This is a risk Amazon assumes, by offering products that customers cannot see in-person before purchasing. There is no substitute for actually handling the product, and Amazon can't exist if people are reluctant to purchase items for this reason. While returns may cost Amazon, they are essential to convincing customers it's ok to by unseen merchandise. Think Zappos (also an Amazon company).

Sure. Since the customer cannot inspect the item, as he could in a store, the legislative decided that the next best way to let him inspect what he's getting is free returning.

It got a bit less attractive a few years ago, now the seller doesn't have to pay the postage if the item is less than 40 Euros (and some minor otehr requirements).

I often see that with reviews by US photographers who will order several copies of a lens to test and return all except the best copy. To eliminate sample variation.

Or order several different types of camera bag to try, and keep one.

To a UK reader that sort of generosity seems completely contrary to the way US companies are usually run and I'm not surprised they're tightening the rules.

See https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/gua...