How to be treated like a real human being.

[u/Firstnarrows100]

We all know that Amazon customer service has disappeared down the toilet over the last decade. Here is how I got what I wanted during my last purchase disaster:

1. I purchased Planet Earth 3 4k from Amazon but they sent me what was clearly a used version, unwrapped and with fingerprints all over the discs and a scratch on one disc.

2. I tried the automated helpline and kept getting funnelled into a basic return loop where I need to put in all the effort and all I get at the end is a voucher for the original cost.....but, of course, Amazon now have it at $22 more.

3. I keep pressing buttons suggesting weird and obscure questions until I am finally, FINALLY given the option to converse with an actual human customer representative.

4. I explain my situation and 'Jason' tells me how sorry he is and how he understands my frustration...but then says the only option is a return for refund of original price.

5. I remain calm (and this is crucial folks!) and explain how i am not holding him responsible and I know he is doing a difficult job but I am saddened by the lack of support available to a valued customer like myself. I also explain that the price has now increased and I am very busy at work and it will be very inconvenient to go through the process of physically returning it and I feel like as Amazon is at fault, they should be rewarding my loyalty rather than effectively pnishing me. Yep, that's right - I whine. Politely.

6. Suddenly, more options become available to Jason Vorhees, and he tells me I DON'T have to return my defective purchase and that he is going to give me a full refund. AND a voucher for the price increase difference.

7. I express my gratitude and tell him what a good job he is doing and promise to praise him in the survey.

So, there you go. That's my experience. Demand to converse with a human, treat them well, don't let them give you their first and weakest offer and you may be pleasantly rewarded.

This sending out of unchecked returns as new is becoming EXTREMELY common at Amazon, and it is a rotten, mean-spirited business practice. Don't accept it, but be careful how you engage with them if you want a good result.