Amazon Changes Everything (About Shopping)
My name is Connie, and I’m an Amazon Addict. I’ve been an Amazon Prime Member for many years. Only until a recent job change have I not used my prime membership.
Recently we were shopping and I’ve found that lately, I don’t skip checking prices on Amazon because they’ve made it entirely too easy for me. On my Motorola Turbo Android phone, I can now scan the barcode of anything and instantly check. Thankfully, a few years back, I didn’t get Amazon’s Fire phone because although I’m an early adopter, I was locked into another contract. But you didn’t need the Fire phone to do comparative shopping. You still don’t – and you aren’t smart if you haven’t done this.
I tend to look for odd bits; like bizarre cat treats, did you know that cats and even dogs love fish flakes? Dried flakes of tuna or salmon. I bought a jar of it at a local pet store, scanned the barcode and Amazon couldn’t find any. After I ran out, I went back to the pet store, and they were entirely out. Ultimately I checked two more pet stores to no avail. I just assumed that my cat (and dog) wouldn’t be snacking on fish flakes any longer. This past weekend I went to a Pet Supermarket, and they had the flakes, just a different brand name and it was tuna versus salmon. One scan of the barcode showed that Amazon did, in fact, carry it, but it was slightly more expensive. Obviously Prime has to pay for free (quick) shipping somehow! I quickly tweeted the comparison – not because I want Amazon to know that I’m disappointed, but to show local retailers that consumers are going to be comparison shopping right in their store. So you wonder why retailers should give free WiFi to shoppers? Now you know. TYVM.
A step inside TJ Maxx can turn into a Sams Club or Costco “OMG, did I need ALL OF THIS?” trip. I handled it pretty well but while shopping I found this awesome bag that I need for my Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro. It was the perfect bag! Just not the best price. A quick check with the scan showed that Amazon had a retailer, but it was much more expensive than TJ Maxx. A quick tweet and now TJ Maxx knows a shopper is comparing prices. Then I found the brown leather one and scanned that too. I didn’t leave with a bag but now I have it on my wishlist and when the Amazon retailer lowers the price I can catch it.
Whether you are in WalMart, Target, Publix, Whole Foods, Lowes, Home Depot, Tires Plus, etc., you should be scanning every item to see whether you are honestly getting a bargain and understand that although you paid for the gasoline to get there, it should be worth it! Install the Amazon shopping app, and you can also install the Amazon Now app for grocery prices.
