Anonymous wrote:What are some more good alternatives to Amazon? I feel like I read Walmart and Target are just as bad. I looked at my purchases over the last 6 months and would love some advice on good alternatives to think about shopping. I think mainly Costco and the commissary/PX (we are an active duty family) could cover a lot of what I buy on Amazon. I've just fallen out of the habit of shopping on base because it's kind of a long drive for me.

home cleaning supplies and paper products - Costco already covers most of this for me

What about beauty/hygiene items? They are really expensive at drug stores and grocery stores from what I've seen. Costco doesn't have a big selection. I used to buy these things at Target, but that's apparently on the "do not shop" list.

What about random things like a basketball pump, inexpensive house planters, chair cushions, throw pillow covers - I think this is hardest for me to think about replacing amazon for

Which store for clothing basics, like underwear, t shirts, socks, pj pants? Maybe Costco, but, again, not the best selection

Anonymous wrote:Shopping or shipping:

COSTCO SUCKS !!

Anonymous wrote:[youtube]

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

Costco shipping is THE WORST !

Anonymous wrote:[youtube]

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

Costco shipping is THE WORST !

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

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Yes, I have kicked the habit of ordering on Amazon and shopping at Whole Foods.

Costco, Ace Hardware, CVS, and Staples are all substitutes. Yes, it takes more planning and thought and time but I am glad I did it.

Now, I haven't been able to kick my Kindle Unlimited addiction. I set it up to send me an email three days before it expires - that's in 2ish week - so I don't renew. This is going to be the hardest thing to do.

Get library cards and borrow kindle books. Lots of libraries allow you to get a card even if you’re not in the county/city.

NP- But you still have to go through Amazon to download the book. I only get mine through the library and Amazon is used to download to Kindle.

When I borrow the book on Libby, it asks me if I want to use Kindle or use Libby to read it on my device. I choose the second option.

On your Kindle? I can only use that option to read on my phone, which defeats the purpose (I can't read on my phone, vision problems)

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I have kicked the habit of ordering on Amazon and shopping at Whole Foods.

Costco, Ace Hardware, CVS, and Staples are all substitutes. Yes, it takes more planning and thought and time but I am glad I did it.

Now, I haven't been able to kick my Kindle Unlimited addiction. I set it up to send me an email three days before it expires - that's in 2ish week - so I don't renew. This is going to be the hardest thing to do.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I actually think the key is to find ways to stop relying on "convenience" as the key. I think the whole system is built around this idea that we, as Americans, have that we need to maximize our time, that we must be "productive" at all times and minimize the time we spend on things like caring for our homes, making meals, shopping for basic items, etc. In theory we do this so we can spend more time with our family or relaxing, but how do we actually spend that time? Working, scrolling our phones, engaging in social media (like DCUM), etc.

I quit Prime and the first step for me has been slowing the eff down. My DC needed a special item of clothing for a performance this week. Previously, I would have ordered it on Amazon or elsewhere and had it in hand in a couple days. Instead I called a store to see if they had what we needed in stock, asked them to hold it for us, and drove to the store after picking my DC up on Tuesday to pick it up. It took longer but it was better. We interacted with multiple people and those interactions were positive. The item fit DC correctly because we were able to look at it/try it on before buying. The activity made DC more enthusiastic about their performance, and I think it was mentally useful to slow down and undertake that task in person in preparation. I also spent close to an hour 1:1 with DC while DH had 1:1 time with our other child at home and made dinner.

I know this sounds dumb to people but the truth is that I think we need to change our culture. I think we prioritize the wrong things. Efficiency and minimizing human interaction and maximizing technology reliance are not good for us. We need to slow down.

Also the longer it takes you to buy things, the less you buy. Which is bad for the people who hold onto all the profits from what you buy but better for your bank balance and the environment.

I agree with you, but don't think this model works with two full time WOH parents. Amazon ordering is a response to the problem of not having time to go anywhere, and especially not having time to go to stores where the selection sucks because of Amazon competition and so you find nothing even after spending that time.

I'm actively trying to reduce my use of Amazon. DD needs a white dress for an event. I checked 5 different store websites, found nothing, and eventually had to order from Amazon. It's almost Easter, so white dresses should be everywhere, but no.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I have kicked the habit of ordering on Amazon and shopping at Whole Foods.

Costco, Ace Hardware, CVS, and Staples are all substitutes. Yes, it takes more planning and thought and time but I am glad I did it.

Now, I haven't been able to kick my Kindle Unlimited addiction. I set it up to send me an email three days before it expires - that's in 2ish week - so I don't renew. This is going to be the hardest thing to do.