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by ChrisMarshallNY 1480 days ago
I've gotten a graymarket webcam (Chinese version 930c, when I ordered a 930e), when ordering from the "Logitech" store, on Amazon.

When I returned it, I stated that I'd better get a 930e as a replacement, but the vendor (not Logitech -quelle surprise) told me that I would get a 930c, so I cancelled the order, and got one directly from the Logitech site (It was a bit more expensive, but not crazy more).

When I reported it, Amazon rejected my (polite, detailed, and backed up with photographs) reports on the product page, and ignored my reports to them. I would not be surprised if the item is still being sold as a 930e (it's not), and as being sold by Logitech (it's not).

I did mention it to Logitech, but they basically told me that Amazon is an 800-lb gorilla, and that they weren't gonna raise a stink (not in exactly those words).

2 comments

Luckily the exchange worked. Last time I had a fake on ebay they took my money, asked me to ship the product back and never refunded me. Ebay plays innocent and incapable to do anything.
I won’t use eBay for exactly that reason. I have heard the same story, frequently.

Amazon’s used marketplace has similar issues, but Amazon enforces refunds. I once brought a typewriter that was used, but advertised as “like new.”

What I got was broken (shipped loose, in a cardboard box), and filthy (it literally looked like someone puked on the keyboard).

I did get a refund, but the vendor ghosted me. I had to exercise Amazon’s guaranteed refund. Once I started that, the vendor contacted me, and I was able to return the item (packed better than they did), and get a refund.

My father got scammed in much the same way years ago, bought an iPhone, WiFi worked but not the cellular radio, eBay sided with the seller.

Because Amazon's so bad as everyone is detailing here I have started buying much less expensive stuff on eBay where I'd only buy it on Amazon from a 3rd party seller that ships direct, things like books and CDs. Have had uniformly good experiences without paying as much to pass through to Amazon vs. eBay.

I just checked. Yup. It’s still being sold as a 930e[0]. It does mention that it’s not being sold by Logitech, in very small text.

Note the ridiculously low price (it has dropped quite a bit, since my experience, last year). I suspect a number of folks are happy with the Chinese version. Caveat emptor. Lots of apps and drivers can’t figure out what the camera is, and forget firmware or driver updates; let alone support.

To be fair, a couple of the 1-star comments are being listed at the top, warning of the scam, but the item has a couple of thousand “five-star” reviews.

[0] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CES5A60