Now don't get me wrong; I love Amazon!
The convenience of prime shipping is unbelievable. I've been a loyal Amazon customer for well over 15 years and a big admirer of their customer-centric business model. I also participate in the affiliate program for bloggers, so really I'm not anti-Amazon by any size, shape or form.
However, I can't help but notice that Amazon is practically becoming a behemoth giant and monopolizing almost any segment of business they set their sights on. This is evidenced by the fact the Jeff Bezos is on track to become the world's best trillionaire in a few years time. I honestly don't care about Jeff's net worth; I do care about Amazon becoming my only option for purchases.
To do my share in preventing a situation where Amazon becomes the retailer I'm forced to go to for almost everything, I've started intentionally shopping other online retailers available in Canada. This is all part of conscious consumerism and voting with my dollars. Sometimes it's not the cheapest or most convenient route, but that's a price I'm willing to pay to level the online retailing playing field.
Below is a list of retailers I try to default to in place of Amazon in Canada.
Books: Chapters Indigo - it appears their website automatically price matches Amazon and they also have free shipping after a minimum spend. Only thing I'm losing is the Amazon Prime 2-day shipping.
Craftable stuff: Etsy - my most recent purchases were face masks for the whole family and Nintendo Amiibo cards. In shopping Etsy, there's also the un-quantifiable satisfaction of supporting a person trying to make a living with their craft.
Kids Toys: Chapters Indigo and Mastermind Toys
Home Improvement: Lowes - I order online and pickup in store.
Electronics: BestBuy - Started offering curbside pickup when the shutdowns were in full swing
Kids' Shoes: Any of the DSW brands
Furniture: Ikea - shipping is expensive at $50
Beauty products: Beauty Boutique by Shoppers Drugmart
Appliances: Costco, Lowes, Bestbuy, The Bay
This list is limited to online retailers that I HAVE shopped at in the last 6 months with no regrets or complaints.
Bonus: Since the COVID-19 shutdowns started, Amazon withdrew their cashback offers on Rakuten (Ebates). Most of the retailers I've listed above still offer cashback on Rakuten so bonus points to them for staying customer-focused
The convenience of prime shipping is unbelievable. I've been a loyal Amazon customer for well over 15 years and a big admirer of their customer-centric business model. I also participate in the affiliate program for bloggers, so really I'm not anti-Amazon by any size, shape or form.
However, I can't help but notice that Amazon is practically becoming a behemoth giant and monopolizing almost any segment of business they set their sights on. This is evidenced by the fact the Jeff Bezos is on track to become the world's best trillionaire in a few years time. I honestly don't care about Jeff's net worth; I do care about Amazon becoming my only option for purchases.
To do my share in preventing a situation where Amazon becomes the retailer I'm forced to go to for almost everything, I've started intentionally shopping other online retailers available in Canada. This is all part of conscious consumerism and voting with my dollars. Sometimes it's not the cheapest or most convenient route, but that's a price I'm willing to pay to level the online retailing playing field.
Below is a list of retailers I try to default to in place of Amazon in Canada.
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| Shopping Cart Photo by Boudewijn Live on Unsplash |
Books: Chapters Indigo - it appears their website automatically price matches Amazon and they also have free shipping after a minimum spend. Only thing I'm losing is the Amazon Prime 2-day shipping.
Craftable stuff: Etsy - my most recent purchases were face masks for the whole family and Nintendo Amiibo cards. In shopping Etsy, there's also the un-quantifiable satisfaction of supporting a person trying to make a living with their craft.
Kids Toys: Chapters Indigo and Mastermind Toys
Home Improvement: Lowes - I order online and pickup in store.
Electronics: BestBuy - Started offering curbside pickup when the shutdowns were in full swing
Kids' Shoes: Any of the DSW brands
Furniture: Ikea - shipping is expensive at $50
Beauty products: Beauty Boutique by Shoppers Drugmart
Appliances: Costco, Lowes, Bestbuy, The Bay
This list is limited to online retailers that I HAVE shopped at in the last 6 months with no regrets or complaints.
Bonus: Since the COVID-19 shutdowns started, Amazon withdrew their cashback offers on Rakuten (Ebates). Most of the retailers I've listed above still offer cashback on Rakuten so bonus points to them for staying customer-focused
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