I feel like the primary cause for eBay growing in popularity is the fact that unlike Amazon, the search results are limited to things containing the words I actually typed into the search bar. I can't tell you how many times I tyoed in something very specific only to find that very specific thing on page 4 of the search. Because others are paying more to advertise. Like if I'm looking for braid. I know if I type In power pro it'll be a shitshow because those are common words. But if I type in "SSV2" (the type of braid from powerpro that I want) not only do I see a bunch of off brand braids, which is sorta logical but not what I'm searching for, but im also clicking through 3 pages of surge protectors because the algorithm knows ssv2 is made by a company called power pro so therefore I must want power strips and therefore I want surge protectors. Same search on ebay: get exactly what I'm looking for. As such I've probably spent hundreds of dollars on eBay this year for things I first tried to search for on amazon but decided to instead go to a retailer that can at least passingly pretend to value my time.
My opinion has nothing to do with searches, but I have to say that I have never been able to purchase the same item on Amazon (even with free shipping) cheaper than on eBay. The only time I ever buy Amazon is when I can't seem to find the item anywhere else.
like so many of of, my jaunts outside of the garage have been severely curtailed. for online purchases, i've gotten into the habit of checking amazon, ebay AND local just to see what the prices are. i can usually do this pretty quickly. it's saved me alot of money.
shoulda' learned your lesson after "dual A/R" ;D ;D ;D
can't "window-shop" on Amazon: bogus specs; limited, pushy, pro-vendor search engine; etc.
get your info elsewhere, narrow your interests to specific model(s), THEN check Amazon for price
I hate the thought of Amazon taking over the world. Just the same, my wife signed up for the Prime thing and I use it all the time now. Quick, cheap, no arguments on returns, points, free shipping.
They have a house brand of braid called Kalex. It's much better than Hercules (another bargain brand) and seems similar to and just as good as Power Pro for about half the price.
It would be interesting to know how many braid manufacturing plants there really are. Certainly less than the number of brands.
-steve
originally, 1 Dutch(?) plant making all Dyneema & 2 Honeywell plants making all Spectra
Quote from: oc1 on December 13, 2020, 06:44:02 AM
It would be interesting to know how many braid manufacturing plants there really are. Certainly less than the number of brands.
-steve
Quote from: philaroman on December 13, 2020, 10:42:27 AM
originally, 1 Dutch(?) plant making all Dyneema & 2 Honeywell plants making all Spectra
I think this is the reason I don't see much difference in the many brands...except for price. 8)
Right on Phil and Mo, few extruders and many line, twine, rope and net makers. Extruding machines for these fibers are worth millions, braiders and twisters can be set up for thousands. There are some converters of the raw fiber that do it better, but it's all the same base yarns, so how good in good enough? Twice the cost, while possibly improved in some aspect doesn't necessarily double the value or performance. YMMV. When I search out the "super braid", or mono online I look for the biggest spools for the best deals per yard. These big spools are often intended for tackle shops spooling customers reels, and must be, for that market, of the "good enough" finish
I have not used Amazon for several yearsband will not use them unless forced to.
Quote from: Keta on December 13, 2020, 02:42:57 PM
I have not used Amazon for several yearsband will not use them unless forced to.
You REALLY have to watch em .I paid 4 Bux a can for Spinach where I can buy it anywhere for .89 to 1.02 locally .
They mis - represented this and won't do nuttin about it .
Prime Member means you get a Prime Screwin in my experience. Glad I got Free Shipping even though it like looked like
Magilla THE Gorilla played Raquteball ball with the Package.
Amazon is like eBay for a lot of us — we complain about them — but 90% of us continue to still use them.
However, Amazon is great for information as well as comparisons before purchasing.
Other forward-thinking retail firms have gone to online ordering systems — which were in place and producing solid sales — long before this pandemic ever hit. And they are also doing well.
Thousands and thousands of major retailers and businesses will go out of business over the next 9 months. For stores that were having trouble prior to the pandemic — due to retailers like Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc. — and who did not have a solid and non-clunky catalog and ordering system with low cost or free shipping — will be Oscar Bravo (out of business).
For the last month, I have been slowly setting up a metal prep and finishing area in one of my outside shops. So far, I have not bought a single thing from Amazon — but I may before it is completed. Bought 3 or 4 items on Craigslist (oven, metal tables, other things), plus I used Amazon for comparisons before buying from other retailers — which were cheaper and had in most cases, free shipping.
These included a dual voltage powder-coating system from Eastwood, a bead-blasting cabinet from the manufacturer, a case tumbler from Hornady, powder-coating paint from Powder by the Pound, and high temperature plugs and tape from he individual manufacturers — all much cheaper than Amazon.
Amazon is a great resource — but other companies who will also likely be in business a year from now — have taken their cue from Amazon's success — and rose up to challenge and run their own businesses with a combination of 80% online and 20% brick & mortar operations.
So, for folks who just want the ease of having a credit card online and ordering everything they need — Amazon does this for them very easily.
But, for folks who want the best value as to price, shipping, and timely delivery — Amazon is a great comparison tool.
It really pays to shop around and be a more informed shopper, at least for me.
Best,
Fred
There have been items I needed for boat maintnence or repairs that Amazon offered at slightly higher price than competitors but I went with them anyway because of shipping times. sometimes I just have to have it sooner than later.
Suffice it to say there is Good and Bad in all online Shopping however in this scenario I agree with the first post in this thread wholeheartedly Amazon is problematic to use these days versus e-bay search software .
I still buy from both.
Amazon has been great for me. I've never had a problem with anything. I never look at Amazon for reel parts. That's silly to me.
I've been a Prime member for many years now. I'm buying something almost every week.
I also use Walmart online. They are competitive with Amazon now.
Keith
Quote from: foakes on December 13, 2020, 07:12:21 PM
These included a dual voltage powder-coating system from Eastwood, a bead-blasting cabinet from the manufacturer, a case tumbler from Hornady, powder-coating paint from Powder by the Pound, and high temperature plugs and tape from he individual manufacturers
Man, I can't wait to see what comes out of that set-up Fred. Taking it to the next level again.
-s
Stopped using Amazon Prime, no problems in the past, but it's a warehouse worker "POLITICAL" thing now. I won't go back.
My wife roped me into one her schemes to take the responsibility for a prime account, so she could save money on something she wanted. I was thinking: "ah jeez, here we go again..." I said out-loud:..."yes dear!"
Then I thought to get my Prime account $ back, I better start buying;... a Fin Nor Lethal 100, the Accurate 600 DPX2, I did a tutorial recently on. STOP! They started getting on my nerves with their advertising. Never say never, though.
I say, "Get 'em Jason!"
I think you are all missing the main point here, which has nothing to do with amazon. Fred is supposed to be retired, an he is apparently setting up a shop worthy of painting Eleanor, and you people aren't calling him out to just take a breather and smell the roses :)
400 years ago, Fred would've walked into the Cistine chapel, and said, "Mikey, take a break and go get us some lunch. I got this".
he can have roses outside shop
melds well w/ Dawn, SG + hints of fresh grease
Quote from: thorhammer on December 14, 2020, 04:22:49 AM
I think you are all missing the main point here, which has nothing to do with amazon. Fred is supposed to be retired, an he is apparently setting up a shop worthy of painting Eleanor, and you people aren't calling him out to just take a breather and smell the roses :)
For me, John — Retirement was never a goal to get to a place where I could just coast along after working for over 50 years. That is a recipe for a really short retirement. A majority of my close friends and siblings have tried to attain this place in life — and most of them have passed on within a year or two of retiring. Probably the culprit was a lack of purpose.
I am as busy now, as when I worked at a profession full time.
The difference is just like the sign you see on some businesses —
"Under New Management"
And I like to put in a full day, and get up a couple of hours before it gets light every day. The quiet time in the pre-dawn, is a time of introspection, contemplation, prayer, and planning for the day.
And besides, the deer ate all the roses.
Best, Fred
Deer O Dear, thats the shot Fred, keep yourself positive, amazing how quick the time goes when your retired, maybe we just cant do as much as we use to do, keep well cheers Don.
Right at the onset of covid, amazon decided that they do not want out business, they are over stretched.
The way to get you NOT order from them is raise their price of stuff they do not want to stock or sell.
Now add to that google like "I know better and I will guess for you what the fuss you want to buy", you have very irate customers like moi.
Confession - I don't really care where I buy it from, amazon seems to be 20 to 30% more than ebay for similar item.
Found the REDNECK cheapo 16 rod rack on Facebook Marketplace from one "store" in the low twenties, same one is over thirty on other sites or stores. Need to find the correct associated seller. 10 or 15 min with a screwdriver. Cheated it a little for an old fly rod on the end. Good enough
After coming home from pulling my crab pots, we were washing the boat down in the street when an Amazon van stopped to deliver a package. I found myself standing next to him and could not help but notice a strained look of frustration on his face. I said to him, you look a bit tired my friend, you must be having a long day. WOW! I didnt expect the reaction I got, for a brief moment he just looked at me with a blank look on his face then he threw his hands up and grabbed his head and started swaying back and forth saying I am so tired, I am so tired, I have been delivering packages since yesterday 264 packages and today I have 7 totes for a total of 273 packages, and they wont give me any help and I am so tired. I only took this job to help my family and they dont even care! Most customers are Aholes and dont even say hello or thanks for bringing me my package. By now my buddy was giving me a look like WTH did you say to this poor guy. I tried to reassure him that his day would soon be over, some days are simply longer and harder than others. he just said its going to get much worse the Christmas rush is just beginning. I probably should have asked him to park the van and take a break, have some fresh boiled crab and a margarita with us and relax for a bit, but the thought didnt occur to me until much later. He hopped in the drivers seat and off he went. I wonder how he made it through his day and can only hope he is okay.
So when you see your Prime delivery driver, smile and say hello, those folks are stressed and in need of some friendly interaction.
Good story and sentiments David. Didn't realize the drivers also had it it that bad.
Quote from: Gfish on December 14, 2020, 08:02:17 PM
Good story and sentiments David. Didn't realize the drivers also had it it that bad.
Yeah, we are getting deliveries from UPS or FedEx after dark in the evening — and we live in the remote mountains — at the end of an unpaved road — in the Winter.
When I ask the drivers how their day is going, and look in the back of the truck to see how many packages to go before they make the hour and a half drive back down to the Fresno yard out on the West side of town — it is just like David said — they are really over-worked. It is one thing when houses and businesses are closer together in a town — another completely different matter when it is dark, late, cold, and there are few signs — along with weirdly spread out addresses. And the company tracks how long they are at each stop.
For the regular drivers, we will be giving them some gift cards this week — for all of the extra work they do for us during the year.
Best, Fred
Quote from: David Hall on December 14, 2020, 05:32:01 PM
After coming home from pulling my crab pots, we were washing the boat down in the street when an Amazon van stopped to deliver a package. I found myself standing next to him and could not help but notice a strained look of frustration on his face. I said to him, you look a bit tired my friend, you must be having a long day. WOW! I didnt expect the reaction I got, for a brief moment he just looked at me with a blank look on his face then he threw his hands up and grabbed his head and started swaying back and forth saying I am so tired, I am so tired, I have been delivering packages since yesterday 264 packages and today I have 7 totes for a total of 273 packages, and they wont give me any help and I am so tired. I only took this job to help my family and they dont even care! Most customers are Aholes and dont even say hello or thanks for bringing me my package. By now my buddy was giving me a look like WTH did you say to this poor guy. I tried to reassure him that his day would soon be over, some days are simply longer and harder than others. he just said its going to get much worse the Christmas rush is just beginning. I probably should have asked him to park the van and take a break, have some fresh boiled crab and a margarita with us and relax for a bit, but the thought didnt occur to me until much later. He hopped in the drivers seat and off he went. I wonder how he made it through his day and can only hope he is okay.
So when you see your Prime delivery driver, smile and say hello, those folks are stressed and in need of some friendly interaction.
I am fully aware of the work and strain that the drivers have to go through. So I make it a point to try to loudly say "Thank you, stay safe!' and smile, as a bare minimum. Or even wave if they are in their cab already. And the same goes for the USPS carriers. It is the least I can do, since we have to put up with my barking dog!!
I have been laid off work few times and had to go many months WITHOUT any $$$, my coping mechanism when I have to put in a 16 hour day is thank the Lord for being employed.
I feel for the Amazon and other delivery/seasonal workers,
Do they get paid by the hour?
I don't know how it works, but the delivery guys seem to always be in a hurry, overworked and athletic looking. I suspect it is a pretty good gig financially.
-s
Spoke with my UPS driver yesterday, I mentioned the the Amazon driver and he told me he knew why the guy was so stressed. He said they get no help or support on their routes, UPS puts a "runner" on the truck when they have a good number of packages to deliver, the driver remains in the truck and his runner drops the package at the door. He told me he had only 12 more packages to deliver and his day was done, it was about 2:00 pm, he was happy and smiling.
Quote from: David Hall on December 15, 2020, 10:26:47 PM
Spoke with my UPS driver yesterday, I mentioned the the Amazon driver and he told me he knew why the guy was so stressed. He said they get no help or support on their routes, UPS puts a "runner" on the truck when they have a good number of packages to deliver, the driver remains in the truck and his runner drops the package at the door. He told me he had only 12 more packages to deliver and his day was done, it was about 2:00 pm, he was happy and smiling.
In normal times yes. But now, who wants to ride in a truck all day with someone else?
I'm doing a bunch of small remodeling projects and I don't want a helper.
Keep away please! jmo
steve
So I deleted my thread about USPS. It just seemed excessively negative on what is otherwise a very positive forum. I was going to do the same here, but there have been some very thoughtful replies.
In response here, my main complaint with Amazon is the search algorithm. I still buy some stuff on there and some on eBay. I have my complaints there too. Same for walmart. I feel like if we all went to only doing business with the entities we agree with all of the time, we'd be forced to very rapidly return to the concept of self sufficiency. And i don't wanna learn how to make my own reels and other tackle from scratch so to me there is no point of clawing for some moral high ground. I speak of course only for myself. We all decide for ourselves what battles are worth fighting.
But I do legitimately get super frustrated with Amazon's search algorithm, sometimes to the point of getting off my @$$ and driving to the store.
That is too bad you deleted the thread about the USPS —
It also had quite a few thoughtful replies to your initial statements — and quite a few members took the time and effort to answer your legitimate questions...
The information is useful whether or not you agree with it — and other members may find answers that will help them.
So I don't find that fair —
Just my opinion.
Best, Fred
Quote from: foakes on December 18, 2020, 03:13:37 AM
That is too bad you deleted the thread about the USPS —
It also had quite a few thoughtful replies to your initial statements — and quite a few members took the time and effort to answer your legitimate questions...
The information is useful whether or not you agree with it — and other members may find answers that will help them.
So I don't find that fair —
Just my opinion.
Best, Fred
Dang it, you're absolutely right. I thought I was doing the right thing, And now I regret it.
No big deal...
Best, Fred
Naw, not a thing, deleting that thread. Enough people responded and read it, I'll bet. Yup I'ma gonna stick with eBay & USPS.
We're getting a Target store here in the old K-mart building, soon I hope. Competition with Walmart and Costco is a crap-shoot here. Ha!, as soon as the K-mart shut down, all the Ace Hardware stores started selling fishing tackle and it's at a premium price. Since I've been here we've lost K.m., Sears and Sports Authority.
Actually holding a product in your hands is a much better shopping experience than online ordering.
Probably based on this thread, my "friends" from Utube and Apple suggested a documentary for me the other night: PBS Frontline; "Amazon, ______". It was a good look at the company history, business tactics and the leadership.
I'm thankful I was able to afford a new Chromebook so I can even go online to listen to your guys rants and brags. I walked in and bought it after on line research. I was stuck using an old pc.
I can now look at real estate to see where I may end up, post stuff for sale, and shop for any and everything.
I always say thanks to my drivers and postman, that is how I was taught.
It's easy to get frustrated with all that's going on in the world, to say nothing of the bomb dropped into my personal life. My response? I mourned for what was for a couple days, then started my plan for the new life. I was given a shop full of woodworking tools and I'm going to play with all of them.
As far as retired, well yesterday I helped a young fishing buddy shoot under some sidewalks and add drainage piping to his future boat parking area. Today I'm working on repainting my Johnson 70hp. After wasting the season looking for a decent used motor I decided to run it until it wears out. I missed out on just about everything this year.
Retirement to me means I have the time to do what I want, but don't need to stress about whether I get done or not.
Quote from: foakes on December 18, 2020, 03:13:37 AM
That is too bad you deleted the thread about the USPS —
It also had quite a few thoughtful replies to your initial statements — and quite a few members took the time and effort to answer your legitimate questions...
The information is useful whether or not you agree with it — and other members may find answers that will help them.
So I don't find that fair —
Just my opinion.
Best, Fred
I agree.
I knew someone could delete their own post but I didn't know they could delete an entire thread after it had replies ??? , I thought only moderators could delete topics & threads. I view it sort of like the seller on eBay that ends a listing after it already has bids. Kind of disingenuous to those who have taken the time to respond.
Delete Topic option comes straight from Simple Machines, rather than Alan/Mods -- correct?
there should be more than the standard "are you sure" warning... some additional "X Replies" threshold,
where there's an extra warning, or deletion is an automated request to Mod, rather than quick/easy/final
Nothing is ever "deleted" on the interweb :-)
We are all adults here and are good neighbors. But we are also human, it is good to vent, that's all it is, not person attacks if you work for amazon or dell or simple machines forum ;D
Oh, back to Amazon: living in a densely populated area corner house,
I really, REALLY appreciate that "tuberculosis rasp" reverse warning the Prime trucks use
less annoying, locally effective & doesn't carry like old-school beeping... discuss ;D