1. Guaranteed RMA and Authenticity
One of the biggest advantages of purchasing from an official distributor is the assurance that you can request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) if something goes wrong with your device. Authorized distributors have the exclusive right to process RMA requests with MikroTik. If you purchase from a seller on Amazon who isn’t an official distributor, you won’t have this option, even if the device is genuine. This leaves you stuck with a defective product and no recourse for replacement or repair.
Consider a real-life scenario where a customer bought a MikroTik device from a reseller on Amazon. When they encountered issues with the IP Cloud DNS service, they reached out to MikroTik support. Unfortunately, MikroTik informed them that the device was not of legal origin, likely meaning it was stolen or unauthorized. As a result, the customer couldn’t use the device and couldn’t get a refund from Amazon since the purchase was over 24 months old. This example underscores the risks of buying from unauthorized sellers on Amazon, where you might end up with a stolen or counterfeit product that cannot be serviced or replaced.
2. Scams and Counterfeit Products on Amazon
Amazon is well-known for its share of scams, and MikroTik products are no exception. Many customers unknowingly purchase counterfeit or stolen devices that may function temporarily but later cause serious problems, such as the inability to update firmware or access MikroTik services. These devices are often sold by unauthorized sellers on Amazon, significantly increasing the risk to your network’s security. By contrast, purchasing directly from an authorized distributor ensures you receive a genuine, fully supported product.
3. Support and RMA Challenges with Non-Local Distributors
Even if you purchase from an authorized distributor through Amazon, problems can arise if that distributor is not local. According to MikroTik’s RMA policy, any support or RMA requests must be directed to the original distributor. This means you must ship the defective device back to the foreign distributor at your own expense, which can often exceed the cost of the device itself. Additionally, time zone differences and the complexities of dealing with foreign distributors can make getting support a frustrating and lengthy process. Amazon’s customer service won’t help in these situations; you’ll need to handle everything through the distributor, adding further complications.
