While it's true that they don't always have the best prices on everything, that's pretty much the exact opposite of my main gripe with Amazon. They pivoted into being a shitty bazaar.
Such a great way to put it. Amazon doesn’t care about the quality or reputation of the stuff they (through random foreign listings) sell. Unless you know ahead of time exactly what item you want, shopping on Amazon is just paying a premium to sift through the bargain bin.
I would definitely argue that you have to be more careful making purchases, but the retailer is clearly labeled. My complaint is that Amazon hides 3rd party ratings multiple steps past the original product listing.
I find it far less stressful shopping on sites with curated lists of products.
It seems Chinese taps are not really comparable with what we use in North Amrica?
I then ordered a "Orbit" from Amazon and a month later received.. the same Chinese one i got on Aliexpress???
Amazon was decent to return it right away but what the F? It was blatantly obvious they were just drop-shipping given the massive wait time.
Maybe the eBay ones are QC near-fails or knockoffs, but it's hard to tell without buying a bunch to inspect.
As much as I doubt it is very efficient, but it does seem efficient at bringing the brand value down (Amazon's, that is), if you turn it into a glorified eBay
If I compare to other stores, it depends on the deal you can find. I got lucky for getting a close out model of an AVR at Electronic Express that works perfectly.
I wish that could be the case with me, but I mostly order very specific items that I can't source locally (even in a large city) and need them ASAP. Amazon does that VERY well. I can order a weird camera accessory at 4pm and have it at my door at 7am the next day.
My experience has been largely the opposite. Amazon has pivoted to selling junk that now ships more slowly.
I still buy a lot of stuff from them, but am increasingly looking to competitors who actually curate their items.