Rod Hilton

End of an era. More and more I'm losing reasons to keep using Amazon. Prime never ships stuff in 2 days anymore, half the stuff is weird fake knockoff dropshipped garbage, it's no longer the cheapest price for everything, and returns for pick-up stopped being free.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/19/23562036/amazon-closing-amazonsmile-charity-platform-announcement

Amazon is shutting down its AmazonSmile charity platform

Amazon has announced it’s shutting down its AmazonSmile charity program next month, coinciding with a variety of cost-cutting efforts by the e-commerce giant.

The Verge
Jan 19, 2023 at 2:25pmWeb
Show threadre_chiefJan 19, 2023
@rodhilton I would love to quit my Amazon addiction for these reasons and more. I'll happily accept any suggestions for alternative delivery services
Show threadGrant BogleJan 19, 2023
@rodhilton "fake knockoff drop shipped garbage" hit the nail on the head for me. I'm not sure what else to do, because the convenience factor is still real for me, but unless I have a very specific name-brand item I am purchasing, it's all the same garbage.
Show threadJerry GullaJan 19, 2023
@rodhilton I often get packages that are delayed (even when I don't go with the quickest option) and they have even lost several (only them). I groan every time I see it's Amazon as the carrier vs. USPS or UPS.
Show threadhammancheezJan 19, 2023
@rodhilton $11.323 net income in 2022 but they need to 'cut costs' because their profit isn't high enough
Show threadTanya ReynoldsJan 19, 2023
@rodhilton I was so sad to see this news about the end of Amazon Smile this morning. I am thinking I need to drastically reduce my Amazon reliance.
Show threadJosef 'Jeff' SipekJan 19, 2023

@rodhilton Who would have thought that not suggesting a special version of your ecommerce platform to your users would result in people not using it?! Weird.

I mostly gave up on Amazon about 3 years ago and I try to spend my money at less ethically dubious companies, which Amazon makes relatively easy. So, these days I only buy on Amazon if I'm looking for cheap garbage - when I'm fine with a sub-par item if the price is right.