Netgear requiring consumer to pay to ship defective unit back for working unit.

[Slono]

So Netgear has deemed that one of my units has defective hardware and is willing to send me a working unit.  The only problem is that it seems like I am responsible for shipping it back to them out of my own pocket.  In other words, Netgear is telling me to pay more for buying their own defective product.  Not only do they want me to ship using a tracking number, meaning I cannot ship using the most economical shipping service, but they state that they are not responsible for any problems that may occur to the unit in transit.  I am fully put off by this, as I feel penalized for buying a very expensive product and trusting in it.  Here are the selections during the shipping options in the RMA process:

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The following Shipping options are applicable to VMC4030 in Canada (NA).

Standard Swap Exchange - (North America only) This shipping option allows you to return the defective unit to the RMA fulfillment center. As soon as the fulfillment center receives the defective product, a replacement unit is shipped out in one business day via ground services. Customers are responsible for the shipping charges when shipping the unit back to NETGEAR. We suggest using a carrier that provides tracking information. NETGEAR is not responsible for packages lost in transit to NETGEAR. The replacement product is shipped by ground with shipping charges prepaid.	Free of charge
Advance Ground - Home Products - (North America only) The RMA fulfillment center will ship the replacement unit via ground before receipt of defective item, based on product availability. Your order must be received before 7 PM Eastern Standard Time. A prepaid shipping label will be included with your replacement unit. You will be charged a flat fee of $16.90 for Home Products and $19.90 for Business Products for this service option. You must return the failed product to the RMA fulfillment center within 10 business days of receiving the product. If you fail to return the product within 10 business days, you will be billed the current list price.	USD 16.90
Advance Next Business Day - Home Products - (North America only) For extra cost, Advance Priority allows you to receive the replacement unit the next business day, based on product availability. Your RMA number must be issued before 7 PM Eastern Standard Time. Along with the replacement unit, a prepaid shipping label will be included. Use the prepaid shipping label to return the defective product to the RMA fulfillment center. You must return the defective product within 10 business days of receipt of replacement product. If you fail to return the product within 10 business days, you will be billed the current list price. When your replacement part is shipped, your credit card will be charged for the amount below. You will be charged a flat fee of $29.90 for Home Products and $49.90 for Business Products for this service option.	USD 29.90

Any thoughts and opinions on this matter are greatly appreciated.  I have emailed Netgear back asking them to clarify and confirm my worst fears.  I will update with their response.

[JamesC]

Slono,

I have reviewed your case and it appears an agent has reached out to you regarding your concern. Please refer to your open support case for more information.

JamesC