What's the deal with Amazon returns? Faulty item delivered today.

[ekra]

I ordered a something for my dd's birthday next week and it arrived today. Luckily I opened it up just now and tried to assemble it. Actually, it just unfolds. I looked at the instructions (luckily!) to see how to unfold the back wheels and saw immediately that a piece of plastic is broken off. The piece of plastic is not even in the box so I'd guess someone had this item and returned it after they broke it. The item box is slightly torn.

If I had ordered it from a catalogue at least I'd have a customer services number and I could get a new one sent and get them to pick this one up.

What's the deal with Amazon? It looks like there is a one size fits all returns service and I have to go out of my way and expense to return the item. Is that right? I need a fast turnaround as her birthday is next Thursday.

I wonder why I bother to shop online if I now have to make a trip out to the post office and pay out more money.

I've returned things and they were good at refunding but it was a nightmare tracking down their tel no. I always like to speak to people in these situations and get a name. I think I had to resort to directory enquiries in the end.

go back to the website and visit the returns centre, you can print off a label so you don't have to pay postage.

I would order a replacement from somewhere else (with a phone number!), so you don't have to worry about getting it on time

I have returned a broken toy to amazon before - it was easy and straightforward
They just sent a new one out free of charge