Reasons I've fallen out of love with Amazon

I have grown up with amazon and have always loved just how easy it is to use - if I see something I would like to buy or the kids specifically mention a toy they like, I simply save it to my amazon wishlist to look at later. The amazon app lets me do this in a matter of seconds. I love how delivery is often free and prompt and how they sell everything from toothpaste to large appliances. I also will always read amazon reviews and lots of good reviews will influence my purchase. However this year, I have definitely fallen out of love with amazon. Here's why:-

1 - I want to shop local

I am much more aware of local and independent businesses now and would much rather give my cash to  a small business who appreciate it (and need it) rather than a large corporation who are never out of the news for dodging taxes.

2 - So much packaging!

I had a £200 gift card to spend on amazon this week and have received a few deliveries. Some of the packaging has been beyond ridiculous - huge cardboard boxes have been filled with items that only take up 1/3 of the space and then filled with lots and lots of packaging. There really is no need! I now need to go to our council waste centre to dispose of the cardboard that has filled my conservatory as it won't all fit in my bin!

3 - Prices

Amazon used to be super cheap - I really feel this is no longer the case. I know that prices fluctuate but why do they have to vary so much? A doll I wanted to buy Heidi was £20 on my wish list - when I went to purchase it the following day the price had fluctuated to £40! There are never any sale prices so it is just a guessing game trying to predict if and when prices will fall or rise. I also think that 9/10 times you can find products at a better price on other websites now as well.

4 - Quality

I have received three products this week that just haven't been up to scratch (a Thomas pillow pet, a gruffalo soft toy and a Marvel canvas). They were fairly expensive and when I received them I couldn't help but think they were poor value for money. I know if I had picked these up in a shop and looked at them first I would not have bought them so really, I have wasted money using Amazon. I know I could send them back and obtain a refund but we have tried this before and it is just so much hassle! Who has the time to email the sellers back and forth, re-package products and take them to the post office. I'd rather not have bought them in the first place!

So, I'm sad that my love affair with amazon has ended. My last few experiences have left me frustrated, this has not just been a one off. I vow not to buy from them again. I know they are convenient but I am looking forward to spending my cash with somebody who appreciates it from now on.

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