Ordering from Amazon is like gambling. Will you receive a genuine product as pictured or described, or a broken out-of-the box piece of crap? Only Jeff knows!

I'd rather buy from a local electronics retailer. Sure, might be a few bucks more expensive, but at least they have a brick-and-mortar location where I can come and complain if the products suck.

The problem I have is that other retailers tend to be more awkward about returns, whereas Amazon have never questioned them, even when the manufacturer has refused a repair[1]. It feels more like a case of pick your poison, rather than having an overall better alternative.

[1] A fairly expensive pair of headphones failed 18 months into a two year warranty, but the manufacturer put it down to (IIRC) wear and tear. I contacted Amazon, and they agreed to swap them for a new pair.