Re: Another option besides Amazon?

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I put a pencil to paper. The year's not half over, and I've had 77 orders. For us, the Prime membership including tax is $147.83. So far, that means shipping cost $1.92 per order no matter how physically large or small an item was. A patio rug shipped for that as well as some inexpensive insoles. By the end of the year, I will easily be down to less that a dollar per order to have something shipped. But since I have an Amazon Prime credit card, I get 5% back on every purchase, which more than pays for the membership. Plus there are a few shows we watch on Prime Video.

I compare online prices of Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc. to Amazon when ordering something. Many times, these retailers are the same price as Amazon but not always. When they are, I order from Amazon because of getting the 5% back. I find Amazon's prices better than most other retailers, but again...my mileage varies. And no one can argue with the wide variety of merchandise they offer. No retailer has a bigger inventory. And the free returns and 2-days shipping (for most items) cannot be beat. I'm having to return two things today. An expensive camera that would not connect to our wifi (I am tech savvy, so that is not the issue) and a bird feeder with a stripped attachment point. I'll just take them to Kohl's, and they'll package them, put the label on them, and return them for me. My account will be credited by this afternoon. The customer service at Amazon and by many of their sellers cannot be beat.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

Walmart seems to have good pricing.

My neighbors/friends order quite a bit and I add my requests onto their orders.

So far, saved me quite a bit of $$ without all of the 'hassle', etc.

Also, if and when necessary, clothing and other items can be returned in person to any Walmart.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

icezeus · ‎10-30-2010

I love Amazon, my spirit animal as I like to jokingly say. I have been a member for at least 20 years. The Prime membership of $139.00 plus tax, is well worth it. I order items every other week. So far this year I have purchased 23 items. I can have items delivered to my front door on my Amazon day that I selected, or to an Amazon Locker.

The few times that I have had to return an item. I simply head over to the UPS store that's about a mile from my home, drop it off, where the item is boxed and a label placed on it by the employees. The money is promptly put back into my account within the same day.

The selection is tremendous, and I have to say one of the biggest perks available. Do they always have the least expensive item. No, but sometimes it's the convenience factor for me.

The other perks, movies, shows, and books to purchase and download to my Kindle when I travel.

Well it's a lot of bang for my buck and well worth the money. IMO.

Trailrun23 · ‎05-31-2022

I am not a Prime member but shop on Amazon all the time and rarely ever pay shipping. Usually they offer free shipping that is several days rather than same or next day delivery with a Prime membership. Two days ago I ordered two eye drop products for DH; I could have had them in a few hours for free if Prime, but had to choose two day delivery for free. Sometimes it is a $35 minimum for free shipping, and other times certain items quality for free shipping. I don't know of any other place that does this. I am very happy using Amazon and abhor paying for shipping. Win-win for me. Even if you pay the Prime membership fee, if you order frequently it is well worth it compared to what most places are charging now.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

p.s.: I meant to also say that we've had zero problems (none) with Amazon. Lots of items and choices in all categories.

I mentioned Walmart as another excellent place to order and shop.

Everyone, have a pleasant, safe weekend and Monday.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

Etoile308 · ‎01-04-2014

Paying for Amazon Prime is no different than deciding if any retailer, or membership works for you. Just like some won't pay for a warehouse club, others see value in it.

Not everyone has a Whole Foods by them to make use of the Prime discount. If you regularly shop Whole Foods the savings can amount to the monthly cost of Prime. If you stream Prime shows or movies, or audios you can realize the savings. If you don't, then it's understandable not to want Prime.

I like that I can delay my deliveries by several days and receive digital credits to use towards movies that Prime carries for other platforms for a fee. (My deliveries never arrive with a two or three days anyway so I might as well have it workin my favor.)

Amazon is not the end all and be all, but it's a nice option that I find reliable.

CrazyDaisy · ‎03-20-2010

@icezeus wrote:
I love Amazon, my spirit animal as I like to jokingly say. I have been a member for at least 20 years. The Prime membership of $139.00 plus tax, is well worth it. I order items every other week. So far this year I have purchased 23 items. I can have items delivered to my front door on my Amazon day that I selected, or to an Amazon Locker.

The few times that I have had to return an item. I simply head over to the UPS store that's about a mile from my home, drop it off, where the item is boxed and a label placed on it by the employees. The money is promptly put back into my account within the same day.

The selection is tremendous, and I have to say one of the biggest perks available. Do they always have the least expensive item. No, but sometimes it's the convenience factor for me.

The other perks, movies, shows, and books to purchase and download to my Kindle when I travel.

Well it's a lot of bang for my buck and well worth the money. IMO.

I have also used their drop box delivery when out of town. Great service when you are not at a good delivery address.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.

Tiarosie · ‎06-12-2020

Almost ANY food will last long past that date! LOL Especially if it is a prepackaged food item! Read the label! Likely GMO anyway and full of all kinds of words you can't pronounce! No need for a refund. Just use it. Even dairy! I have light cream right now in my fridge with the date of 5/16 and it's still just fine! And that is a milk product.

NYCLatinaMe · ‎01-14-2017

@Nightowlz wrote:
Target & Wal-Mart. Pretty sure they both have free shipping on $35. Today it's easy to spend that.
Prime TV alone for streaming is $8.99 per month or $107.88 per year. That's included with Prime.
Just received a package today that took 4 days. It's supposed to be be 2 day shipping but that doesn't always happen.
I don't like that Amazon doesn't want to refund money on food. When I receive something that is open or damaged, almost out of date I want a refund?
We also don't have Whole Foods or Amazon stores so don't get those benefits.

@Nightowlz Amazon has given me a full refund every time it has sent me a bad food item, which is not often. No return of product, just a refund. Shop items where Amazon is the shipper. When the item is shipped directly by the vendor one has to deal with the vendor. If you pay by credit card you can dispute the charge. I have been successful every time I have disputed a charge,