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Comment by jszymborski | Hacker News Reader

Is this still a better experience than seeking out reputable brand names that have their own online shop?

I get my recommendations from user forums and YT channels I trust, and then go straight to the manufacturer.

I have one experience with Corning (Corelle) - wanted simple white square bowls straight from the manufacturer to replace some that broke.

The order was more expensive (by 15%), shipping took a week (as opposed to 2 days) and one of the bowls was "warped" - still functional but definitely a factory reject.

I did not want to bother complaining or returning but honestly, will never buy from them direct again.

And I hate Amazon. I try to use local retailers now, sometimes with online+curbside.

Usually the manufacturers websites have the highest prices

Anecdotally, that's not my experience. In fact, I often find sales on old warehouse stock I don't find elsewhere. Shipping is usually a sticking point, though.

Amazon’s seller policy demands that be the case. You can have your listings removed for policy violation if you offer a price lower than amazon including sales events and discounts. The product manufacturer can have priority control on the amazon listing so there is incentive for the manufacturer to be on amazon if only for that control. I see some sellers offer discounts in their website greater than amazon sometimes but they are vulnerable to expulsion if they are reported.

I am surprised the FTC has not raised issue with this policy.

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