Is anybody here familiar with Amazon's policies on taking back purchases that arrive in sub-par in quality? I have receieved stuff from them with minor imperfections before without being bothered, but my last order was in atrocious shape. The upper corner of the book was absolutely mangled and it was improperly bound in the first place - some of the pages are bent around inside the binding! Definitely not store quality. I mean, if I had bought it used from a third party seller, well, caveat emptor, but it was listed as new by Amazon.

And before anyone points it out, I could have gone to their site to get the official line on this, but I wanted to ask someone who has dealt with them before what I can expect. I am not interested in getting any money back so much as getting a copy of the book that is in acceptable condition. Am I going to have much luck with that?

I returned a pair of shoes bought from Amazon, it was pretty easy. Even though it was my fault (wrong size) and still got my money back. Just printed the return label and dropped it off at a UPS store.

If you are simply exchanging a book it should be even easier. Follow the links to return the item, answer to question for why you are returning it (damaged goods) and print the generated shipping label and mail it. Most items its a 30-day return policy for items fulfilled by Amazon. If an exchange option is available the item will be automatically sent to you at the same speed/method as the original. Just be sure to send back to original you don't get charged for it. If you cannot exchange, simply return and then make a new order.

That seems pretty easy; a pleasant surprise.