Wrong goods in Amazon packages – here’s what you can do

Online shopping
Consumer advocates warn: Wrong goods keep coming in Amazon packages – here’s what you can do

The consumer advice center for North Rhine-Westphalia warns that, particularly with “high-priced electronic products”, cheap replacement items end up in Amazon packages instead of the actual goods – and reveals what needs to be taken into account.

According to the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center, more and more consumers are reporting complaints about incorrect deliveries after ordering expensive electronic products Amazon. Instead of the smartphones or tablets they ordered, they received cat shampoo, pickle jars or crayons, for example. It is said that sometimes the wrong goods are even delivered several times. A contribution from the NDR consumer program “Markt” describes some cases.

Once you’re in the situation, according to the complaints, it’s apparently not always that easy to get money or replacement. Amazon usually requires that the “correct” ordered goods be returned before the purchase price is refunded or the goods are delivered again. However, since the ordered goods never arrived, customers cannot send them back and therefore do not receive a refund of the purchase price. Only those who defend themselves increase the likelihood of getting repayment.

Cause of incorrect Amazon deliveries unclear

According to consumer advocates, it remains unclear who in the delivery chain is responsible for this fraudulent scam, as the packages delivered are often undamaged and apparently in their original packaging.

An Amazon spokeswoman confirms this star the incidents upon request. The company writes: “We have introduced additional control mechanisms that already make it even more difficult for actors with bad intentions to defraud customers, sales partners and Amazon. We are working hard to improve the customer experience in these cases – and we stand by this Consumer protection and the authorities in exchange.”

However, Amazon does not write in a lengthy statement what those affected should do. Upon request, the company simply advises you to contact customer service immediately if there are defective shipments.

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In the event of a chargeback, the account may be closed

Consumer advocates also recommend this. In addition, according to the experts, those affected should definitely take photos as evidence. The parcel label should be kept well, especially if the weight of the parcel is stated. If nothing works, the consumer advice center is of the opinion that a chargeback of the purchase price can be considered. However, under certain circumstances this can lead to your account being blocked at Amazon. The other steps mentioned must therefore be carried out beforehand.

In order to generally protect themselves against incorrect deliveries, according to the consumer advice center, customers should check the size and weight of the package upon delivery and immediately complain about any discrepancies to the delivery service and refuse to accept them if there are discrepancies. When opening the package, it is advisable to collect evidence, for example by recording a video or opening it with another person present.

source: Consumer advice center, NDR