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.
Hey, I’m not some kind of freak. I’m hard-pressed for free time and I hate to shop in stores. People come up to you and want to upsell you all the time. Or spray perfume on you.
Also, I am EXTREMELY impatient. Once I want it, I want it NOW. Sometimes, the 7-10 days you wait for super saver is 3-4 days. Sometimes, it’s TEN LONG DAYS. Unbearable.
Amazon Prime is the best invention of the year.
Laura, I apologize if I implied you are a freak because you keep the FedEx guy busy with your Amazon purchases. I agree with everything you say. (Which makes twice in one day — surely a record.) I know if I sign up for Amazon Prime, I will immediately change my purchasing pattern.