On-line shopping rant

[renuck]

I buy a lot of stuff of ebay and amazon and most of it comes from China. For the most part the vendors are great and there is rarely an issue, but sometimes things aren't perfect. Both market places insulate the buyer from the seller so there is no way to talk to the seller directly to try to work something out in the event something isn't quite right. The first step in both cases is to file for a refund, which is unfair to both parties, no body wins.

I recently bought a part for my car off Amazon and I'm quite shocked by the quality of the product. I'm really happy with it. Turns out it had a torn o-ring. It's worth pennies and I'm sure the vendor would be happy to ship out a couple spare rings to resolve the issue, the envelope would be worth more than whats in it. I wouldn't even care if I had an o-ring in stock that fit. I'm happy with the product and have no complaints but I had to start a refund order because that is their first option, it's not helpful to either parties. Even if the claim does go through as it usually does when I have a problem, I'll still be out the o-ring I need. Really frustrating!

 

[asuran]

I just realized that amazon doesn't give info on seller. It's probably smart for them to do it. Negate the possibility of buyer&seller negotiating outside of amazon.

Can you figure out the name of the seller? Sometimes it shows on the amazon, item sold by ___.
If there is, try googling it. If the seller is a decent sized operation they might have a website where you can get contact information.

Might not work but maybe worth a try. Good luck.

 

[essguy_]

I buy a lot of stuff of ebay and amazon and most of it comes from China. For the most part the vendors are great and there is rarely an issue, but sometimes things aren't perfect. Both market places insulate the buyer from the seller so there is no way to talk to the seller directly to try to work something out in the event something isn't quite right. The first step in both cases is to file for a refund, which is unfair to both parties, no body wins.

I recently bought a part for my car off Amazon and I'm quite shocked by the quality of the product. I'm really happy with it. Turns out it had a torn o-ring. It's worth pennies and I'm sure the vendor would be happy to ship out a couple spare rings to resolve the issue, the envelope would be worth more than whats in it. I wouldn't even care if I had an o-ring in stock that fit. I'm happy with the product and have no complaints but I had to start a refund order because that is their first option, it's not helpful to either parties. Even if the claim does go through as it usually does when I have a problem, I'll still be out the o-ring I need. Really frustrating!

I'm an Amazon addict and always found that their refund/complaint process is pretty fast and seamless.

With regard to your particular O-ring problem - I have a lot of equipment at my cottage/farm that require O-rings (water pumps, tractors, boats, sprayers) and I've learned that the easiest way to get an O-ring is to keep a supply of various diameter O-ring cord and make my own. Use Loctite 406 adhesive to glue the cord into whatever size you want. Of course, the glue is way more expensive than a single o-ring, but if you have a lot of stuff that needs o-rings, the convenience is worth it over a few times. It would also glue your current torn o-ring together (assuming it's a clean o-ring and a clean tear). I've heard of people using regular super glue on o-rings but have never tried this myself. The Loctite 406 seems very similar to super glue.

Amazon also sells assorted o-rings in boxes - so you could get a box of assorted o-rings delivered by end of day if you order quickly enough, or by tomorrow.

AND SINCE THIS IS TERB: I never thought of this - but you could also use a spare o-ring of the appropriate size as a cock ring! LOL!

 

[Kirby2006]

Maybe this idea is too retro for you but I'm sure if you go to your nearest industrial or auto parts supply or dealership or even maybe Canadian Tire, you'll find a replacement o-ring. You might get some fresh air too. Never hurts.

 

[NinjaBoy]

If I loved the product, I wouldn't go the refund route. It would seem like a hassle and a bunch of time wasted. I would just buy an o-ring, online or wherever. Yes this increases my cost, but so be it. I usually hunt for bargins, so I'm already getting a deal. A little added cost I'll eat. I used to let these little things ruin my day, but not anymore.

 

[richaceg]

That's odd. I bought a baitcasting reel of a particular brand off amazon, after 3rd day of using, one knob fell off. I contacted the manufacturer had my order # ready in case they ask where I got it. Date, etc etc. they happily sent me the missing part no charge.

 

[IFUSEEKAMY]

I luv Amazon’s returns/refunds process but it does take a bit of digging around to find the process you wanna take, ie. contacting the seller first instead of an automated refund. In one instance, I said I wanted to speak to the seller and didn’t elaborate any further. The seller contacted me themselves. The entire email chain is recorded through Amazon too so it deters everybody from being obtuse. Yay!

 

[Indiana]

I wanna bang a Amazon.

 

[renuck]

I luv Amazon’s returns/refunds process but it does take a bit of digging around to find the process you wanna take, ie. contacting the seller first instead of an automated refund. In one instance, I said I wanted to speak to the seller and didn’t elaborate any further. The seller contacted me themselves. The entire email chain is recorded through Amazon too so it deters everybody from being obtuse. Yay!

I did some digging and did get the the sellers company name, unfortunately a very generic name that had a lot of hits on google. I'll keep looking though since I'd like to give the seller a chance before I start the refund process.

I think I'll try your method. A couple issues I had in the past with ebay purchases, the very first line was "I don't want a refund" and then stated the issue and I'd like to talk to the seller. Both ended up in refunds anyway, and parts I didn't want.

To the others, yup I could try to source one at an industrial supplier but usually their websites are shit and I need an ~60mm x 3mm o-ring which isn't so common.

AND SINCE THIS IS TERB: I never thought of this - but you could also use a spare o-ring of the appropriate size as a cock ring! LOL!

This gave me a laugh, thanks! I still need the same size o-ring though! LOL

[edit]And a cherry on top, my digital calipers just went for a shit. Now I'm down to a dial caliper - in inches no less. Ugh![/edit]

 

[Timbit]

I wanna bang a Amazon.

Try Phenec at Taboo Spa...

Timbit

 

[Knuckle Ball]

Maybe this idea is too retro for you but I'm sure if you go to your nearest industrial or auto parts supply or dealership or even maybe Canadian Tire, you'll find a replacement o-ring. You might get some fresh air too. Never hurts.

LOL...You can also order online from Canadian Tire.

 

[Kirby2006]

LOL...You can also order online from Canadian Tire.

You millennials have such an aversion to shopping in person. I don't get it. You can compare, you do your own quality control at the source and you go home with exactly what you want. Efficient.

And while I'm at it, who's idea was it to replace a two minute phone call with 30 minutes of texting back and forth? Why...why why why is this considered efficient? Ok rant over. Carry on kids!!

PS. You may think that I'm an old curmudgeon who yells at kids to get off my lawn. I'm not. In fact I encourage them to trample the hell out of it. More trampling = less mowing. I even point out the spots they miss so they can have more fun. Just call me Kirby, Efficiency Expert.

 

[Darts]

most of it comes from China. !

I bought a camera online. The instruction manual was in English and Chinese. The English was so poor that I had to ask a Chinese friend to translate the Chinese instructions for me.

On a related matter, many call centers are in India or the Philippines. Many East Indians (except the ones who pretend they are CRA) speak English with such a heavy accent that it is hard to understand what they are saying.

End of rant.

Watch out for "porch pirates" who steal FedEx boxes off your porch.

End of rant again.

 

[Insidious Von]

I wanna bang a Amazon.

U wanna bang an Amazon, look at my PC thread.

I have an Amazon account and did most of my Christmas shopping through them. It all arrived on time and I didn't have to put up with annoying Christmas songs. They have a far greater selection as well. After going through four different stores to get walking shoes that fit, never again.

 

[yomero5]

AND SINCE THIS IS TERB: I never thought of this - but you could also use a spare o-ring of the appropriate size as a cock ring! LOL!

That's the only reason I bought a pack of O-rings. It didn't work out for me. I just ended up traumatizing my dick trying to get the damn rings on and off. I just use Cialis, now.

 

[|2 /-\ | /|/]

You old people have nothing better to do with your time but visit 10 stores for a $5 dollar item so you can compare prices and have a mission to give you a purpose through out the day so you have something to do

ofc I am teasing a bit but it comes down to time is money and opportunity lost. I don’t have time to wait in lines, wear and tear of my car, worry for idiots trying to steal my parking spot, then trying to actually locate the item, then wait 5 minutes for the sales representative to free up from another old person who has 1000 irrelevant question other then the question at hand plus many more time wasters . I would rather spend this time with family or just enjoying stuff that makes me happy like getting massages or even making money elsewhere with my time that I now wasted on the actual physical shopping process.

As for the texts you reply to texts when you are available to continue a meaningful focused conversation or thread when you have time to properly reply. Some people are just busy and its more efficient to focus on the ask at hand then waste time with old people who just want to shoot the shit and talk on the phone how efficient it is to shop in person and do your own quality control

You millennials have such an aversion to shopping in person. I don't get it. You can compare, you do your own quality control at the source and you go home with exactly what you want. Efficient.

And while I'm at it, who's idea was it to replace a two minute phone call with 30 minutes of texting back and forth? Why...why why why is this considered efficient? Ok rant over. Carry on kids!!

PS. You may think that I'm an old curmudgeon who yells at kids to get off my lawn. I'm not. In fact I encourage them to trample the hell out of it. More trampling = less mowing. I even point out the spots they miss so they can have more fun. Just call me Kirby, Efficiency Expert.

 

[Darts]

Color me old fashion but I still like to touch and feel. Also, I like to chit-chat with other fellow shoppers. In person shopping is an experience. Of course, one day there will no longer be any human interaction. It's already happening with CIBC's "digital" branches.

 

[Kirby2006]

You old people have nothing better to do with your time but visit 10 stores for a $5 dollar item so you can compare prices and have a mission to give you a purpose through out the day so you have something to do

ofc I am teasing a bit but it comes down to time is money and opportunity lost. I don’t have time to wait in lines, wear and tear of my car, worry for idiots trying to steal my parking spot, then trying to actually locate the item, then wait 5 minutes for the sales representative to free up from another old person who has 1000 irrelevant question other then the question at hand plus many more time wasters . I would rather spend this time with family or just enjoying stuff that makes me happy like getting massages or even making money elsewhere with my time that I now wasted on the actual physical shopping process.

As for the texts you reply to texts when you are available to continue a meaningful focused conversation or thread when you have time to properly reply. Some people are just busy and its more efficient to focus on the ask at hand then waste time with old people who just want to shoot the shit and talk on the phone how efficient it is to shop in person and do your own quality control

Geez! Kids nowadays! Stuck in their ways they is!!!