Amazon Prime and various AD's

**brooks_bro** · 02-09-2012, 06:26 AM

As a guy who purchases a ton of stuff online - I have to say that Amazon Prime has been a complete game changer for me. Given the (current) tax advantage of Amazon, pair that with already competitive prices, and then add free two day shipping - I just don't think it can be beat. I now buy almost all of my tools, car parts, and household supplies on Amazon. Pair that with 5% cash back this quarter through my chase sapphire and my "AD's" are all in full gear (and not just for shaving related items).

Castle Forbes in 2 days? Yes Please. It seems like Sesto Senso, American Shaving Company, and Royal Shave are all at a huge advantage now in terms of instant gratification.

Has Amazon Prime made a huge impact in anyone else's buying behavior?

**JeffBC** · 02-09-2012, 06:36 AM

Yes!

**ajs2294** · 02-09-2012, 06:52 AM

Amazon prime is by far one of the biggest influences to my purchase history. The first place I go is Amazon and click the "Prime only" button. Not only do you get the faster shipping rates you also don't have a minimum spending limit. It also has saved my butt on a could overnight purchases that were only 3.99. Definitely something that a frequent amazon user should have.

**Mindflux** · 02-09-2012, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by ajs2294

Amazon prime is by far one of the biggest influences to my purchase history. The first place I go is Amazon and click the "Prime only" button. Not only do you get the faster shipping rates you also don't have a minimum spending limit. It also has saved my butt on a could overnight purchases that were only 3.99. Definitely something that a frequent amazon user should have.

Yep, though Amazon is sluffing off here. They sent something I selected to be sent PRIME via Fedex Smartpost, which means it comes Fedex to a big distribution site near me (Houston in this case) and then USPS to my house. This of course takes more than two days. grrr

**Quigg** · 02-09-2012, 07:09 AM

Yep. It encourages all the wrong things - laziness, greed, etc. For the whole family, up to 4 people. PLus, it includes free movie streaming and free book borrowing via Kindle. I just renewed my Prime membership. Shame on me.

**brooks_bro** · 02-09-2012, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by Mindflux

Yep, though Amazon is sluffing off here. They sent something I selected to be sent PRIME via Fedex Smartpost, which means it comes Fedex to a big distribution site near me (Houston in this case) and then USPS to my house. This of course takes more than two days. grrr

you should complain. Whenever they don't meet the 2 day promise (which has happened to me twice) a simple email to the customer service gets you a $5 credt.

**Mindflux** · 02-09-2012, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by brooks_bro

you should complain. Whenever they don't meet the 2 day promise (which has happened to me twice) a simple email to the customer service gets you a $5 credt.

Last time I did, they gave me an "oh, sorry".. that was it.

In fact. I placed the order Feb 4th. They don't estimate delivery until Feb 11! That was _WITH PRIME_.

**Mendel** · 02-09-2012, 07:22 AM

+ 1 for Amazon Prime. Couple that with my Amazon cc. I've earned several points and redeemed them for free stuff, with free, expedited shipping. Be that as it may, I still enjoy supporting small business owners.

**hotreds** · 02-09-2012, 07:22 AM

Even w/o Prime, Amazon certainly is changing the way I shop!

**legrandfromage** · 02-09-2012, 08:58 AM

Amazon Prime is one of the smartest business strategies I've seen in a long time. Makes you a voluntary "captive customer" (I'm one). Only problem that I have, is that Amazon knuckled under to pressure from New York State and charges sales tax. I still use the hell out of it anyway.

**Mindflux** · 02-09-2012, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Island Dreamer

I find that I stick to the Free Shipping with $25 of qualified items instead of Prime. That's what, $80 a year?

Yeah 79 a year. But no min. You could order a solitary pencil and have it 2 day shipped to you if you needed it and they sold it prime eligible.

This is great for all sorts of things like DVD/CD new releases.. heck there's even shops that sell shaving related items that are prime eligible. Well worth the money.

**inkcoffee** · 02-09-2012, 12:40 PM

I like them as long as they dont use FEDEX...

**goby** · 02-09-2012, 12:48 PM

Amazon Prime has changed my life (seriously). I'm a lawyer in a very rural town. I'm an hour from Office Depot, Wal-Mart, etc. And the grocery store in town is a total rip-off (at LEAST twice as much as Wal-Mart for most things).

I get everything from message pads, toilet paper, birthday gifts, deodorant, etc from Amazon. I get 2-3 deliveries each week. 90% of the deliveries are necessities.

**mattnick** · 02-09-2012, 01:08 PM

Yeah Amazon Prime can be pretty addicting. I think they still offer this free for 6 months for students, and at that price its a steal! I'm not sure I will re-enroll at $80 a year but I would sorely miss this if I did not re-up.

**brooks_bro** · 02-09-2012, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by mattnick

Yeah Amazon Prime can be pretty addicting. I think they still offer this free for 6 months for students, and at that price its a steal! I'm not sure I will re-enroll at $80 a year but I would sorely miss this if I did not re-up.

This, - I haven't felt the sting of paying $80 per year yet, but that's because I still have a .edu email address.

Still for $80 - i would be seriously tempted to pay that.

**Pgg365247** · 02-09-2012, 02:09 PM

I had a free Prime account for 1 year with my .edu. They just sent me a renew for $39 for another year. Of course I did... My wife and I buy TONS of bulk stuff (almost like COSTCO) only it is delivered to your door in 2 days. Diapers, toilet paper, paper towels you name it. I am guilty of picking up occasional shaving items but mostly support B&B online vendors for 95% of my shopping. Amazon Prime is a no brainer for my family.

**jay67212** · 02-09-2012, 02:24 PM

I convinced SWMBO that we needed the prime for the movies and tv shows and stuff. Hee hee!

**Crixus** · 02-09-2012, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by legrandfromage

Only problem that I have, is that Amazon knuckled under to pressure from New York State and charges sales tax.

I have been buying from Amazon for a looooong time. I don't use Prime, but usually have no problem meeting the $25 free shipping threshhold. For six or seven of my habitual recurring purchases, I am enrolled in the Subscribe and Save program. Those items are always 15% off regular list AND shipped free, regardless of minimum price.

As far as NY residents finally having their state sales tax withheld by Amazon, I don't think it is in the too distant future that that fate awaits all of us everywhere. I'm surprised Amazon has successfully dodged it this long.

**Adams1591** · 02-09-2012, 03:01 PM

I like Amazon too. I am prime member. However, I like dealing directly with vendors too. I sent an email to ItalianBarber for advice on a brush and I have never done that with Amazon. I placed my order with him. I like the personal service small vendors can give, and I do not mind if I have to pay a little more for it. Sometimes, I even find it cheaper somewhere other than Amazon as well as wider selection.

**kelton** · 02-09-2012, 03:11 PM

I don't have the Prime either, MA. was looking into the tax thing as well, which is the reason I have been avoiding it. I usually don't have a problem with meeting the $25. min. my Wish List is close to 20 pages long. Even if they do enforce the tax I would still shop there but not buy as much as I do now. Not the same as that tax free feeling but would still save on gas and wear & tear on my truck