Amazon Prime -- Anyone use it?

[Blackhawk]

Thats weird. They usually supply me with a rma ship label. Least thats as I recall. Not returned anything to them in 4 years

They do here, too (or just let me drop it off.) But an RMA label requires some way to get the now-labeled package to the shipper. Said shipper, for me, is a 60-mile round trip, and I'm still sans transport. That'll be solved by next week (if my flipping insurance agent will ever answer the phone - it's been five days that I haven't been able to get him to return a call from a voice mail.)

[LawBeefaroni]

A few weeks ago I received a dress I didn't order in a package with some other things I did order. It was in the box but in a separate package with a prepaid USPS label for someone in Texas (I could tell what it was because it was in semi-opaque packaging and you could read the label through it).

I got on Amazon to return it and had to use "I received something I didn't order and want to return it." When I got to the drop off options, the closest was in Norridge. That's several miles away, 60+ minutes each way in normal traffic. There's a Whole Foods a few blocks away with a giant return desk. But they want to send me to Norridge?

As a test, I did the form to return something I did buy from the same order. It gave me the local WF, and dozens of nearby places, as an option so it wasn't a capacity issue.

I tried the real return again yesterday. Still Norridge. Fuck it, going to drop it at WF anyway. Could do USPS but since I didn't pack or label it, not comfortable with that.

[Anonymous Bosch]

Thats weird. They usually supply me with a rma ship label. Least thats as I recall. Not returned anything to them in 4 years

They do here, too (or just let me drop it off.) But an RMA label requires some way to get the now-labeled package to the shipper. Said shipper, for me, is a 60-mile round trip, and I'm still sans transport. That'll be solved by next week (if my flipping insurance agent will ever answer the phone - it's been five days that I haven't been able to get him to return a call from a voice mail.)

Did you check to see whether you're able to select UPS Pick-up as one of the options for returning your item? Sometimes it's listed under 'other methods,' or words to that effect. I dunno if it varies by location, but that option is typically also free, as long as the relevant item was shipped/sold by Amazon.com. And if the item is eligible for UPS Pick-up, you don't even need to leave your house, as UPS will typically pick up your package on the next business day.

[Blackhawk]

Thats weird. They usually supply me with a rma ship label. Least thats as I recall. Not returned anything to them in 4 years

They do here, too (or just let me drop it off.) But an RMA label requires some way to get the now-labeled package to the shipper. Said shipper, for me, is a 60-mile round trip, and I'm still sans transport. That'll be solved by next week (if my flipping insurance agent will ever answer the phone - it's been five days that I haven't been able to get him to return a call from a voice mail.)

Did you check to see whether you're able to select UPS Pick-up as one of the options for returning your item? Sometimes it's listed under 'other methods,' or words to that effect. I dunno if it varies by location, but that option is typically also free, as long as the relevant item was shipped/sold by Amazon.com. And if the item is eligible for UPS Pick-up, you don't even need to leave your house, as UPS will typically pick up your package on the next business day.

Yep, it's an option. It's also been a disaster in the past. UPS usually doesn't come anywhere near my door, and when they need to see me face-to-face about something, they usually knock on the downstairs door (which leads only to an empty common area with access to the actual apartments.) So, I spend all day keeping the volume low, not wearing headphones (which I normally do), not going into rooms that are too far from the front door... and then they knock on a door that isn't mine and leave.

I'm not in that much of a rush. I'm annoyed at Amazon refusing to offer another alternative to someone with an account in good standing with more than 20 years on it, and I'm annoyed that they left me holding the bag for their (or their sellers') bad-faith sales rather than making it right yet again, but I'm not going to spend an entire day waiting by the door to cut the wait shorter.

[Anonymous Bosch]

Did you check to see whether you're able to select UPS Pick-up as one of the options for returning your item? Sometimes it's listed under 'other methods,' or words to that effect. I dunno if it varies by location, but that option is typically also free, as long as the relevant item was shipped/sold by Amazon.com. And if the item is eligible for UPS Pick-up, you don't even need to leave your house, as UPS will typically pick up your package on the next business day.

Yep, it's an option. It's also been a disaster in the past. UPS usually doesn't come anywhere near my door, and when they need to see me face-to-face about something, they usually knock on the downstairs door (which leads only to an empty common area with access to the actual apartments.) So, I spend all day keeping the volume low, not wearing headphones (which I normally do), not going into rooms that are too far from the front door... and then they knock on a door that isn't mine and leave.

Wow, that's a right pain in the arse.

Given the situation you describe, have you considered purchasing a simple plug-in wireless doorbell system like this? FWIW, it's currently available as a Lightning Deal on Amazon for $19.99:







It has a 1300ft range with two plug-in receivers that provide LED notification and up to 115 dB of volume, so I doubt you'd have any worries in future if/when someone knocks at the incorrect downstairs door. From the sounds of it though, I'd suggest placing the wireless doorbell near that downstairs door, along with a suitable weatherproof label on or beneath it to clearly indicate that it's for your particular house/suite number.

I'm not in that much of a rush. I'm annoyed at Amazon refusing to offer another alternative to someone with an account in good standing with more than 20 years on it, and I'm annoyed that they left me holding the bag for their (or their sellers') bad-faith sales rather than making it right yet again, but I'm not going to spend an entire day waiting by the door to cut the wait shorter.

Fair enough.

[Blackhawk]

Nah. They leave incoming packages downstairs, which is fine, and I don't want to deal with the hassle of mounting something on a 130-year-old brick wall (where the outer surface is starting to get crumbly) covered in peeling paint. The only time I'd actually benefit from something like that is the once-a-year when something needs signed for. Besides, there's a functioning doorbell down there already that nobody, in 20 years here, has ever rung on purpose.

I have considered getting a camera for out there, though, although the wiring would be a problem.

[Unagi]

For just $24 you can get one that looks like this cutie:



Of course, all these need to be delivered.

[Max Peck]

I just noticed today that Amazon has added GPS tracking to its shipment tracking. When the package is out for delivery, they display the courier's location on a map, and appear to update it in real time.

[Carpet_pissr]

I just noticed today that Amazon has added GPS tracking to its shipment tracking. When the package is out for delivery, they display the courier's location on a map, and appear to update it in real time.

They've had that for quite a while... at least a couple of years, though it could have been a regional roll out kind of situation.

[Max Peck]

I just noticed today that Amazon has added GPS tracking to its shipment tracking. When the package is out for delivery, they display the courier's location on a map, and appear to update it in real time.

They've had that for quite a while... at least a couple of years, though it could have been a regional roll out kind of situation.

This is the first time I've noticed it in action here. In spite of the fact that at one point it was within a block of my apartment building, the tracking currently shows my package is back at the carrier facility, undelivered. Which is, I suppose, better than being "delivered" to the wrong address.

[Max Peck]

The package is out for delivery again today, but without the detailed geotracking. Probably for the best...

[UsulofDoom]

I just noticed today that Amazon has added GPS tracking to its shipment tracking. When the package is out for delivery, they display the courier's location on a map, and appear to update it in real time.

They've had that for quite a while... at least a couple of years, though it could have been a regional roll out kind of situation.

This is the first time I've noticed it in action here. In spite of the fact that at one point it was within a block of my apartment building, the tracking currently shows my package is back at the carrier facility, undelivered. Which is, I suppose, better than being "delivered" to the wrong address.

I had that happen when I was waiting for my quest 3. I watched it go back to the depo. He came back out to deliver though. I was waiting and he said he needed to get parcels back to the station to be sent out. So they are doing pickups and deliveries some times.

[Smoove_B]

Lawsuit coming:

A proposed class action lawsuit, filed Friday in California federal court, claims breach of contract and violations of state consumer protection laws on behalf of users who saw the terms of their subscriptions with Amazon change when it pivoted to making its ad tier the default for its over 100 million subscribers.

In 2023, Amazon, which declined to comment, announced plans to turn on ads for all Prime Video viewers. The platform last month rolled out the change, instantly turning the service into a streaming-ad juggernaut and the largest ad-supported subscription streamer. Users must pay an additional $2.99 per month to watch without ads.

[Carpet_pissr]

Welp. I just let my Prime sub expire after having it since it was first available. The world did not end!

Also, while their cancelation page VERY effectively shows you how much you "saved" because you got 5% off every purchase (with the Amazon Prime CC), which is basically what kept me renewing, what they don't tell you is that you STILL get 3% off every purchase, even w/o a Prime membership. Had I know that I would have cancelled a long time ago. I was comparing 5% off vs what I assumed would be 0% off.

Still, it's very close to paying for itself based on history, but I am hopefully going to reduce my spending considerably at Amazon this coming year.

[Daehawk]

I only keep Prime for the 2 day shipping ( which isn't always 2 day now it seems) and for their video streaming to watch movies free.

[Max Peck]

In addition to the shipping and video streaming, I also use the monthly Prime sub on Twitch, collect the free Prime Gaming games, and use Prime Reading as a digital lending library. Overall, I feel like I get my money's worth from it.

[Daehawk]

Oh ya forgot twitch and gaming. I do that too.

[Carpet_pissr]

Aaaaand I'm back. Just got too used to it, PLUS I didn't realize they would be borking my Amazon Music experience more than they already did (didn't think it was possible actually, but it was!).

Bastards.

[stessier]

Bastards.

How dare they create an experience that you value!!!

[Max Peck]

I'm pretty sure that the primary experience that Amazon Music is designed to provide is to annoy me into paying extra for the subscription version, which presumably includes such advanced features as being able to play the songs on my playlist instead of a selection of random music vaguely inspired by the songs on my playlist.

[Isgrimnur]

It's what pushed me to try Spotify.

[Carpet_pissr]

Bastards.

How dare they create an experience that you value!!!

I know that's tongue in cheek, but they absolutely ruined most of the perks they were using to market Prime.

I would not pay one cent for the absurdly crippled (especially compared to what they were) services that are included as benefits currently. It very much went from a "wow, this is a cool service, with all the extra stuff I actually use!" to "I'm only doing this because it pays for itself using my CC".

So I would say they have very much destroyed value, very systematically, for the consumer, and degraded the experience significantly as well.

[stessier]

Bastards.

How dare they create an experience that you value!!!

I know that's tongue in cheek, but they absolutely ruined most of the perks they were using to market Prime.

I would not pay one cent for the absurdly crippled (especially compared to what they were) services that are included as benefits currently. It very much went from a "wow, this is a cool service, with all the extra stuff I actually use!" to "I'm only doing this because it pays for itself using my CC".

So I would say they have very much destroyed value, very systematically, for the consumer, and degraded the experience significantly as well.

I use it and I agree, but you still value it enough to have it over not. They are being successful at extracting the maximum value for what they offer. Such is life.

[Punisher]

I'm pretty sure that the primary experience that Amazon Music is designed to provide is to annoy me into paying extra for the subscription version, which presumably includes such advanced features as being able to play the songs on my playlist instead of a selection of random music vaguely inspired by the songs on my playlist.

Ot also has trouble playing albums that you have bought.
I bought the Hamilton album and it refuses to play it in order and will even through random songs in the mix.
VERY annoying!

[Carpet_pissr]

I'm pretty sure that the primary experience that Amazon Music is designed to provide is to annoy me into paying extra for the subscription version, which presumably includes such advanced features as being able to play the songs on my playlist instead of a selection of random music vaguely inspired by the songs on my playlist.

Ot also has trouble playing albums that you have bought.
I bought the Hamilton album and it refuses to play it in order and will even through random songs in the mix.
VERY annoying!

That's one my biggest gripes, but there are others. They won't allow you to play music you bought FROM them without putting ads ALL up in it, not to mention all the functionality that is removed from the non=Premium product. Basic stuff like they make the UI as awful as possible. Can't shuffle, etc.

[em2nought]

Hate how amazon tries to sneak a prime trial in on me every time I buy something.

[Max Peck]

If your Amazon Prime delivery times seem a little longer these days, you might want to try living in a more affluent ZIP code.

Amazon secretly slowed deliveries, deceived anyone who complained, lawsuit says

Amazon has been accused of secretly slowing down Prime deliveries in low-income parts of the District of Columbia and then lying to customers who complained.

In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb alleged that Amazon violated a local consumer protection law by overcharging approximately 48,000 "historically underserved" people in "two ZIP codes east of the Anacostia River"—20019 and 20020—by millions after "secretly" changing how delivery services work in these areas.

According to Schwalb's press release, Amazon switched from using its in-house delivery service for the last mile of deliveries to these DC ZIP codes sometime in mid-2022 to "exclusively" using third-party services. These third-party services—such as USPS or UPS—are "often slower" than Amazon delivery drivers, and "Amazon knew" the switch "would result in significantly slower deliveries for residents living in these two ZIP codes yet it never informed existing or prospective Prime members living there of that exclusion," the release said.

Schwalb said that Amazon should have notified users that fast delivery speeds—the primary subscriber perk— were not available to them before they paid full price for subscriptions. This is especially harmful, Schwalb said, because low-income families live in these areas and depend on Amazon for basic necessities due to "fewer services and retail establishments nearby." The attorney general has accused Amazon of unfairly discriminating against these residents while overcharging them for inferior services and thwarting them from finding better alternatives to suit their basic needs.

These subscribers ordered 4.5 million packages in the past four years while gradually suffering inexplicably longer delivery times, Schwalb alleged. In 2023, only about 25 percent of packages arrived within two days, compared to 72 percent prior to Amazon's delivery change.

[Max Peck]

Sometimes I think that Amazon's vaunted algorithms just aren't all that good at what they do.



I mean, thanks for the recommendation I guess, but I'm not confident that I can make a tuna sandwich from safety glasses.

[Punisher]

Sometimes I think that Amazon's vaunted algorithms just aren't all that good at what they do.



I mean, thanks for the recommendation I guess, but I'm not confident that I can make a tuna sandwich from safety glasses.

The sounds like a challenge. You should accept!

[Kraken]

I'm not confident that I can make a tuna sandwich from safety glasses.

Ah, but you'll be well positioned to tune a piano.

[ManAboutNothing]

I'll be cancelling Prime this coming renewal. With ever-slowing deliveries (and 2 packages getting lost recently), the ads in their streaming, the slowly increasing price, and Walmart+ being much better around this area, it just isn't worth the money anymore in my estimation, for the first time in awhile.

[Blackhawk]

Question for non-Prime Amazon shoppers.

I'm trying to separate myself from Amazon as much as possible, one piece at a time. I'd like to cancel Prime, but where I live there are limited retail options (there is one quarter-sized Walmart, and that's it.) I shift as much of my business directly to the manufacturers when it's practical, but it often isn't.

How is Amazon shipping without Prime?

[Blackhawk]

Know what? It doesn't matter. I'm done anyway. I'll be cancelling my renewal today.

[LawBeefaroni]

I don't know if Walmart is any better as a corporate citizen but they have a prime like subscription. Walmart +. Free shipping and may get you discounts/perks at that small WMT near you.

https://plus.walmart.com/

[Blackhawk]

Walmart is the other one I'm trying to back away from. I'm still trying to figure out how - Sam's is the only bulk store around (the region), and Walmart is where we usually shop for non-bulk purchases. I may just have to compromise and get bulk from Sam's, but do the other shopping elsewhere. That gives me a choice of Krogers or Krogers most of the time. It's a lot more expensive, though, and Walmart is still the only local store (the others are a 60+ mile round trip.)

[Punisher]

IIRC Non prime shipping is more expensive and slower.
It really depends on how often you order from there.
The things I get from Vine aren't always Prime shipping. I've seen so items that have Prime option when buying but ship as if I didn't have Prime and take 2 weeks. Or more.
Also, IIRC, you are on a fixed income similar to me, no?
If so, make sure you can afford your principals. While it's admirable I'm not sure it's worth increasing your suffering to make a point that will most likely go unnoticed.
Again it really depends on how much you order.

[Kraken]

In my former career as an online retailer, I learned that shipping costs added 20% to every sale. As a little guy I had to either raise prices by 20% or pass the cost along to the buyer. I failed largely because I couldn't offer "free" shipping and Amazon trained everyone to expect it.

Bezos ignored my email asking about his cost structure so IDK what % of sales his shipping costs are. He has certain economies of scale that Curio City didn't enjoy. But I'll guarantee you that people paying full freight are subsidizing the Prime price.

I respect what you're doing, but I think the only way to win is not to play. I also understand why "just don't play" is hard. I recently moved to a small city that you'd consider a retail mecca, but it's a lot sparser than I'm used to. I'm trying to minimize buying online when I can, and it's more difficult than I expected.

[Madmarcus]

I'm not saying anything surprising or new but I moved to a big city expecting to be able to do more physical shopping. After all I'm retired and have the time to roam all over the metro area. I'm still finding tons of things that really aren't available at brick and mortar stores any more because niche stores aren't profitable.

[LordMortis]

I'm not saying anything surprising or new but I moved to a big city expecting to be able to do more physical shopping. After all I'm retired and have the time to roam all over the metro area. I'm still finding tons of things that really aren't available at brick and mortar stores any more because niche stores aren't profitable.

Yep. I don't use Amazon for much. They're a last recourse for me but all the niche stores that used to exist around me are gone. But there are many odds and ends I can't just "go out and buy." so I wait for $35 of them to accumulate and then order them a few times a year when getting one of them is a necessity.

[Blackhawk]

The way I look at it, giving up the free shipping means that Amazon is now competing on even terms with all of the other online retailers out there, and Amazon's prices are often higher. And I learned a while ago that if I want something big or many of something, I am often better off going directly to the manufacturer. When you buy big items or multiples, they often provide free shipping, plus it's fresher (if that applies), packaged better, and you don't run the risk of counterfeits and scams like you do on Amazon.