Buzz
Amazon offers just about everything you could ever want to purchase, often at prices that outdo its rivals. Yet, there's something unsettling about having items like a 12-pack of paper towels (or anything else you desire) delivered in just a couple of days or less.
Perhaps it's the alarming injury rate in some of the company's warehouses, particularly during the hectic holiday season, which led to a petition from 600 workers demanding more rest breaks. Or it could be the stories of exhausting fulfillment targets causing injuries at much higher levels than in other warehouses. Not to mention the Prime Day protests by fulfillment center workers advocating for improved working conditions. Then there's the company's controversial plan to introduce facial recognition policies to lawmakers.
Maybe you've been thinking about ditching Amazon or have already taken the plunge. But now that the holidays are here, what does a deal-hunting, time-conscious shopper do? Is it possible to steer clear of Amazon while buying gifts for the season?
Yes, it is. You’ll just need to adjust to the change.
Look for deals on other websites
If your friends and family have made detailed holiday wish lists, your main task will be to compare prices online rather than immediately turning to Amazon. I suggest two approaches for comparing prices when you know exactly what you're looking to buy.
One option is to visit Slickdeals and enter the product name to see the best prices available online; if there’s a time-sensitive coupon, you'll be alerted below your search results.
Another method I use is simply searching for the product name on Google Shopping. When I recently searched for a rain jacket to give as a gift, I found 19 different options across major retailers, niche stores, and even some sites I hadn't heard of. That’s a solid variety for a quick search.
Once you have a clear idea of product prices and the available stores, look for cash-back deals and free shipping promotions to get the most out of your purchases.
Consider alternatives to Amazon
Is Dad asking for an Amazon Echo? A Google Home might do just as well for checking the weather each day. Is your book-loving teen hoping for a Kindle? How about a Kobo or Nook instead? Eyeing a Ring video doorbell? Maybe it’s time to skip that option altogether!
Amazon once dominated many tech categories, but the competition has caught up in recent years, offering you more choices when it comes to purchasing gadgets that can make life more efficient or enjoyable. That cool tech doesn’t have to come from Amazon to be worth your while.
Opt for slower shipping
So you've filled your virtual shopping cart at a different online store, and now it's time to checkout. How urgent is it for those packages to reach your doorstep? While some retailers are offering free one- or two-day shipping this holiday season, others will charge you extra if you want a quicker delivery.
If you're not in a rush, try opting for a shipping option that’s a few days slower than usual. The delay will probably be hardly noticeable.
When I canceled Amazon Prime last year, the biggest adjustment was living without two-day shipping. But gradually, I became more comfortable planning ahead for the things I expected to need. At the same time, many big retailers (like Walmart and Target) have stepped up their shipping speeds without the baggage of Amazon’s delivery practices.
Get familiar with your local stores
I’ve heard (and even shared) this complaint: You drive all the way to a local shop—perhaps a bookstore or outdoor gear store—only to find they don’t carry the item you need. To avoid frustration and save time, call ahead before heading out.
A sales associate will gladly check if they have your desired item in the size or variety you're looking for, and if it's not in stock, they'll likely be able to tell you when it will be available again. They may even be able to reserve it for you or special order it to be sent to their store at no extra charge. It may require a phone call and a little planning, but if you're after good service this holiday season, taking your gift list to a local shop is a wise choice.
Don’t strive for perfection
Even if you stop shopping at Whole Foods, toss your Ring doorbell aside, and avoid Fleabag, it’s still almost impossible to entirely avoid Amazon.
Amazon is embedded in so many aspects of our digital and, increasingly, physical lives. Unless you're committed to paying in cash, in person, and never researching purchases, chances are you'll run into Amazon or one of its services. That said, you can still take small steps to distance yourself from Amazon, particularly when it comes to holiday gift shopping.
