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I use Amazon a lot and I have Amazon Prime but I've started to do big purchases elsewhere. Because, frankly, the difference between having 25 relevant SKU's in

I use Amazon a lot and I have Amazon Prime but I've started to do big purchases elsewhere. Because, frankly, the difference between having 25 relevant SKU's in a smaller store versus 1000's on Amazon doesn't matter to me when I only want to buy one of them. The right one. I don't want to have to try and work out if it's real or counterfeit, or how reputable the brand is, or whether the listed specs are accurate - I'm happy to pay a bit extra for a store's merchandisers to do that for me. So yeah, I'd buy a USB Stick from Amazon, but a television, not so much. I'm not even sure how they can solve these problems (how can you police/accurately rank a huge inventory?) but at the very least they could get rid of co-mingled inventory etc. that are making it even worse.

beervirus 6y ago
Although realistically, that USB stick is far more likely to be counterfeit than the TV is.
silicon2401 6y ago
what are some good alternatives to amazon? this year I've started minimizing my use of google and amazon services. I built a PC with parts from microcenter where possible, and bought hard drives from best buy when they were price matching on prime day. I've also started buying books through a local bookstore, which has been my favorite change as I know the money goes to my community rather than 'huge but not as huge as amazon' business like best buy.
- alexgmcm 6y ago
  I live in Spain, so now I get all of my components and electronics from PCComponentes. I had to return a broken monitor and the service was amazing too, although to Amazon's credit, I've never had an issue with Amazon's returns service either.
ianmcgowan 6y ago
Costco is a pretty good alternative for durable goods, and after many years of digital media, I'm shopping at thriftbooks.com and buying CD's again. Amazon has lost the trust battle - it makes me anxious to shop for things on amazon now, unless it's something I've bought before.
petra 6y ago
For big buys, i generally consult something like the wirecutter(it's supposed to be trust worthy product review site), get a decent recommendation, and go buy it on Amazon - from the manufacturer's store. Sure beats getting recommendations from a store salesman.
- alexgmcm 6y ago
  I checked out wirecutter today and it seems really decent. Thanks for the recommendation!

beervirus 6y ago

Although realistically, that USB stick is far more likely to be counterfeit than the TV is.

silicon2401 6y ago

what are some good alternatives to amazon? this year I've started minimizing my use of google and amazon services. I built a PC with parts from microcenter where possible, and bought hard drives from best buy when they were price matching on prime day. I've also started buying books through a local bookstore, which has been my favorite change as I know the money goes to my community rather than 'huge but not as huge as amazon' business like best buy.

alexgmcm 6y ago
I live in Spain, so now I get all of my components and electronics from PCComponentes. I had to return a broken monitor and the service was amazing too, although to Amazon's credit, I've never had an issue with Amazon's returns service either.

ianmcgowan 6y ago

Costco is a pretty good alternative for durable goods, and after many years of digital media, I'm shopping at thriftbooks.com and buying CD's again. Amazon has lost the trust battle - it makes me anxious to shop for things on amazon now, unless it's something I've bought before.

petra 6y ago

For big buys, i generally consult something like the wirecutter(it's supposed to be trust worthy product review site), get a decent recommendation, and go buy it on Amazon - from the manufacturer's store. Sure beats getting recommendations from a store salesman.

alexgmcm 6y ago
I checked out wirecutter today and it seems really decent. Thanks for the recommendation!