AccountCreatedToUpvoteDogs
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I'm little bit of a hypocrite
The way Amazon treats their warehouse employees, and how they "1099" their drivers, goes against my strong pro-union background. So "Put your money where your mouth is" I tried using other sites like eBay and local stores to support smaller businesses. But so often I am disappointed by the customer service and/or quality of products, and have more limited recourse. I'm waiting on an $1800 refund right now for example.
So Amazon is winning, and I feel sort of crappy about it. I can vote with wallet to a point, but hassle-free returns is a huge value, which is why Costco is my #1 retailer (who also treat their employees well).
twfeline
I am avoiding Amazon until I hear they have their shit together.
gotreference
“I tried using sites like eBay... to support local business”. Lol.
Trollydarollypolly
I know 4 people who work at Amazon. They like the pay and benefits but not the constant rush. They barely do anything sometimes.
mkwai
This is why we need stronger unions.
Lulabel73
I’ve bought maybe 2 things from amazon but I prefer eBay for its second hand goods and I’ve never had a problem.
szepasszony
I've avoided Amazon by making use of Paypal's customer service/refunds for products not received. Paypal isn't great either though...
CaptainCaptObvious
Thanks for caring about us :)
rooftopkorean42992
Stick to your character and principles. Dont compromise in a time where people are losing their minds
Orhoz
I worked in an Amazon warehouse once, worst job of my life. Dead of winter so 11 degrees outside, 102 on the 3rd floor
butterflybuttler221
If it makes you feel better my brother is an Amazon warehouse worker & he loves it...granted his other jobs involved him being attacked by 1
butterflybuttler221
Patients on the daily for less pay so his standards are pretty low. 2
namtrohs
Don't worry, having integrity is kinda a lost art nowadays.
Draggony
After leaving Amazon warehouse work on bad terms floored it down the highway going over 110 wanting to kill myself. A song stopped me
DockTourMoonDoe
I work for Amazon delivery. What do you mean by 1099 @op?
FudgeShorts
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AccountCreatedToUpvoteDogs
As I understand, Amazon drivers are contractors and not direct employees, like Uber drivers. That usually means income reported on a 1099
Sealab2021
1PooNGooN3
I deliver for Amazon, it’s the worst job I’ve ever had. The worst part is, 95% of the stuff we deliver is trash, and there’s sooo much of it
gentlemanscoundrel1988350
Same
mdzmdz
A friend did it and said it was better than when he had a paper round, though this was as a between term job. I wouldn't fancy it full time.
animashun
They have name brands though. If people go with brands they’ve used they won’t be bummed.
HotFruitcake
I know it may not seem like it but you are appreciated and you are a superior delivery service. You are renowned by amazon brand.
StellaZaFella
I feel bad for using Amazon, but so much of their stuff is a lot cheaper. It’s hard to act on ethics when you’re broke.
fdglrsfd
Just can’t get some things anywhere else. The cost of driving all over the city and not finding something anyway isn’t nothing either
mdzmdz
However much money you have you can always buy more shit if you go to a cheaper, less ethical supplier.
PendejadasDeNalgas
I agree with your sentiment.
eathotdog
Its better than Walmart
noon3r
I like ebay, but I'm careful to use top-rated sellers with a high percentage of positive feedback and offer same-day shipping.
MacAlba1314
Same i use eBay only if i can’t get local which is more than i would like, stopped using Amazon about 3 yrs ago.
DigYourselfBaby
Good for you! I will always support local independent businesses - their taxes pay for the infrastructure of our community.
ILikedTheirOldStuffBetter
We only have so many resources and so much power. Just try to avoid buying Chinese as much as possible, that's what I do and it feels good.
PballQhead
Even if you don't buy outright Chinese you're buying cheap 3rd world labor - my extremely expensive Gregory backpack was made in Vietnam.
strideo
Sadly it feels like 90% of the stuff on Amazon is no name Chinese crap these days.
PballQhead
Even sadlier it's as good as the expensive domestic-brand stuff because it's all from the same factory.
Josefbugman1543
Amazon doesn't actually SELL a lot of stuff. Go on their website to find things, usually there will be another website linked. Buy direct!
Ripplingtwinkie
I think the warehouse and driver issues wouldn’t be such a problem, but they tout their 2 day shipping and handle millions of orders, so (1)
Ripplingtwinkie
(2)it’s probably a huge quagmire or logistical issues. They can afford to pay their employees better, though.
mdzmdz
I'm not sure they can though - for example I have Prime (UK) and bought a screwdriver for £1.5 (~$2) with free same day delivery.
mdzmdz
They have to be already losing money on that, even with the low amounts they're paying everyone involved.
PballQhead
Not really, as a stockholder I get their financials - they're stock-rich but cash-so so
PballQhead
STFU downvoter. Great stock price don't mean income is shit. https://www.investopedia.com/the-world-s-10-most-profitable-companies-4694526
WhatsYourCovidStory
Thats not how this works
Mysoulispurple
I work at Amazon, im a but exhausted guys, we all are, wish we could get paid a little more but i guess it is what it is ?
AccountCreatedToUpvoteDogs
I wish you guys could unionize. It's a long battle that Amazon will fight but you deserve representation and better wages.
PrinceAsh1taka
Amazon is the richest company in the solar system. No one will EVER be able to fight them until people stop feeding it money.
actualseal
Big ebay vendors are even better
KingRememberedInTime1
Can you explain why 1099 drivers is an issue? I am seriously curious.
topdollar38
There isn't really anything wrong with 1099 or "gig" workers in general. It allows flexibility for people who want multiple jobs or f1¹1
topdollar38
To do freelance work. Some feel that since Amazon is so big they shouldn't rely on gig workers. California even passed a law 2/
topdollar38
Restricting gig work, however that has had "unforseen consequences" such as less people having work and making it difficult for 3/
topdollar38
People like musicians who "hire" someone to play a gig with them for an evening. 4/4
mdzmdz
Assuming 1099 relates to being "self employed", it's the lack of the benefits that usually come from employment.
AccountCreatedToUpvoteDogs
I think it's a cop-out, because it helps Amazon avoid 3.5% Medicare tax, 6.2% social security tax, and Healthcare costs.
poop273
At this point, we all are.
Hemelsblauw
Nope
LurkerOfDarkness
I dropped them a long time ago, because of their abysmal customer service, twas before the stories of their sweat shop wannabe warehouses
BaklavaMatatas
Idk man Amazon doesn't operate in my country and we seem to be just fine.
alman1234
Can you buy a CS381b?
Hobbes777
Psh EBay is ALMOST always cheaper. And often times has just as quick shipping. For real. Before you buy nothing Amazon, check eBay
Ratufa
Not me. Lots of alternatives depending on where you live. Canada, we have Simons, Canadian Tire, Chapters Indigo, & lots of smaller stores.
strideo
I still use them but I check other options more often than ever now because I don't think they deserve all my business. While there's no 1/
strideo
single website that can do what Amazon does I've often been surprised at how good other websites are in their respective niches like a 2/
strideo
site that specializes in cookware or bulk dry goods might be competitive in price and have a better selection of that type of product. 3/3
TeamToasterNeverForget
I've never used it. I'm also never using Ryan Air etc... I demand the companies I deal with pay a fair wage to their employees.
TeamToasterNeverForget
And of course fair working conditions. But in general I just really dislike Bezos.. Thats why I won't let him have my money.
alman1234
That’s pretty awesome man, good for you. Unfortunately, I live on an island in the South Pacific and have no other choice for some things.
repliessnarkily
Amazon is great for reviews. I've started going there for reviews and then going out to the seller's or manufacturer's site to purchase.
GeneralBadger
I've started doing this too. Only problem is ill rarely find the product is more expensive straight from the source
georgeforsythe6911
Me too. I don't buy a book until I read the reviews on Amazon
BatmansUnderPantsAreSoSoft
Lol no they're not. Haha are either paid for or they're too fucking incompetent to screw in a lightbulb
Lovethesmelloftoastedsourdoughbread
Amazon often groups reviews of products with same make but different models which is a hassle. Product specs are often wrong too. C-
repliessnarkily
I have been running into this a lot with the product types of my current purchases, and it is annoying AF.
SociallyAwkwardCanadianMoose
One problem I have run into is with books. There is an author I want to support/read but only sells through Amazon....
ZachariasWolfe
Amazon may be their publisher. No choice but find a different publisher if that's the case.
Disburden
It’s especially hard in areas that you don’t have access to other choices. For many people it’s just Amazon or Walmart
OfficialCommentFromCorporate
Who fucking knew Walmart would be “the little guys”?
Igotwhatplantscrave
Screw that- there always a choice. We just aren’t willing to sacrifice choice or time. Down with the big box- but that’ll never happen.
L1NS4S4URUS
And fuuck Walmart! I hate the fact that for some it's the only place to get stuff
repliessnarkily
There's not anything at Walmart that can't be found somewhere else.
Thephedora
Yup... amazin ate small town America.
METROlD
I use amazon for everything. I dont like it. But where else can I get stuff? All brick and mortar stores are out of business, and SUCKED.
YeastInfectedWhiskerBiscuit
Especially when the other choice are crap/scam sites like wish or Ali express. Even craigslist sucks these days.
johnvictor
Pretty much. Most small stores have died out so it's not east to just stop using one of the behemoths.
dudds6699
Capitalism hits again.
explainer
That's deliberate
TmlpGfdp
Debatable
Ihatedecidingonausername
Imagine life before amazon
XVUltima
There are OTHERS?
likuidlightning
That's about what I have to choose from... Amazon, Wal-mart or drive for 45 minutes.
YesYouJustLostTheGameAgain
That’s me. Rural buttfuck nowhere.
linearcore
Yep. The closest non-Walmart store to me is 60 miles away down a freeway that can be, literally, closed down at any time 9 months a year.
Badprenup
Shit that is me for lots of things and I'm in a large city. Unless I wanted a vape or something, there's a smoke shop on every corner here
chchchchwainges
Is that anywhere near Bumfuck, Egypt?
AccountCreatedToUpvoteDogs
If DeJoy wins and screws up the USPS, it's going to be even worse for the rural areas. UPS/Fedex often use USPS for last-mile delivery.
someonesdissapointment
I'm on EBT now because of covid and Amazon and Walmart are my only choices but I pick Walmart 100% of the time. Fuck Bezos
likuidlightning
The Waltons are worse, to be honest. They pioneered the "treat your employees like shit" retail model.
someonesdissapointment
But they are starting to fix it by raising wages, providing insurance etc. Worked for both. Walmart was WAY better
RoundTabler
The Walmart family is probably as bad or worse
L1NS4S4URUS
Probably about the same I'd say
someonesdissapointment
They at least raised the wages for their workers. Ive worked for both places and hands down, walmart treated me much better the Amazon
woahzors
If you want to go off wage Amazon is "better" Walmart is 11 or state min wage if higher. Amazon is about 15 competing with target
woahzors
When Wm raised the start wage to 11 they also greatly reduced the rate you earn vacation time, cut hours, and fired lot of staff to make up
bigmob100
At least you're aware. A lot of people on here will cry about how shit capitalism is then blindly throw their money into companies that
AsAnAussie
I find this especially true come Secret Santa time
kpauner
But if being aware doesn't lead to change then what's the point?
Tubularballs
If you’re aware and you still do it, saying you feel guilty feels like a good deed and helps you feel better. It’s still all about you.
alman1234
What does lead to change? I guess we should all just stop being consumers lol...no products for anyone, we all just gotta stop
bigmob100
Support the system they so "desperately" hate
TuggSpeedmann
*sent from my iPhone* exactly
thexare
bigmob100
Participation is a choice, but 99% of us aren't willing to give up all the conveniences we have to be more ethical consumers
alman1234
Do you mean to imply I can choose to not participate in society whatsoever? Closest I can get is still gonna include property tax...
samtheoneca
Maybe it's different outside Canada. But Amazon was paying $4-5 above minimum wage last I heard. While every other warehouse is paying min.
verdenvidia
Even where I am in the states a warehouse job is 23 an hour with benefits around here. I dont know man
samtheoneca
That sounds insane. It can get higher here. Except you generally need to work for an agency for 4 years at min to get hired. Not sure why y
samtheoneca
ou would ever pay someone $23 an hour for a warehouse job. But who knows, maybe there are additional risk factors.
verdenvidia
City's a little on the pricey side while not being ludicrous. Plus it does require 20km of walking every day but some enjoy that
bigmob100
Completely depends on what type of warehouse. I work at a UPS and it's 14 starting
verdenvidia
Oh for sure. I simply don't think it's this hard and fast rule that Amazon abuses all its workers. I don't believe that.
bigmob100
I know a few people who have worked there and they would never go back