Why are we addicted to amazon - By Lea
I have had Amazon Prime for about three years. And in that short time, it has totally changed the way I shop.
Why? Low price + selection + free shipping + convenience = win.
This year, I did 90% of my Christmas shopping online. I have never been comfortable in crowds and have always dreaded Christmas shopping for that reason. But shopping that I can do in my jammies on my couch in front of a fire? Perfection.
But shipping always was a factor. Either I had to wait to place my order until I had $50 or $100 in my cart to get free shipping or I had to pay for shipping which often made whatever I was buying more expensive than buying the same item locally. And if I did place an order and then found another item I wanted, I'd have to pay for shipping all over again.
This process would have to be repeated with every retailer. And at each retailer, I'd have to create an account, and enter credit card or Paypal information.
I started with Amazon Prime like in the 2018 .. It was mid-December and I still had a lot of shopping to do. I signed up for a free trial and finished my shopping with Amazon, enjoying the free shipping. Of course, I forgot to cancel after the free trial and in January was charged for a full year. So I decided since I was paying for it, I might as well use it.
And use it I did. I started checking Amazon first for items. Not only were many items often cheaper at Amazon, but they arrived at my door free, usually in less than 48 hours. And things I couldn't find locally? Guess who carried it? I forgot to order a $5 item? I can just order it separately…no extra shipping charge.
So now I'm hooked. Amazon sucked me in with Prime and in return, I spent a LOT of money with them. But to me, it's worth it. I save far more than the $100 a year the service costs. I use it now for all kinds of random things. I'm sure my UPS guy hates me, but kitty litter delivered to my door is cheaper than lugging it home from the store.
So that's why I'm an addict. I can buy everyday items as well as shop for gifts at prices often below what I'd pay locally, without ever having to leave my house. I don't have to get dressed, drive around, find a parking spot, deal with going from store to store, waiting in line, or lugging my purchases back home. I would have a hard time going back to choosing between dealing with all that or paying extra for shipping. I'm glad I don't have to.