[hnuser847]

The “hidden tax” described in the article is to sellers, not consumers. Free shipping is subsidy for consumers that costs Amazon billions of dollars. I have personally never seen what you’re describing.

[ceejayoz]

I fairly frequently see a little "may be available at a lower price from other sellers without Prime shpping" thing on listings.

[prettychill]

this is pretty common from what I have seen. especially with books.