Reasons Why Not to Shop On Prime

[discocrisco01]

I bought a set of nail clippers on Prime because I didn’t really have time to stop at Target and shop there. The main reason is that the gas station with the lowest prices is on the other side of town, and Target is in the opposite direction. So, I purchased them on Prime rather than going to Target, CVS, or Rite Aid (which is technically on my way). The main reasons were time and selection.

Now, there is an ethical question with that, given Amazon's poor record on labor practices. Regarding the environment, a delivery from Amazon doesn’t have a significant impact in my mind because multiple people in my townhome community also buy from Amazon, so it really doesn’t matter—the environmental impact is a sunk cost. In reality, it simply means that my dollar could either support the big-box retailer or the Amazon warehouse.

In my mind, repealing Taft-Hartley is really the only way to crack down on big-box retailers or Amazon anyway, but of course, that’s not going to happen in our lifetime, so you might as well do what’s easiest for you.

Just my thoughts using Prime to get nail clippers. Am I am right or wrong on these issues? Your thoughts are appreciated.

[Lulu KC]

1. I am so conflicted on this

Yes, I loathe Amazon. For so many reasons. But do I instead drive all over town to get things? That’s what it comes down to for me. I think the things we buy from even small, locally-owned businesses originate with poor labor and environmental practices during production, get carried across an ocean and half a country to get to a different warehouse with poor labor practices, and then are delivered to retailers by big fossil fuel spouting trucks.

But just today I went to a local compounding pharmacy for an Rx and saw that they have some supplements I mail order (not from Amazon) at a lower price. And I went through this whole thought process all over again!

I clearly don’t have an answer. My general approach is “avoid buying anything,” but you gotta have nail clippers!

[Intractable]

2. I like the quick deliveries, wide range of products, and generally easy-return policy.

A lot of stuff, electronics in particular is crap, and when crappier than expected, I send it back.

I return about 20%-25% of my purchases.

A lot of things are just not available at local stores.

I have had excellent luck buying "used" products at discounted prices. If I don't like it, I send it back.

The Prime video is a bonus on top of good shopping. Just watched Mission Impossible 7 in 4K. (It's a rocket ride and there were no commercials!)

I used to shop a lot on eBay, but over time, I found that Amazon is a much better shopping experience.

[birdographer]

4. Exactly

This is my experience. I would not buy electronics, including cameras, on Amazon. But here's the deal. I live in a small town. So much is not available here. Not only that--I don't feel like driving all the way across town to buy something that I don't need right away and can just have someone bring to me via their home delivery thing. And the returns are easy and uncontested.

I get mad that I give them so much business, but in my life situation, this makes the most sense. Walmart has a good competitive edge with their free shipping and I do look at them sometimes.

I saw a post once that a woman paid for a Prime video and it was loaded with ads, so we avoid all Prime video things. I guess you lucked out with MI. We don't watch anything on that.

[LeftInTX]

6. What? I own a few videos on Prime and haven't had problems with ads. However, I purchased them. They don't have ads

I don't have a subscription.

[Jim__]

3. I found a website that lists 10 reasons not to shop Amazon - I'm using Amazon as synonymous with Prime.

Green America

Climate and labor are among the top reasons. Here are some others that were listed:

...

Creates excessive packaging waste. A report from Oceana found that in 2019, Amazon generated 465 million pounds of plastic waste. This is “enough to circle the earth over a hundred times in the form of air pillows.”

Has allegedly engaged in price fixing of e-books. A law firm has filed a class action lawsuit claiming that Amazon, along with five major publishers, have kept the price of e-books artificially high.

Penalizes small businesses that use its platforms. The Sun magazine did a feature interview with author Stacy Mitchell on how Amazon undermines local economies and is bad for small businesses. The Wall Street Journal documented Amazon using the data from 3rd party sellers to create its own products, and the House Subcommittee on Antitrust founds that Amazon has monopoly power over small and medium sized businesses.

Fights tax laws that would support local economies. In 2018, Amazon faced scrutiny when it paid zero dollars in federal income taxes on its $11 billion profits and even received $129 million in tax rebates. The USA Today documented how Amazon raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in a faux grassroots campaign called “No Tax on Jobs” in Seattle. Though in 2020, Seattle passed the “Jumpstart Seattle” tax, which increases payroll taxes on the biggest businesses, including Amazon.

...

Being able to artificially keep prices high and the costs to small businesses are 2 things that concern me. Price fixing is illegal, but hard to prevent when we have a monopoly.

[jimfields33]

5. There is a ton of ebooks for free on Amazon.

Amazon has done an incredible job cutting down on plastic and uses boxes and paper. It’s a boon on the environment since one vehicle delivers to 100 homes which saves a tremendous amount of carbon.

I’m sure like other companies, they may have a few negatives.

[Conjuay]

7. My youngest worked at Amazon in Seattle.

When asked how he like working there, he said, "It not that bad, I've watched enough prison movies to know how to work the system."

[msfiddlestix]

8. Here are the reasons I shop via Amazon.

It's not only because I can no longer drive due to my vision impairment, I gave up my car and surrendered my DL, or because taking public transportation is a no go for me because I'd have to devote several hours of precious time in my day to deal with the infrequent schedules.

I shop Amazon because the range of items I need are often too specialized, or not carried at Target etc or Best Buy, or my local music store for various things like preferred violin strings, or certain shoulder rests or tuners etc etc etc. At target I go in to look for certain items in personal care such as certain types of nail cutters, not on their shelves. certain kitchen appliances are not on their shelves, never mind tech stuff!!!

Prime membership for low income seniors is half price, and their return refund procedure is the most convenient, immediate and painless. Did I mention that low income Senior Prime members get free delivery on groceries from Whole Foods? I don't care for Whole Foods pricing, so I haven't used that benefit. But it's there if I need it,. I'm lucky and have a caregiver who works for me a couple of times of week, so she takes me to run errands, doctors appointments grocery shopping at target and Costco and farmers markets etc.
I live in a lovely senior housing complex for low income people in a beautifully designed village.
Almost every neighbor uses Amazon for the same reasons. Even though we know of the complaints of unfair employment practice. The drivers doing the delivery seem to be happy, though, I can tell you that.
The dilemma of practicing boycotting business for various reasons is immense, there are so many business to boycott. In the meantime, I do have needs and I have only so many options available to me. And that's the reality of it. I don't have the luxury to boycott Amazon.
I have to pick my battles, for instance I do boycott Home Depot, and Papa John's Pizza. A few years ago I found out the CEO of OverStock was a devoted Trump supporter, and so I closed my account with them.
I appreciate and respect your concerns. It's difficult.
I just ask folks to be a little bit sympathetic to those of us who really do rely on Amazon in so many ways especially for folks like me.
I have a talking watch and two talking clocks ordered on Amazon. I was given an Echo Pop as an aid to set reminders, make phone calls without touching my phone and other everyday tasks.
For those of us going blind, it is a huge game changer.
I hope this helps.