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Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

fullstackeconomics.com

171–180 of 238 posts

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#171

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I prioritize a locally owned store if possible, second option is a reputable specialty web store that specializes in the kind of item I want. Serious question, how do you find reputable specialty web stores nowadays? (for items which are not your professional specialty, i.e. when you don't have direct knowledge of the market or trusted contacts that can recommend those for you). Trying to google for items of medium…

B&H - general electronics, tax-free Headphones.com - headphones, tax-free Drop.com - general hobbyist goods DigiKey/Mouser - miscellaneous parts Your local bougie salon - high-quality body products (bodywash, hairspray, etc) Bed Bath and Beyond - bedding and bath products Design within Reach - furniture Ubiquiti - wireless APs, PoE switches, and the nicest Ethernet cables I've ever used ProtectLi - firewalls Crowdsup…

> Ubiquiti - wireless APs, PoE switches, and the nicest Ethernet cables I've ever used

Haven't they been having issues recently?

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#172
post #105
post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have been fighting with Amazon on a review for a product I bought and returned for weeks now. The manufacture is trying to bribe me to remove my review (offering me multiple times what I paid for it at this point). I have been trying to update my review to reflect that but it keeps being denied but I am not being told why. It is very frustrating that these companies are able to deceive customers through reviews.

Anything related to the seller is not accepted as part of the product review (which makes some sense in most cases, since one product can be offered by multiple sellers).

Yeah I can see why that makes sense as a blanket rule most of the time.

I feel like in this case I am likely calling out the manufacture, but I am not entirely sure.

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#173
Yep. I’ve completely stopped using Amazon and I plan on cancelling Prime soon. The only thing I still sometimes buy on Amazon is books.

At this point I only buy things directly from the manufacturer or a listed authorized specialist retailer, and only from brands I have strong evidence are BIFL quality. So much of the stuff in the world is garbage.

The one thing I’ve yet to find BIFL quality options is daily wear clothing. At least some clothing articles do have options though.

Amazon is just a dumping ground for the worst of Chinese garbage. Almost nothing on the site is of even acceptable quality. It’s really unfortunate, I used to love using Amazon as a customer.

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#175

I wish I could say I stopped buying things off Amazon for ethical reasons, but the truth is, I stopped buying because if you look closely at the reviews, you realize that almost everything for sale there is now a scam or a knock-off. This was a slow creep for awhile, but now the problem has grown exponentially. Amazon is what Canal Street was in the 90s - somewhere to buy fakes, stolen goods, and electronics that mig…

What's different from the third-world market is Amazon has a consumer-friendly return policy with 100% refund.

But yes, I'd rather buy the same products from my local Walmart or AliExpress at a lower cost.

In my view knockoffs/replicas/dupes are fine as long as merchants aren't lying about it (the same applies to "IP theft").

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#176

Solution? Allow filtering reviews in last 7, 30, 60, 90 days (reviews in last 7 days might show 2.5 of 5 stars, e.g.)

That would be very nice to have. However, in case you are unaware you can sort by most recent reviews although that is not a perfect solution by any means.

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#177
post #166

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Could you please share a couple of scams/knock-offs from Amazon? I would like to know what to avoid, otherwise your below quote is rather incendiary. > Amazon is what Canal Street was in the 90s - somewhere to buy fakes, stolen goods, and electronics that might catch fire.

I bought a Kershaw Leek from the Kershaw store on Amazon last month. I received a knife that was clearly used, it was dull, dirty, and scratched.

I bought fake Scotch-Brite sponges, fake Brawny paper towels and Gildan t-shirts that bled like crazy and faded after one wash. I now refuse shop at Amazon.

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#178
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or Amazon will prevent you from posting the critical review in the first place.

I haven't had this one happen!

I also have not had this. But a critical review of Dell monitor got deleted after a few months.

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#179
post #115

It feels like Amazon is at a place where eBay was about, what, a decade ago? At least from a shopper point of view. In other words it feels like you're overwhelmed by choice but much of that choice makes you feel uneasy. It seems to be full of dodgy sellers using questionable practices like those described in the post, the feedback (review) system is utterly broken, getting in touch with a real person is near impossi…

I haven’t personally had any of these problems with Amazon, other than prices being higher for any name brand household items than if you just get them at a local supermarket or retail store. But from people online who do experience these issues with Amazon, I’ve heard some sentiment that eBay is actually better now in this regard.

Re: Amazon still isn't doing enough to stop bait-and-switch reviews

#180

I wish I could say I stopped buying things off Amazon for ethical reasons, but the truth is, I stopped buying because if you look closely at the reviews, you realize that almost everything for sale there is now a scam or a knock-off. This was a slow creep for awhile, but now the problem has grown exponentially. Amazon is what Canal Street was in the 90s - somewhere to buy fakes, stolen goods, and electronics that mig…

> Amazon has no interest in fixing this problem

I’d add the word “yet” to the end of this statement. Many people I know have started to buy from online places like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Newegg, and B&H Photo when possible, and only use Amazon in a time crunch or when the product can’t be found in stock.

I would encourage everyone who is frustrated by this Amazon problem to not only do the same, but also to encourage your friends to do so as well..

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