This week, we will talk about Amazon for the Outdoors: toAmazon or not to Amazon when purchasing outdoors and recreational products.
This is a very touchy subject around here. Let's deal with the pros and cons first and then we'll discuss.
Pros:
Everything under one virtual roof to compare
Ease of checkout
Amazon Guarantee is very pro shopper
A huge range of outdoor brands on the platform (including CRUA!)
Verified reviews available
Pushing hard for deals from brands
Reasonable or even free shipping with Prime
'Fluent' shopping experience
Reliability and efficiency
You can still buy directly from the brand, and not through third parties, as most brands have their own Amazon store
Usually not coming from overseas due to Amazon's enormous warehousing network
Cons:
Possibly inflated prices to make up for high Amazon seller fees
Fake reviews
Paralysis by analysis from the variety of listings
It always helps to touch and feel outdoors gear and outdoor apparel, as you will have an expectation. This is true of all eCommerce, not just Amazon
Not always clear who you are buying from
Works best if you're a Prime member
Discussion
OK, here at CRUA, we have a real love/hate relationship with Amazon. On the one hand it's great to have access to potential customers, who are shopping with intent to buy. There is a stat that over 40% of online shoppers start their shopping experience on Amazon, rather like a search engine. It also takes away what we call 'top of the funnel' marketing, for that reason.
But here's the thing. Their returns policy is ridiculous. Good for the consumer. But we've been scammed with returns several times. So it makes it a difficult channel to manage, as Amazon always sides with the customer! I know the customer is always right, but not when they send back the old tent in the new box!!! Hence you sometimes see higher prices on Amazon, to make up for this loss. Their fees are also high. So if it's all the same to you, sellers (us included!) usually prefer their own website when/if possible.
No doubt, Amazon is positive and their Sports and Outdoors category is definitely one of the stronger ones. See below.
But just having a little awareness is definitely beneficial for the outdoors enthusiast!
As a conclusion, here are 5 Tips for when purchasing outdoors products on Amazon:
Seek out reviews on sites other than Amazon, for the same product
Do a price comparison - make sure there isn't an Amazon 'subsidy'
If there is a slightly higher price on Amazon, weight up what the Amazon guarantee is worth to you
Shop around. Sometimes reaching out to the brands directly in person can bag you the best deal and customer service. 'Wink emoji'.
If you'll be purchasing there regularly, consider Prime
Be aware of scams - yes, even on Amazon!
Thank you for reading this week's Newsletter!
Until next week,
Please note - everything above is for useful information purposes. We do NOT receive any commission for recommending products, locations or videos. We just hope you find this informative.
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