Amazon Prime - kicking the habit

[Anonymous]

I canceled my subscriptions and will cut way back, generally. But I've purchased lots of videos over the years. What happens to those if I cancel? Or are they "mine" now and I'll still have that access?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am very dependent on the convenience of using Amazon. Everything I need gets shipped to me on a regular cadence. This helps because it’s one less thing I need to remember when running low on supplies.

I just paused my subscription so it will not renew in July. I found a few products directly through the manufacturer who also provide subscription shipping for cheaper. I still need to break my habit and find other vendors who carry my products. I hate being inside brick and mortar stores.

How have you been able to kick your Amazon habit?

I didn't read the thread, so some of my suggestions may be repeats.

First, I kicked ALL Jeff Bezos businesses (as best I could)
Here's a list: https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/jeff-bezos-companies/
It includes Amazon, Blue Origin, The WaPo, Whole Foods, Audible, IMDb, Zappos, MGM, Twitch, Zoox, Ring, Alexa, Kiva Systems, and many, many more (Abe Books, for one)

The bottom of the link includes links to lists of Musk's and Zuckerberg's businesses.

It's impossible to avoid interacting with the richest men in the world's businesses, but quitting Amazon is a good place to start.

Here's what I did:
1) I went on the website, and stopped the renewal of Amazon Prime
2) I tried to delete my credit card, but it wouldn't allow me to do that. I'll just never fill in the new card when this one expires.
3) Whenever I feel the urge to buy something mundane on Amazon (like toothpaste), I google the manufacturer's website, and buy it there.
4) I love to buy purses online, so I've been going to the companies' websites, and buying there. I buy clothes online, so go straight to the websites of the various companies. Yes, you have to wait longer to get your stuff, but so what? What's a few more days when our democracy is at stake?
5) I buy books online at ThriftBooks, which sells on Amazon, but is not owned by Amazon. https://www.thriftbooks.com/
6) I go to stores. I used to get dog food delivered, but now I go to my local pet store and support a local business by spending my money there. It's a bit more expensive but again, democracy....

Just keep trying, OP. You can still read the Amazon reviews, although I prefer Consumer Reports for reliable reviews of big ticket items. You'll break the habit. We all must, and we will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[youtube]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry meant to say COSTCO ships TP, toothpaste, etc.

Costco shipping is THE WORST !

It is difficult, but at least they still have their DEI program in place.

I'm a fan forever, unless they bend to pressure from Mump and Tusk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shopping or shipping:

COSTCO SUCKS !!

Hi Bezos. I didn’t think you would be worried yet. I guess you didn’t like today’s economic blackout.

I went into a store to get something small I had to buy (and I paid in cash), and the place was nearly empty! It really surprised me!! It's a large chain, which normally would be buzzing on Friday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't quit. I order stuff for my elderly parents who cannot order for themselves.

Yes you can.
Start researching one purchase at a time.
Many more sellers are offering free shipping for large purchases.
I bought six bottles of shampoo from the manufacturer and got free shipping. (and it's a small company)
It takes more effort, but it's worth it. Start with only one product you purchase regularly, and add on from there.

[Anonymous]

I love JCPenney online. they have a lot of basic clothing that you can get at great prices if you watch their website regularly (I don't have time for this now, but I did a while back). I got nice pj's t-shirts, even a couple of very well-fitting blazers to wear to work. I assumed JCP was all junk, but i've even gotten shoes online that are nice (sold at Nordstrom too)
I like Lands End website for basic t-shirts, pants, etc. I buy off-season for the best prices, and usually get free shipping. Plus you can return stuff to the store if there's one near you.
I wear basic black/white/tan mostly, and no one knows that I paid $5 for my white t-shirt!
Just start scrolling around when you can't sleep, PP. I've found great deals just by googling the products I like. I bought some shoes from a department store in the midwest, and some garden tools from another store somewhere out west. They arrived, and are great! No need to go back to Amazon ever!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't quit. I order stuff for my elderly parents who cannot order for themselves.

And you can’t order the same things form other sources because…?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[youtube]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry meant to say COSTCO ships TP, toothpaste, etc.

Costco shipping is THE WORST !

Really? I’ve had no issues except the annoying $75 minimum to get free shipping on certain products. I try not to step into to store to avoid impulse buys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh wow - I didn't know this was a thing. I just asked a similar question about Amazon Prime Video on another thread. So glad that others are dialing down or kicking the habit. That company needs to feel some consequences.

I believe in living your values, but the reality is they could lose a ton of regular buyers and barely feel it.

Drops of water make an ocean.

[Anonymous]

This sounds weird but my local ace hardware is basically a general store and is independently owned. I buy a lot there.

[Anonymous]

Amazon is canceled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh wow - I didn't know this was a thing. I just asked a similar question about Amazon Prime Video on another thread. So glad that others are dialing down or kicking the habit. That company needs to feel some consequences.

I believe in living your values, but the reality is they could lose a ton of regular buyers and barely feel it.

But I’m only one person. Said 7 billion people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't quit. I order stuff for my elderly parents who cannot order for themselves.

Yes you can.
Start researching one purchase at a time.
Many more sellers are offering free shipping for large purchases.
I bought six bottles of shampoo from the manufacturer and got free shipping. (and it's a small company)
It takes more effort, but it's worth it. Start with only one product you purchase regularly, and add on from there.

Listen you have no clue what I do for my elderly parents. Don't lecture me.

[Anonymous]

We have an amazon prime "wind-down" plan and will be off by May to coincide with DC's college graduation. It was convenient for for school stuff/toiletries and the occasional care package

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh wow - I didn't know this was a thing. I just asked a similar question about Amazon Prime Video on another thread. So glad that others are dialing down or kicking the habit. That company needs to feel some consequences.

I believe in living your values, but the reality is they could lose a ton of regular buyers and barely feel it.

But I’m only one person. Said 7 billion people.

They've just been very vocal about wanting to focus on AWS and don't see their future as a retailer, so I'm just realistic about the fact that Bezos would probably be happy to pick up some $$$ (maybe govt) contracts and focus on tech. Just realistic about how they've said they want to grow as a company and retail ain't it. The rest of FAANG has been successful without hawking doorstoppers and toilet paper and I get the impression they feel confident in that path too.