For the most part @dangeRuss I have to agree with @CouponClippen on how I view Amazon. While I have no problem buying things from Amazon that are as good a price or cheaper than what I can pay either locally elsewhere or online elsewhere, I have never once, paid for the annual prime membership. I have used their 30 day free Prime trials, which work out great when I’ve gotten them during holiday season, but I just can’t justify the $99 or even $79 on a deal price for Prime.
You mention ‘big ticket’ items, #1 true, you don’t need Prime for those to get free shipping but for electronics I’ve done just as well if not better at Best Buy, OD or Staples on computers, phones, etc. Amazon returns are not convenient to me and often times you have to pay to ship an item back or make phone calls, etc to facilitate the return. I buy a computer at Staples.com, if I change my mind or don’t like it, I take the box to my store 2 miles away and return it, get my money back. Nothing to box up or ship back. Not to mention, I often have discounted gift card offers and/or rewards to apply towards these items PLUS the cashback I get from shopping portals. Getting discounted AMZ gift cards is a much rarer opportunity than stores with traditional B&M/online set ups and cashback at AMZ is not offered on electronics to my knowledge.
As with many deal situations, one size doesn’t fit all. I live in an area where coupons are doubled at grocery stores, have many shopping choices and competitive prices locally. I get 400 cable channels, NETFLIX and barely have time to watch the stuff I already have, let alone AMZ videos.
