elizabeth Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2011/12/07/amazon-will-pay-you-5-to-be-a-retail-spy/ Amazon is asking the buying public to walk out of stores empty handed and paying them 5% off to do so in order to undercut the local stores pricing. This is to me gross and dishonest. Discuss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I don't see how they are paying them to walk out empty handed. You could still buy something. They are giving a discount for people doing their foot work to check on prices. You still have to spend something at Amazon to "get your payment", which is actually a discount. The PI picked a good line to get people to read the blurb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I saw this earlier on the facebook page for our local bookstore. I personally avoid shopping at Amazon and big box stores as much as possible. I like the personal relationship I have with local merchants and I like good service. I certainly won't be scanning their prices and reporting back to Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 (edited) I read the details of the promotion on Amazon. Especially given all the limitations on qualifying items and the fact that it's only good for one day on up to three items and only 5% up to a max of $5, I think your summary of it is sensationalistic. Edited December 9, 2011 by WordGirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 What is the difference between this and ANY local store offering to 'match or beat' their competitors prices? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'smom Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 Lately I haven't been finding very good prices on the stuff I'm looking for on Amazon. I've been looking at lots of toys since it's Christmas and Toys R Us has been significantly cheaper almost every time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 What is the difference between this and ANY local store offering to 'match or beat' their competitors prices? I had the same thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samiam Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 Well, frankly, this type of thing happens all of the time, but it's usually an employee who does the price-checking "undercover". Since Amazon doesn't have the actual retail footprint, and nor employees all over, it's actually a smart business move on their part. I mean, how do you think that Wal-Mart, for years, has always undercut everyone else's prices? It's not only the fact that they purchase in huge quantities, but that they make sure they know what other retailers are charging so they can charge less. I don't see the issue, it's the way of big business these days. Cut-throat + tight economy = having to think on your feet and be innovative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 (edited) $5 for a price matching gimmick isn't going to run Walmart, ToysRUs, Best Buy or Target out of business. Those stores are Amazon's primary competition. I shop at Amazon because they have excellent customer service and make my life easier. I avoid Walmart for the opposite reasons. Mom and Pop stores have largely disappeared from most areas, regardless. Edited December 9, 2011 by Barb F. PA in AZ typos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.