Amazon warranty question

[gordonv]

I usually don't think of warranty until I have an issue, but since what I'm looking at buying is a China manufactured item, and costs a fair amount of coin, I would ask here.

I need a replacement alternator. Used S&H $100+. New, $100+. The one I decided on was the OEM clone 55A one for $120 USD. Since new alts are all (most) made in China, what does it really matter, even one from Honda would be the same one, but cost 3x more.

From the reviews online, and posts here, there are good ones and bad ones, it's all a hit or miss. So now the question.

How does Amazon work, with regards to the warranty?

Amazon sells/ship the item?

3rd party sells/ship the item?

Extra 1 yr warranty?

I figure Amazon managing the whole sale would be easier, they have more to loose. They would most likely charge me for another, ship, and when the item is returned, refund the 2nd purchase. Might be nice when on the road somewhere broken down.

3rd party, would Amazon help me with a warranty issue?

[9Ball]

I avoid third party sellers on Amazon.  I’ve had two returns go south on motorcycle tires.  Tires were old date code and when returned it was on my dime and then 20% restocking fee.  Almost cheaper to just throw the tires away.  Lost too much money.

Since then I don’t deal with third party sellers.

Your luck may be better than mine but I would advise against it.

Good luck...

[hubcapsc]

I've shopped for stuff on Amazon for a long time now and have had
several reasons to return stuff, pretty much all good experiences...
On several occasions I've asked questions about stuff weeks or
months after purchase that resulted in brand new replacements
showing up at my door. I don't know if they do everyone that way
or if they have a computer algorithm that indicates "this account buys
lots of stuff and doesn't generally cause trouble..."? There is
certainly a difference between Amazon and their resellers.

-Mike

[9Ball]

There’s a noticeable difference between Amazon Prime and Amazon third party sellers regarding returns, exchanges, and refunds.

Amazon refers you to deal with the third party sellers for issues; whereas, if it is sold directly by Amazon, then returns and refunds are no hassle and fast.

Amazon Prime is definitely the way to go as long as they carry the products.

[carolinarider09]

Just had my first return for a product from Amazon.  It was from a Third Party.  Order six bulbs, two were correct style and wattage, four were wrong style and wattage. 

Clicked on return, filled out the blanks, got a return authorization and mailing label.  Only problem, is the mailing label, both on line and via email, is too large for the box and the label breaks across the page so, I asked them to sent me a label.  Costs $1.  Have to wait and see if the mailed label is the same.

In other words, the box is like 4x5x4 and the label is 8 1/2 x 11 and I don't see any way of shirking it.

Other wise it was simple and works.  I am an Amazon Prime member. 

I would rather buy things locally but some things are much harder to find locally.

[Cracker Jack]

Just had my first return for a product from Amazon.  It was from a Third Party.  Order six bulbs, two were correct style and wattage, four were wrong style and wattage. 

Clicked on return, filled out the blanks, got a return authorization and mailing label.  Only problem, is the mailing label, both on line and via email, is too large for the box and the label breaks across the page so, I asked them to sent me a label.  Costs $1.  Have to wait and see if the mailed label is the same.

In other words, the box is like 4x5x4 and the label is 8 1/2 x 11 and I don't see any way of shirking it.

Other wise it was simple and works.  I am an Amazon Prime member. 

I would rather buy things locally but some things are much harder to find locally.

Maybe repack in a bigger box.

[RudyF6]

I would only buy an item I was concerned with warranty on if it was sold and shipped by Amazon.
I've had good (mostly) and bad experiences with 3rd party sellers.