I think I'm done with Amazon. Recommend me some alternative storefronts.

NaraVara
Tue, 17 Dec 2019 20:37:35 +0000

This story was basically the last straw, but the bigger frustration is that I ordered a NAS on Black Friday that STILL hasn't shipped. I have zero trust in this company to actually deliver me what they claim to be anymore, and their listings are crap.

So instead of just spending my time whining (like the Ars comment section seems to be), I'd like to brainstorm alternative places to buy stuff. The main problem is breaking the Amazon habit, especially as it dominates all Google results for whatever you're looking for.

Nothing will ever be as much of a "one stop shop" as the A->Z store, naturally. But I think I'll just set myself up some bookmarks and go to one based on what I'm looking for. Also, while I get that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism, there is definitely a sliding scale of better and worse so that should weigh into things.

So let's go by category. I'm just listing out places where I've started to look for things instead. Please feel free to make suggestions. Whatever people recommend, I'll edit back into this list. If you include any general comments about what you like or what they could do better on any of your recommendations or any of mine let me know.

Groceries (Dry goods and sundries)

Target.com

Jet.com

WalMart.com

CostCo

Chewy.com: For dog/pet supplies

Groceries (Fresh/perishable and specialty foods)

Peapod (is this still a thing? Has anyone used it?)

Electronics

BestBuy.com

WalMart.com

Target.com

Drop.com: Unfortunately, it's whatever happens to be a deal at the time. So good to check in on and get alerts if there is something you're waiting for but not reliable.

TechnaBob: Same as Drop

NewEgg: Obviously

Monoprice: For cables and other staples.

Clothes (basics like socks, t-shirts, underwear, etc.)

Clothes (designer)

Gilt.com is basically for overstock and weird fashion items. Sometimes there are good finds there though, particularly good deals on designer versions of basics.

Random stuff (specifically random "flea market" type sites)

Meh.com

Etsy (for handicrafts and consignment/antiques, although this is also starting to get lousy with shitty knockoffs)

eBay (can be pretty dodgy, once again crappy knockoff scammers ruin everything)

CraigsList (if you're okay with used)

Other (specialty sites for very specific things)

Drop: For stuff in drop communities. Currently they have a very active one for mechanical keyboards along with audiophile gear, writing/stationary, EDC, and random tech.

The Clymb: A deal site for camping clothes and outdoor gear

REI.com: More outdoors gear

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