Addicted to Amazon

[ultrarunner]

I also have had mostly good luck with the cheap Amazon brands on tools, If you don't need it right Now. The hard part, you can get a set of 3/4" sockets and the ratchet foe like $129; but you need it today. Go anywhere else, and it's like $30 per socket, and $99 for the rachet, and it's hard to pay that when you know if you can wait 2 or 3 days, you can get the whole set

Harbor Freight?

 

[Paddy]

My monthly Amazon bill is climbing. It's just too convenient.
Every time I turn around I see or think of something I need to fix this that... it's a new gate latch or a marker pen or a bit of chocolate. It's peppercorn or spray lube !
I don't know how to stop it

Scootr,

I'm an hobbyist stone carver. I buy diamond tools on Amazon and they are cheep but do a great job. I use diamond core drilling bits for clean bulk removal. I use water on an old drill press. Likely, not best for every day construction, I will never ware one out drilling in marble and limestone. I have several sizes up to 2-1/2 inches wide. I paid $20 to $30 each.

I have mixed results with 2 cycle mini carbs, some work out of the box, some need a lot of tweaking and others just are junk.

 

[MossRoad]

If you want to go here.... The economy is forcing many big corporations to close unproductive outlets and facilities resulting in job loss. Yes. SHEESH. Please no personal attacks or I'll report you to a moderator

I included myself in the comment, as I shop on-line if that's where the best value is.

I just find it odd that you think "the economy" is responsible for the closing of brick and mortar stores, yet don't acknowledge that the largest portion of the US economy is us, the consumer.

Consumer spending is by far the biggest driver of the economy. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, in 2024's second quarter, personal consumption expenditures represented nearly 68% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, 1 the primary measure of the size of the U.S. economy.

Just saying that on-line shopping is a major cause of brick and mortar store closings.

It's just going to continue.

 

[MossRoad]

I am not a user of the "Dollar Shave Club" but every time I've tried lower dollar blades, I end up going back to Mach's. They last longer and more comfortable for me to use.

I'm on my 3rd can of shaving cream in my entire life.
I just use those little BIC disposable razors. Maybe 2 a year.

 

[ponytug]

That sounds like more of an issue with your local HD...the one nearest me seems to have a decent selection of 'most everything you mentioned (haven't shopped shower doors, but they're not something I'd want to buy online). Last time I bought unistrut they had either 8 or 10' lengths (forget which). Not sure I'd want to get that online either.

I haven't had any issue finding suitable plumbing supplies, and my house is a LOT older than yours.
I do share the frustration though of a store that covers 4 acres and doesn't have what you're looking for. Usually some odd item, but it can extend to (theoretically) more common items. For example neither the HD nor Lowes nearby have 1½" galvanized siding nails (like you'd use on wood clapboards or shakes). Had to get them at a surplus/overstock store. You'd think the fact that they sold both types of siding they'd carry the proper nails, but no.

That would be fine if the info presented on the site was accurate, but often as not it isn't. Most shipping/delivery times listed seem to be pulled out of thin air...sometimes faster, often as not slower. And it seems that they don't always fill orders promptly. Likewise, product descriptions vary in accuracy.
I get that they're a huge company, and there are lots of variables but to blame slow service on the customer is BS.

I've been burnt way too many times with Ebay vendors, to the point where I avoid that site except as a last resort.

Don't get me wrong on Amazon. They're a godsend for those of us in rural (and likely not-so-rural) areas, but I do wish they were a little more transparent about shipping.

FWIW: I have three HD stores within half an hour, and while the stocking locally seems and quality varies slightly, it only varies slightly. These aren't the lumber hardware stores that I am used to. There's a Lowe's forty minutes away, slightly better, but I still struggle with the fastener quality compared to, say, McMaster Carr. (Yes I live near, but not in, a very urban area.)

All the best,

Peter

 

[ArlyA]

It’s often not even unproductive that close.

Profitable businesses here continue to shutter because of crime.

Profit can only drive so far when you or your customers face increasing crime.

Out city block ACE Hardware closed as did many car dealers, Walmart, Franchise Eateries, etc… Home Depot is say it will also close due to crime and camps.
I seldom order anything online but this now means traveling to purchase.

A problem with online is the porch pirates following delivery trucks so also a problem unless someone always home.

Crime is not rampant everywhere. The keys are left in our $22K atv parked in a unlocked garage. When looking at a house in the woods up FS, we found a package on the porch. I through it into the unlocked mud room and took a picture of the owner name and addresses. Sadly I couldn't locate him via google or facebook so the package must remain there today. The packages print was starting to fade..

 

[MossRoad]

Hmmm...I try to buy from my local stores, but I find it can be an exercise in frustration, as the stocking locally seems to be pretty thin in all of them. Recent examples include the local big hardware store; no caulk other than white and black, no flexible tubing, and no mortar, while the local HD doesn't stock 1" conduit or most of their shower doors, only 2' sections of unistrut, nor many of the bolt sizes / types that I seem to need, and don't get me started on the wood quality. Then if they do have items, it seems as if the items are routinely 15-20% more than Amazon. So, it takes longer, is more expensive, plus wear and tear on the vehicle rather than buying it on Amazon.

Yes, we definitely get lots from mail order stores like Amazon, though not for screws or fasteners if I can help it. I have been burned too many times with poor quality. I used some old Amazon stainless screws over the weekend, and half of them cammed out just trying to screw the screws into previously drilled holes. Apparently the screws were only slightly harder than aluminum, so either not a real 316 stainless, or...

All the best,

Peter

Seems pretty often I'll need 4 of something, and the local big box will have 3 in stock. So I'll often have to go to two locations to get the amount that I need.

That's another reason for Amazon. It saves me my time IF I have the time to wait.

 

[shooterdon]

Just yesterday I called around looking for large flange pop rivets. Ended up ordering on line and they will be here Thursday at a far better price than the limited choices available locally.

It is 50 miles round trip to town. That is over two gallons of fuel and 90 minutes wasted Makes sense to order online.

 

[ultrarunner]

Crime is not rampant everywhere. The keys are left in our $22K atv parked in a unlocked garage. When looking at a house in the woods up FS, we found a package on the porch. I through it into the unlocked mud room and took a picture of the owner name and addresses. Sadly I couldn't locate him via google or facebook so the package must remain there today. The packages print was starting to fade..

True but is it spreading is my concern.

Friends living on the somewhat rural Key peninsula in Washington thought for years crime is a big city problem but this proved short sighted...

 

[ArlyA]

Seems pretty often I'll need 4 of something, and the local big box will have 3 in stock. So I'll often have to go to two locations to get the amount that I need.

That's another reason for Amazon. It saves me my time IF I have the time to wait.

We need to drive 100 miles to a big box store. Last time there, we didn't stop in. Our local HW stores they are pretty good.