PILOT SPIN
Spin Zone => Spin Zone => Topic started by: invflatspin on May 21, 2018, 07:32:54 AM
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Now, I admit there's not a lot of things I HATE, but Amazon is right up there on my 'Do Not Like' list. The CEO is the worst kind of fem hygiene product, and their corp culture and tax dodging irritate the hell out of me. But - how much am I willing to pay to avoid Amazon?
Here's my story, it is not unique; Wife's car broke the lower lateral control arm on the back. She clearly hit something pretty hard in the road. Had the car towed home, no other damage except this lateral arm is busted up. Being a handy sort, I'm planning to just pop and swap it myself, and do a quicky camber setting. So, I start where every red-blooded DIY guy starts,, with Napa, right down the street. They don't have it(no shock there), but they can get it. Price is $96, it is in a state far from me, and it will be 4 days delivery, and shipping is $32-ish bucks. I say, let me try the orange and green guys, and call you back. Autozone and Oreilly don't have it, can't get it, unless special order. Price similar to Napa, delivery they don't know, can't say. Hmmmm, I can always get it from Mini/BMW for $196. No shipping, drive 113 miles each way. Or - tow the car to them and they will happily install it for $317. WTF?
Enter Amazon. I'm sitting in my Barcalounder, beer in hand, and just for shits and giggles I go to Amazon(wife says they have auto parts - suuuuuuuure). Type in Mini Cooper rear lateral control arm. A bunch of metal bars pop up, and Amazon wants to know what year, make, model, trim. Just like the real parts people. So I type in the stuff, hit enter, and another window pops up with the right part. Price - $36.55, shipping free in 3 days to my door. Or, I can pay $13 and have it Sunday! Are - you - kidding - me? Bam! I click order(on my wife's acct) and add Sunday shipping. I'm thinking - hehe, I will show HER; there's no way I can get this part here in 2 days, and it will be right, and it will be a good part, and it will fit my car, and it will be new. HAH! Vinceramos! I will be proven.
Sunday, I'm sitting in the same barcalounger, watching some Hockey(go Vegas!!), and 'ringyding', it's the door. There's a UPS guy standing there with a long slender box - oh shit... I sign, open the box, look at the part, and sheepishly go out to the shop, fit it on the car, set the camber close as I can, and drive test. 45 min later, I'm back watching hockey and cursing Amazon for being so damn good at retailing. How can I not shop there? At what price/inconvenience do I say 'die MFer! I want to pay more, get same, and wait longer!'
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Your story times millions ... people are attracted to easy. It doesn't get much easier than "Buy with one click." No getting out your credit card, fussing around to enter it, and remembering multiple passwords.
But I loathe myself every time I bow to Bezos! Is resistance futile? He has created the perfect online marketplace.
Had experience similar to yours ... two light fixtures that Home Depot supposedly carried, found on their website, but no, they weren't in either of our stores despite website saying they were!
Crept guiltily onto Amazon and voila. One didn't show up, so I clicked "Item didn't arrive," and received instant response and replacement item was shipped immediately.
Bezos, that creepy slime bag, thought of everything!
😡
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I don't like Bezos, surprisingly, I have nothing against Amazon. However, I haven't used it for years. I compare prices on line, and have found what I want less expensively (including shipping costs) elsewhere. Amazon is convenient, but it is NOT the low cost provider many think it is.
Why do all these mega billionaire, Progressive, rich guys look like Bond Villains? Bezos, Soros, Rupert Murdoch........... All Bezos needs is a white cat to pet.
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Whelp, I'm a big believer in going with cheap, and I found the part on rockauto.com for less money. But - when I added shipping and tax the price went up to $48.76, and I wouldn't get it until Monday after 2pm.
So, I could pay about a buck less, and wait another day, or I could get the right part, right away. My question is this. Does Amazon have some kind of magic potion that other retailers don't have? I know they are locked in an ugly feud with Trump about shipping rates, but most of what my wife gets from Amazon comes via UPS or other carrier.
I ordered some parts from rockauto.com and they are pretty good about shipping, but nothing beats Amazon so far.
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I think Walmart is working hard to take business from them and become a true competitor to Amazon. Not sure how long it will take.
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I think Walmart is working hard to take business from them and become a true competitor to Amazon. Not sure how long it will take.
Agreed, I see Walmart doing what Sears refused to do. Take on the monster straight ahead, and there's no shame in copying success. not that Walmart is any better than Amazon, but the internet has changed retail forever. We'll never go back to brick and mortar.
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Agreed, I see Walmart doing what Sears refused to do. Take on the monster straight ahead, and there's no shame in copying success. not that Walmart is any better than Amazon, but the internet has changed retail forever. We'll never go back to brick and mortar.
Agreed. It really is killing brick, and mortar retail. A lot of Malls today are ghost towns. The only ones that are still popular are the mega malls that offer a unique experience, often other than just shopping. Tbe brick and mortar "stores" may just be a place where you go to pick up your internet purchase, or maybe they will just go away all together.
The Smartphone in general has really changed society.
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I bought a bed from them and got it shipped to my house for free in two days. A complete paradigm shift. Those who shift paradigms are often not paradigms themselves.
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I was in Mall of America a few years ago. I noted that while they have plenty of retail space there, they are morphing more into an 'experience' agenda. Some of the retail floor space has been converted to things like a studio, and a nightclub. Of course they have the indoor amusement section, restaurants, and theaters. Going to MoA to 'shop' is on the decline, and I think they know that.
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There is nothing like Amazon for ease of use and incredible quick free shipping. Many, many products I'm in need of come to me SAME DAY. Who could even have imagined that just a handful of years ago. It's wild.
I need a dive flag for my boat. Not the pole, just the flag. I'll make a pole out of PVC. It needs to be of appropriate legal size for Florida regs. It needs a stiffener per Florida regs. Sure enough, Amazon can get it to me same day. For free.
And to boot, the few times I've had items not arrive, they're sending me a new one with the snap of a finger. And don't worry about sending the other one back if it finally arrives.
There is just no other retail experience like it at this point.
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PS - There is something to be said for forgetting the politics of it and deciding Amazon does such a stellar job at meeting my retail needs that they deserve my money.
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The problem with money in the hands of politically active people is that it buys influence. This is particularly true in the US where we worship the dollar over everything else. Pols cannot exist without patronage, and the individual cannot provide sufficient patronage until they are in the multi-millionaire category. We almost never hear what Buffet thinks about the political landscape, but Bezos, Soros, Gates, and the other movers and shakers find ways to pour literally millions into those who would make policy. Sadly, in the case of left-leaning patrons, they believe in policy that includes everyone except themselves.
This was brought into clear relief in the recent past with Zuckerberg trying to kick all the locals off his Hawaii island. Rules are for thee, but not for me. And I think it was Bezos who forced the owners of property around one of his 'estates' to get out of his way, or be crushed by continued legal harassment(maybe that's another liberal dude).
I don't mind a rich guy trying to tilt the game in his favor, it's what we all would do. But - to then turn around and tell the rest of humanity that they should not act this way, and accept their limited lot in life, is the ultimate hypocrisy. Examples abound, like Al Gore owning several massive properties, and keeping them all ready to occupy constantly. Talk about how everyone else should cut back, but he burns carbon like a million people in India or Africa.
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I think the fix is some altered structure of money and politics, not shopping at Wal-Mart (which might be even worse, and they don't carry dive flags anyway, and it's akin to pissing in the Pacific unless I head up a movement). Unfortunately, the First Amendment (controversially) is contrary to this opinion.
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UK is wading through the 'free speech' minefield right now, in very serious ways. There's a lot of what we expected when Pandora's box is open and Those Who Know Better are allowed to evaluate speech for content. It's far, far worse than what I hear Fecesbook has discovered. Humans get offended, complain to the correct 'authority' Laws are written to protect some special interest and the next thing you know, even anything other than neutral adjectives are outlawed.
However, it is true that this does not solve the money/politics issue. Once again pointing out the hypocrisy angle, the Dems to a man(and woman) were furious that the 1st A was controversially included in the advocating of policy by spending on those who share the same view. But - it didn't stop them from playing the game with relish and vigor, once the rules were set. I give you; Clinton Global Initiative/Foundation. Pulling in $20-40 MILLION right up until Nov 6, 2016. Basically closed their doors in Jan 2017, just before Trump takes office. A slush fund for Hillary to use for campaign purposes.
http://observer.com/2017/01/the-clinton-foundation-shuts-down-clinton-global-initiative/
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UK is wading through the 'free speech' minefield right now, in very serious ways. There's a lot of what we expected when Pandora's box is open and Those Who Know Better are allowed to evaluate speech for content. It's far, far worse than what I hear Fecesbook has discovered. Humans get offended, complain to the correct 'authority' Laws are written to protect some special interest and the next thing you know, even anything other than neutral adjectives are outlawed.
However, it is true that this does not solve the money/politics issue. Once again pointing out the hypocrisy angle, the Dems to a man(and woman) were furious that the 1st A was controversially included in the advocating of policy by spending on those who share the same view. But - it didn't stop them from playing the game with relish and vigor, once the rules were set. I give you; Clinton Global Initiative/Foundation. Pulling in $20-40 MILLION right up until Nov 6, 2016. Basically closed their doors in Jan 2017, just before Trump takes office. A slush fund for Hillary to use for campaign purposes.
http://observer.com/2017/01/the-clinton-foundation-shuts-down-clinton-global-initiative/
Politics IS hypocrisy.
Maybe there is a different angle to take. Not sure what it is, or what combination of things it could be. I've never been a fan of career politicians, so perhaps term limits dulls the effect of money in politics. But perhaps it doesn't.
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The UK, and Europe have jail sentences for "Hate Speech" now. What some bureaucrat decides is hate speech. They have an influx of hostile Muslims. They have no Second Amendment, are unarmed, and defenseless. Even personal self defense is often illegal no matter what weapon is used.
This is NOT the direction I want the U.S. to go, but if you listen to many Progressives, especially younger ones, this is a lot of what you are hearing. They are perfectly willing to give up Free Speech in order to "not be offended", or for some false security. It is scary.
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Politics IS hypocrisy.
Maybe there is a different angle to take. Not sure what it is, or what combination of things it could be. I've never been a fan of career politicians, so perhaps term limits dulls the effect of money in politics. But perhaps it doesn't.
I will await an example consistent with the massive hypocrisy coming from the left.
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My question is this. Does Amazon have some kind of magic potion that other retailers don't have?
Yeah, they beat the snot out of vendors who want to sell through them.
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Yeah, they beat the snot out of vendors who want to sell through them.
Ebay same, Wayfair same. Pretty much all vendors complain about the same thing.
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I will await an example consistent with the massive hypocrisy coming from the left.
It's not clear to me why you're awaiting an example, but it is my sincere hope that the many left-leaning members of this board may answer!
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It's not clear to me why you're awaiting an example, but it is my sincere hope that the many left-leaning members of this board may answer!
Because you represent the defensive, liberal side of the community and you are their spokesperson. Also, there is no hypocrisy as massive as the left contributes.
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Because you represent the defensive, liberal side of the community and you are their spokesperson. Also, there is no hypocrisy as massive as the left contributes.
I don't remember accepting that position, and wouldn't do so unless offered cold, hard cash. And I never made a statement of equivalence vis a vis hypocrisy in politics, but your opinion thereof is noted.
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I don't remember accepting that position, and wouldn't do so unless offered cold, hard cash. And I never made a statement of equivalence vis a vis hypocrisy in politics, but your opinion thereof is noted.
You greedy capitalist!
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You greedy capitalist!
The truth has a well known capitalist bias! Or something...
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I don't remember accepting that position, and wouldn't do so unless offered cold, hard cash. And I never made a statement of equivalence vis a vis hypocrisy in politics, but your opinion thereof is noted.
I have a three party, post-dated check, written on a napkin in crayon, drawn on a Somali bank. I'll send it right over, and you can give us said valuable consideration once it's in your hands.
(tongue firmly in cheek) 8)
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I have a three party, post-dated check, written on a napkin in crayon, drawn on a Somali bank. I'll send it right over, and you can give us said valuable consideration once it's in your hands.
(tongue firmly in cheek) 8)
Ignoring for a moment your fairly loose definition of Cold, Hard Cash, and if it's all the same to you, I'd like to do something different. I have a personal check made out for ten thousand dollars US (10 000). This check was intended to be a donation to an LGBTQIA adult orphanage overseas, which by happenstance I learned of while watching Current TV, and was heartstruck by the plight of the poor souls and their parent-less journey of sexual discoveries therefore-and-of. Unfortunately, I later discovered that this charity was a scam, and quite a dirty.
However, I cannot stomach the idea that a tree gave its life-force to create the paper upon which this check is printed (I Didn't Build That, the tree did), and since I haven't as of yet filled out the payable line due to awaiting a call from the orphanage for disclosure of their corporate and fictitious nomenclatures, I'd like to make it payable to one Ser Mr invflatspin ('ihnvurted flaht spihn'). I do this in recognition of the fine opportunity you have given me to spokespers (verb) in front of you and your great brethren on this usenet server. All I ask is that you cash this cheque post-haste, and wire to me without delay a sum of money equal only to my small spokesperson fee of ten and a half hundred dollars US (10 1/2 100). The rest you may keep for your services and hospitality, on behalf of my country the US of America, Florida.
Kindly pardon me for the intrusion, and I look forward to indication of your interest.
Sincerely,
Robert Baratheon Bartholomew Tema II ("Bob")
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Dear, and glorious most salutations to you Mr Tema II.
I was over-enjoyed, and rapturous to have obtained, and consumed your epistle. I am but a humble and unrepentant servant of his most illustrious High born Dr Arch-bishop Reciefe Garumundi Ollopolio-Erecta. Although I would be ecstatic and filled to the brim with gaiety to receive your offering, I must inject you with a small, and insignificant detail prior to my payment to you.
If it please your lord, and the world - take just a jot of time, and minuscule effort for my pleasure to visit the nearest Western Union office. Upon your visitation, and carriage to the office, it would greatly benefit us both if you would draw upon your bank, the paltry sum of $3,000 USD cache-moneys. Succinctly, and effortlessly, without any protestations, give said cache-moneys to the Western Union gentlemens, and have them apply it to 'pay upon demand' to my most humble and benign self-less in the name of:
Pemberton Guylfoyle Aszbasquet
Prey-not the time and rush, rush, rush! so that I may carry out your demands upon me to gather the goodness of your beneficence in my bosom.
Fear this and tremblingly obey;
Your dearest -- Pemby
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Just checked my Amazon account - says I’ve been customer since 1998. Wow - where did those 20 years go?
I really haven’t paid much attention to Bezos political activism. Not sure what he’s done that the OP thinks is egregiously bad. The only rich folks I see who consistently get beat up for financing their political views are the Koch brothers and Soros. Like that was some sort of crime.
I just now read the Wikipedia entry for him - background is definitely that of a nerd. Nothing wrong with that IMHO - I can relate. Though he is 8 years younger than me yet managed to acquire a net worth about a hundred thousand times greater than my wife and I.
It is a mostly free country with respect to employment and business success, so I expect those who kick their employees or otherwise treat their customers shabbily will eventually get their just dues. I have only ever gotten good service as an Amazon customer.
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Well, I'm sure Wiki is rather glowing about the erstwhile Bezos. There is no doubt that Bezos pays someone handsomely to edit, and manage his page on a daily basis so that nothing of slander, or negativism gets in there.
Now, there's nothing against the law about ONE very wealthy man privately owning the most politically powerful newspaper on Earth. I'm sure he purchased it all on the up-and-up, and I'm equally sure this is the American way. Just as I'm quite sure his publication and editorial staff are slightly to the left of Karl Marx. The WaPo history reads like the founding of the American liberal/communist party. The only paper in the world to have taken down a US prez. Bezos owns it. Personally, not corporately. Again - I'm sure it's all legal, and I'm sure it's all proper, but that kind of fourth estate power in the hands of a socialist causes me grief. If the rest of the planet is ok with that, well, then shame on me.
Tax avoidance. I'm a true believer in tax avoidance. I practice it as much as I can, and I advise anyone and everyone to do the same. Now, where Bezos and I differ on this plan is that while he is a big believer in tax avoidance(zero fed taxes paid by Amazon in 17, and very little in 16, moving away from Seattle due to their head tax on large corp) for HIS company and HIS holdings - he is a big believer that OTHERS should pay high taxes, and fund huge wasteful social programs to benefit those who contribute little, nothing, or less than nothing to the national GDP. He wants to fund a lot of the old Johnson 'great society' improvements. Including benefiting the less fortunate(homeless and bums). But - he doesn't want to fund them from profits out of Amazon, no, he wants to use his cudgel and influence on congress and the exec to fund his darling programs from the US treasury.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-10-31/for-bezos-now-world-s-richest-philanthropy-is-saved-for-later
The guy is smart, influential, and a complete left-wing libtard when it comes to politics. I'm often amazed that someone can be so successful at public marketing and knowing how and where to make money, but have NO CLUE how public money is best spent. They must go around every day with blinders on to history. The great Cultural revolution that impoverished China isn't on the menu. The Bolshevik revolution that destroyed the wealth of Russia for 2 generations, he can't be bothered. These are the two largest but not only economic upheavals in recent history that tells us quite clearly and without equivocation that socialism does - not - work! There are dozens of smaller and sadder examples. S Korea - N Korea. S Vietnam - N Vietnam. How can he be so blind? How can anyone?
I hope this clears it up a bit. It's the old hypocrisy angle writ large(I mean, with Bezos writ really, really large). If he wants to fund social welfare, that's fine, write checks on your account. Be just like Clinton Global Initiative(another global failure) or Clinton Foundation. See how well they did in Haiti? Isn't Haiti a paradise on Earth now that Bill and Hillary said they would fix it? After you make billions, and pay at least a modicum of taxes to support defending you, and building roads a bridges and airports so your packages can be delivered, I say take some of your PROFITS and do good things. But - for those who privatize profit, and socialize spending, this is certainly the road to a class segmented society. And we know how those turn out.
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(https://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_desktop_1x/public/2018-05/2018-05-23_11-41-15.jpg?itok=kFzaIF8w)
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Pemberton Guylfoyle Aszbasquet
Hey, I remember this.
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Hey, I remember this.
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