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IME, the two things that Amazon beats everyone else at is - the shipping speed (logistics) and customer service / returns. It's extremely convenient to be able

IME, the two things that Amazon beats everyone else at is - the shipping speed (logistics) and customer service / returns. It's extremely convenient to be able to order with same day shipping, and the return policy (and returns process) is superior to everyone. If theres a chance I might need to return something I rather buy it from Amazon, as going into a store and waiting in line is not worth the cost savings.

californical 4y ago
Best Buy has a better return policy. They’ll take back items that you’ve already used and didn’t like, even if there’s nothing wrong with it, and resell it as “open box” for a discount. Amazon doesn’t let you return a used item because you didn’t like it! And you can return online items locally really easily.
csomar 4y ago
Their process could be improved for shipping. I made a small order ($120) a couple days ago. I got it in three shipments; two of them the same day. I know it's no big deal, but it's a bit annoying to have the delivery guy showing up every few hours (if you add food delivery and other deliveries you have...). Also some splits are insane (a small paperbook delivered individually, how much waste for that one; though one can assume they are delivering for the rest of the neighborhood). Now I want to make a replacement and I have to drive to their nearest warehouse. A more efficient process will be to logistic their shipments daily somewhere (for a location) and send the delivery guy once. The delivery guy also picks up returns.
- vineyardmike 4y ago
  > Now I want to make a replacement and I have to drive to their nearest warehouse What I’ve never heard of this! Do you live in the middle of no where? The currier usually can do pickups and many retailers will front a return for Amazon. Also Amazon will let you do planned deliveries with fewer boxes if you pick a day a few days out.
  - starky 4y ago
    >Also Amazon will let you do planned deliveries with fewer boxes if you pick a day a few days out. For a while I was selecting this option, as far as I can tell they just completely ignore it since items still come in individual shipments the vast majority of the time.
    - vineyardmike 4y ago
      it obviously only works for things shipping out of an amazon warehouse, so if you don't pay attention they may not have qualified. Likely true if you do the "marketplace" and stuff. Also obviously they have to come from the same warehouse, which is impossible to know if you live in a major metro with many. If you're buying consumer staples (toilet paper, tide pods, cables, etc) then you should have no issue. Buying a random plastic replacement part to a 2011 Honda Civic in the unpopular color ? Good luck.
  - csomar 4y ago
    Confirming what starky is saying. It'll still come in different shipments but at the same day. Also I'm currently in the Midwest, so maybe that qualifies as nowhere?

californical 4y ago

Best Buy has a better return policy. They’ll take back items that you’ve already used and didn’t like, even if there’s nothing wrong with it, and resell it as “open box” for a discount. Amazon doesn’t let you return a used item because you didn’t like it! And you can return online items locally really easily.

csomar 4y ago

Their process could be improved for shipping. I made a small order ($120) a couple days ago. I got it in three shipments; two of them the same day. I know it's no big deal, but it's a bit annoying to have the delivery guy showing up every few hours (if you add food delivery and other deliveries you have...). Also some splits are insane (a small paperbook delivered individually, how much waste for that one; though one can assume they are delivering for the rest of the neighborhood). Now I want to make a replacement and I have to drive to their nearest warehouse. A more efficient process will be to logistic their shipments daily somewhere (for a location) and send the delivery guy once. The delivery guy also picks up returns.

vineyardmike 4y ago
> Now I want to make a replacement and I have to drive to their nearest warehouse What I’ve never heard of this! Do you live in the middle of no where? The currier usually can do pickups and many retailers will front a return for Amazon. Also Amazon will let you do planned deliveries with fewer boxes if you pick a day a few days out.
- starky 4y ago
  >Also Amazon will let you do planned deliveries with fewer boxes if you pick a day a few days out. For a while I was selecting this option, as far as I can tell they just completely ignore it since items still come in individual shipments the vast majority of the time.
  - vineyardmike 4y ago
    it obviously only works for things shipping out of an amazon warehouse, so if you don't pay attention they may not have qualified. Likely true if you do the "marketplace" and stuff. Also obviously they have to come from the same warehouse, which is impossible to know if you live in a major metro with many. If you're buying consumer staples (toilet paper, tide pods, cables, etc) then you should have no issue. Buying a random plastic replacement part to a 2011 Honda Civic in the unpopular color ? Good luck.
- csomar 4y ago
  Confirming what starky is saying. It'll still come in different shipments but at the same day. Also I'm currently in the Midwest, so maybe that qualifies as nowhere?