Amazon Prime increases to $99/year

[Iron Mike Sharpe]

Here's how to turn off auto renewal:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201118010

[schimt]

Thank you for this! I have been meaning to cancel my prime account regardless of a price increase for this, and definately if it's going up to $100

Done and Done

[cochranjd]

It comes out to about $1.70/month more.

I don't like the change either, but if it isn't worth it now, it seems like it wouldn't have been worth it before.

[Iron Mike Sharpe]

Yeah, I've found I don't use their streaming service (I use Netflix) and after plowing through the Harry Potter series, I never really found any books I wanted to read on the free Kindle service. 

I think I can just wait on my purchases until I meet the minimum to get free shipping and then add the money I would have spent on Prime to my investments.

[arebelspy]

It comes out to about $1.70/month more.

I don't like the change either, but if it isn't worth it now, it seems like it wouldn't have been worth it before.

This is probably the case.  However the raise (and this thread notifying people of it) may be a good catalyst for people to look at if they really need it and evaluate if they could do without.

I had Prime for a few years, but cancelled it last summer.  Haven't missed it.

[Spork]

We've had Prime for a while... and when we originally got it, I'm pretty sure it was worth it.  (I believe the wifey figured the cost differences in pet food alone almost paid for Prime.)

now... I'm not so sure.  I've noticed over time that the prices for the "prime eligible" items vs same non-prime item seem to be differing more and more.  When we signed up... this wasn't apparent.  I've found myself buying non-prime items to save money.  I think it's time to re-evaluate.

[reginna]

Have only had it since January and are enjoying some BBC series that weren't available from the library however won't  be renewing after that. I wasn't aware that the pricing structure was different. Crazy!

[cochranjd]

arebelspy - definitely agree with that.

I try to reevaluate what I'm subscribed to every few months and there are likely folks who will do this as a result of something like this that may not have done so otherwise.

[Breaker]

$99.00 per year works out to $8.25 per month.  Less than Netflix.  I have also started to order my cereal monthly from Amazon.  A savings on the cost of the cereal and the cost of shipping is Amazon's problem.  Couple that with the fact that it has become impossible to find the cereal in local stores and it is a win for me.   

I can also buy other things from Amazon without having to worry about shipping costs on most items. 

I think you have to do the math.  If you are already paying for a couple of different streaming services, it may be more cost effective to stay with Prime and drop the others.

Jan

[fiveoh]

We've had Prime for a while... and when we originally got it, I'm pretty sure it was worth it.  (I believe the wifey figured the cost differences in pet food alone almost paid for Prime.)

now... I'm not so sure.  I've noticed over time that the prices for the "prime eligible" items vs same non-prime item seem to be differing more and more.  When we signed up... this wasn't apparent.  I've found myself buying non-prime items to save money.  I think it's time to re-evaluate.

Yep.  Check out this article on that topic.

http://gma.yahoo.com/amazon-accused-cheating-customers-shipping-costs-210708580--abc-news-personal-finance.html

I'm cancelling my prime when its up in November.  Walmart is cheaper on most of the items anyway, I was just being lazy.     

[NV Teacher]

The price increase doesn't bother me too much.  I live in a rural area and use Amazon for lots of things.  I could drive to the city a couple of times a month for things, but I like the convenience of clicking a few buttons and it shows up at my door two or three days later.

[ketchup]

We've had Prime for a while... and when we originally got it, I'm pretty sure it was worth it.  (I believe the wifey figured the cost differences in pet food alone almost paid for Prime.)

now... I'm not so sure.  I've noticed over time that the prices for the "prime eligible" items vs same non-prime item seem to be differing more and more.  When we signed up... this wasn't apparent.  I've found myself buying non-prime items to save money.  I think it's time to re-evaluate.

Yep.  Check out this article on that topic.

http://gma.yahoo.com/amazon-accused-cheating-customers-shipping-costs-210708580--abc-news-personal-finance.html

I'm cancelling my prime when its up in November.  Walmart is cheaper on most of the items anyway, I was just being lazy.     

If you cancel it early, they will refund you for the remaining months.  At least they did it that way a few years ago.

[ShortInSeattle]

A few thoughts...

1) I've noticed that having Prime makes me more likely to order stuff I might otherwise delay purchasing. "Oh! It's Prime Shipping."

2) I have a friend who buys stuff and resells it through Amazon. He says Amazon shoppers are convenience shoppers who are not price sensitive. Because the shipping is free, people will pay more for the product and not notice. He buys something for 10 bucks and sells it for 40 for example.  People don't notice or care.

3) When I buy things like cat food via Amazon, I don't shop at the local pet store down the street that employs my neighbors. I like my neighbors and want them to have jobs.

4) I don't use Prime for streaming.

So these are the reasons I'm canceling Prime after one year of membership.

[Nancy]

Mine just renewed at $79. In March 2015, it will renew at the increased price. I use Prime a lot for shipping, streaming vids, borrowing books, and listening to music on the cloud, so it's worth it for me at $8.25/month.

[geekette]

I had prime as a secondary member for a year (two?), and just recently got prime for myself.  You can share it with 4 others which can bring the cost down. 

It says in the TOS that you can invite members of the same household (at the same address), but also you can share with co-workers, so I've shared with my husband, sister, sis-in-law, and nephew.  Only the primary member gets streaming and Kindle books, though.

I also ship stuff for my mom and father-in-law directly to them, so it's been pretty useful to us.  I do keep a pretty close watch on prices, and will, of course, reevaluate next year.

[MrCash]

I used my free Prime trial to get some free shipping and watch Falling Skies on Instant, but I cancelled it as soon as the trial ran out.  I don't use Amazon enough to consider buying Prime.

[schimt]

Everyone keeps talking about free shipping, I believe all prime eligible items have free shipping regardless of being a prime member or not, it’s just a difference of 2 day shipping and 5-7day shipping.

I also don't believe there is a price difference whether you are a prime member or not, but have never compared, please chime in if you know otherwise.

If this is correct, we are paying for convenience, not savings.

[geekette]

You get free shipping (on eligible items) even if your total is under $35.  It allowed me to send (recent experience) rechargeable batteries to my FIL without having to send him something else just to get to that threshold.

[totesmahgoats]

If anybody is still a student, Amazon Student Prime is currently $39, and my subscription will increase to $49 next year. I still need to evaluate if the renewal is worth it, but could save someone a small sum.

[oldtoyota]

I aim never to join forced continuity programs. I don't like them. Back when I did join them, I found they were a pain to "undo."

[Jamesqf]

Everyone keeps talking about free shipping, I believe all prime eligible items have free shipping regardless of being a prime member or not, it’s just a difference of 2 day shipping and 5-7day shipping.

Yeah, that was what I thought.  I did sign up for their free trial, but I never buy anything that I'm in that much of a hurry to get.  Their standard free shipping usually gets things here in 3-4 days anyway, sometimes the next day.

I also don't believe there is a price difference whether you are a prime member or not, but have never compared, please chime in if you know otherwise.

It's more that you can find the same item cheaper but not Pirme-eligible from other Amazon sellers.  As for instance I recently bought a replacement laptop fan: $9.99 from Prime-eligible seller, $5.99 + $3.50 shipping from non-Prime.  (And it's been sitting on my desk all week, so I guess I didn't need it in that much of a hurry :-))

[dcheesi]

This might force me to pick winners in the streaming race, but Netflix is more likely to be the loser than Prime. Aside from a few exclusives, Netflix doesn't have much unique about it. Prime has its own exclusives, plus the shipping deal and other fringe benefits.

[MissPeach]

I'm not sure if I'm going to renew either. I feel like it was a better deal a few years ago. Maybe because the online streaming content was so bad?

For example most things used to be prime but not most of those things are in the prime add on program. Which means I still need a minimum spend to get the item through prime. Plus the price is usually a few dollars more than other companies. The books used to be a lot of older best seller type of books (that are usually in the $10-15 range to buy) but now most of the free lending books are $1 titles.

The one thing I like about it is that I don't have to drag kids around a place like Target or stop at an extra store. The grocery store is enough shopping for me each week. If there is a birthday party, I can order the present in time for the party. Stuff like that.

[Nothlit]

Everyone keeps talking about free shipping, I believe all prime eligible items have free shipping regardless of being a prime member or not, it’s just a difference of 2 day shipping and 5-7day shipping.

I also don't believe there is a price difference whether you are a prime member or not, but have never compared, please chime in if you know otherwise.

If this is correct, we are paying for convenience, not savings.

If you're not a Prime member, you have to meet the minimum order threshold of $35 (used to be $25) in order to get the free "Super Saver" shipping.

[Spork]

I also don't believe there is a price difference whether you are a prime member or not, but have never compared, please chime in if you know otherwise.

It's more that you can find the same item cheaper but not Pirme-eligible from other Amazon sellers.  As for instance I recently bought a replacement laptop fan: $9.99 from Prime-eligible seller, $5.99 + $3.50 shipping from non-Prime.  (And it's been sitting on my desk all week, so I guess I didn't need it in that much of a hurry :-))

This.  This is what I was referring to upthread.  You search for an item and get 3 hits.  1 is prime and 2 non-prime.  Quite frequently the non-prime costs less after shipping.

There is very, very little that I need shipped right damn now.   If I need it right damn now, I'll get in the car and go buy it (and pay for the shipping in gasoline.)

Prime video doesn't mean squat to me.  My bandwidth won't support it.  Neat idea for competing with Netflix ... but not for me.

[Thegoblinchief]

I was already on the fence and will not renew now.

We don't buy very much from Amazon now that we are super frugal.

[arebelspy]

Those of you that DO like Amazon Prime and find it worth it, you can get it for an extra year at the old price of $79, even if your subscription doesn't expire for awhile, as long as you buy it now.

http://lifehacker.com/get-another-year-of-amazon-prime-for-79-even-as-a-cur-1543360940

1. Disable auto-renew on your Prime account
2. Purchase a gift subscription here for $79
3. Set it to deliver to your own email address on the day that your current year of Prime lapses.

(I almost shouldn't post this, cause all the people cancelling is a great thing, less consumerism, so don't fall into the trap of thinking this is a "deal" - it isn't, if you don't need it.  But for those of you that do, might as well save $20.)

[Spork]

(I almost shouldn't post this, cause all the people cancelling is a great thing, less consumerism, so don't fall into the trap of thinking this is a "deal" - it isn't, if you don't need it.  But for those of you that do, might as well save $20.)

but... Amazon Prime != consumerism necessarily.  We originally started it for stuff we were already buying at a less expensive price...   It gets batch delivered by a truck that delivers hundreds of packages (instead of us driving 15 miles round trip to the store in a single car). 

 

[arebelspy]

(I almost shouldn't post this, cause all the people cancelling is a great thing, less consumerism, so don't fall into the trap of thinking this is a "deal" - it isn't, if you don't need it.  But for those of you that do, might as well save $20.)

but... Amazon Prime != consumerism necessarily.  We originally started it for stuff we were already buying at a less expensive price...   It gets batch delivered by a truck that delivers hundreds of packages (instead of us driving 15 miles round trip to the store in a single car).

It might, or it might not be.  It's all in how you use it.

Plenty of people have said they purchase more than they might otherwise because they have it.  It is an enabler for consumerism.  Not in all cases, but in some.

[MayDay]

We just cancelled. We will try Netflix, so it won't really save money, but H wants to see if there are more movies he wants to watch on Netflix.

I save quite a but with Amazon in part because we are in a small town (sometimes only one choice of item and might be overpriced) and in part because it eliminates having to drive to 4 different store trying to find the one obscure item that I need. And then sometimes having to drive into the nearby city to get it.  So we will still be using Amazon but are going to try just using super saver shipping and keeping a list of stuff we need to add on to orders.

[Jamesqf]

but... Amazon Prime != consumerism necessarily.  We originally started it for stuff we were already buying at a less expensive price...   It gets batch delivered by a truck that delivers hundreds of packages (instead of us driving 15 miles round trip to the store in a single car).

Oh, come on!  Amazon Prime is the 2-day delivery option, where it almost certainly gets shipped on an expensive, resource-intensive airplane for at least part of the delivery.  Pick the 'Super Saver' shipping, and it probably goes by truck & train, and it's more likely that everything will be sent in one parcel rather than several.

Along the same lines, one of my Amazon pet peeves is that they never tell you where stuff is going to be shipped from.  There's an Amazon distribution warehouse maybe 50 miles from me, yet it's not unusual for them to ship items from the east coast.

[NinetyFour]

Agree with Jamesqf about the transportation costs (that everyone pays one way or the other) by having all this stuff being shipped/flown/driven all over the country.

Also--it seems like convenience-driven consumerism to me.  Heck, if you train your dog to go fetch the package that the UPS driver just delivered, you might not even have to leave your bedpan and catheter!

[MrCash]

but... Amazon Prime != consumerism necessarily.  We originally started it for stuff we were already buying at a less expensive price...   It gets batch delivered by a truck that delivers hundreds of packages (instead of us driving 15 miles round trip to the store in a single car).

Oh, come on!  Amazon Prime is the 2-day delivery option, where it almost certainly gets shipped on an expensive, resource-intensive airplane for at least part of the delivery.  Pick the 'Super Saver' shipping, and it probably goes by truck & train, and it's more likely that everything will be sent in one parcel rather than several.

Along the same lines, one of my Amazon pet peeves is that they never tell you where stuff is going to be shipped from.  There's an Amazon distribution warehouse maybe 50 miles from me, yet it's not unusual for them to ship items from the east coast.

What do you think about Amazon Prime Air (if it ever happens)?

[Breaker]

Plenty of people have said they purchase more than they might otherwise because they have it.  It is an enabler for consumerism.  Not in all cases, but in some.
[/quote]

The same can be said about Credit Cards.  There has been at least one study that says that when people use Cards they spend on average 12% more than if they are actually laying the Benjamins on the counter.  Makes people think twice.

I think that we have to remember that the people on this list are NOT likely to order more than needed just because they will save on shipping.  At least not any more likely than they are to order an extra item to meet a $35.00 min. to be eligible for free shipping. 

I will be looking into buying myself a give subscription for next year and the possilibility of sharing the price with a friend.  Both great tips.  Thanks.

Jan
 

[Jamesqf]

I think that we have to remember that the people on this list are NOT likely to order more than needed just because they will save on shipping.  At least not any more likely than they are to order an extra item to meet a $35.00 min. to be eligible for free shipping.

But I do tend to wait until I need $35+ worth of stuff, or order stuff that I expect to need in the near future so as to meet the minimum for free shipping.  I do much the same at physical stores, too: try to buy a bunch in one trip, rather than making several trips.

[ch12]

I read an almost ludicrous amount. I checked out 5-6 books from my local library yesterday. I plan on reading them this weekend.

For me (and this might be very specific to me), the Kindle Lending Library makes it worth it. It's cheaper than buying new books every month, yet just as convenient as buying a Kindle book. Two-day shipping gets me what I want almost as soon as I want it.

I also miraculously still have a student account. I'm not sure if I'd feel the same way if I paid $99/year.

[Spork]

but... Amazon Prime != consumerism necessarily.  We originally started it for stuff we were already buying at a less expensive price...   It gets batch delivered by a truck that delivers hundreds of packages (instead of us driving 15 miles round trip to the store in a single car).

Oh, come on!  Amazon Prime is the 2-day delivery option, where it almost certainly gets shipped on an expensive, resource-intensive airplane for at least part of the delivery.  Pick the 'Super Saver' shipping, and it probably goes by truck & train, and it's more likely that everything will be sent in one parcel rather than several.

Along the same lines, one of my Amazon pet peeves is that they never tell you where stuff is going to be shipped from.  There's an Amazon distribution warehouse maybe 50 miles from me, yet it's not unusual for them to ship items from the east coast.

so true.  I am sure they wouldn't fly that plane at all if my 8 ounce package were not on it.

[wtjbatman]

Just a heads up, anyone who is or was a student (and still has access to their .edu email) can a Prime membership for half the price. So I paid $35 a year before, and with the price going up it will still only be $50 a year. I can dig it.

[Jamesqf]

so true.  I am sure they wouldn't fly that plane at all if my 8 ounce package were not on it.

Now you're being silly.  Multiply your 8 ounce package by maybe 10,000 other people who ordered 8 ounce packages to be shipped across the country, and the similar number of people in the east who get things shipped from the west coast, and you have a lot of stuff being moved around in a less than efficient manner.

[arebelspy]

Just a heads up, anyone who is or was a student (and still has access to their .edu email) can a Prime membership for half the price. So I paid $35 a year before, and with the price going up it will still only be $50 a year. I can dig it.

The student one though doesn't get the video streaming or kindle book rentals, IIRC, just the free shipping though, so if your primary motivation is to cancel netflix or check out books, that doesn't work so well.  It is a great option though if you just want the free 2-day shipping, I had a student Prime account for several years.

[ch12]

Just a heads up, anyone who is or was a student (and still has access to their .edu email) can a Prime membership for half the price. So I paid $35 a year before, and with the price going up it will still only be $50 a year. I can dig it.

The student one though doesn't get the video streaming or kindle book rentals, IIRC, just the free shipping though, so if your primary motivation is to cancel netflix or check out books, that doesn't work so well.  It is a great option though if you just want the free 2-day shipping, I had a student Prime account for several years.

That used to be true. Recently, Amazon has been encouraging me to use the streaming and the Kindle Lending Library.

I swear to you that I have a student account.

[wtjbatman]

Just a heads up, anyone who is or was a student (and still has access to their .edu email) can a Prime membership for half the price. So I paid $35 a year before, and with the price going up it will still only be $50 a year. I can dig it.

The student one though doesn't get the video streaming or kindle book rentals, IIRC, just the free shipping though, so if your primary motivation is to cancel netflix or check out books, that doesn't work so well.  It is a great option though if you just want the free 2-day shipping, I had a student Prime account for several years.

Well then don't tell Amazon, but my student account works great for video streaming and kindle book rentals!

[arebelspy]

Just a heads up, anyone who is or was a student (and still has access to their .edu email) can a Prime membership for half the price. So I paid $35 a year before, and with the price going up it will still only be $50 a year. I can dig it.

The student one though doesn't get the video streaming or kindle book rentals, IIRC, just the free shipping though, so if your primary motivation is to cancel netflix or check out books, that doesn't work so well.  It is a great option though if you just want the free 2-day shipping, I had a student Prime account for several years.

That used to be true. Recently, Amazon has been encouraging me to use the streaming and the Kindle Lending Library.

I swear to you that I have a student account.

Nice!  I wonder when that changed. I stand corrected.  Thanks ch12!

[Emilyngh]

That used to be true. Recently, Amazon has been encouraging me to use the streaming and the Kindle Lending Library.

I swear to you that I have a student account.

I too have a student account and my dh (who uses the account) just told me the other day when looking at kindle books that we get a free one a month b/c of our prime (or something similar, I wasn't really paying that much attention to him, lol).   

[kpd905]

If you get an American Express Blue Cash card you get a sign up bonus and a free year of Amazon Prime.  You also get 3% back on grocery purchases, or 6% with the annual fee card.

https://www304.americanexpress.com/credit-card/blue-cash-everyday

[Trying225]

If you are a student, you can get the first 6 months for free and then the other 6 months for 50% off. :-)

[wtjbatman]

And just to be clear, if it's the same as it was when I signed up, you don't need to be an "active" student. Just have access to your .edu email address. That's a heads up for anyone who would like the student discount me and ch12 brought up, but aren't actually still in school.

[xenon5]

I use Prime a ton.  I had 50 individual orders in 2013. Whatever it is that I need, I tend to buy in semi-bulk of what's cheapest with a reasonable tradeoff on quality for that item.  It comes out cheaper than buying things at the pharmacy and often sales tax isn't collected, and many items ive purchased actually are cheaper with prime if you're buying enough quantity.  I also have a tendency to not remember to buy things I need until i'm trying to fall asleep at 1am, so it's nice to be able to pull out my phone, make a quick purchase and forget about it until it arrives.  Ive also found that one off purchases like backpacks or coats also come out cheaper on Amazon than retail shops, and comparison shopping is much faster.

On top of that I use prime as my main movie and tv service coupled with a roku.  Not everything is on there but there's definitely more good programming than I have time to watch.  I feel like I get enough value from the video servic alone and the shipping is icing on a sweet cake.  And Im still qualifying for student prime so it feels like a no. Rainer to keep it personally.

[Spork]

so true.  I am sure they wouldn't fly that plane at all if my 8 ounce package were not on it.

Now you're being silly.  Multiply your 8 ounce package by maybe 10,000 other people who ordered 8 ounce packages to be shipped across the country, and the similar number of people in the east who get things shipped from the west coast, and you have a lot of stuff being moved around in a less than efficient manner.

Absolutely.  Now multiply that 10,000 by each driving to the store for something they were going to buy anyway.

My original point was: My metric for buying it is price.  If I can get something I'm going to buy anyway and get it cheaper, I'm in.  The next day shipping isn't really a factor for me.  The "annual fee prepaid shipping" is.    It didn't encourage me to be a conspicuous consumer.  If I can save one trip to town a week, that's probably a gallon of gas at 30ish mpg.  At $3 a gallon, that's 90 bucks.  If the item costs less than it does at Home Depot, WalMart, or whatever: I'm ahead.

[aew85]

I had actually just recently renewed my subscription but it was under the student rate of $39 for the year (one of the few perks of grad school).  Even when I have to go back to the $99 fee I think I'll still probably pay it.  I look at it this way, it clocks in as $1.25 more than just Netflix (streaming only) or Hulu Plus.  I get access to a decent library of videos and their original content isn't too bad.  I get to enjoy free two day shipping which I enjoy but it also works well for buying gifts for friends and family for birthdays/holidays.  Rather than buy something at a store, and then have to package it and mail it, I can just ship it directly. 

The feature I probably use the most is Amazon's Kindle rental library and first look books.  I get a free book rental for my Kindle each month which saves me a trip to the library and lets me avoid waiting lists.  The first look is basically Amazon offers 4 random books due to be released the next month and you can purchase one for free.  If you figure $4 an ebook, thats $48 a year in books right there.