I know I probably shouldn't, but I have found myself buying a lot more via Amazon recently than I did in the past. For someone with limited mobility, it's a godsend; but, at the same time, I know it's harming our High Street shops.
I always used to be very wary about giving my bank details to some unknown person at the end of my laptop. I imagined that I would be left penniless almost at once; but with Amazon so far so good.
Since I was a student I have always worn the same style of shoes. Pale beige suede 'desert boots'; as above. My current pair are wearing thin, and I couldn't find a replacement anywhere, other than on Amazon. Buying clothes, or shoes, by mail order is problematical. I think I know my shoe size, and Lady M has promised to return them if they don't fit. My fingers are crossed.
N.B. The shoes have now arrived several days early, and they're fine! Here they are (below) being 'worn-in'. Soft suede shoes need to be 'run-in' for a few weeks before they become really comfortable.
I also recently bought a new Coffee grinder. I have no idea what happened to the old one.
The solar powered, movement activated light at the front of the house has failed. It was quite old, so not surprising. I bought two new ones, one of which I immediately installed; it doesn't seem to work. I shall tinker with it, and if necessary I'll replace it with the second one.
I do crosswords, and recently bought THREE 400 page books. They'll keep me going for quite a while. I complete about 4 or 5 a day.
I've bought other things, including some 'Compression Socks', and various pairs of reading and distance glasses.
Last year Lady M's iPad cover fell to bits. The first two I ordered didn't fit, so were chucked (I couldn't be bothered to send them back). The third time was lucky, and it is still giving service.
I do also occasionally buy food on Amazon. I've bought tins of Haggis, Flageolet beans, Fray Bentos pies, and Pease Pudding. All were good.
There have been other bits and pieces, and I'm sure there'll be more. I do feel slightly guilty using Amazon, but where would we now be without it!
Amazon is one of the world's greatest success stories of recent times, and I suppose I've played a very minor part in their success. I'm not certain if this is a good or bad thing.
I had forgotten about these shoes, I thought them good.
ReplyDeleteI order the bulk of my purchases online, I have a bank account specifically for the job. I keep about £500.00p in it and top up as required. For expensive things I use a bank transfer, if it's someone new like the seller of a car or bike then transfer a pound the day before and then when you agree to the purchase the money goes through pretty much instantaneously.
When Amazon first became popular I swore blind I'd never use them. Now They are almost my first resort. and I trust them 100%.
DeleteAmazon is not so popular here but I can see why you use it. Quick service, an endless range of products and presumably good prices. K loves buying online but most of our online shopping comes from Athens. I wouldn't buy shoes though. I'd worry they wouldn't fit. I'm glad yours do.
ReplyDeleteWe have a special card for online shopping and transfer the money we need as we need it. We did have a card hacked a few years ago. The bank advised us to use this prepaid card. No money to hack there
My shoes were supposed to be delivered tomorrow, but they arrived last Saturday. The service is quite amazing. Lady M suggested I buy a second pair, but I think these will do.
DeleteThe shoes are beautiful. We also buy quite a bit on Amazon, not food products, we've never tried, maybe because it takes at least two weeks to arrive.
ReplyDeleteEverything here seems to arrive very quickly; much quicker than they initially suggest.
DeleteI try not to use Amazon unless I really cannot find what I need elsewhere. Although it can be difficult finding products over here the parcel delivery service is not reliable but more importantly, supporting our local retailers is vital.
ReplyDeleteThat's what worries me. I see our High Street shops closing by the dozen, and being replaced by charity shops. Even my big weekly shopping I do at a huge out-of-town hypermarket.
DeleteIf you live on an Island then Amazon is an absolute life-saver. Until recently I could order something before 6pm and if it was in their Cumbernauld warehouse it would be in my porch at lunchtime the next day via Royal Mail.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how quickly things arrive. If I ordered a new 'Hoover' from a local High Street shop it would probably take two weeks to arrive. With Amazon it's the following day.
DeleteI can understand how desert boots must be vital for traversing the Great Sussex Desert and The Perigord Desert in south west France. I assume you already have a pith helmet.
ReplyDeleteYes, and plenty of very baggy shorts
DeleteI too was resistant at first but there are so many things that you can't get in the shops anymore. I have a credit card just for internet shopping that is paid in full every month. As you say items often arrive next day too. I couldn't now manage without it. One of the things I order is flubenvet which is chicken worming powder. There is no where I can get it other than online.
ReplyDeleteThere are all sorts of things that I can no longer find in ordinary shops. I look on Amazon, and voila!
DeleteI can't bring myself to buy from Amazon, or any other online shopping channel. There isn't anything I desperately need. While I am physically able I will go to a shop. People say they can't find what they want on the High Street. That's because they have given in to the convenience of having things delivered to their door. Online shopping furthers the march towards globalisation. The big players make ever more billions and the small shops get left behind. People must do as they see fit, but don't moan when shops shut.
ReplyDeleteThis is my dilemma. I am not too mobile, yet I hate the idea of the High Street shops closing as a result of online shopping. Sadly I fear it's inevitable.
DeleteIt is inevitable. Online shopping is a game changer for those who are disabled, have no transport, or those who live in the sticks. A gap in the market will always be filled, and will often be exploited. Shops play an important role in the health and well being of those who do not have a wide circle of friends. A walk to a local shop is the highlight of their day. Imagine if everything was delivered in a van. Trapped in a box, nowhere to go, depression would escalate.
DeleteLike you, I pray that that never happens.
DeleteI think we might just scrape through without too many disruptions to our lives . I know I am in the minority, but I would rather go without myself. I have never felt entitled to anything in my life. Thank you for the conversation.
DeleteUse Paypal Cro. We have never had any probs. Amazon are great with returns too. Plus they usually come the next day( if you have Prime.) We have ordered in the morning and the goods arrived in the evening.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how they do it. They must have a fantastic network.
DeleteYour post gave me insight into why Brits feel bad about Amazon, the impact on local merchants. Here in the United States Walmart destroyed local retail running thousands of small merchants out of business. Amazon came along later, and I don't feel the least bit guilty about ordering on Amazon. They have built a better distribution system.
ReplyDeleteThe two main things I like about Amazon are firstly the comprehensive choice of products, and secondly the amazing efficiency.
DeleteI live just about as far away from civilization as a guy can get out here in very rural (population declining) Iowa. Amazon is a godsend to me. Without it - and the internet- I'd just be sitting out here counting the geese. With it, I'm a vibrant member of the consuming public. Get what you need from where ever you can get it, I say! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteI'm not isolated, but with my dodgy legs I might as well be.
DeleteI understand that people don't like to shop online as the high street is becoming obsolete but, things change and life moves on.Supermarkets took over from the local grocery shop but most people found them very convenient and don't seem to worry about that anymore. For me it's a godsend as I'm sure it is for others, having to look after a husband with advanced dementia and I am sure there are millions of others in similar predicaments. Desert boots have never gone out of fashion and I have always loved them. You've been having a right old spend up Cro !! Good for you. XXXX
ReplyDeleteThat's the other problem Jacqueline, one tends to spend more, as it doesn't really feel like 'spending'.
DeleteDon’t think there is a need to apologize..things move on. Depending upon where you live on line shopping is the way to go. So much more choice, the ability to significantly shop around with running up all those miles. I think it wonderful and happily use it.
ReplyDeleteI have no compunction giving over my credit card info to a reputable site.
I've had noting but good service from them so far!
DeleteMy husband was wearing a pair of those when I met him 50 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI expect I was too when I met Lady M.
DeleteI also like Amazon. It is very convenient, and delivery is reliable. Sometimes when I go to a store looking for something it is out of stock or just not carried. Amazon always has stock.
ReplyDeleteThat's right; they're never out of stock. What a difference that makes!
DeleteI have used Amazon once when it was the only option and delivery was fast (in Australia). Was uour G.P. any help with your mobility issues.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't phone me, so I asked for another call. They haven't replied. I'm self-medicating. Typical NHS, I expect they're all out on strike.
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