3 ms·

I also think the main differences are rooted in the different countries the commenters come from. Many of the the features commenters in the US seem to value i

I also think the main differences are rooted in the different countries the commenters come from. Many of the the features commenters in the US seem to value in amazon are mandated by law e.g. in Germany, and thus are provided by all domestic online retailers. This levels the playing field. I have had zero problems with returning orders for many years, most deliveries leave the shops at the day of my orders and so on, and I never order from amazon. The most recent anectode: Ordered bike parts from a german online retailer at sunday evening, packages will arrive in a few hours.

thirdsun 7y ago
Indeed. And additionally Amazon is absolutely terrible when it comes to shopping for specific product categories where details matter. Bike components are a classic example. In Germany you'll find a much larger product selection (with unquestionable origins) and better prices at specialised shops like Rose Bikes or Bike Components. Meanwhile Amazon's listings for the same products with specific attributes are a giant mess - it's basically wild west since any seller can contribute to the product listing resulting in inconsistent attributes, unknown product versions and often multiple listings for the same or slightly different article. This also applies to other categories like outdoor clothing or audio equipment. For most product categories there are better options available. And don't get me wrong - I'm a happy Amazon prime subscriber and enjoy their almost flawless fulfilling process, but these days I seem to only use Amazon for inexpensive, general, everyday items.
- rv-de 7y ago
  Their search system is so abysmally bad - it's absolutely staggering how they can sell AI tech on AWS and keep looking in the mirror ... (don't know if they do that, though)

3 ms·

I also think the main differences are rooted in the different countries the commenters come from. Many of the the features commenters in the US seem to value i

by bildung 7y ago

thirdsun 7y ago
Indeed. And additionally Amazon is absolutely terrible when it comes to shopping for specific product categories where details matter. Bike components are a classic example. In Germany you'll find a much larger product selection (with unquestionable origins) and better prices at specialised shops like Rose Bikes or Bike Components. Meanwhile Amazon's listings for the same products with specific attributes are a giant mess - it's basically wild west since any seller can contribute to the product listing resulting in inconsistent attributes, unknown product versions and often multiple listings for the same or slightly different article. This also applies to other categories like outdoor clothing or audio equipment. For most product categories there are better options available. And don't get me wrong - I'm a happy Amazon prime subscriber and enjoy their almost flawless fulfilling process, but these days I seem to only use Amazon for inexpensive, general, everyday items.
- rv-de 7y ago
  Their search system is so abysmally bad - it's absolutely staggering how they can sell AI tech on AWS and keep looking in the mirror ... (don't know if they do that, though)