To Amazon Prime or NOT to Amazon Prime

[GloryDayz]

Sorry if Q, but I'm on the fence about doing the whole Amazon Prime thing. Seems like getting rid of Netflix all but pays for it, but wanted to ask the opinions of others in this Mecca of awesome knowledge called Chiefs Planet..

Is Amazon Prime really worth it over eBay when you buy, let's say, 5-7 items a month? I ask because I always do the "price+shipping" deal, so it seem like it's a wash at some level. That being said, "Prime" would ALWAYS mean two-day shipping, and that's something I hardly ever do on eBay, so it could be a deal that makes it worth it enough to buy 15-20 things a month. The whole "eliminating some of the instant gratification culture/concern" deal...


Oh, and I've heard that if you use an "edu" account it's free for six months (perhaps not a big deal over a lifetime!!), but is then like half the cost. Does anybody know if that's true? If so, and it' the son who has the "edu" account, how does "Dad" pull off that scam without having the kid able to buy pretty-much anything he's ever wanted?

Thanks in advance... Just looking for some opinions before I leap...

[DaFace]

I'll gladly pay a similar or even higher price to avoid having to hunt for what I want in a bunch of other places.

[BWillie]

Don't quite understand why so many people use Amazon Prime. I just assumed it would be cheaper than going to Target, Costco or Natural Grocers, it's not. Had Amazon Prime for 2 months, and nothing was even close to as cheap as what I can get it for in those stores. Usually grocery items, non-perishable stuff was about 60% more. Only thing I found good deals on is what I typically buy on amazon, clothes, gifts, electronics, etc.

[KChiefs1]

Worth it.


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[Shaid]

I don't use it. I have like 15 items that I'd like at some point by aren't in any hurry to get in my saved items. If I need something and I'm a little short, I look at those items to fill the difference to get the free shipping. Normally it's simple stuff like replacement usb cables or a game I might get the kids for their birthday or Christmas, etc.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I'll gladly pay a similar or even higher price to avoid having to hunt for what I want in a bunch of other places.

Very much this. I ****ing HATE shopping. At this point in my life I'm a convenience guy.

Originally Posted by BWillie

Don't quite understand why so many people use Amazon Prime. I just assumed it would be cheaper than going to Target, Costco or Natural Grocers, it's not. Had Amazon Prime for 2 months, and nothing was even close to as cheap as what I can get it for in those stores. Usually grocery items, non-perishable stuff was about 60% more. Only thing I found good deals on is what I typically buy on amazon, clothes, gifts, electronics, etc.

I live 45 minutes from a sams walmart or target. And I want to go on a murdering spree every time I go in. Prime has reduced the number of times I need to go.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Don't quite understand why so many people use Amazon Prime.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I live 45 minutes from a sams walmart or target. And I want to go on a murdering spree every time I go in

My nearest Target is 2 miles from my home but after traffic and underground parking, it's a 30 minute drive there and 30 minutes back.

Walmart and Sam's aren't allowed in Los Angeles so I don't have that option. Costco is a 60 minute round trip drive and that doesn't include parking (which has taken as long as 20 minutes to get a spot) nor shopping.

I do as much shopping online as possible and order at least 200 items per year with Amazon Prime, many of which are delivered Same Day. I don't have to drive, don't have to deal with traffic, don't have to deal with "Sorry, we're out of stock" and don't have to deal with people.

As my city becomes more dense, it's likely that I'll use Amazon to deliver my groceries as well. And free Amazon Video & Music has its perks as well. Over the holidays, I'll load Amazon Music on my iPhone to stream Christmas music in the car for the kids. I'll also Uber more and more, as paying $10 dollars for parking or $2 dollars per hour on the street (if you can find it) is absurd.

There's a million reasons to have Amazon Prime and very few reasons not to have it.

[BWillie]

I'm a convenience stuff guy too usually. I don't do ANYTHING around my house. I don't mow, I don't clean my house, I don't clean my gutters, I don't do laundry, I don't cook, I don't fix my fences, I don't pull weeds. Nothing. I just pay some swinging dick to do that. I guess I don't mind going to the store that much. I know exactly what I want, I usually shop at 9pm when nobody is there anyway. And sometimes I find new products I want to buy. Until Amazon Prime is a more cost effective option, it is not for me. For those of you who it takes 45min+ travel to do all of that shit, I can see it to be more of a viable option.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by GloryDayz

Bumping to ask a question....

Have y'all been finding that in the last 5-6 months that Amazon isn't really the best deal? I've always shopped around, but, sometimes, a buck or two more was worth the Prime 2-day shipping.

What I've found recently is that Prime is neither 1-2 bucks more (I'm increasing finding it's more than that), and that "two days" are the middle "two days" between the day you order it (at 9:00am) and the day it gets to your door step.

I don't know, I guess I've just been finding much better deals on eBay.

I am sure you know this but in MO they started charging sales tax a few months ago. IIRC they did add 1-2 new distribution centers around KC so hopefully the shipping times will improve. I have noticed I don't always get my Prime items in 2 days.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I am sure you know this but in MO they started charging sales tax a few months ago.

In California, there's no tax on Amazon purchases if the item is shipped from another state. If it's shipped from Cali, it's taxed.

There are usually enough Prime Sellers in Arizona and Nevada that I can usually avoid the sales tax.

[GloryDayz]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I'll gladly pay a similar or even higher price to avoid having to hunt for what I want in a bunch of other places.

I'm with you, but eBay is an extra minute I'm willing to take on bigger ticket items (PWC oil!!!). And the occasional sanity check to ensure you're not paying too much is worth a small hunt. I've found that extra few minutes to be worth the extra few minutes lately.

[vailpass]

Been a Prime member since 2010. There is rarely week goes by I don't have order(s) arrive from them. Not having to go through the brick and mortar hassle is so worth it. Same day/next day delivery is fantastic.

[notorious]

Worth every penny to avoid going into the jungle known as retail stores.

[srvy]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I am sure you know this but in MO they started charging sales tax a few months ago. IIRC they did add 1-2 new distribution centers around KC so hopefully the shipping times will improve. I have noticed I don't always get my Prime items in 2 days.

You should be getting a dollar credit to use in music or apps and or pantry. If my 2 day prime doesnt arrive I always get credited. It always seems this happens when UPS hands over to USPS.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by srvy

You should be getting a dollar credit to use in music or apps and or pantry. If my 2 day prime doesnt arrive I always get credited. It always seems this happens when UPS hands over to USPS.

Same here. Just gotta call or email about it. I generally get either 1 month credit on Prime or anywhere from $5-$20 credit.