Amazon has become too big for its own good - General Discussion Discussion

[–] ShogunofYonkers (71736) 5 years ago

How so?
I really love Amazon...shopping, streaming movies, music...
What do you dislike about it halo?
Niche Markets...I find quite a lot of obscure movies from the 70s and 80s streaming on Amazon Prime for a small fee
Shipping is often free too
I love Amazon!

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[–] Padeen (6459) 5 years ago

I actually had a terrific experience with them this evening. I noticed something I purchased last week went on sale, and they refunded me the difference when I inquired.

Don't get me wrong, I try to shop local as much as possible, but my financial situation doesn't allow me to pay more just to support the small guy.

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[–] halomaniac88 (1736) 5 years ago

I think Bezos is a great man, but when you have one company that dictates everything, there is no room for creativity and innovation.

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[–] eYeDEF (5050) 5 years ago

Yeah but we haven't reached that point yet where they've driven all the competition out of business when they turn to maximizing profits at the expense of innovation. Until we reach that point we'll continue to see plenty of innovation.

Right now metropolitan brick and mortars are still finding ways to compete. I'm seeing local stores online offering the same product at the same price but with same day delivery options instead of the 2-7 day delivery time under prime or standard shipping from Amazon.

But should the day come to pass they are a true monopoly it will be a concern.

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[–] ShogunofYonkers (71736) 5 years ago

Amazon has provided me with endless movies, free shipping for goods and a huge selection of music
Amazon is tops

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[–] GlenEllyn (21085) 5 years ago

I agree that Amazon does a lot of things really well. They're not quite a monopoly yet, but as more local businesses fall victim to the Amazon effect and go out of business it won't be too before long Amazon will be. I don't know about most folks, but I don't like that prospect. As a monopoly they can raise prices and you soon realize there are no alternatives, and you are stuck paying whatever they decide to charge.

Think about cable/ISP companies and how so many customers (at least here in the U.S.) are stuck paying ridiculous prices for lousy service because municipalities granted permission to just one provider for the entire town. Customers get stuck paying for extras they don't want or need, because that's all they're offered.

Personally, I use Amazon for general information about an unfamiliar item and how much it may cost, etc. I buy from Amazon only when I can't find it locally or on another site. I'm often pleasantly surprised because a manufacturer's site offers a better deal. Not always, but quite often.

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[–] halomaniac88 (1736) 5 years ago

I can't believe Amazon killed off Barnes and Nobles.

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[–] GlenEllyn (21085) 5 years ago

Barnes and Noble isn't dead yet. Wounded, perhaps mortally, but there's still a store in my small city and it's busy every time I go in there. I think there's a certain number of people who enjoy the hands-on experience of buying books. Will BN survive? Who knows. All I know is I'll continue to support bricks & mortar stores.