didn't get on with it. I was astonished at the dishonesty.</p>

<p>I'm not saying there are any parrallels with this case. No really. For my own conscience using the lens around the house or neighborhood for a couple of days and sending it back is different to taking it on holiday and deciding I don't like it upon return. Regardless of what Amazon's policy is I have to live with myself ... did I truly do my homework and decide it was too heavy (which I would know right out of the box) or am I taking advantage of a generous return policy beyond what I personally think is fair play?<br>

I would be uncomfortable with this. Would I try this on face to face with a bricks and mortar shop assistant who knew of my travel plans? My feelings only, if you vehemently disagree please don't post to me that I'm wrong, just add your own contribution.</p>

<p>Btw, I didn't say anything to my relation over the GPS, I just saw them in a different light. Clearly I'm ill equipped for the modern world.</p>

<p>I can't let this go w/o response. The lens was in a domke wrap in a thinktank case in the car. I took it out a few times, barely used it, and realized this was a mistaken purchase. The fact that I took it on a trip is actually immaterial. The weather was not too hot, not too cold, there was no wind blowing, no sandstorms, nothing. I did not plan, plot or otherwise foresee this. I m not a 'gearhead' and do not make a habit of this. In fact, the whole reason for this thread was that I was a bit confused about what to do, not having had such experience before. We've clarified that Amazon has a clear policy on the matter, can sell it used if it so chooses. I am not your relatives. Thank you.</p>

<p>Hi Daria. I am surprised at some of the oh so keen sensitivity over returning a lens in perfect condition with all the pieces intact and little plastic baggies and unsigned warranty card w factory box not been crushed and a spotless lens w/o scratches and sans peanut butter smears. W/ lens hood, booklet and soft case,etc.. True, waiting until the almost end of the return period was not your plan or past practice and I can understand your discomfort or unease. But, big but... If you are sending it back in good faith, where is the lapse on your part? Honestly, I don't see all the wagging of fingers. Not like buying a fancy tiara for a wedding and then returning it after the occasion. You tested lens in the field-where it is best place for same- and you decided it was not for you. <br /> Now, just between us, I sent back a 1500.00 camera body that did not fulfill my expectation. Saw it only on line. I loved --didn't suit me for multiple reasons, period . They refunded the full charge to my card, good outfit, Amazon. <br /> Now, if the refund inspectors at Amazon find a part missing, or the lens has a scratch, well sure, they have the option to subtract from the creditable price. But they would tell you so.... Bottom line here, if it is within the limit or darn close to it, I would have a go at returning the lens. <br /> Main thing= sleep easily, and don't be put off by finger waggers, that may be just too "touchy" for the current marketplace. I see no moral lapse, or any lapse on your part for what my opinion is worth. gerry</p>

<p>Thank you. I was missing one little plastic baggie, I think...and couldn't quite figure out how it all fit originally...but did find the unsigned warranty card and two CDs (not quite sure if they were from this lens but threw them in to be on the safe side). <br>

If Jeff Bezos has a problem with me, he knows where to find me.</p>

<p>I know that this is an old thread now, but somebody might read it, and so here goes:</p>

<p>One of Amazon's options to click on when I returned the Nikon D600 body was "No longer wanted" or something very similar to that. I had used it one afternoon for some test shots. They took it back and gave me a full refund, except for return shipping, which I had to pay. Perhaps some of their generosity was related to the fact that I also said that I was returning it so that I could buy the D800, which costs almost a thousand dollars more.</p>

<p>In any case, Amazon is very good with customer relations, especially if you have a good track record with them.</p>

<p>I should point out that I have had the same good experiences with B&H, Adorama, and J&R Music World. Good customer relations is good business, and the best retailers know it. Repeat business is how they have made their fortunes.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>