posted in Technology
Why your Amazon order confirmation emails have become so unhelpful
www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/977733/amazon-order-emails-google-gmail-ai-agents-data
That’s so weird. I haven’t gotten any of these vague confirmation emails. Oh, that’s right. I remember why. Because I don’t buy a thing from that fucking oligarch’s website.
Same, but it takes effort. Even when items aren’t Amazon exclusives, Amazon still contractually requires the seller to give them the best price, so we all still pay the Amazon tax. Also, even if you order direct from the manufacturer’s website (for the ones that still have a website instead of just a Facebook page), it’s often shipped or fulfilled by Amazon. Or, if you find a decent alternative store like jet.com or woot.com, Amazon just buys them.
I do this thing where if I need something, I go to a store and buy it. It has resulted in a lot less buying of useless stuff that I didn’t really need and ends up just taking up space. YMMV
I do that when I can, but local selection is often pretty limited.
Fair enough and I’m sorry if I sounded judgy. I I know it doesn’t apply to everyone, but I think a major reason for Amazon’s success is that they’ve made acquiring things too convenient. A lot of people (I know I did) fall into the trap of over-consumption. I’ve come to conclude that spending my money ought to come with a little friction.
It’s a damn good trap, and they make it work bafflingly well.
I can get up, get dressed, commute to a store, buy the item I need and commute back home, or I can push 3 buttons on my phone and have the item delivered to me in a few hours for 35% less than it would have cost at the store, without the added fees for travel.
… Ah, fuck, I’m one of the Wall-E universe people, aren’t I?
No offense taken, I completely agree.