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I used to default to Amazon because of this. But nowadays many shops don't need an account anymore, the browser can autofill that data and credit cards with 3d

I used to default to Amazon because of this. But nowadays many shops don't need an account anymore, the browser can autofill that data and credit cards with 3d secure (basically 2fa) seem safe enough. Finding those shops to me is now the "hardest" part.

fauigerzigerk 5y ago
It may take just a minute to enter your contact and payment info, but then it takes half an hour to figure out their returns policy, shipping fees and delivery windows. I buy a lot more from tiny businesses if they operate on top of Amazon's platform.
- turbinerneiter 5y ago
  In Europe, they are bound by the same law, so return policies are not something I worry about. Shipping fees are clearly stated at checkout and honestly so damn cheap that I don't care. Delivery windows? It's the same delivery companies that Amazon uses or used to use. In Germany mostly DHL, who I never had a problem with. It's fine if your prefer what you prefer, I'm just saying that the experience of buying from random, smaller online shops got a lot better lately and is coming closer to Amazon.
  - fauigerzigerk 5y ago
    >In Europe, they are bound by the same law, so return policies are not something I worry about. No, the law does not mandate a specific returns policy. It just sets minimum standards. I can return almost anything to Amazon for free if I don't like it. I don't do that very often, but knowing that I can is one of the biggest incentives for me to buy from Amazon. >Shipping fees are clearly stated at checkout and honestly so damn cheap that I don't care. I have often gone through a lengthy ordering process before finding out at the very last step that my £20 order would incur a £5 delivery fee. And it's fine. It often doesn't make economic sense to make free deliveries to the doorstep. But that's yet another reason in favour of small stores sharing a logistics platform such as Amazon. >Delivery windows? It's the same delivery companies that Amazon uses or used to use. In Germany mostly DHL, who I never had a problem with. Here in London Amazon makes most deliveries directly. I can track deliveries in real-time and I know what they do if I'm not home. I had lots of issues with other logistics companies. They often lie about having made a delivery attempt and drop off parcels at some distant shop or depot.
    - turbinerneiter 5y ago
      Well, my experience in Germany is different than yours in London apparently.
    - CRConrad 5y ago
      > >In Europe, they are bound by the same law, so return policies are not something I worry about. > No, the law does not mandate a specific returns policy. It just sets minimum standards. If you're satisfied by that legal-minimum standard it comes to the same.
criddell 5y ago
Apple Pay is a pretty great experience when buying stuff online. I don't have to create an account, just hold my thumb over the button on my iPad and my details and payment is entered automatically.

fauigerzigerk 5y ago

It may take just a minute to enter your contact and payment info, but then it takes half an hour to figure out their returns policy, shipping fees and delivery windows. I buy a lot more from tiny businesses if they operate on top of Amazon's platform.

turbinerneiter 5y ago
In Europe, they are bound by the same law, so return policies are not something I worry about. Shipping fees are clearly stated at checkout and honestly so damn cheap that I don't care. Delivery windows? It's the same delivery companies that Amazon uses or used to use. In Germany mostly DHL, who I never had a problem with. It's fine if your prefer what you prefer, I'm just saying that the experience of buying from random, smaller online shops got a lot better lately and is coming closer to Amazon.
- fauigerzigerk 5y ago
  >In Europe, they are bound by the same law, so return policies are not something I worry about. No, the law does not mandate a specific returns policy. It just sets minimum standards. I can return almost anything to Amazon for free if I don't like it. I don't do that very often, but knowing that I can is one of the biggest incentives for me to buy from Amazon. >Shipping fees are clearly stated at checkout and honestly so damn cheap that I don't care. I have often gone through a lengthy ordering process before finding out at the very last step that my £20 order would incur a £5 delivery fee. And it's fine. It often doesn't make economic sense to make free deliveries to the doorstep. But that's yet another reason in favour of small stores sharing a logistics platform such as Amazon. >Delivery windows? It's the same delivery companies that Amazon uses or used to use. In Germany mostly DHL, who I never had a problem with. Here in London Amazon makes most deliveries directly. I can track deliveries in real-time and I know what they do if I'm not home. I had lots of issues with other logistics companies. They often lie about having made a delivery attempt and drop off parcels at some distant shop or depot.
  - turbinerneiter 5y ago
    Well, my experience in Germany is different than yours in London apparently.
  - CRConrad 5y ago
    > >In Europe, they are bound by the same law, so return policies are not something I worry about. > No, the law does not mandate a specific returns policy. It just sets minimum standards. If you're satisfied by that legal-minimum standard it comes to the same.

criddell 5y ago

Apple Pay is a pretty great experience when buying stuff online. I don't have to create an account, just hold my thumb over the button on my iPad and my details and payment is entered automatically.