| Any alternatives to Prime? I’ve found Costco 2 day is just fine. Going direct with Sephora etc.. is working and faster with in store pick up. Any others ? I need a bookstore. I don’t actually need most things same day or with in Prime’s 2 day. |
| The library |
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For books:
https://www.abebooks.com/?clickid=2O83fvVCKxyKWgLyC5TQiUwuUksxnB2xyTWKyA0&cm_mmc=aff-_-ir-_-2516709-_-615875&ref=imprad2516709&afn_sr=impact&ref_=aff_ir_2516709_615875 “ With AbeBooks, you can browse through millions of books sold by independent sellers—it's basically an eBay for book-lovers. Each seller posts a detailed description of the book, and you'll always know where your books are shipping from.” |
| Also, your library lends e books. I use a Libby as an app |
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Haven’t had Prime in years and don’t miss it; neither does my bank account.
For e-books and audiobooks: Public libraries via Libby app and Hoopla app; movies available via Kanopy app. Bookshop.org Indiebound.org |
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I have a Kobo ereader, which is a non-Amazon alternative to the Kindle. Library ebooks checked out through Libby/Overdrive can almost always be downloaded directly.
For physical books, I try to buy in person. Our local indie will special order any book and usually get it within a week. Barnes and Noble is also a choice. For other stuff, I will often do Target orders for pick up. Amazon is frequently not significantly cheaper than other places. I will buy from Amazon if it’s something I can’t otherwise find, significantly cheaper, or I am maxed out and need the convenience. Usually things ship for free, just slowly or they offer I week of prime for $1.99. |
And it’s filled to the brim with knock-offs. |
Amazon owns AbeBooks. And Zappos. |
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What are you trying to buy that Costco etc doesn't have? I've heard good things about Target and Walmart shipping. I also pick stuff up at Home Depot, such as cleaning supplies and light bulbs.
We relied on Amazon for gifts once Toys R Us closed but thankfully my kid is out of that phase. Birthday gifts are more often found at Claire's or a bookstore right now. I use Amazon for weird stuff - I recently bought LED lights on stakes for my potted plants - but I don't need that quickly. Amazon has become expensive and unreliable for so many things. |
| thriftbooks |
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Target can replace a lot of Prime purchases and they give you more options -- same day pick up, same or next-day delivery from local stores, or just regular shipping from a warehouse (which does take longer).
For books I use a mix of library, local bookstore (which yes costs more, I want to support them and I get other things out of those stores), buying used online (Thriftbooks is independent, AbeBooks is owned by Amazon), and Barnes & Noble (which I think is preferable to Amazon though still corporate -- I used to work at one many years ago and they are an okay company). For clothes I actually try to buy in person. I think Amazon is horrible for clothes. I try to buy little and when I do buy, purchase quality that will last. I shop consignment some but also buy direct from stores. Most clothing websites offer free shipping over a certain amount spent, and 2 day shipping is not necessary. |
| Barnes & Nobles |
Abebooks is owned by Amazon. Thrift books is a good alternative. |
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I've never had Prime and I stopped buying through Amazon when they made every state jump through hoops for HQ2 just to split the deal and not completely follow through.
We have an amazing indie bookstore scene in this area, one of the best library systems, and shipping/delivery is fast to this area (generally). No one needs Prime for anything. |
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Libby app
Costco, Target 360, and Chewy |