Is Amazon Worth It Still?

Title says is it all. There are some products one can get from Amazon that can't get at a brick and mortar retailer, especially sicne some have closed. For example, I needed electronic components to repair the battery packs on my motorized telescopes that one could easily get at Radio Shack or Frye's. But those have gone the way of the dodo bird. So Amazon to the rescue.

On another thread I recounted my tale of replacing my doorbell and the two doorbell buttons. I don't like the looks of the buttons and want to replace them with something a bit more stylish and befitting an older home. So a I made a trip to my local big box store and looked at what they had. Found what I wanted, but at a price higher than what I as willing to pay. So I hopped on Amazon. Found similar products, with similar styling that meet my approval. But the price difference was only a few pennies, which basically made the price difference negligible. Which got me thinking.

Other than items that no local retailer stocks conveniently, are the prices on Amazon worth paying, as opposed to a short drive to the local store?

I have to admit I've bought a lot of stuff at Amazon and lately I've had a return a lot of it because it's crap. Mostly it's false advertising, the sellers say things about their products that are just totally not true and then you have to return it. I have three things in my car right now that have to go back to Amazon.

I mainly use Amazon for oddball stuff I cannot find at the local WMT. And specific clothes. I do not use it for general stuff like many people do, not worth it.

Quote: GenoDRPh

Title says is it all. There are some products one can get from Amazon that can't get at a brick and mortar retailer, especially sicne some have closed. For example, I needed electronic components to repair the battery packs on my motorized telescopes that one could easily get at Radio Shack or Frye's. But those have gone the way of the dodo bird. So Amazon to the rescue.

On another thread I recounted my tale of replacing my doorbell and the two doorbell buttons. I don't like the looks of the buttons and want to replace them with something a bit more stylish and befitting an older home. So a I made a trip to my local big box store and looked at what they had. Found what I wanted, but at a price higher than what I as willing to pay. So I hopped on Amazon. Found similar products, with similar styling that meet my approval. But the price difference was only a few pennies, which basically made the price difference negligible. Which got me thinking.

Other than items that no local retailer stocks conveniently, are the prices on Amazon worth paying, as opposed to a short drive to the local store?

My wife and I use Amazon quite a bit. I would guess that we get at least three packages a week from Amazon. I have been finding more and more online stores with prices beating Amazon but it is very rare to find items over $50 cheaper at a local store.

I use it a few times a year. I don’t mind going to stores. Starbucks Doubleshot Light (low sugar) is rarely stocked locally.

Overall, I see on line delivery expanding, and in store purchases continuing to shrink. I even keep noticing how many employees at my Wegmans are filling carts; shopping for an online purchaser.

Quote: DRich

My wife and I use Amazon quite a bit. I would guess that we get at least three packages a week from Amazon. I have been finding more and more online stores with prices beating Amazon but it is very rare to find items over $50 cheaper at a local store.

I'm in the market for a 2 to 3 quart crock pot/slow cooker. Prices almost identical between Amazon and the local Wallyworld.

Quote: GenoDRPh

I'm in the market for a 2 to 3 quart crock pot/slow cooker. Prices almost identical between Amazon and the local Wallyworld.

My experience is the lower priced the item is the locals will be more competitive. Obviously, many more choices available online. For me, I just don't like to leave the house. I left the house twice this week which is a little more than normal. I haven't found a way to get a haircut online yet. I am too frugal to pay someone to come to my house to cut my hair. I am still shocked that my barber charges $20 now.

Quote: DRich

My experience is the lower priced the item is the locals will be more competitive. Obviously, many more choices available online. For me, I just don't like to leave the house. I left the house twice this week which is a little more than normal. I haven't found a way to get a haircut online yet. I am too frugal to pay someone to come to my house to cut my hair. I am still shocked that my barber charges $20 now.

my barber was charging $20 25 years ago and it's still $20.

Quote: Evenbob

my barber was charging $20 25 years ago and it's still $20.

Wow, I think I was paying $8 to $10 twenty five years ago. I get my haircut once a month so if I can save $5 a month that is a lot of hot dogs and tater tots.