Prime numbers: WSJ Real Time columnists Tim Hanrahan and Jason Fry do the math on Amazon Prime and inspired me to calculate how much I would save by paying $79 a year to get “free” 2-day shipping. What I discovered by looking at a year’s worth of purchases (Amazon.com makes it easy to do this in the “Your Account” section), is that I have adapted my Amazon.com purchasing patterns to utilize the “super saving” free shipments on purchases over $25. I rarely pay for shipping. Because I purchase so much via Amazon, I figured it was a no-brainer for me to sign up. Well, I guess it would have been a no-brainer.
I have no doubt, however, that my colleague, Laura, made the right decision in signing up. It is unlikely anyone receives more Amazon.com packages.
