The complaining about Amazon thread
02-24-16, 01:35 AM
#276
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I've been a Prime user for years too so while the free shipping hike doesn't affect me directly, I certainly think it's extraordinarily high. If I weren't on Prime, I would certainly be spending more time purchasing at local stores whenever possible, at least the way I buy single items frequently under $50 or even $35.
The complaints about being "loyal" to Amazon are pretty silly to me though, even though it is coming from zyzzle so I shouldn't be surprised. I support Amazon as long as they're of value to me; Prime for $99 and getting access to Amazon Instant Video, buying one off items frequently like I mentioned previously with free shipping (which is also shared with a few others based on their old sharing options), and now video games being an extra 20% off are great for me and make up the $99 cost easily. If Prime were priced in a way that I didn't get that value, I'd simply look elsewhere.
The complaints about being "loyal" to Amazon are pretty silly to me though, even though it is coming from zyzzle so I shouldn't be surprised. I support Amazon as long as they're of value to me; Prime for $99 and getting access to Amazon Instant Video, buying one off items frequently like I mentioned previously with free shipping (which is also shared with a few others based on their old sharing options), and now video games being an extra 20% off are great for me and make up the $99 cost easily. If Prime were priced in a way that I didn't get that value, I'd simply look elsewhere.
02-24-16, 02:02 AM
#277
DVD Talk Hero
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Feedback on marketplace sellers is getting kind of pointless. I used to be able to look through marketplace offers and just pick out a seller with 1000s of ratings, above say 97% positive, and expect to get what I pay for. Now I literally have to comb everyone's feedback if I haven't ordered from them before because they're all garbage.
What's really strange is that Amazon is covering for everyone that uses Amazon fulfillment now. I got another game a few days ago that was supposed to be like new and the disc was all scuffed and scratched. The seller had 100% positive feedback when I ordered, so I didn't look very close. I left negative feedback for the seller, and they were down to like 30% positive for the month at that point because apparently everyone is suddenly unhappy with them. Now they're back to being 100% positive because Amazon struck every negative!! They add a note "Message from Amazon: This item was fulfilled by Amazon, and we take responsibility for this fulfillment experience."
WTF? Amazon had nothing to do with the condition the disc was in when the idiot listed it for sale and sent it to them. Why are they taking responsibility for THAT? I emailed Amazon literally just to demand my feedback be left standing against his perfect percentage and instead of simply doing that they said they'd forward the info to an investigations dept and refunded the order outright. Who's pocket did that come out of? Amazon or that jackass who listed the item?
Other sellers are just buying their feedback because they offer refunds and discounts to get negatives removed. It's just making the whole system worthless.
What's really strange is that Amazon is covering for everyone that uses Amazon fulfillment now. I got another game a few days ago that was supposed to be like new and the disc was all scuffed and scratched. The seller had 100% positive feedback when I ordered, so I didn't look very close. I left negative feedback for the seller, and they were down to like 30% positive for the month at that point because apparently everyone is suddenly unhappy with them. Now they're back to being 100% positive because Amazon struck every negative!! They add a note "Message from Amazon: This item was fulfilled by Amazon, and we take responsibility for this fulfillment experience."
WTF? Amazon had nothing to do with the condition the disc was in when the idiot listed it for sale and sent it to them. Why are they taking responsibility for THAT? I emailed Amazon literally just to demand my feedback be left standing against his perfect percentage and instead of simply doing that they said they'd forward the info to an investigations dept and refunded the order outright. Who's pocket did that come out of? Amazon or that jackass who listed the item?
Other sellers are just buying their feedback because they offer refunds and discounts to get negatives removed. It's just making the whole system worthless.
eBay basically did the same thing with their feedback system, minimizing the ability to neg a seller's feedback.
02-24-16, 06:36 AM
#278
DVD Talk Legend
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I don't order enough from Amazon to justify the $99 for Prime, even $79 is too much. But raising the minimum for free shipping to $50 insures I'll be ordering far less from Amazon from now on. Not that long ago it was $25, then $35, now $50 in a relatively short period of time. Have they lost their fucking minds?
02-24-16, 07:16 AM
#279
Senior Member
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
It's that kind of bullshit that keeps terrible outfits like DD in business. When I spend money on something, I want it in my hands within a week. Prime is awesome for this reason. It's the 21st century. Anything less than shipping in stock items within 24 hours of ordering and using first class mail should be unacceptable, and it would be if other people stopped being so damn patient.
02-24-16, 10:33 AM
#280
DVD Talk Hero
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Hey, if Prime works for you great. But for me it is nothing but paying $99 upfront to cover shipping costs when I can get it free. Why would I want to do that, especially given that I'm in no hurry for anything since i have plenty to watch that i can wait a few extra days here and there. Now we just have to wait and see how many others could care less about Prime, aren't interested in getting pushed into something we don't want or need, and are willing to go elsewhere if need be. I generally spend a few thousand a year on Amazon, if they don't want that business that is fine with me.
Time is money. I would rather hit a couple of buttons and have my order arrive the same day or within 2 days and not have to drive and explore some lame store. Amazon and their systems are efficient as hell. I like that. Prime Music/Video/Reading/Shipping - all for $99 a year? Hell yeah, it pays itself.
02-24-16, 10:46 AM
#281
DVD Talk Hero
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I've been a Prime user for years too so while the free shipping hike doesn't affect me directly, I certainly think it's extraordinarily high. If I weren't on Prime, I would certainly be spending more time purchasing at local stores whenever possible, at least the way I buy single items frequently under $50 or even $35.
The complaints about being "loyal" to Amazon are pretty silly to me though, even though it is coming from zyzzle so I shouldn't be surprised. I support Amazon as long as they're of value to me; Prime for $99 and getting access to Amazon Instant Video, buying one off items frequently like I mentioned previously with free shipping (which is also shared with a few others based on their old sharing options), and now video games being an extra 20% off are great for me and make up the $99 cost easily. If Prime were priced in a way that I didn't get that value, I'd simply look elsewhere.
The complaints about being "loyal" to Amazon are pretty silly to me though, even though it is coming from zyzzle so I shouldn't be surprised. I support Amazon as long as they're of value to me; Prime for $99 and getting access to Amazon Instant Video, buying one off items frequently like I mentioned previously with free shipping (which is also shared with a few others based on their old sharing options), and now video games being an extra 20% off are great for me and make up the $99 cost easily. If Prime were priced in a way that I didn't get that value, I'd simply look elsewhere.
Likewise but going on 13 years it doesn't seem like I won't be getting value for $99 anytime soon.
02-24-16, 11:33 AM
#282
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I don't have an issue with it. I've been PRIME and proud since like 2003. It's the only way I roll and I see at getting PRIME streaming for $8.25 a month per year if it's divided up. It's a bargain. I guess people don't really like paying $99 at a clip as opposed to being charged per month. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure we'll get some folks that don't care for the streaming and vice versa but you get a shitload of options for $99 a year.
Hey, if Prime works for you great. But for me it is nothing but paying $99 upfront to cover shipping costs when I can get it free. Why would I want to do that, especially given that I'm in no hurry for anything since i have plenty to watch that i can wait a few extra days here and there. Now we just have to wait and see how many others could care less about Prime, aren't interested in getting pushed into something we don't want or need, and are willing to go elsewhere if need be. I generally spend a few thousand a year on Amazon, if they don't want that business that is fine with me.
02-24-16, 11:34 AM
#283
Senior Member
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Time is money. I would rather hit a couple of buttons and have my order arrive the same day or within 2 days and not have to drive and explore some lame store. Amazon and their systems are efficient as hell. I like that. Prime Music/Video/Reading/Shipping - all for $99 a year? Hell yeah, it pays itself.
No one is saying Prime doesn't have benefits for those that utilize its services because I know it does. But these moves by Amazon appear to be nothing more than an attempt to punish non-Prime users in hopes that they will conform. I have no plans to do so and will happily take my business elsewhere.
02-24-16, 05:54 PM
#284
DVD Talk Godfather
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Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
The complaints about being "loyal" to Amazon are pretty silly to me though, even though it is coming from zyzzle so I shouldn't be surprised. I support Amazon as long as they're of value to me; Prime for $99 and getting access to Amazon Instant Video, buying one off items frequently like I mentioned previously with free shipping (which is also shared with a few others based on their old sharing options), and now video games being an extra 20% off are great for me and make up the $99 cost easily. If Prime were priced in a way that I didn't get that value, I'd simply look elsewhere.
I use Prime shipping and the streaming, and have dabbled a bit in the music. And yes, I can often wait on my shipments because they're not urgent. So in that case, I select slow shipping and get a $1 digital credit. I've done that probably a dozen times over the first two months of the year, and since I actually use the credits for music, I consider it a defraying of the Prime charge.
02-24-16, 09:43 PM
#285
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I use Prime shipping and the streaming, and have dabbled a bit in the music. And yes, I can often wait on my shipments because they're not urgent. So in that case, I select slow shipping and get a $1 digital credit. I've done that probably a dozen times over the first two months of the year, and since I actually use the credits for music, I consider it a defraying of the Prime charge.
02-24-16, 10:04 PM
#286
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Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Groceries? Prime Pantry really pisses me off. Only place to get Surge by the case, and I still end up paying shipping in spite of being a Prime member. Yet, I could get a fuckin TV shipped in 2 days for free.
02-24-16, 11:09 PM
#287
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I don't order enough from Amazon to justify the $99 for Prime, even $79 is too much. But raising the minimum for free shipping to $50 insures I'll be ordering far less from Amazon from now on. Not that long ago it was $25, then $35, now $50 in a relatively short period of time. Have they lost their fucking minds?
02-24-16, 11:16 PM
#288
DVD Talk God
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
How does one not order enough from Amazon to justify the $99?
So most who are complaining here spend less than $100 in 1 calendar year at Amazon? If that's really truly the case that those complaining spend less than $100 in 12 months, then fine.
This past Holiday season I spent close to $1,000 on gifts for friends and family alone. Everything was shipped fast and prompt within 2 days with my Prime Membership. Prime has made Christmas shopping so much easier for me than trying to go to B&M's, attempt to gift wrap and then trying to find a time to get together to give the gifts. That paid for Prime alone.
In addition to gifts, I purchase most of my home office supplies, movies and music and digital media. That's in addition to the Original shows and movies for streaming. So much added convenience.
So most who are complaining here spend less than $100 in 1 calendar year at Amazon? If that's really truly the case that those complaining spend less than $100 in 12 months, then fine.
This past Holiday season I spent close to $1,000 on gifts for friends and family alone. Everything was shipped fast and prompt within 2 days with my Prime Membership. Prime has made Christmas shopping so much easier for me than trying to go to B&M's, attempt to gift wrap and then trying to find a time to get together to give the gifts. That paid for Prime alone.
In addition to gifts, I purchase most of my home office supplies, movies and music and digital media. That's in addition to the Original shows and movies for streaming. So much added convenience.
02-24-16, 11:38 PM
#289
DVD Talk Hero
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
How does one not order enough from Amazon to justify the $99?
So most who are complaining here spend less than $100 in 1 calendar year at Amazon? If that's really truly the case that those complaining spend less than $100 in 12 months, then fine.
This past Holiday season I spent close to $1,000 on gifts for friends and family alone. Everything was shipped fast and prompt within 2 days with my Prime Membership. Prime has made Christmas shopping so much easier for me than trying to go to B&M's, attempt to gift wrap and then trying to find a time to get together to give the gifts. That paid for Prime alone.
In addition to gifts, I purchase most of my home office supplies, movies and music and digital media. That's in addition to the Original shows and movies for streaming. So much added convenience.
So most who are complaining here spend less than $100 in 1 calendar year at Amazon? If that's really truly the case that those complaining spend less than $100 in 12 months, then fine.
This past Holiday season I spent close to $1,000 on gifts for friends and family alone. Everything was shipped fast and prompt within 2 days with my Prime Membership. Prime has made Christmas shopping so much easier for me than trying to go to B&M's, attempt to gift wrap and then trying to find a time to get together to give the gifts. That paid for Prime alone.
In addition to gifts, I purchase most of my home office supplies, movies and music and digital media. That's in addition to the Original shows and movies for streaming. So much added convenience.
02-24-16, 11:44 PM
#290
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
How does one not order enough from Amazon to justify the $99?
So most who are complaining here spend less than $100 in 1 calendar year at Amazon? If that's really truly the case that those complaining spend less than $100 in 12 months, then fine.
This past Holiday season I spent close to $1,000 on gifts for friends and family alone. Everything was shipped fast and prompt within 2 days with my Prime Membership. Prime has made Christmas shopping so much easier for me than trying to go to B&M's, attempt to gift wrap and then trying to find a time to get together to give the gifts. That paid for Prime alone.
In addition to gifts, I purchase most of my home office supplies, movies and music and digital media. That's in addition to the Original shows and movies for streaming. So much added convenience.
So most who are complaining here spend less than $100 in 1 calendar year at Amazon? If that's really truly the case that those complaining spend less than $100 in 12 months, then fine.
This past Holiday season I spent close to $1,000 on gifts for friends and family alone. Everything was shipped fast and prompt within 2 days with my Prime Membership. Prime has made Christmas shopping so much easier for me than trying to go to B&M's, attempt to gift wrap and then trying to find a time to get together to give the gifts. That paid for Prime alone.
In addition to gifts, I purchase most of my home office supplies, movies and music and digital media. That's in addition to the Original shows and movies for streaming. So much added convenience.
02-25-16, 04:56 AM
#291
Senior Member
02-25-16, 07:53 AM
#292
DVD Talk Hero
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I don't really order much from Amazon because they're a shitty place to buy from.
One, their prices aren't that great.
Two, their packaging sucks. A good percentage of the stuff I order from them arrives with some kind of damage incurred during shipping. This means I also do a fair number of exchanges, and run the risk of getting banned.
Three, I've noticed that a not insignificant amount of the things I get from Amazon will arrive to me shelf-worn. Books will be creased and scuffed. DVD digipaks will be dented, scratched, and scuffed. These also get returned. If I wanted a bunch of beat-up used shit, I'd buy used from their Marketplace sellers.
If Amazon was a more reliable company I'd be more inclined to become a Prime member, but as it stands I probably don't place more than fifteen orders per year. I'd love to be able to order books from them, but since it's a crapshoot I rarely do.
02-25-16, 01:03 PM
#293
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Last year I bought the now oop Marvel Universe Phase I set for $99 as the DotD instead. The cheapest new one right now at Amazon is $364 shipped, with a warning that one feature at least might be defective. I'm really not regretting that decision.
It's like signing up and paying to get a mani/pedi every week for a year. Yeah, I could do that, but no. No. And still no. Some people do, great for them, but nope.
02-25-16, 03:47 PM
#295
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Everyone's buying habits and needs are going to differ, so I don't necessarily see the point in picking apart non-Prime users who don't find a benefit in it. Nothing wrong with that and I can see why folks don't want to put $100 down. Shipping costs suck.
That said, for me I don't really see my purchases fitting that mani/pedi example; back when I used to buy a lot more media it was beneficial because individual movies cost less then the free shipping threshold and it was convenient to buy a single movie at a time at release weak when they were cheaper rather then wait to try and group up purchases. This is less of an issue now with Amazon no longer beating retailers and the fact that I buy less media, but the same thing applies for other purchases I regularly make on Amazon; the last few months i've bought random items like household items, dog food, cheap headphones, random gifts, various cables, Blu-rays, video games etc. The Prime cost is still more convenient then the amount of time/gas/price difference that it would to buy these items elsewhere at retail stores collectively so for me the value isn't just about upfront shipping costs.
And that's before whatever value you might get out of Amazon Instant Video, Kindle Lending Library, Prime Music, etc. if any.
That said, for me I don't really see my purchases fitting that mani/pedi example; back when I used to buy a lot more media it was beneficial because individual movies cost less then the free shipping threshold and it was convenient to buy a single movie at a time at release weak when they were cheaper rather then wait to try and group up purchases. This is less of an issue now with Amazon no longer beating retailers and the fact that I buy less media, but the same thing applies for other purchases I regularly make on Amazon; the last few months i've bought random items like household items, dog food, cheap headphones, random gifts, various cables, Blu-rays, video games etc. The Prime cost is still more convenient then the amount of time/gas/price difference that it would to buy these items elsewhere at retail stores collectively so for me the value isn't just about upfront shipping costs.
And that's before whatever value you might get out of Amazon Instant Video, Kindle Lending Library, Prime Music, etc. if any.
02-25-16, 04:17 PM
#296
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Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Everyone's buying habits and needs are going to differ, so I don't necessarily see the point in picking apart non-Prime users who don't find a benefit in it. Nothing wrong with that and I can see why folks don't want to put $100 down. Shipping costs suck.
That said, for me I don't really see my purchases fitting that mani/pedi example; back when I used to buy a lot more media it was beneficial because individual movies cost less then the free shipping threshold and it was convenient to buy a single movie at a time at release weak when they were cheaper rather then wait to try and group up purchases. This is less of an issue now with Amazon no longer beating retailers and the fact that I buy less media, but the same thing applies for other purchases I regularly make on Amazon; the last few months i've bought random items like household items, dog food, cheap headphones, random gifts, various cables, Blu-rays, video games etc. The Prime cost is still more convenient then the amount of time/gas/price difference that it would to buy these items elsewhere at retail stores collectively so for me the value isn't just about upfront shipping costs.
And that's before whatever value you might get out of Amazon Instant Video, Kindle Lending Library, Prime Music, etc. if any.
That said, for me I don't really see my purchases fitting that mani/pedi example; back when I used to buy a lot more media it was beneficial because individual movies cost less then the free shipping threshold and it was convenient to buy a single movie at a time at release weak when they were cheaper rather then wait to try and group up purchases. This is less of an issue now with Amazon no longer beating retailers and the fact that I buy less media, but the same thing applies for other purchases I regularly make on Amazon; the last few months i've bought random items like household items, dog food, cheap headphones, random gifts, various cables, Blu-rays, video games etc. The Prime cost is still more convenient then the amount of time/gas/price difference that it would to buy these items elsewhere at retail stores collectively so for me the value isn't just about upfront shipping costs.
And that's before whatever value you might get out of Amazon Instant Video, Kindle Lending Library, Prime Music, etc. if any.
02-25-16, 08:46 PM
#297
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
Assuming the old $35 free shipping minimum...
For me, my Amazon shopping habits during the non-Christmas season included ordering something like a birthday gift (a $30 picture frame for example), and ordering an additional household item to meet the $35 free shipping minimum. I'll review my Wishlist and grab a household item that seems relatively inexpensive at that particular time. For example, I would get Lysol Disinfecting Wipes for $7. I always use those, so I don't mind using it as a filler item. And that's a competitive price compared to Target and Walmart.
A $35+ total wasn't too hard to achieve. $25 was easy to meet. Now, $49 is a bit much and requires too much extra time trying to find filler products just to meet the free shipping minimum. As a result, I find it easier to go to Target and price match, which I did yesterday for a carbon monoxide detector. But that's just my shopping habits, since I don't purchase enough on Amazon to warrant paying the Prime membership.
I understand Prime has benefits, just not for my shopping habits.
For me, my Amazon shopping habits during the non-Christmas season included ordering something like a birthday gift (a $30 picture frame for example), and ordering an additional household item to meet the $35 free shipping minimum. I'll review my Wishlist and grab a household item that seems relatively inexpensive at that particular time. For example, I would get Lysol Disinfecting Wipes for $7. I always use those, so I don't mind using it as a filler item. And that's a competitive price compared to Target and Walmart.
A $35+ total wasn't too hard to achieve. $25 was easy to meet. Now, $49 is a bit much and requires too much extra time trying to find filler products just to meet the free shipping minimum. As a result, I find it easier to go to Target and price match, which I did yesterday for a carbon monoxide detector. But that's just my shopping habits, since I don't purchase enough on Amazon to warrant paying the Prime membership.
I understand Prime has benefits, just not for my shopping habits.
02-26-16, 09:16 AM
#298
DVD Talk Hero
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I spent about $900 at Amazon in 2015, and that was a big increase over 2014. I'm not interested in streaming video, so paying for Prime to get free shipping would add more than 10% to my cost.
The prices at Walmart.com are competitive, and there is free delivery to a mini Walmart two miles from the house. I'm already going there for my prescription drugs.
I see a lot more Walmart purchases in my future.
The prices at Walmart.com are competitive, and there is free delivery to a mini Walmart two miles from the house. I'm already going there for my prescription drugs.
I see a lot more Walmart purchases in my future.
02-26-16, 12:21 PM
#299
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
I don't stream, don't have a Kindle, and don't mind waiting an extra week for my stuff. I would much rather have another hundred bucks worth of books, movies, and whatnot instead.
I bought a ton from Amazon when the free shipping threshold was $25 and a lot less when it bumped to $35. In fact, I cut way down on my blind buys of new releases (especially after Amazon reserved some discounts for Prime members) and it turns out that was a smart decision. I suspect I will buy even less now that the free shipping threshold is $50.
Same here. There's a Walmart within walking distance of my home, and a location across the street from my office, so free ship to store is mighty convenient for me.
I bought a ton from Amazon when the free shipping threshold was $25 and a lot less when it bumped to $35. In fact, I cut way down on my blind buys of new releases (especially after Amazon reserved some discounts for Prime members) and it turns out that was a smart decision. I suspect I will buy even less now that the free shipping threshold is $50.
Same here. There's a Walmart within walking distance of my home, and a location across the street from my office, so free ship to store is mighty convenient for me.
02-26-16, 12:28 PM
#300
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The complaining about Amazon thread
It's that kind of bullshit that keeps terrible outfits like DD in business. When I spend money on something, I want it in my hands within a week. Prime is awesome for this reason. It's the 21st century. Anything less than shipping in stock items within 24 hours of ordering and using first class mail should be unacceptable, and it would be if other people stopped being so damn patient.