Rant on shipping

[fried1765]

Agreed. Amazon bargains are becoming few and far between but usually still cheaper than I can buy locally (if even available).

AK shipping issues are very different than in the lower 48.

That said: I have been to AK a few times, and even had an opportunity to work there, but my parents were still alive at the time, and were living on the East coast.
I would very much have enjoyed living in SE Alaska, but am much too old now.

 

[Doofy]

AK shipping issues are very different than in the lower 48.

That said: I have been to AK a few times, and even had an opportunity to work there, but my parents were still alive at the time, and were living on the East coast.
I would very much have enjoyed living in SE Alaska, but am much too old now.

Yes, and I'm almost to dang old to leave!:laughing:

 

[California]

I refuse to pay $120 for Amazon Prime

Me too! But when T-Mobile offered free Prime with five MetroPCS lines, total $150/month flat rate, I couldn't pass that up.

I still comparison shop on Ebay and often choose that alternative. But in addition to price the Ebay vendor needs to have excellent feedback and nothing indicating slow drop-shipping.

Amazon has a far better return policy, when that is relevant.

 

[Jstpssng]

I'm another who refuses to pay for Prime. Or Sam's Club, or...
I had Prime for a while and really didn't use it much. I also don't do business with places which require "Autopay". I got burned once to the tune of $1700 and some change... it took me 4 years to get it back and I will never do it again.

 

[ultrarunner]

Don't have any of them except a business Costco...

I use Grainger and Office Depot and often delivered next day with no charge with national account... prices are very good on negotiated items but tend to run high to very high on Grainger... but when you need it they come through.

 

[3Ts]

I'm amazed at all the items available thru Amazon so I use them first when I'm looking for a product. However, I also check other stores before I order if the price seems out of line. I do consider return policy. Amazon's is great. A few examples:

- I bought a foam mattress in a box from them, it was delivered with grease stains on it that couldn't be seen until it was opened. Called up Amazon and they sent UPS to pick it up with a full refund. (The return shipping had to have been more than what I paid for it.)
- I bought a wide format printer, but Amazon with free shipping wanted considerably more for it than the vendor did even after the added shipping cost and the shipping was faster.
- Amazon carries our favorite candy bar which is less than $3 at the store. Amazon wants more than $20 for the same thing. However, the closest store we've found that carries it is a 4 hour drive one way. Mostly we go without or will pick up a supply when we're in the area..

So, check out other stores as well, yo might get a better deal.

 

[Frankenkubota]

That's one reason to pay with a credit card... when you have a legitimate claim they will reverse the charge. Actually PayPal is even better; they give the vendor a chance to come good on it first.

You are wicked correct about a credit card. I only pay with a credit card. An amazon credit card.

I知 currently objecting to a different charge on a different credit card. It痴 been 4 months, many phone calls, 2 letters and nothing except penalties and forms. I致e given the vendor many chances to make good.

The rules say, once you object to a charge, which must be done formally, by letter, they must stop with the penalties! That more BS. They continue to charge interest and piling on late fees and honestly, who痴 gonna stop them?

I don't think it痴 malicious behavior. I think it痴 a situation where no one on their end gives a **** and there is no downside. I feel I
Like I知 dealing with the government.

In situation where AI and e mails and forms do nothing, it痴 takes a human being to take an interest in resolving the problem. Now, think of your average American worker......

I just told my GC I want ONLY Mexican workers building my new house from now on. Does that make me a bigot, or a realist?

I said the AVERAGE American worker. I致e had Lott痴 of employees, a few were great.

 

[fried1765]

Don't have any of them except a business Costco...

I use Grainger and Office Depot and often delivered next day with no charge with national account... prices are very good on negotiated items but tend to run high to very high on Grainger... but when you need it they come through.

If it is business use, and the cost does not matter, Grainger is great!
If it is private use (me)...bend over!

 

[Doofy]

If it is business use, and the cost does not matter, Grainger is great!
If it is private use (me)...bend over!

During my working years, Grainger was Great. School discount plus free shipping couldn't be beat and they usually has everything you ordered.

 

[California]

Ebay - win some, lose some.

With the recordbreaking fires here, the downwind smoke has been unbearably bad at my home over in the valley. And for a single day out at the ranch. Fearing this might be the new normal, I bought another used Oreck electrostatic air purifier off Ebay. These really work, smoke particles stick to the plates and after running a day you can't smell smoke in the indoor air.

'Guaranteed delivery Wednesday', it arrived Thursday. Ok, whatever. But then I started it up and the fan clanks and clunks, bad bearings or something. The one I already had runs like a clock. The noise in this one isn't right. I asked the vendor for return at his expense, which is Ebay's remedy for 'not as described'. Surprisingly he immediately reversed my payment and told me to dispose of it however I wish. Great service!

(I suspect he paid $5 for it at Goodwill so he isn't out very much).

In summary, just another weird Ebay experience.

Luckily the smoke hasn't gone back up to last week's levels but this is still early fire season, anything is possible. Be Prepared! I ordered another one.