Do NOT buy directly from Netgear.com

Netgear has refused to refund my $689 after returning the item. The item was sealed and unopened. I returned in the same bubble mailer it came in and closely following their RMA instructions, using their contracted carrier (Fedex) and return shipping label they provided. The tracking shows it was received. They claim the package was empty when they received it and denied my refund and told me to contact Fedex. I filed a claim with Fedex and they denied the claim. I am out $689. Why should I be liable for this loss when I followed Netgear's instructions, used their contracted carrier and the return label they sent me? There was no option to return to a local store. What did I do wrong that I should be liable for the loss? It's not like I chose to use my own carrier. Do NOT buy directly from Netgear.com or this can happen to you too. If you buy from them and something goes wrong beyond your control, they will not guarantee their sales process.