I have a similar mindset. I don't know anyone who thinks Amazon has the best prices, I'm happy to pay a little extra for the convenience and quality of service.
Case in point, I bought a new router from Amazon last week. When I got it I realised I'd made a mistake (I'd chosen one without an ADSL modem). I fill in a simple online form to get the return label, return it via Collect+ (it's a service in the UK for collecting parcels from local stores) and Amazon process my refund whilst the item was in transit (before the item got back to their warehouses). This is typical of their customer service, it's really second to none (in my experience).
I've never had any trouble returning anything to Amazon in the US.
They refunded my money on an accidentally purchased Amazon instant video with no trouble as well.
And they've waive charges at AWS too when warranted to keep customers happy. Keep lowering the prices and upgrading the hardware without being asked too.
Amazon is not the cheapest. Amazon is trusted and easy to deal with. And you can't find a comparable service for the same price.
Apart from the refund before the item was returned, this is pretty much standard procedure in europe, as in a consumer right by law - you always have 14 day return period at any online store. Sure, amazon extends their grace period (30 days, right?) - other than that it's really nothing special.
Nothing special from a legal standpoint, but it's all about how easy they make it. I have bought from other online retailers, and whilst the experiences haven't been bad, they still aren't quite as slick compared to Amazon. I can't really point to anything in particular that will convince you, it's just that the whole process is painless and easy, not just for the basics (purchasing) but for everything.
Aside from the 'refund before the item was returned' example, I could also point to when I'd had to speak to Amazon customer support before, all done through instant messaging on the website with one of their team. Resolved within minutes. Contrast with other retailers where there's a back and forth with emails. Again, not horrible with other retailers, but the Amazon experience was more streamlined.
It's fine, I didn't try to nitpick. No need to convince me - I like their service too. Though you'd be surprised how many people don't know that the return option is available everywhere.
Similar experience, with a full refund before the item was returned.
I don't know about the US but you don't get anywhere near this kind of service with any other UK retailer.
Have you tried similar returns with other products? Your description just sounds (to me) like Amazon are compliant with English distance selling law, and not that they were particularly good.
Yes, I've tried other online retailers in the past (including returns IIRC), and I'm sure I will in the future too.
It's not about just following the letter of the law, it's about the small details that add up to a better experience, that's what I was trying to get across.
Case in point, I bought a new router from Amazon last week. When I got it I realised I'd made a mistake (I'd chosen one without an ADSL modem). I fill in a simple online form to get the return label, return it via Collect+ (it's a service in the UK for collecting parcels from local stores) and Amazon process my refund whilst the item was in transit (before the item got back to their warehouses). This is typical of their customer service, it's really second to none (in my experience).