Amazon.ca
- Thread starter SkyRider
- Start date
I order something almost once a week from Amazon. The comments and ratings are your best friend. I only had an issue once and it wasn't worth returning the item. I posted a comment about my experience in the feedback section and the company that makes the item got in touch with me and ended up sending me another one for free.
As for delivery I have never had any issues. If it comes via UPS they leave it at my front door. If from Canada Post they leave it in my mailbox with a key to the bigger box to retrieve.
As for delivery I have never had any issues. If it comes via UPS they leave it at my front door. If from Canada Post they leave it in my mailbox with a key to the bigger box to retrieve.
I spend about $15-20k a year.
Only had to return things twice and no issues.
Couple of times they send stuff to you for free.
Delivery is ridiculously fast, sometimes less then/24 hrs.
Only had to return things twice and no issues.
Couple of times they send stuff to you for free.
Delivery is ridiculously fast, sometimes less then/24 hrs.
Never had a problem.
For me though, I only order stuff directly from them. I have never tried buying stuff from their Amazon Marketplace (which are resellers). These products usually cost a lot more than direct from Amazon, and can be in used condition. It's like buying from a guy at a flea market. May be good, may be crap. These resellers also charge shipping fees, while buying Amazon directly you get free shipping if you hit the threshold (is it still $39???).
Just do the free shipping option (assuming you hit the minimum order). Shipping is so fast, there is ZERO reason to pay for faster shipping.
One of the main Amazon distribution hubs is in the GTA. I've received orders at my door in 2 days just using their free option (and I did my order on a Saturday, got it Mon morn, so it shows they work and process things on weekends too). Perhaps if someone lived 1,000 km away in a rural area, it may be worth spending money on faster shipping, but there is no advantage if you are in the GTA hub.
For me though, I only order stuff directly from them. I have never tried buying stuff from their Amazon Marketplace (which are resellers). These products usually cost a lot more than direct from Amazon, and can be in used condition. It's like buying from a guy at a flea market. May be good, may be crap. These resellers also charge shipping fees, while buying Amazon directly you get free shipping if you hit the threshold (is it still $39???).
Just do the free shipping option (assuming you hit the minimum order). Shipping is so fast, there is ZERO reason to pay for faster shipping.
One of the main Amazon distribution hubs is in the GTA. I've received orders at my door in 2 days just using their free option (and I did my order on a Saturday, got it Mon morn, so it shows they work and process things on weekends too). Perhaps if someone lived 1,000 km away in a rural area, it may be worth spending money on faster shipping, but there is no advantage if you are in the GTA hub.
Amazon .ca is pretty good but I always check the prices on Amazon.com . There can be a big difference in pricing at times even with the exchange on the dollar . If ordering from the US I'll get it delivered to my US address and go and pick it up . I'm not that far from the border so going to pick up is no big deal . Most of the time I get waved through and pay no GST .
Amazon.ca charges GST and Amazon.com usually has no state taxes . Both are great but watch the pricing and shipping fees .
Amazon.ca charges GST and Amazon.com usually has no state taxes . Both are great but watch the pricing and shipping fees .
Just click on an item and on the top right of the page you will get buying options . Some will be dealers and one will be from Amazon . Amazon price could be a bit higher but the shipping is usually free . Now getting your item from a dealer you might get a better deal but they jack-up the shipping cost to make up for the better deal. Usually getting an item from Amazon is the best way to go.
Dave in Phoenix
Well-known member
I haven't been to a regular retail store for years other than groceries as I buy almost everything via Amazon.com (US). I also research the comments in deciding between similar products etc. Prime Membership a huge bargain for free shipping for a frequent shopper like myself. I can order at 4AM and get the same day (we have a distribution hub in Phoenix).
Very easy if need to return something, no questions asked they send you a shipping label so free returns.
Very easy if need to return something, no questions asked they send you a shipping label so free returns.
Easy. When you click and item, if it's driect form Amazon, it'll say In Stock. If they don't carry it, they'll say something about Resellers and you click the those links to buy it from a Reseller. A lot of Resellers are in the US. And I'm pretty sure the free shipping with minimum order only applies to stuff directly from Amazon. Unless you desperately need something from a Reseller (Amazon doesn't carry it), I wouldn't bother with them.
Reseller prices are usually higher, you may get grilled with foreign exchange US fees, and also shipping.
To me, the only value they serve is offering a product Amazon themselves don't carry, or you want to save a bunch of money and buy a Used copy of something. Amazon themselves only sell New stuff.... (or perhaps almost always new stuff.... I don't remember off the top of my head Amazon selling used gear). So if you can't find a good used product on eBay or Kijiji, then an Amazon Reseller may the best option.
Surprised at all the praise
Amazon.ca got quicker in last couple of years when they switched warehouse providers, but number of items arrive damaged has skyrocketed
Billing is quite the joke as well (esp for Amazon resellers)
I usually only use the website for price matching (never figured out why anyone would want to wait even an extra day for something when the store sells for exact same price and you get whatever right away)
Amazon.ca got quicker in last couple of years when they switched warehouse providers, but number of items arrive damaged has skyrocketed
Billing is quite the joke as well (esp for Amazon resellers)
I usually only use the website for price matching (never figured out why anyone would want to wait even an extra day for something when the store sells for exact same price and you get whatever right away)
Amazon is great. Rarely have a problem with them and when I did their return policy was excellent (didn't even have to pay to return it).
My only caution is when you're buying from resellers on Amazon. Some of them are just as shady as Kijiji. But buying direct from Amazon is great.
My only caution is when you're buying from resellers on Amazon. Some of them are just as shady as Kijiji. But buying direct from Amazon is great.
My daughter and her toddlers live in England. I use Amazon UK a lot. Saves a hell of a lot of money on shipping costs. The service is spectacular. Things usually arrive a few days earlier than promised. It's a very competitive market over there..all about customer service
Good point.
It pays to use Amazon.ca vs Amazon.com, as you will get dinged for customs brokerage fees and/or tariffs.
My experience is that the items are as described/shown and that the delivery times are pretty reliable. I am an Amazon Prime subscriber.
On the other hand: a) I feel like Amazon's pricing advantage over other suppliers has slowly eroded, such that they are not the cheapest suppliers of many of the items they sell anymore, b) items available through Amazon Prime usually have their prices jacked up accordingly, such that it's harder and harder to justify subscription to that service, and c) Amazon.ca does not offer nearly the selection of items that Amazon.com does, which can be disappointing when you are looking for a speciality item (which I feel is the main reason to use Amazon).
On the other hand: a) I feel like Amazon's pricing advantage over other suppliers has slowly eroded, such that they are not the cheapest suppliers of many of the items they sell anymore, b) items available through Amazon Prime usually have their prices jacked up accordingly, such that it's harder and harder to justify subscription to that service, and c) Amazon.ca does not offer nearly the selection of items that Amazon.com does, which can be disappointing when you are looking for a speciality item (which I feel is the main reason to use Amazon).
I just used lightinthebox.com and I regretted it. All the products are made from China and the sizes reflect Asians instead of North AMericans. It is such a pain to return the products plus paying custom duties twice. IMHO it is not worth it at all. I should have done more research and this is my fault for being in this mess in the first place.
Not a heavy user but also happy with amazon.ca / .com
When buying an item shipped from the US, sometimes taxes and duties charged, sometimes not. It seems to depend on the price. Anyone know at what price duty is charged?
When buying an item shipped from the US, sometimes taxes and duties charged, sometimes not. It seems to depend on the price. Anyone know at what price duty is charged?
Duty rates depend of the type of item purchased. Clothes & electronics are in the 25-40% range. Mail sorters do random checks on goods, so sometimes it's the luck of the draw whether or not duty is applied.
Credit card through PayPal with both Amazon.ca or Amazon.com. When I order from Amazon.com I get my stuff sent to my US address and go pick it up . Most of the time I don't have to pay GST when crossing the border back home . I'm close to the border so it's no big deal for me to cross into the US .
Many items cannot be sent into Canada but no problem in bringing them back yourself . Shipping costs and duties can be high if you want your stuff sent to Canada from Amazon.com .
Living close to the border has it's advantages at times .
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