Totts
Ravensrod 🫖 🍰@Geri Haven't used amazon since the uncut protests (possibly earlier). Chances are anyone selling on amazon has their own website, same with ebay. A few extra mouse clicks and you can buy direct and cut out the tax dodging bastards. 🙂
paulasimoes@Geri we still do our shopping offline or from online "local" stores (in some countries there are even local subscriptions for food boxes and cleaning supplies). I remember Guardian had this article for UK, maybe it helps https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/apr/27/how-to-avoid-amazon-the-definitive-guide-to-online-shopping-without-the-retail-titan
Now and then I also see websites from "Amazon alternatives" but they don't work for us since we are in Europe and many of those are abroad.
The thing we buy mostly online is books and we use Blackwells and awesome books because they don't stop at customs ( I recently saw Sherlock and Pages also doesn't stop, but didn't use it yet).
What I look for is:
- If the business is legit (sometimes brands,local stores, we already know have their online store)
- If it is close to me, more close the better
- If it is something that comes from abroad, if they take care of the customs thing (because it's hell, and more expensive, dealing with them at least where we are)
I don't think there's a one spot alternative, but maybe you can find a couple that cover your needs. It will take time to search, though. Hoping you can find them without stress.
(Also, since the pandemic and in small areas, some stores continued to deliver things to customers using phone to order even if they don't have an online store, but mostly in very small areas, so not sure if it works for you)
How to avoid Amazon: the definitive guide to online shopping – without the retail titan
Amazon is now making up to £8,800 a second, while concerns persist about its tax affairs, treatment of staff and effect on small retailers. Here’s how to buy everything from technology to beauty to books without it
@paulasimoes all useful stuff. Sadly, my local high street is estate agents, undertakers, and high brand designer shops, which: I do not need: do not yet need; can not afford. Xxx
Mike 🇬🇧 🇪🇺@Geri
I try to use eBay if possible - only slightly less bad, and some prices are higher than Amazon.
Some things still get delivered by Amazon even though they are not bought there.
I'm going to look again at On-Buy based on the recent suggestion.
Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK@MikeFromLFE @Geri this is the big dilemma, too many small/medium British businesses have outsourced their customer support and logistics to Amazon rather than do it in house.
I've used Ebay a bit more for car-related stuff (they have a better selection of parts and delivery is usually only 2-3 days), but it seems that for all their faults Amazon *have* nailed logistics and customer service (at least for returns, which they don't quibble about as much as other companies, I remember the 80s/90s where most human staff in shops were quite adversarial and I don't miss that at all)
Leigh Garland@Geri to echo another excellent reply, no quick fixes, but I'm also getting off Amazon, gradually.
I've tried to avoid switching to the other pseudo-Amazon services like Rakuten or AliExpress
Argos are good for lots of bits, mostly homewares, appliances etc. Not sure about your access needs, but they're often in Sainsbury's for same day collection, and do next day delivery.
Screwfix are good for all kinds of tools and DIY, even stuff like lightbulbs. will deliver next day.
@toychicken oh thank you very much. I am sure I would not know where to begin with tools and diy as one end of a hammer looks much the same as as the other end of the hammer 😳
But the argos idea is useful ty, lovie xx
UkeleleEric@Geri Unfortunately, as a consequence of the way that Amazon has undercut and destroyed many local businesses and shops, it is difficult to find some things other than online. But the small local groups and specialist groups online & offline can help, as can a general post on here - someone who can't help can boost your post so that others can see it. If you know anyone locally who can pick things up for you, that can help, and it could be useful to have a formal agreement, like, paying bus fare
@UkeleleEric
Most of the people in my town think I am some sort of anarchist. Having stickers on my wheelchair saying I am an anarchist doesn't help xxx
Most of the people in my town think I am some sort of anarchist. Having stickers on my wheelchair saying I am an anarchist doesn't help xxx
Jennifer C J Radtke@Geri I've had good experiences ordering from independent websites. Not sure what you are looking for, but a couple of my favs are:
https://www.peacewiththewild.co.uk/ - eco friendly household stuff
https://www.worldofbooks.com/ - second hand and some new books
In general I check for an address and sensible delivery policies before I order from a new site. I also check manufacturer websites, even if I found the original thing on amazon there are quite a few that sell direct as well :)
@Geri I find this approach works really well for hobbies, and once I've found a good website it's easier than amazon because everything is laid out sensibly and organized, there aren't a bunch of people selling the same thing at different prices with different delivery policies etc.
@RadtkeJCJ ty Jennie xxx
Gareth Kitchen@Geri I would have no problem with online sales being taxed at a far higher rate. A convenience tax, if you like. The state could exempt certain members of society. Surely, that would be good governance, wouldn't it?