Amazon Prime Shopping Becomes ‘Hard Habit to Break’ for Consumers Despite Ethical Concerns
Rebecca Wadsworth, a resident of Society Hill, Philadelphia, confesses to having a “love/hate relationship” with Amazon Prime. Along with her husband, she spends between $1,000 and $2,000 per month on Amazon, charging it to their Amazon credit card. Their purchases range from everyday essentials such as body wash and shampoo to dog food and clothing, and they receive several packages a week.
To save money, the couple has opted for Amazon’s “subscribe and save” service, which automatically sends refills of frequently used items before they run out. Wadsworth admits to comparing prices at other retailers like CVS, Target, and Wegmans, but notes that Amazon is usually cheaper.
However, despite her reliance on the convenience and affordability of Amazon, Wadsworth expresses a deep dislike for the company and its founder, Jeff Bezos. She despises supporting Amazon in any way, shape, or form.
Wadsworth’s sentiments are shared by many Amazon customers who have conflicting feelings about the e-commerce giant. While Amazon has revolutionized the way consumers shop online, offering fast and easy experiences with ultrafast delivery speeds, real-time package tracking, on-demand customer service, and flexible returns, concerns about the company’s ethics persist.
As one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Jeff Bezos has faced criticism for overworking employees, contributing to environmental pollution, and suppressing workers’ organizing efforts. Moreover, Amazon has been accused of running an unfair monopoly that harms competitors, and local brick-and-mortar stores claim that online shopping has negatively impacted their businesses.
Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly defends the company’s practices, highlighting its commitment to providing a positive shopping experience, competitive prices, fast delivery, and a range of benefits for Prime members. He also points out the company’s efforts to improve employee benefits, such as a $17 per hour starting pay, healthcare, prepaid tuition, and the introduction of electric delivery vehicles.
Despite the ethical concerns surrounding Amazon, the company remains the dominant player in e-commerce, with over 46% of the market share in the fourth quarter of 2023. Its renowned “click-to-door” speed is an average of 50% faster than other companies.
Jillian Hmurovic, an assistant marketing professor at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, acknowledges that while many consumers express reservations about Amazon, breaking the habit is difficult due to the company’s speed and convenience.
Gabby Southworth, a resident of Paoli, canceled her Prime subscription due to rising costs but continues to shop on Amazon several times a month for specific items that she cannot find on store shelves. She also notes that online shopping is harder to quit during the pandemic.
The convenience and benefits of Amazon Prime outweigh the costs for many of its 180 million subscribers nationwide. Even with the occasional delivery delays, Prime members continue to rely on the service for their everyday needs. Joei DiSanto, an office manager in South Philly, says it’s still easier for her to order diapers and household items on Amazon rather than make a trip to a physical store with her 18-month-old daughter.
Wadsworth, despite her frustrations with quick delivery options and occasional delivery mishaps, cannot bring herself to cancel her Prime subscription. Her neighbors join in a friendly competition to see who receives the most Amazon packages, highlighting the addiction-like grip the service has on consumers.
In conclusion, Amazon Prime’s convenience, affordability, and fast delivery have reshaped the way consumers shop online. Despite ethical concerns surrounding the company, many customers find it challenging to break their reliance on Amazon, contributing to its continued dominance in the e-commerce market.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Amazon Prime Shopping Becomes ‘Hard Habit to Break’ for Consumers Despite Ethical Concerns
As an analyst, it is expected that the market will continue to be dominated by Amazon in the e-commerce sector. Despite ethical concerns, the convenience, affordability, and fast delivery offered by Amazon Prime have reshaped consumer shopping habits. Many customers find it challenging to break their reliance on Amazon, contributing to its continued market dominance.
