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Ask HN: Will Amazon profit here?

by Throwawayh89 on 6/3/23, 7:15 PM with 1 comments

On a whim I bought a $1,100 49" ultra wide curved monitor off Amazon.

The minute I put it on my desk I learned two things: 1. This is RIDICULOUSLY large and I'm sending it back. 2. I do want a new monitor, just not one this big (like a wide curved monitor better than two split and a better monitor is easier on my eyes).

The monitor I ultimately buy will end up being around $500. To get me to do it they had to ship a 40lb box three times l and at best resell the first one as open box for ~$400 less (30%).

At the end of the day, will Amazon end up making a profit here?

  • by dangitnotagain on 6/3/23, 9:19 PM

    On you, money will be lost, either by Amazon or whoever the actual vendor may be. Overall however, money will be made.

    On a good month I spend $1,000 - $2,000 through Amazon, (with only occasional returns). I do this because it is infinitely easier than messing with individual vendors, and I know I can make returns no questions asked, without a pain in the arse.

    These losses average out as well as reduced from their tax bill.

    One of those “net gain” considerations.