Amazon.com – Is This the Place to Buy Your Next Drone?
August 22, 2018Amazon.com has become to go-to place for online shopping. From daily necessities to electronics and beyond, you can usually find what you’re looking for here. Amazon.com is not the only place to find drones online so the question is “Is this the place to buy your next drone?”.
This post is the third in a series, reviewing options to choose from when purchasing your drone. So far we’ve reviewed Dynnex Drones and ordering directly from DJI. Let’s see how Amazon fares.
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Table of Contents
What does Amazon.com Offer?
I have to say this is where Amazon.com really shines. They pretty much offer everything. From drones, accessories, bags and 3D printed add-ons to anything else drone related, chances are, Amazon.com has it available for purchase. When compared to DJI or Dynnex Drones, Amazon.com offers a lot more selection. DJI focuses on their own offerings and Dynnex Drones leans more toward drones, drone packages and the higher-end ($$) accessories. Amazon.com, on the other hand, offers the same as the others but also offers non-DJI branded products (beating DJI in this category) and the lower-cost accessories such as extra props and what not and so on (besting the selection options of Dynnex Drones).
If you’re looking for drone accessories check out my DJI Mavic Pro Accessories – The Must Haves post. It focuses on accessories for the Mavic Pro but many will also work with, or have versions for, other drones.
Why Choose Amazon.com Over Someone Else?
There are a few reasons to consider Amazon.com over other options:
- Convenience – Maybe you’re an Amazon Prime member and want to take advantage of that free shipping (if the order qualifies).
- Financial – Perhaps you have some Amazon.com gift cards burning a hole in your virtual pocket or the Amazon.com credit card that needs a little love.
- Return Policy – Amazon.com has one of the best no-hassle return policies you can find. I recently redid my kitchen and most of my accessories from faucet to lighting came from Amazon.com. During that period there was a lot of buy and return action as I tried to find the perfect fit for the new-look.
- Stock – It can be as simple as them simply having what you want in stock. Many times, when you’re looking for that just-released item, you can find it in-stock from one of the sellers on Amazon.com when other options are currently out of stock.
- Package Options – As I mentioned, Amazon.com offers drones, drone packages, done accessories and so much more. You may find a package containing most, if not everything, you’re looking for as a single purchase option or at least be able to find it all and add it to a single transaction through Amazon.com vs having to piece it all together and make multiple transactions elsewhere.
When Should I Not Choose Amazon.com?
Believe it or not, there are times when you may not want to order from Amazon.com. Here are some reasons to consider ordering elsewhere:
Stock – If it’s out of stock and you need it now. If you find it somewhere else and they have it in stock, grab it while you can. There’s no way to really tell when Amazon.com will have it back in stock.
Financial – If you have credit with another supplier, and it will save you some cash, grab it there.
Seller Concern – It should be noted that just because it’s listed on Amazon.com doesn’t mean it’s actually sold by or fulfilled by Amazon.com. Amazon.com does a lot to vet their sellers but, on occasion, you can find a bad apple. Make sure to check the seller and verify how the orders are fulfilled (i.e. Orders Fulfilled by Amazon vs Sold by Bob and Mary from Idaho, etc.). Checking reviews of the sellers as well as the item being purchased may be helpful in making a decision. Just keep in mind that a low number of reviews may indicate a new seller or new item and may not give you a realistic impression. Sellers and items with numerous reviews tend to be more reliable.
Can I Get it Cheaper Somewhere Else?
It’s possible. It’s also possible to find it cheaper on Amazon.com itself. What? I can find it cheaper than Amazon.com on Amazon.com? Yes…
One of the advantages, and disadvantages, of buying through Amazon.com is there are multiple sellers and multiple listings for the same items. Don’t just click buy from the first match you find. Look around, sort by price, compare package offerings and so on. You may find one seller offering the same package or one very close for less. Just be sure to compare the following:
- Price – Is it a better deal?
- Package Contents – Are you comparing apples to apples?
- Fulfillment – Who fills this order?
- Stock – Is it in stock?
- Location – Is it coming from a nearby location or another continent?
- Reviews – Are there more than a handful? Are they primarily positive?
Before buying on Amazon.com, make sure you’ve checked your other sources as well. Every now and then you might find a great deal, sale or even discount code offered elsewhere. One example is the $10 discount code I offer in my Dynnex Drones post. It’s not a huge savings but $10 is $10.
Conclusion
Amazon.com is a great option for your next drone purchase. With excellent package offerings, an enormous selection of drones, accessories and sellers, great return policy and reputation, it really is a one-stop shop for most of your drone needs. Is this the place to buy your next drone? Before you make your decision, perform a quick search and see what they have to offer. Maybe you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs in a single purchase.
Have you purchased a drone or drone accessories from Amazon.com in the past? Interacted with them and want to share your experience? Did I miss something you think should be included in this post? Let me know by commenting below.
If you’ve decided that Amazon.com is the place for you, please consider using the links below when placing your order. You don’t need to necessarily purchase the item linked to but, if you follow the link and then place an order, I will receive credit for referring you:
Thank you,
Scott Hinkle
MavicManiacs.com
Thank you for explaining how to look for other bargains on Amazon, not just to buy the first one you see. This is another think I had no notion of. In future I will be much more aware and look out for their bargains and also to see where the products are coming from. I would be more than happy to buy it direct from Amazon.
Drones are such fascinating things and I don’t wonder at the interest they hold for so many. There seems to be a bit of controversy about the use of them in certain areas, especially around the airports etc. Am sure all this will be sorted out in future. They seem to have a number of uses, would love that my groceries could be delivered by drone. Does that happen?
Thanks for commenting…
If you go with fulfilled by Amazon, you can’t go wrong…that said there are many other companies the fulfill orders just fine, without issue. Then again there are some that are more fly-by-night, if you know what I mean.
Actually drone deliveries are being tested right now. Amazon has even been toying with the notion. I also saw some video of UPS doing the same. It is definitely an interesting time, especially for drone enthusiasts.
Thanks again!
I buy nearly everything on Amazon these days. As a prime member you get quick free shipping and most products do you have a 30 day moneyback guarantee.
These drones look very interesting and would make a Great holiday gift as well.
Living in New York City, have a drone would be cool to shot some great film footage. I’ll be researching the drones some and more deciding on which one to get soon.
Thanks for your expertise and advice. Talk to you soon.
Amazon tends to be my go-to place for most things as well.
Make sure that you research rules and regulations in the areas you plan to fly. I’d hate for you to buy a drone only to realize you can’t fly it or worse yet, get in trouble for flying it where you shouldn’t.
If you’re in the market, DJI makes some great drones with features you just don’t see elsewhere. Check out my DJI Mavic – Which One to Choose post for a nice comparison of the Mavic family.
This article is was interesting! I have heard of drones before but never thought to purchase one. They seem awfully big for my small apartment. I will take a look at Amazon to get an idea of what these things cost. I like the way that your website is formatted. You seem to have a good use of images.
Thank you,
I highly recommend against flying indoors, at least at first. Practice in a wide, open area and get the basics down before moving to more advanced terrain.