scopes from amazon?

[Axis II]

I am looking to purchase a rifle scope on amazon but I'm a little worried with the way UPS/FedEx handles packages and also if I don't like it or it has a defect can I send it back to amazon? I hate ordering online for this reason.

I asked cabelas if they would price match seeing how I will have one 10min away in a week and they said no online price matching only local store to local store.

anyone have experience with scopes from amazon and having to possibly return one?

 

[cjwils]

Don't know about scopes, but I had no problem returning one or two other items to Amazon, because they did not meet my standards. I did not need to argue that they were damaged in shipment.

 

[DPris]

Amazon has a very good return/replacement policy.
Denis

 

[jeff-10]

I bought on on Amazon. No issues.

 

[FL-NC]

I ordered one that came from the manufacturer thru amazon (bushnell) and it was fine. Between amazon's policy and manufacturer warranties (assuming what you are getting isn't junk) I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[358Hoosier]

NO worries with Amazon, their customer service is top notch.

 

[jmr40]

I've had mostly good luck with Amazon, the few things needing to be returned were handled easily. But many of their products are not accurately described by sellers and are often discontinued merchandise. That is the major reason for all of my returns.

All of the major optics manufacturers require retailers to sell at MSRP or they will no longer be allowed to carry their product. I've never seen a new, current production scope made by Leupold, Burris, Nikon, Bushnell or any other major brand not selling at MSRP.

Companies such as Cabelas often offer free shipping. I have a Cabelas CC and get points for using it as well as coupons in the mail often for $50-$200 off any product. With those incentives I've always come out ahead buying from them. Other retailers offer similar incentives. While they can't reduce the price of the scope, I've seen some retailers offer free mounts etc. if you buy from them.

I checked Amazon before posting and could see no price difference on the same scopes listed on Cabelas, SWFA, Midway, or any other website. You'll often see some of the off brand optics prices reduced and some older discontinued product by the major brands that is still in inventory.

I'm not saying "don't use Amazon", I am saying do your research carefully before you buy from anyone.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Amazon returns are very easy to deal with.

Be aware if you are dealing with a third party vendor selling through Amazon. It changes the whole dynamic.

BTW: how UPS/FexEx handles packages has very little to do with damage. Most damaged items in packages will be from improper packing from the seller...Amazon usually over-packages

 

[Axis II]

they had a few other things on sale and the scope was on sale as of this morning that's why I wanted to use them. guess I will be placing an order. thanks guys.

how will I know if its a 3rd part seller?

 

[9mmepiphany]

It will say, "Ships from and Sold by ...", like this one

 

[Warp]

If you are going to order something somewhat fragile for deliver, Amazon is one of the best companies to do it with.

I have an ~$800 scope I ordered from them a fear years ago.

Just about anything you can order anywhere, or buy in person anywhere, gets shipped...a lot...packaging is pretty good at protecting stuff.

 

[jjjjeremy]

I'be purchased and returned a lot of items on Amazon, including scopes. No hassle at all, no questions asked, you just make a few clicks, print a packing label, and you get a refund as soon as the package is scanned into the UPS system, if not sooner.

I always buy from Amazon directly though, not third parties.

 

[Speedo66]

If you use "Amazon Prime", in addition to free 2 day shipping, they've got the best return policy in the business. They take back products you've used, broken, anything.

Not sure if Amazon has reached the stage where they're actually making a profit yet, and their return policy may be one of the reasons why.

 

[Lafitte]

The only time I got junk from Amazon was an item that was "sold by a merchant" through Amazon. I complained and the company refunded my money AND sent a good replacement. Amazon merchants DO NOT want bad reviews.

Lafitte

 

[MachIVshooter]

NO worries with Amazon, their customer service is top notch.

+1. I have never had a problem with refunds on wrong/defective/broken items. Sometimes they don't even want the item back.

Lafitte is absolutely right:

Amazon merchants DO NOT want bad reviews.

I have bought several optics through Amazon, including my ATN Mk 390 Paladin and my ATN X-Sight. Packaging was always sufficient to prevent damage in transit. (Although built-like-a-tank ATN scopes may not be the best anecdotal sample for items surviving shipping!)

 

[hemiram]

I've never had anything that was worth anything come badly packed from Amazon. Stuff that costs less than the cost to pack and ship it, sure, but nothing over $10-12. The Nikon scope I bought last year came very well packed . It was double boxed and came in perfect condition.

 

[HexHead]

If it's ordered through Amazon, but fulfilled by a 3rd party, all bets are off. After several problems, I decided not to renew my Prime membership after 8 years.

As for scopes, the couple of times I thought about getting an optic through them, the shipper was Optics Planet. I always got a better deal going to Optics Planet's website and ordering from them directly. They are great to deal with.

 

[Sav .250]

Used Amazon on a lot of stuff. Delicate as well. No problems. Plus ,free shipping.

 

[dragon813gt]

Not sure if Amazon has reached the stage where they're actually making a profit yet, and their return policy may be one of the reasons why.

Really? They have surpassed Walmart in total volume. And Jeff Bezos recently became the third richest man in the world. They are making a profit. A very very healthy profit.

Amazon returns are simple. If you have the app on your phone you can do it all from it. I still prefer to talk to someone to have a return shipping label issued. You will get India but very rarely have I not been able to understand what they were saying. Call centers are par for the course but it warrants mentioning.

 

[Axis II]

I received my scope last night and it was shipped through the post office. you guys were right it was packed really good.

 

[Speedo66]

Really? They have surpassed Walmart in total volume. And Jeff Bezos recently became the third richest man in the world. They are making a profit. A very very healthy profit.

Yes, huge volume. Yes, Bezos' is wealthy because the stock is doing well. But are they actually making a profit?