[mdev]

I can see someone else complete by having a competitive prime product equivalent for half the cost and remove unnecessary services. When I think about pricing its not very obvious to tack the $99 fee onto individual orders but you should since you're paying for it(I used to order 50+ times year from amazon and now its down to about 10-15 so it's harder to justify). Also, I rarely use other prime free products.

I'd be willing to move to Walmart or Google Express if they have a good selection and lower minimums + decent shipping times in return for a small yearly membership. I can still use amazon for larger purchases or pay a small premium for shipping as needed.

[Zelphyr]

I think Jet.com tried this. If my memory serves, they were trying to be the Costco of online retailers where they generated a significant portion of their revenue from membership fees which would allow them to charge lower margins for their products.

I don't know if their acquisition by Walmart was considered a good exit or not but it seems to me that they at least didn't grow big enough and fast enough to be a direct competitor to Amazon. Maybe they are now that they're part of Walmart? I don't personally buy from them anymore but that's mostly due to my disdain for Walmart.

[kevin_thibedeau]

I buy from them when Amazon pulls their "reserved for Prime" BS.

[lloydde]

Google Express currently has no membership fee. The minimums are different per store, around $25. What keeps Amazon my default is with almost every Express order I have some item cancelled by to store. (And the excessive taping and packaging of each item.)

I prefer shopping for Walmart in Express, because Walmart.com includes third parties with ridiculous prices and quantities, and also in-store only.

My most consistent use of Express is for Costco quantities of organic canned beans and bags of organic rice.

[beamatronic]

I ordered a PlayStation 3 from Walmart years ago. It arrived in a smashed box. I took it into the store to get a refund. They treated me like I was a criminal.

[smt88]

I did the same with a $700 TV a few days ago. No issues. They carried it from my car.

If they'd refused to take the return, I would've had AmEx refund my money, so I was safe either way.