Every dollar counts: Next time you need to return an Amazon order, think twice about where you do it. If you go to a UPS Store when Whole Foods, Kohl’s or Amazon Fresh is the same distance or closer, you’ll have to pay a $1 fee.
Amazon makes it so tricky to cancel that the FTC sued - Here’s how to do it
Ever thought about everything Amazon knows about you? I don’t just mean your favorite shampoo and what food your dog eats. Use this link to get a copy of everything Amazon knows.
Amazon Clinic is a whole different level of data collection. Is it safe to use? Prepare to be shocked. Here’s my take.
Then there’s Prime. If trying to cancel your Amazon Prime membership feels like taking the SATs, it’s not just you. The Big Tech behemoth set it up like that on purpose. Let’s look at what you get, whether it’s worth it and how to cancel if it’s not right for you.
Operation … what now?
A Federal Trade Commission lawsuit claims Amazon hid its schemes from federal investigators. Regulators say Amazon execs delayed or rejected user experience changes that would’ve simplified the cancellation process.
It’s no wonder they did. Because of the confusing maze of instructions, Amazon reduced cancellations by 14%. The runaround includes four pages of deals, offers, snooze alarms and several other distractions.
Amazon codenamed its scheme “Iliad Flow,” a nod to Homer’s legendary epic about the Trojan War.
Is Prime worth your money?
Is Prime’s $139 yearly (or $14.99 monthly) fee worth it? Here are some of the top features that keep customers hooked:
- Free two-day delivery on over 10 million items.
- Free one-day or same-day shipping on some orders over $25.
- Exclusive access to Prime Day deals.
- Two-hour grocery delivery from Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh.
- Access to stream music, movies and TV shows through Prime Music and Prime Video.
Prime probably isn’t worth it if you shop less than a few times a month and don’t care about extras like Prime Video. Chances are, the free shipping won’t outweigh the cost of your membership. Without Prime, shipping fees typically cost between $4 and $10.
Did you know: You can buy packages from Amazon that the buyer never claimed? Get shopping!
Use Amazon to buy groceries? Get ready to pay more
For many, the COVID pandemic made having groceries delivered common. What could be better than having everything you need to be dropped off at your door?
Amazon Fresh was admittedly ahead of its time in this regard. It’s been around since 2007, and everyone who has used it loves it. Sadly, you might need to pay more to have your groceries delivered in the future.
🍖 I’m warning you again, just in case: BrucePac recalled 11.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products infected with listeria. Many have been repackaged and resold through retailers like Amazon Fresh. Check your fridge and see if any of your food is on the updated contamination list.
3 genius ways you're not using your Amazon Alexa
Who says Alexa is only helpful on your kitchen counter? She’s a smart cookie, and chances are, there’s more you could be doing with her.
Did you know that Alexa can improve home security and check in on elderly relatives? Tap or click here for five clever ways to use your Echo and Alexa.
4 ways to order groceries online and how to safely unpack them
In the time of social distancing, it’s well-advised to stay in. Still, there are essentials we can’t go without. If you’re older or have an underlying health condition, even going to the grocery store can feel risky during the coronavirus pandemic.
🥩 Check your fridge: Some 11.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products may be contaminated with listeria. BrucePac sells to companies that repackage, resell or use its products, so you’ll need to check a whopping 348-page list to be safe. Big names include Amazon Fresh, Kroger and Trader Joe’s. Pro tip: Hit Ctrl + F on Windows (Cmd + F on Mac) to search the list.
Suddenly, I’m not hungry: Want unlimited grocery delivery from Amazon? That’ll be $99, in addition to the $139 annual charge for Amazon Prime. It works on orders over $35 from Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and select retailers on Amazon.com. I’ll stick with Instacart.
Jeff Bezos needs the money: Amazon’s new grocery delivery has hit the streets. For $9.99 per month, you’ll get free delivery from Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, Rite Aid and a few local spots but only on orders over $35. You can get a free 30-day trial. Instacart is getting too expensive. Listen to this to learn how much.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Can this new $90 Amazon tablet compete with the iPad?
Buying a new gadget may be the last thing on your mind right now, but Amazon thinks it can convince you otherwise. The company is on track to release a new tablet for less than $100 that competes with the likes of Apple’s iPad — which costs significantly more.