Alternative to Amazon?

Jet.com is a shopping membership similar to Amazon Prime. Over the weekend, I did a sample shopping basket full of the items I had on my Amazon wish list to see how their prices compare. 

Surprisingly, it was significantly cheaper. First some caveats.

Trial membership is free for the first three months. Real membership is $49.99 USD. So while I saved $22 in my shopping cart, plus another $10 with their promo code, it still doesn't make up for the 50 bucks I would've paid in membership fees. Still, it's only one transaction, so not bad for a start.

• Their trial membership is really nice. 90 days as opposed to the 30 days Amazon gives you--and NO automatic renewal when your trial is up.

Free shipping on orders over $35.

• I haven't yet ordered anything, so I can't comment on their delivery. They do have a peculiar bonus. If you waive free returns on your purchase you save a few more cents. I don't know that I'd want to take that risk.

Pros: If you shop online a lot, it might be worth switching to Jet. Also the trial period is much more generous.

Cons: As of yet, they don't provide any streaming. And I was unable to locate a few of the more unique products from my Amazon wish list, like a water pump for my sprouting trays, or a lamp like the one on top of the TARDIS police box. (Greg wants to build a life size TARDIS this winter.)

I'm married to such an interesting man. :-)

Of interest to authors: I typed in my name in their search box and only one of my books showed up in their listing (in paper, listed as used in good condition). I haven't yet figured out how they source out their product requests.

Sell through Jet.com: There is a link (click Terms & Conditions) that allows you to sell directly through Jet. There was only a partial listing on the commissions charged for various products, but the highest commission shown was 15%. Interesting.

Aside from that I have no other information, but I think it's worth a look. If you know more, please share.


Comments

betty said…
I had not heard of Jet, so thanks for the review of it. I like the 90 day trial period and the nonautomatic renewal. I had Amazon Prime for few years when I was buying a lot from them, but then downsized budget so that went. I then took advantage of a trial offer again for them when son needed a lot of books for something he was involved in, but I had to leave myself a note to remember to cancel it before the 30 day period was over. I don't buy that much online these days, but might be interesting to take a peek at what could be competition for Amazon.

betty
I've never heard of Jet but I'm glad someone is competing with Amazon. Will your husband's Tardis be bigger on the inside?

Susan Says
Maria Zannini said…
Betty: I was pleasantly surprised by their prices. I think I might complete my present order and see what kind of delivery I get. I'll update when I do.
Maria Zannini said…
Susan: As much as I like Amazon, it's not healthy to have one monopoly.

re: TARDIS
If it is, I expect him to provide time travel too. There are some lottery numbers I'd like to get. :)
I think I read about this site started by a former executive at Amazon? Anyway, I wish them tons of luck. Amazon needs more competitors.
Good to know. I'll check it out!
Jenny Schwartz said…
Yay! you'll finally be visiting Australia -- when the Tardis is working ;)
Maria Zannini said…
Karen: That's interesting! That means he probably has some internal working knowledge of Amazon to base his company.
Maria Zannini said…
Barbara: I'll be interested to see how they do. My online shopping goes in spurts. I might buy lots in two weeks and then not again for six months. I'd like to wait until I have more stuff to buy before I place an order.
Maria Zannini said…
Jenny: LOL. Australia's on my bucket list.

I have friends who visited just recently. They had a fantastic time and can't wait to go back.
I've heard of Jet before but haven't tried them. It would be good for Amazon to have some genuine competition.
Maria Zannini said…
Sandra: So far I've read a couple of reviews from people who've placed orders and they seem quite pleased.

Jet still doesn't have the volume in selection that Amazon does, but it's barely opened its doors. I think the volume will increase with time.

The real question in my mind is how will Amazon fight back. It will, and it probably won't be pretty.
Unknown said…
I'll check it out, but Amazon gets a lot of my business only because I've gotten so use to their interface. :)
Maria Zannini said…
Diane: No argument from me, but when it comes to saving money, I'll go through the trouble of learning a new interface. :)