Issue returning an item to Amazon- please help

[Muttley]

Hi guys,

Sorry about the long story but I would really appreciate your advice...

About a month back, unknowing that you needed special clearance/courier etc, I ordered 3 sets of Trijicon HD Night Sights for a Glock Firearm for myself and 2 of my mates from Amazon and had them sent to my Aramex (aramexglobalshopper.com) address in New York.

When the package arrived, Aramex informed me that they are unable to transport the items as they're a hazardous material (again I didn't know that this was the case).
I contacted Amazon to tell them that I need to return the items to them. Their online chat agent said that it was no issue- he arranged a full refund on my card and said that Amazon would collect them from Aramex in New York. I then assumed that they had collect the parcel.

I was contacted by Aramex on Friday asking me to please supply them with an address for Amazon so that they could return the parcel as Amazon will not be allowed to collect the parcel from their warehouse.

I contacted Amazon and they now told me that I cannot return such items (no where on checkout etc did it mention this) and secondly that they can't give me a return address.

Aramex said that they have no issue in returning the parcel but I can't get an address out of Amazon. They also informed me that if they cannot return the parcel by the 29th of November, they have to destroy the parcel.

I feel that I've tried everything to remedy the situation but not sure what to do.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

[saor]

Their online chat agent said that it was no issue- he arranged a full refund on my card and said that Amazon would collect them from Aramex in New York.

I contacted Amazon and they now told me that I cannot return such items (no where on checkout etc did it mention this)

Are you 100% about that? Their support is unlikely to provide such conflicting information.

 

[Muttley]

Are you 100% about that? Their support is unlikely to provide such conflicting information.

Yup- I even have a screen grab...

 

[SauRoNZA]

Is it "such" items or rather the fact that it's outside the 30 day regular refund policy?

 

[Muttley]

Is it "such" items or rather the fact that it's outside the 30 day regular refund policy?

It's due to the product itself...

I notified Amazon almost immediately, so approx 5 days after I found out that it was an issue.

 

[PhireSide]

I wonder if the tritium in the items set off some sort of scanner on Aramex side

 

[Muttley]

I wonder if the tritium in the items set off some sort of scanner on Aramex side

Eish.. I have no idea.
Apparently glow in the dark watches are made from the same substance and it's not an issue to fly them in.

 

[saor]

I'd contact Amazon again just to confirm the item cannot be returned. Explain the situation to whoever helps you and maybe they're able to assist.

 

[SauRoNZA]

It's due to the product itself...

I notified Amazon almost immediately, so approx 5 days after I found out that it was an issue.

But they've already refunded you? Or did they reverse that as well?

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

I wonder if the tritium in the items set off some sort of scanner on Aramex side

No, you need a license to export any firearms or firearm accessories out of the US, nothing to do with the Tritium.

OP if you have the refund just tell aramex to destroy the parcels. I had the same issue(not with firearm accessories but other packages deemed "hazardous"), amazon refunded me and aramex kept the parcels.

 

[Muttley]

Thanks for all the feedback-

I just spoke to Aramex- they've indicated that they can send the parcel to someone who lives in the USA and I actually know someone who may be able to put it in their suitcase (not carry on)- will this be a problem?

 

[Avenue]

If you need special clearance then the person may not be happy to "smuggle" them out. What you could do is get them to hold them for you and then just sell them on ebay. Mark them as brand new, unopened. knock a few buck off and you should be able to get rid of them.
If you received mixed feedback from amazon, then I would just try again. You may get someone who can help you again.

 

[crackersa]

Thanks for all the feedback-

I just spoke to Aramex- they've indicated that they can send the parcel to someone who lives in the USA and I actually know someone who may be able to put it in their suitcase (not carry on)- will this be a problem?

there may be laws against exporting items like that. have your friend check.....so they don't end up in jail.

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

there may be laws against exporting items like that. have your friend check.....so they don't end up in jail.

OP needs to google "ITAR", as I said you need an export license for almost any firearm accesories.

If customs in the states finds them they will be confiscated at a minimum, there are possibly more penalties.

Getting them in to SA is easy, there's no restrictions but duties/VAT will apply.

 

[Muttley]

If you need special clearance then the person may not be happy to "smuggle" them out. What you could do is get them to hold them for you and then just sell them on ebay. Mark them as brand new, unopened. knock a few buck off and you should be able to get rid of them.
If you received mixed feedback from amazon, then I would just try again. You may get someone who can help you again.

Thanks..

I've found out that I need special clearance. I reckon I'm going to try 1 last time with Amazon- if I have no luck then so be it.