Cost of Amazon Prime Could Increase by $20 to $40

[eddy]

I will pay. Prime saves us so much money because it pretty much eliminates many of our Target trips.

[laurenpetro]

Jan 31, 2014 8:49:17 GMT -5 @letshike said:

When I read the title of this post, I thought it meant prime was increasing the cost by $20 to now be $40 and I was wondering why I was paying $79, lol.

I would probably pay $100 and maybe even $120. We live in a town with a Walmart and Kmart. Our closest mall is 50 miles away and our closest target is 20 miles away so amazon is pretty important to us. Although I do think their prime streaming sucks.

I live in an area where all I have is 2 grocery stores in town (along with a couple of boutique shops) and no retail stores. My closest walmart and target are both about 20 miles away, so I understand what you mean about shopping options being limited.
That said, what's important to you about amazon? We have prime but I don't get this.
ETA: not a judgement!!

[heyjude]

Jan 30, 2014 22:31:56 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

Jan 30, 2014 22:18:38 GMT -5 @domerjen said:

You can split it several ways (6-8)? Only the main person gets the movies, but everyone else gets legit prime membership on their account. We paid $15 for it this year. Still an awesome deal even if I have to pay $20-25.

No. You can share it with up to four family members that live in the SAME HOUSEHOLD.

www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200444180

If you are doing anything else (and don't have the small business prime account), well, that's cheating. That is what raises prices for the rest of us. 

So unless your other family members are your H and your children, what you are doing is not kosher IMO. 

Meh.

I had no idea the rule was for households only. My dad has been sharing his account with us for....ever?

Amazon could easily stop this but they haven't.

[laurenpetro]

Jan 31, 2014 9:00:56 GMT -5 @letshike said:

Jan 31, 2014 8:57:18 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

I live in an area where all I have is 2 grocery stores in town (along with a couple of boutique shops) and no retail stores. My closest walmart and target are both about 20 miles away, so I understand what you mean about shopping options being limited.
That said, what's important to you about amazon? We have prime but I don't get this.

The shipping. Plus I like supporting them because I think they have great customer service so its important to me to give them my business rather than Walmart and even target. I've had shitty experiences at both.

Having prime really helps with convenience. My husband is gone 6 months out of the year so if I ever have to order anything heavy, its nice it comes right to my door. I can also use prime to send him things if he were to port at places or be at another base for a while.

Got it. This makes total sense.

[2curlydogs]

Jan 31, 2014 8:18:05 GMT -5 wawa said:

Hmmm...I probably get $10/month worth of value out of just kindle borrowing and the Kindle First free book once a month.

I'm pretty sure once shorti weans I won't be able to do nearly as much reading (I read when she nurses) so the chances that I'd pay that much are pretty slim.

Wait, what is this? Please to explain.

[wawa]

Jan 31, 2014 9:05:37 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Jan 31, 2014 8:18:05 GMT -5 wawa said:

Hmmm...I probably get $10/month worth of value out of just kindle borrowing and the Kindle First free book once a month.

I'm pretty sure once shorti weans I won't be able to do nearly as much reading (I read when she nurses) so the chances that I'd pay that much are pretty slim.

Wait, what is this? Please to explain.

www.amazon.com/gp/digital/kindle/botm

Every month there are four pre-release books - four different genres - and you can pick one of them to get for free for kindle.  I'm pretty sure the idea is that these are books that they are trying to generate buzz for, so it's worth it to the publisher to let amazon give them away so they already have a bunch of reviews when they are officially released. 

Also, when you pick out your free book, (at least the past two months) you get an email from amazon with a coupon for another list of books in the same genre and you can buy as many off that list as you want for $1 each.

I think it's newish.

[simpsongal]

Jan 30, 2014 22:48:52 GMT -5 EllieArroway said:

I don't think $10/month is too much. I shop there so much that it would be still worth it. I save more than $10/month on my Subscribe & Save orders compared to my local grocery store, and that's just a small portion of what I buy from Amazon.

They probably shouldn't raise it that much at once, though.

May I ask what you buy?  I just joined and I've had a hard time finding well priced S&S items.  The prices seem decent, but I could do better at Costco.

[SusanBAnthony]

@septimus I need to be knowing what you buy from Amazon every month.

[Deleted]

Jan 31, 2014 9:14:36 GMT -5 wawa said:

Jan 31, 2014 9:05:37 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Wait, what is this? Please to explain.

www.amazon.com/gp/digital/kindle/botm

Every month there are four pre-release books - four different genres - and you can pick one of them to get for free for kindle.  I'm pretty sure the idea is that these are books that they are trying to generate buzz for, so it's worth it to the publisher to let amazon give them away so they already have a bunch of reviews when they are officially released. 

Also, when you pick out your free book, (at least the past two months) you get an email from amazon with a coupon for another list of books in the same genre and you can buy as many off that list as you want for $1 each.

I think it's newish.

Holy crap I had no idea. None. And I'm a bit of a book nerd, so this will be an awesome thing for me. You're my favoritest poster today, thank you for sharing that. 

Only thing is, I don't have a kindle ... I use my nook mainly for reading, but I do have an iPad ... I suppose I could download a kindle app for that, probably? 

[wawa]

Jan 31, 2014 9:24:11 GMT -5 @shenanigans said:

Jan 31, 2014 9:14:36 GMT -5 wawa said:

www.amazon.com/gp/digital/kindle/botm

Every month there are four pre-release books - four different genres - and you can pick one of them to get for free for kindle.  I'm pretty sure the idea is that these are books that they are trying to generate buzz for, so it's worth it to the publisher to let amazon give them away so they already have a bunch of reviews when they are officially released. 

Also, when you pick out your free book, (at least the past two months) you get an email from amazon with a coupon for another list of books in the same genre and you can buy as many off that list as you want for $1 each.

I think it's newish.

Holy crap I had no idea. None. And I'm a bit of a book nerd, so this will be an awesome thing for me. You're my favoritest poster today, thank you for sharing that. 

Only thing is, I don't have a kindle ... I use my nook mainly for reading, but I do have an iPad ... I suppose I could download a kindle app for that, probably? 

Yup, I think the kindle app on an ipad would work.

ETA: from the link above: 

Prime members are automatically eligible for Kindle First.

Every month Prime members can enjoy one of the four books selected by Amazon Publishing editors for free.

Kindle First books can be read on any Kindle device or free Kindle reading app and become part of customers’ permanent libraries.

Prime members can sign up to receive a monthly e-mail announcing new Kindle First picks.

[heyjude]

Jan 31, 2014 9:21:58 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Jan 30, 2014 22:48:52 GMT -5 EllieArroway said:

I don't think $10/month is too much. I shop there so much that it would be still worth it. I save more than $10/month on my Subscribe & Save orders compared to my local grocery store, and that's just a small portion of what I buy from Amazon.

They probably shouldn't raise it that much at once, though.

May I ask what you buy?  I just joined and I've had a hard time finding well priced S&S items.  The prices seem decent, but I could do better at Costco.

I'll answer: best prices hands down on my favorite deodorant and face wash. Also my favorite oatmeal. And tampons. And baby wipes (the brand I like). Also it's just so convenient.

[Deleted]

I probably don't use it enough now to justify the $79 fee, so I'm not sure we would continue. I do love 2 day shipping though:(

[2curlydogs]

Jan 31, 2014 9:14:36 GMT -5 wawa said:

Jan 31, 2014 9:05:37 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Wait, what is this? Please to explain.

www.amazon.com/gp/digital/kindle/botm

Every month there are four pre-release books - four different genres - and you can pick one of them to get for free for kindle.  I'm pretty sure the idea is that these are books that they are trying to generate buzz for, so it's worth it to the publisher to let amazon give them away so they already have a bunch of reviews when they are officially released. 

Also, when you pick out your free book, (at least the past two months) you get an email from amazon with a coupon for another list of books in the same genre and you can buy as many off that list as you want for $1 each.

I think it's newish.

Epic! provided the books don't suck.... Their lending library (at least what I've browsed) is pretty weak.

[Deleted]

Jan 31, 2014 9:22:59 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

@septimus I need to be knowing what you buy from Amazon every month.

Computer parts (Dh) and books not at Barnes and noble

[josieposy]

I love amazon, but a 50% increase is insane and there will be at least some backlash.

[wawa]

Jan 31, 2014 9:31:59 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Jan 31, 2014 9:14:36 GMT -5 wawa said:

www.amazon.com/gp/digital/kindle/botm

Every month there are four pre-release books - four different genres - and you can pick one of them to get for free for kindle.  I'm pretty sure the idea is that these are books that they are trying to generate buzz for, so it's worth it to the publisher to let amazon give them away so they already have a bunch of reviews when they are officially released. 

Also, when you pick out your free book, (at least the past two months) you get an email from amazon with a coupon for another list of books in the same genre and you can buy as many off that list as you want for $1 each.

I think it's newish.

Epic! provided the books don't suck.... Their lending library (at least what I've browsed) is pretty weak.

Last month I got the Fantasy/SciFi book and rather liked it.  www.amazon.com/Timebound-Chronos-Files-Rysa-Walker-ebook/dp/B00CQC9O16

Time Travel thrillerish + historical fiction.  It wasn't mindblowing or anything, but entertaining enough that I'll probably keep an eye out for the sequel (I'm assuming there will be one since the story ends ona cliffhanger) and pay actual money for it.  It was  YA, but considering that half the world has read the Hunger Games and divergent that doesn't seem unreasonable.

This month I picked the Thriller selection, but I haven't gotten to it yet.

[Deleted]

DH and I are torn, and waiting to see what the price is when we're due in November, and how much we really use it over this year. Their streaming is not that impressive--they're very limited on closed captioned options which I need, and we hate that with many series you can get so many episodes free, then you have to pay to keep seeing the rest of the episodes. I do like the KindleLending Library and Kindle first options, but the books available are not worth $10 a mont(e.g. they're typically not top of the line bestsellers). The shipping can be handy, but now that C is out of diapers and other constant baby supplies, we pretty much just get his occasional XW shoes, some birthday gifts and Christmas gifts; not really sure if we'd really get $120 out of it, especially when I can do that shopping with other websites or locally if I am not too lazy.Lately their 2-day shipping has been really hit or miss, and the tracking is poor. I miss the golden days of Amazon Mom and true 2 day shipping, and their 1 day shipping has NEVER worked for my location; they're asking for more funds when service seems to have really slipped.

[vanillacourage]

Isn't Target doing a Subscribe & Save option now? 

We would probably cancel if it went up $40, even though we have a student-priced membership as it is.  We already have Netflix and Prime's streaming options suck.  I don't buy THAT much that I couldn't wait for $35 in my cart. 

[earlgreyhot]

Boo.

[andrealynn]

I haven't found prime worth it at $80 so I definitely won't do it at $100 or $120.

I have never paid that much in shipping and the prime content is fine, but nothing that I can't get elsewhere for the most part.

[simpsongal]

Jan 31, 2014 9:55:16 GMT -5 ribollita said:

I would pay it. I would probably pay $250:year to be honest.

I also shop a LOT at Costco but S&S is almost always cheaper, especially when AmaZon has coupons.

I was impressed by the coupons - is there a way to search for them?  I always just stumble across them.  I ordered Oil of Olay regenerist cream and it was only $12 after the 20% S&S discount and a coupon.  I went ahead and ordered a box of Luna bars too - pretty good unit price and I've heard they're good for snacking on maternity leave.  We don't buy a ton of household stuff.  But I suppose that will change once the baby arrives.

I ordered a box of 100 size 1 huggies that should arrive soon - I'm guessing those won't last me long.

[mnvegas]

While I certainly don't want to pay a higher rate, I don't think $10/mo is all that bad. We do a fair amount of ordering, get free books and I do use instant video quite a bit. It is just so convenient to be able to order all kinds of products from one place and have them shipped to where I want.

It will be a tough decision to make if Amazon does an increase.

[blindyswife]

We were finally talking about getting Prime, but we definitely won't for $100+ month. We just don't order enough stuff to make the free shipping worth it. Like others said, I would just wait until my cart has enough to qualify to ship free.

For those of you that order so much, doesn't all the extra packaging bother you? If your ordering tampons and toothpaste, I assume that is coming in a box? Boxes drive me crazy, maybe because our recycling is only picked up every other week.

[Deleted]

I'd pay it. Since DH and I both have small cars, when we need to buy larger items, it's nice to order it and use the free 2-day shipping (because I'm incredibly impatient). Right now, we are waiting on DD's high chair to come in. Should be here today. We've never had a problem with the 2 day shipping, and in some instances get it in 24 hours.

I agree that the streaming selection sucks, though. We use it some, but not much.

[ESF]

Jan 31, 2014 11:52:54 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

Perhaps Amazon wouldn't need to raise prices if they packaged stuff better. I have had so many things put into boxes unnecessarily, and gigantic boxes used when a smaller one, or even an envelope would suffice. I know that most pricing is based on weight, but the boxes themselves have to cost more, plus all those stupid plastic bags of air.

This blog post has some info on that -- it's interesting

consumerist.com/2013/01/09/ex-stupid-shipping-gangster-explains-why-your-purchases-are-so-poorly-packaged/

[ESF]

And I'd totally pay $120 a year. I've always thought the rate was really low. I am both lazy and impatient. Prime is the perfect compromise - no need to go anywhere, no need to wait a week for my stuff.

Plus, it's nice for sending gifts.

[dirtyred]

Jan 31, 2014 9:24:11 GMT -5 @shenanigans said:

Jan 31, 2014 9:14:36 GMT -5 wawa said:

www.amazon.com/gp/digital/kindle/botm

Every month there are four pre-release books - four different genres - and you can pick one of them to get for free for kindle.  I'm pretty sure the idea is that these are books that they are trying to generate buzz for, so it's worth it to the publisher to let amazon give them away so they already have a bunch of reviews when they are officially released. 

Also, when you pick out your free book, (at least the past two months) you get an email from amazon with a coupon for another list of books in the same genre and you can buy as many off that list as you want for $1 each.

I think it's newish.

Holy crap I had no idea. None. And I'm a bit of a book nerd, so this will be an awesome thing for me. You're my favoritest poster today, thank you for sharing that. 

Only thing is, I don't have a kindle ... I use my nook mainly for reading, but I do have an iPad ... I suppose I could download a kindle app for that, probably? 

Yes, you can do it on any tablet with a kindle app.

From your app, go to Kindle store, then on the menu on the left, scroll down to Kindle first.  The available books will pop up

[Myrrhine]

Jan 31, 2014 10:40:45 GMT -5 blindyswife said:

We were finally talking about getting Prime, but we definitely won't for $100+ month.

I am not sure about this rate hike; it could be too steep for us too, but it is an annual fee, so more like $10 / month.

[open24hours]

Jan 31, 2014 11:57:04 GMT -5 ESF said:

Jan 31, 2014 11:52:54 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

Perhaps Amazon wouldn't need to raise prices if they packaged stuff better. I have had so many things put into boxes unnecessarily, and gigantic boxes used when a smaller one, or even an envelope would suffice. I know that most pricing is based on weight, but the boxes themselves have to cost more, plus all those stupid plastic bags of air.

This blog post has some info on that -- it's interesting

consumerist.com/2013/01/09/ex-stupid-shipping-gangster-explains-why-your-purchases-are-so-poorly-packaged/

FIL does a lot of consulting work on efficient retail distribution and I've heard most of this from him. I do trust that whenever I receive a package in a ridiculously oversized box, the packaging was the cheapest/most efficient option available.

I did laugh about the bubble wrap wrapped in bubble wrap though. The last time I ordered bubble wrap, it came in a box packed with air cushion. Since the bubble wrap was needed for moving, the air cushion was a nice bonus of free packing supplies.

[EllieArroway]

Jan 31, 2014 9:21:58 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Jan 30, 2014 22:48:52 GMT -5 EllieArroway said:

I don't think $10/month is too much. I shop there so much that it would be still worth it. I save more than $10/month on my Subscribe & Save orders compared to my local grocery store, and that's just a small portion of what I buy from Amazon.

They probably shouldn't raise it that much at once, though.

May I ask what you buy?  I just joined and I've had a hard time finding well priced S&S items.  The prices seem decent, but I could do better at Costco.

Diapers, wipes, toilet paper, trash bags, laundry detergent, dish detergent, deodorant, soap... Basically all of our household goods. We don't have a Costco, so I don't know how the prices compare to that, but everything is cheaper than Target or our grocery store. The 20% Amazon Mom discount helps a lot.