[CPLX]

That's not it. There's a lot of marketplace sellers that use fulfilled by Amazon and offer prime shipping.

[hga]

Using Amazon is more risky for them, though, for example, if Amazon kicks them to the curb, which happens frequently with e.g. DVD sales, they have to pay hefty money to either get their inventory back or have Amazon destroy it.

Me, I find that if I stick to sellers of enough age, quantity of sales, and a 96% or better rating, I'm very seldom disappointed.

[coldpie]

> if I stick to sellers of enough age, quantity of sales, and a 96% or better rating

This is exactly the calculus that I don't want to bother with.

[hga]

It's a simple enough algorithm that I find it worthwhile, given the value of my time vs. dollars.

That said, I do all the Amazon purchasing for my ~80 year old parents.

[emodendroket]

I think fulfilled by Amazon is about as good.

[hga]

Amazon gives a good return or exchange service when they fulfill stuff for marketplace sellers, as I recall from a couple or more experiences.