Anyone bought from Alpha/Amarine on Ebay/Amazon?

[davidpbo]

It is not a company I have heard of, I want one of these an under the platform bathing ladder.

Has anyone bought one of these from them or indeed bought anything from them.

They appear to be based in China.

No problems, Just asking.

I've struggled to find a UK or EU source, if anyone has seen one I would appreciate a link please.

 

[rjcoles]

Have a look at:

http://www.cquip.com/shopsect_DH.php&subsect=Ladders

I've just fitted one under my new bathing platform.

 

[davidpbo]

Have a look at:

http://www.cquip.com/shopsect_DH.php&subsect=Ladders

I've just fitted one under my new bathing platform.

How many steps?

Any problems fitting it?

I wonder if they are all made in the same factory.

 

[davidpbo]

C Quip are apparently wholesalers.

I am taking a chance and ordering from AMarine via Amazon.

 

[nigelmercier]

I am taking a chance and ordering from AMarine via Amazon.

Never a "chance" from Amazon. Prices are normally low, and returns are easy and often free.

 

[davidpbo]

Never a "chance" from Amazon. Prices are normally low, and returns are easy and often free.

I've not bought very much via Amazon. Not sure whether I will be liable for customs and vat on this one.

 

[nigelmercier]

I've not bought very much via Amazon. Not sure whether I will be liable for customs and vat on this one.

On this: http://amzn.to/1nzsbRL ?

It doesn't say it is from overseas, but even so I've never been caught for tax on an Amazon purchase, like Amazon themselves

 

[Mistroma]

I've never had any real problems with Amazon either. I've seen people moan in reviews and just accepted a dud item without trying to return it. Don't understand that logic.

I did have an odd experience recently though. Ordered an electric toothbrush and got 2 telephones in error. Simple mistake, no problem.

Asked if I could return it and told I'd get a return label and reimbursed postage up to £4 odd, I think.
Called customer service to state I wanted it collected and wouldn't be paying anything for return of wrong item (Amazon's fault)
No problem, collection sorted for next day but refund would be a week or so as they couldn't re-order.
I said I was leaving UK shortly and it would be faster if they just sent the correct item so no refund required.
However, I was told that this wasn't an Amazon order. They kept the stock and sent it off but supplier was paid directly and send his stock to Amazon.
All a bit complicated so I got an immediate (2 days) refund and ordered it again from same supplier.
New toothbrush arrived and this one proved to be rubbish for making phone calls.
Unfortunately, it was also rubbish for tooth cleaning as it didn't work.
Back to customer services and this time they had to check with a supervisor who said that I couldn't return it as they had a "no returns policy for personal hygiene goods".
It made sense that I couldn't try a toothbrush and return it for a refund if I didn't like it. But the brushes were still sealed, the motor had never turned and it was clearly defective.
Amazon accepted that point and said they'd refund the cost and that I should just dispose of the toothbrush (very trusting of them).

However, bottom line is that I had a little hassle but never had any worry that I'd lose out financially. Amazon seem to be a safe bet but their customer services people can get a little confused sometimes over their own policies.

 

[Mistroma]

On this: http://amzn.to/1nzsbRL ?

It doesn't say it is from overseas, but even so I've never been caught for tax on an Amazon purchase, like Amazon themselves

Nigel, it does say that seller is based in Shanghai see Amazon data below.

Business Name: alfa marine (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
Business Type: Trade
Trade Register Number: 172249115
Business Address: unit 1208, Building C , Tomson Center,
158# zhangyang road
Shanghai
Shanghai
200122
CN

I did spot this with another item years ago when a friend wanted to buy a USB booster. I persuaded him to go elsewhere when I found that the Amazon seller was HK based (Lots of dodgy counterfeit ones from HK around at that time). I usually remember to check now before ordering.

 

[davidpbo]

The company's address is very definitely China. I am unclear about whether Amazon hold and despatch goods for other companies.

I have received notification that goods have been despatched, estimated delivery date 21st June to 12 th July. We will see what transpires.

 

[davidpbo]

The boarding ladder arrived today from China. 8 days after ordering so very pleased with that, no duty etc. to pay, looks to be good quality. I would like to see some nylon washers on the bolts which slide along the brackets to stop unnecessary scratching and the clip on the velcro retaining strap broke before use which I will tell supplier about.

It should be an easy fit to the wooden platforms which I have to remake anyway. If it doesn't bend with my weight on it, it should be a useful bit of kit. I got the four step version which gives about a metre under water. It is deployable from the water and should mean I can get up on to the boat using it whilst it is on the trailer.