Addicted to Amazon

[DarkBlack]

I’ve had pretty much nothing but excellent results with Amazon.
You still have to do your part, and research the item you’re buying, and check the particular vendor, shipping dates, feedback.
If you don’t, you don’t get any credit for whining you didn’t get a great deal on a superior quality product.
It’s simply a different marketplace.
Some people seem to think Amazon should be some kind of guaranteed best product, at the cheapest price, with the fastest delivery, with no effort due to be done by the buyer

 

[ArlyA]

I love amazonie but there are a few items I don't get there. Like Mach III blades and they have never sold been as good a price as one can find on Ebay. When I'm buying some item, by that I mean not before, I'll check ebay and Amazon. If its price is enough, I trust Aamzonie more.

 

[caver]

I treat amazon like a last resort. What I learned from watching a video is if a vendor on amazon sells for a set price and they offer the same thing on ebay at a lower price, amazon punishes them for it. The video on YT (can't find it) seemed like they had done their homework. I'm also convinced there is a software program that china uses to randomly generate product names. At least Hazard Fraud put some effort into their product names to make them seem more serious.

 

[deserteagle71]

For many years, there was a store near me that specialized in appliance parts. It was one of those "go to" places that had EVERYTHING. If you needed a burner for a stove, you just walked in and they had it in stock.

Then, they started playing this game where they didn't stock anything and they would just order it for you and call you when it came in then sell it to you with their markup.

Then Amazon came along and and next time I went to the store, it was closed and there was a nasty note in the window saying "This store is closed because our customers started ordering products online. If you want to shop in the store, please visit our other location at ....."

They were the ones that stopped stocking parts and started inconveniencing their customers by ordering and making them wait, then have to make another trip.

So I have no sympathy for brick and mortar stores that don't carry stock.

P.S. I had never been to a Fastenall store until just a couple of years ago and needed some hard-to-find bolts. I found out that they had a local store, so I went in to give them a try. They had NOTHING in stock. If you wanted it, they had to order it. So I went home and ordered off Amazon.

I have the same problem. My house is 34 years old. When I have to replace a fitting in the plumbing system I have to buy on line - neither of the two hardware stores in the nearest town carry the fittings because "they are obsolete". Just recently I needed to replace the coil packs in my 2016 F150. To my amaze the local Ford dealer - who just built a huge new building - did not stock them. They had to order them - and it took a week to get them. You don't stock parts for your most popular vehicle???

 

[caver]

I love amazonie but there are a few items I don't get there. Like Mach III blades and they have never sold

I use Dollar Shave Club. Blades got too crazy in price years ago and have been with them for years. Recently I had my 2 month blade refills not show up. They sent replacements no questions asked. You can adjust frequency online if you have blades piling up or getting short.

 

[oosik]

At first I was going to say - "I don't understand". But on second thought - I'm addicted to coffee. Drink it all day long.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Morning Scootr,
My wife is the Queen of Amazon ordering ! A package almost every day and many days multiple packages !
As one poster mentioned, sometimes you need to get out and support some of our local businesses! JMO !

 

[ArlyA]

I use Dollar Shave Club. Blades got too crazy in price years ago and have been with them for years. Recently I had my 2 month blade refills not show up. They sent replacements no questions asked. You can adjust frequency online if you have blades piling up or getting short.

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.

 

[Oaktree]

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.

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 have the same problem. My house is 34 years old. When I have to replace a fitting in the plumbing system I have to buy on line - neither of the two hardware stores in the nearest town carry the fittings because "they are obsolete".

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.

I’ve had pretty much nothing but excellent results with Amazon.
You still have to do your part, and research the item you’re buying, and check the particular vendor, shipping dates, feedback.
If you don’t, you don’t get any credit for whining you didn’t get a great deal on a superior quality product.
It’s simply a different marketplace.
Some people seem to think Amazon should be some kind of guaranteed best product, at the cheapest price, with the fastest delivery, with no effort due to be done by the buyer

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.

Like Mach III blades and they have never sold been as good a price as one can find on Ebay. When I'm buying some item, by that I mean not before, I'll check ebay and Amazon.

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.

 

[ultrarunner]

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

It’s often not even the unproductive that are closing.

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.