Ordering from Amazon's 3rd party supplier

[Wil Ferch]

OK....give me a hint here, as I don't buy from Amazon too often.

Wanted to buy a TurboTax home/business software CD from Intuit, initially. Retail is about $89. Then went to Amazon dot com and they had it for $69. Within their own add, they list "buy from these vendors either new or used from $28".... so I take a look.

A number of sources...and they don't seem to be "private parties" judging by their names... ( with great ratings, like 99+% and XOOO deals listed)...have this NEW...for $33 or so, claiming "unopened, in original wrapper, etc etc".....

What's the deal? Is it (maybe) missing the original box ( and still be "new/unopened", etc) and possible missing associated paperwork? Warranty papers for the software missing? Anything else to watch for?

What is the possible ( un-stated) downside to deals like this ???? If you're asking, yeah...I fell for it. Waiting for the package to arrive, hopefully with no bad surprises..but had to see for myself. Anyone have experiences along these lines ?

[kach22i]

I ordered a used book.

It came in the mail fast, no problems.

I think shipping was more than I paid for the book though.

[RickM]

AFAIK a seller can be an Amazon selling "partner", a listing advertiser or an individual. The partner has to live up to Amazon's code of ethics and will appear very similar to an Amazon direct transaction when a purchase is made.

The listed businesses and individuals are rated by past customers.

[VincentVega]

What out for shipping, it's not free as usual from Amazon.

I bought some software that way once. The CD came in an envelope, manual was on cd and prod key was printed on a address label.

Costco had/has a coupon for TurboTax recently.

[Steve Carlton]

This is eBay's new competition.

[Wil Ferch]

I knew about these guys being somehow on Amazon's approved vendor list and that certain codes of ethics applies. Also that you get an extra form of "protection" by buying from these 3rd party guys if you order via the Amazon "shopping cart" ( and not directly from the 3rd party).

I guess I'll wait and see what arrives and post back my findings....thanks, guys.

[tcar]

Done it a bunch of times. Excellent. Good prices, too.

Many things way out of print.

[RickM]

BTW, now that I think of it, I believe Amazon has switched their free shipping from UPS to USPS Parcel Post.....which I HATE. They are the slowest and most likely to incur damage.

Can anyone confirm.

[89911]

Buy from Amazon all the time. I prefer to always buy directly from them, but occasionally they don't have the item or someone does that is much lower in price (which doesn't happen too often). If its even close, I get it from Amazon direct. Never had a problem with any purchase from them over many years.

[Jeff Higgins]

I buy a lot of, let's say, somewhat less than "mainstream" books and videos from Amazon. The real oddballs come from these third party vendors. I have done this for years with no trouble whatsoever. Amazon monitors them very closely, and provides you with the opportunity to provide feedback on the vendor from who you received your item.