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I was shocked, after signing up for Prime's trial, how it instantly affected my buying. Nowadays, I rarely do items that don't have the Prime logo next to them.

I was shocked, after signing up for Prime's trial, how it instantly affected my buying. Nowadays, I rarely do items that don't have the Prime logo next to them. My friends are the same way. There is a big psychological component to it that sometimes overrides price outright. I can't explain it well. It is like in addition to knowing shipping will be free and quick, the Prime logo comforts a little bit. Like you trust the order more than if it is sold by FlyByNight LLC, regardless of whether or not it really is that company in the end.

timjahn 14y ago
I've noticed this happening to myself, too. There's something about the Amazon brand that has built up trust for me. 100% of the time, I'd rather buy a product sold and fulfilled by Amazon (BIG bonus if it's prime) then some random third party seller who will charge $40 for shipping via the USPS in 10-20 days.
deleted 14y ago
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signifiers 14y ago
Part of the mindset is that any Prime returns are dramatically easier than independent merchants, particularly new/relatively new sellers. If it's a trivial purchase, fine, but if I'm spending $100+, for me, it's usually worth a couple extra bucks knowing there will be zero friction if something's not right. Also, in my experience w/ electronics and physical books, the vast majority of independents take a day or two longer to ship than Amazon (both "regular" or as a fulfiller).
robdoherty2 14y ago
I'll add to this by saying that 99/100 purchases I make on Amazon must be Amazon Prime available-- simply because I've been burned by 3rd party merchants. Amazon Prime is certainly best for consumers-- but for merchants it is very difficult to turn a profit.
eshvk 14y ago
I pay a few dollars more just to get my stuff by prime. Sometimes, the third party seller is selling the same thing for lesser (with n >> 3 day) ground shipping and still Amazon's consistency of service makes it an easy decision to make.

timjahn 14y ago

I've noticed this happening to myself, too. There's something about the Amazon brand that has built up trust for me. 100% of the time, I'd rather buy a product sold and fulfilled by Amazon (BIG bonus if it's prime) then some random third party seller who will charge $40 for shipping via the USPS in 10-20 days.

deleted 14y ago

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signifiers 14y ago

Part of the mindset is that any Prime returns are dramatically easier than independent merchants, particularly new/relatively new sellers. If it's a trivial purchase, fine, but if I'm spending $100+, for me, it's usually worth a couple extra bucks knowing there will be zero friction if something's not right. Also, in my experience w/ electronics and physical books, the vast majority of independents take a day or two longer to ship than Amazon (both "regular" or as a fulfiller).

robdoherty2 14y ago

I'll add to this by saying that 99/100 purchases I make on Amazon must be Amazon Prime available-- simply because I've been burned by 3rd party merchants. Amazon Prime is certainly best for consumers-- but for merchants it is very difficult to turn a profit.

eshvk 14y ago

I pay a few dollars more just to get my stuff by prime. Sometimes, the third party seller is selling the same thing for lesser (with n >> 3 day) ground shipping and still Amazon's consistency of service makes it an easy decision to make.