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Try before you buy?

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BillyO:
Despite how much research we do on-line, or how many data sheets and user manuals we read before we buy a piece of test equipment we often find that, once it's in our hands, there is something about it we discover we don't like.

Wouldn't it be great to try it before we make the final decision?

Enter Amazon.  So, would it be moral to buy stuff on Amazon, keep it for a a couple of weeks and then return it, then do this for all the competing devices until we find the one we like the best, then buy it permanently?

I don't think Amazon would have an issue with this as they guarantee satisfaction.

ataradov:
They will absolutely have an issue if you do that all the time. Eventually they will flag your account and start limiting your returns. You also need to have a good reason for returns. If device as described and functional, but you don't like it, it is not a good reason.

I also would not say that this is ethical, since money does not come out of Amazon, it comes out of the seller's pocket. Seller can't resell the equipment as new anymore.

It is far better to find a place that rents out equipment and rent whatever you need first. This may be hard in general, since not all equipment is available that way, especially low end stuff.

dorkshoei:

--- Quote from: BillyO on December 27, 2022, 12:20:19 am ---I don't think Amazon would have an issue with this as they guarantee satisfaction
...
So, would it be moral to buy stuff on Amazon, keep it for a a couple of weeks and then return it, then do this for all the competing devices until we find the one we like the best, then buy it permanently?

--- End quote ---

No clue if Amazon "guarantees satisfaction" and if they do it's not subject to misuse.   

Like any advanced retailer Amazon maintains metrics about your buying and return habits.   Lots of documented reports of Amazon customers having their accounts closed due to excessive returns.    I'm also sure cost of item is a factor (and TE isn't cheap) as once returned it has to go be resold via Amazon Marketplace.

Their algorithms are obviously proprietary but my sense has always been that because my return:purchase ratio is low (1:100 maybe) they cut me some slack in the borderline cases where they could play hardass.

Your return options would be "inaccurate website description", "no longer needed" or "item defective or doesn't work".

Moral is subjective.  I wouldn't do what you're suggesting even if it was consequence free (which per above I don't think it is).    Bottom line, there is no substitute for doing research before buying. 

Fungus:

--- Quote from: BillyO on December 27, 2022, 12:20:19 am ---I don't think Amazon would have an issue with this as they guarantee satisfaction.

--- End quote ---

If it's "sold by Amazon" then I don't worry about it nearly as much as if it's sold by some independent seller who's been seduced by the Amazon sales pitch and is now losing money on expensive returns.

I have a problem with people who do this but complain loudly if any packages they receive appear to have been previously opened.

Thunderer:
If you afford to rent before buying, it is a solution. But you may end up paying a lot in the end.

Best is, if you are a company or buy equipment from time to time (not one entry level scope every 12 years), is to devellop a relationship with a dealer/distributor/manufacturer. Most of the time, you will find a representative that goes above and  beyond for a customer, and specially for one enthusiastic and competent in the field. Remember, kindness and honesty goes a long way.

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