Community Chat

[Spurt]

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@patbz wrote:

I've been a Prime member since the beginning; as I'm rural I buy ALOT from them ( minimum 300 orders a year) and we watch Prime sometimes.  I've saved way more than the annual fee in gasoline savings ( not to mention my time).  We also have multiple Amazon devices ( Fire tablets plus a full range of Echo devices) and we stream their (free)music during meal prep and all night. I love Amazon!

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@patbz 

Yep, your right it is worth it for people that live in rural areas.....

[BlueFinch]

@millieshops We have to remember, that Ammy started off really slow.  In fact, they started with books. They became everyone's bookstore, slowly evolving over the years, into much more. And, much of their success has been through prompt delivery services and broad range of products, which shoppers demand. We're a changing society that seeks immediate gratification .

I don't think there's a hidden agenda mentioning Ammy. I think comparing and contrasting business practices and successes is always going to happen.

For many, there's serious room for improvement, or they will go under.  We've seen this far too often. And, I absolutely hate seeing it. I SO miss my retailers that couldn't keep up. 

[Spurt]

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@Lipstickdiva wrote:

I totally and wholeheartedly agree with Spurt and I know we've had this discussion before about all this.  I laugh when people talk about the "free shipping" from Amazon when in fact you are prepaying for your s/h by paying for Prime.  

The other thing is, you really, really have to watch fake products on Amazon, even those fulfilled by Amazon.

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@Lipstickdiva 

And you are right about "fake products"....I was a victim of bait and switch---I purchased what was pictured and specifically described as a named brand item, but what I got was an item that the Dollar Store wouldnt even sell....one reason Im not an Amazon fan.....and there have other bad experiences too....

And with Amazon putting a lot of stores out of business less competition means higher prices for us all .......

[stevieb]

Say what you will about Amazon and quite honestly my experience has been mixed, though mostly positive, but during this pandemic, I feel I've gotten my prime dollar's worth. I've ordered a lot for delivery and that has kept me from having to go out to stores to shop. I also have been able to get masks, cleaners, and paper products when they weren't generally available. While I do sometimes think Amazon is overextending themselves, probably leading to more glitches, so far, I have no heinous complaints.

Like any high volume retailer, they don't always delight, but given that high volume, more times than not, they get it right and you get it reasonably soon after ordering, which is a good bit more than some retailers can claim. All that said, their 'Fresh' component, despite no extra delivery fees for Prime members, can be disappointing, with limited choices and often a lack of stock. Still, it is another resource at a time when we need all the resources we can get.  To me, overall, Amazon provides a reasonably good service more times than now.

Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for an item ordered in mid December from QVC. It apparently did finally ship but now the 'delivery plans are being adjusted' and so 'my package might be (further) delayed'. Frankly, I'll be shocked it I ever see it. As for why someone would post here about a positive experience with another retailer, why not? 

[stevieb]

I'd also note that Amazon has solid Customer Service. They're pleasant, accommodating and one doesn't tend to have to turn cartwheels to reach them...

[shoptilyadropagain]

I ordered a couple of items that were set to arrive a week ago yesterday.  I received an e-mail that they were delivered Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m.  I was home but no delivery.  I did everything that was suggested on their customer service side if your order was not received. After that I had a computerized instant messaging chat.  With no question asked, I was offered another delivery or a refund and I chose a refund.  I was told it could take up to 5 days to process but my card was credited in 2.  I don't order a ton from Amazon and this was the first time I have ever had an issue but I was extremely pleased with how it was resolved.  

[Anonymous032819]

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@BlueFinch wrote:

@millieshops We have to remember, that Ammy started off really slow.  In fact, they started with books. They became everyone's bookstore, slowly evolving over the years, into much more. And, much of their success has been through prompt delivery services and broad range of products, which shoppers demand. We're a changing society that seeks immediate gratification .

I don't think there's a hidden agenda mentioning Ammy. I think comparing and contrasting business practices and successes is always going to happen.

For many, there's serious room for improvement, or they will go under.  We've seen this far too often. And, I absolutely hate seeing it. I SO miss my retailers that couldn't keep up. 

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@BlueFinch 

You're right, we are addicted to instant gratification like a drug.

The chemical reactions that goes on in our brains when we get our goodie two seconds after we ordered it, is the same chemical reactions as when a junkie gets their fix.

Don't believe me?

Just look at all the threads from people who are impatient about not getting their packages soon enough.

They are craving that high, just the same as a junkie does with their drugs.

An addiction is an addiction is an addiction.

Whether it's to herion, alcohol or shopping.

It's all about that instant gratification.

Whether that instant gratification comes from meth, gambling, or getting your goodies NOW.

it's all the same.

There is no way some people could survive if they had to live as our great-grandparents did, and actually had to wait weeks, if not months for their order to arrive.

They would go absolutely bonkers not getting  their high from having their trinket in their hot little hands two seconds after ordering it.

Patience is a virtue.

And sadly, that has gone the way of the horse and buggy.

[Cookie2025]

Perfume is one of those items.

I never buy fragrance from anywhere but a Department store from here on in.

Not even my second home:  TJ Maxx 

I have been burned too many times.

[mac116]

FYI:  We are NOT living in the "olden days". I welcome quick delivery when I order anything. I am not happy waiting 2 weeks to get an item. Different strokes, I guess. 

[QVCkitty1]

I don't compare the two companies as far as shipping goes, but customer service is way better at Amazon. Also, if you live in the boonies , like me ,Amazon Prime is a bargain. I have access to millions of items that I can have in 2 days or less.  This is where I compare, Amazon keeps you informed about your order every step of the way, if there is a problem , refunds are handled promptly, and returning is simple. This is service every company should aspire to, regardless of size. JMO