There are many reasons as to why you should be an Amazon Prime member but there are 5 that will have your investment returned in no time.
Of course this will vary on a what you need basis, but this list is for anyone and everyone as I leave out the little “extras” that I think you won’t need.
As a frequent online shopper myself and one that does a lot of it on Amazon, I know the benefits of a price that some shoppers might deem unaffordable.
With all the bills piling up and other expenses, who can really afford to join Amazon Prime?
Well, before you write off this service, let me give you a little insight on the type of savings and benefits that you can get just for paying $12.99/month.
Table of Contents
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is Amazon.com’s premium service that allows its members to gain access to several benefits for paying a monthly fee.
With over 100 million members and the shift to buying online, there is more than enough reasons for one to turn to the internet for shopping and I want to go over some of them here in this post.
So whether or not you are into shopping online, this article will help ease your mind if you are still on the fence about becoming an Amazon Prime member.
1. Savings
If there’s one thing we all love to do, it is to save that green thing that goes inside the little plastic card that you can’t seem to stop swiping.
As an Amazon Prime member, that is the main benefit you get.
I’m sure you’ve seen the comparisons on different items that usually are a couple of bucks and not just cents.
And if you have a new baby or if you’re simply supplying for a larger household like I do, you can expect to get more savings and even some cash back.
Yup, and this is only brushing the surface.
2. Free Shipping
Although I put this at #2, I’m sure you can see that this sits right at the top with savings as this alone can really add up.
When I used to shop on Amazon (pre-prime days), I had to try and add several items to my cart, just to try and bring the shipping costs down.
As a Prime member, you can forget about trying to do that and you can also forget about having to pay for shipping a lot of the time.
You can also forget about waiting two weeks for an item as they will usually hit your doorstep or P.O. Box within 2 days.
If you’ve ever shopped online just 5 years ago, you will know how long it took to wait for anything you purchased online.
And if this doesn’t impress you, maybe the next one will.
3. Same Day Shipping
Free shipping is a thing but getting it that day is almost unheard of.
Up until the whole Amazon Prime deal arrived on the scene.
With technology advancing, you can bet that the king of online retail sales is right up there, if not a step ahead of the competition.
Then again, there is really none and that is why they are constantly trying to improve their service.
From Drone delivery to grocery stores that require you to go in and pick up items, I’m sure you can see the commitment that Amazon has to its customers.
And it’s only getting better.
4. Same Day – New Release Delivery
We have all waited for a new release of some kind of product in our lives and that usually required some hoops that needed to be jumped through in order to accomplish such a mission.
Sometimes I would have to stand in line like Black Friday was in town and we all know how that goes.
Then of course we would have to either pay for the item in advance or make some kind of down payment just to secure that item.
With Amazon, you don’t have to do any of that.
And on top of not having to deal with that craziness, you get the item shipped on the day it is supposed to be released.
No more waiting in line and no more having to go into an actual store to get what you want.
Heck, you will probably get surprised when that item comes in because you forgot you ordered it.
5. Prime Video
As a user of Netflix ($10.99/month), I almost can not feel the money coming out of my bank account, especially with the fact that it is automatically withdrawn.
When you think about that price compared to Amazon Prime’s $12.99, you can see that there is only a $2 difference between the two.
However, Netflix only offers a TV service, while Amazon gives you discounts, other knick knacks, and movies?
Say what?!
Now obviously you can tell that there is going to be quite the difference in selection of flicks but as an added feature to savings, you can’t really beat that.
And if you have kids, of course they would benefit from this, along with the music and unlimited reading that also comes with your Prime membership.
So Who Should Get Amazon Prime?
You would think that this is only for the frequent Amazon shopper but I disagree.
Somewhat.
If you find yourself buying on the online retail giant at least twice a month with shipping charges totaling over $20, then obviously this would be a wise decision to become an Amazon Prime member.
And if you just love saving money and are looking for some music and movies, this membership has enough for you to deal with.
For $12.99/month, I think this is an awesome deal.
Also remember that you can pay for the year and pay only $119 if you want to save some money.
And lastly, don’t forget that you can give this whole deal a free trial and take Amazon Prime for a 30 day spin.
If you don’t like it, you simply cancel and move on.
At the end of the day, you really have nothing to lose and I recommend you at the very least see what 30 days looks like with Amazon Prime.
That’s an interesting offer indeed. I think it’s only for US citizens though.
I wasn’t aware of how many benefits you get for this really not life changing monthly fee. Especially the shipping advantages are macing it worth already.
I wish I could use this offer here in Thailand because most often the shipping for articles under $100 is more expensive than the product itself.
I’ll check out how the terms are for my country and if there is the possibility to join at all 🙂
A great way to get things shipped to you through Prime is by having someone that lives in the US (Prime member of course) get that item for you. Besides that, I would have to do some research, which I will do and get back to you as soon as I get it.
These are really great benefits to amazon prime, especially with items being delivered so quickly, which is a must to people. Also the cost of deliveries as well will have a lot of savings. I have taken up the free trial a few times over the years, but I don’t order too much on Amazon over the year, using other websites for main purchases of pet products, to justify paying the monthly amount for prime.
Yeah it’s definitely not for everyone Eden and it is not recommended if you aren’t a frequent shopper either. My membership goes on and off as I don’t like to spend but at the end of the day, I’m always winning with Prime.
I think this is a very good topic, especially since I do a lot of online shopping myself. I am also an Amazon Prime member, and that is probably where I do about 75% of my online shopping. I think you could also mention Prime Music as a benefit as well. I was not aware of the free release day delivery, so that was a unique item to mention.
This topic is interesting to me, and I’m sure it would be of interest to a lot of others as well.
Yes, Prime music for sure Michele but I just wanted to keep this post short (even if it went a lot longer than expected). I think I might have to update it and add more as there are definitely more benefits, just not as awesome as the ones mentioned. Thanks for your input though!
Hi John,
I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for several years now. I’m always interested in the best pricing available for any service so I pay annually which results in a substantial savings. My answer to the question, is Amazon Prime Worth Getting, is a resounding yes! This time of year especially, it pays for itself many times over. The free shipping does it for me. And, I love the fact that I can ship to other locations besides my home. I buy gifts for the holidays and have Amazon ship directly to the recipient’s home which in many instances is in a different state than my own. Not only do I save a lot of money but I avoid the hassle of having to go to the post office. It’s a brilliant solution to holiday madness 🙂 Have you tried it?
I am definitely a Prime member Linda and for the same reasons mentioned in this post as well as what you have mentioned. I’m glad you see things the same way and I’m sure others do as well or will eventually, especially with all the new stuff Amazon is coming up with. Thanks for sharing your experience Linda as well as sharing some great points!
– GBD
Heyi really enjoyed this article, it was very informative. I am not a fan of amazon prime really. I have used it and they charged me a lot of money when i just ordered one item from them, they ended up charging me for a prime membership. I never order off of amazon anymore but I know a lot of people do.
Sorry about the bad experience Justin but I think it was just that one order that left a bad taste in your mouth. Amazon is only getting better and the savings and convenience will always be a great thing. If you don’t do much shopping online then you definitely don’t need Prime and there are still some people out there that aren’t comfortable with shopping online so don’t feel like it’s only you.
What a nice, well-paced read!
I have to say — Amazon Prime is also a wonderful addition for the avid reader who happens to own a Kindle. I own one myself and as someone who tends to read more or less frequently, Amazon Prime lets you download one of six editors’ picks for free every month (before they’re released to the public), besides the instant rotating selection of 1000’s of books, magazines and comics you can download for free.
It’s pretty interesting, if you ask me!
Yeah I threw that in there with videos but I definitely should’ve had that on its own at #6. Thanks for pointing that out though Alexandre!
This is quite amazing on what is all included with prime. I have received free shipping but I have heard about the amazon movies but have not as yet figured out how to set up the movies on my tv. Do you have a quick set up on how to do this?
I would like to test this out.
Just checkout the link below Monika.
https://amzn.to/2KLmL7O
This is a good read. This will entice anyone who like to shop for deals and save money in the process to try it. I am not a member but this looks very tempting. Not having to pay for shipping is a good deal. I could use that saving for something else like buying more products and even joining Amazon Prime to get more deals. Who would not go for the Prime Video? That is a steal for anyone. You cannot go wrong with this especially if you have Kids. This is a good deal comparing to what other companies are charging.
Overall, I would go for everything I see here. This is a steal and I am sold.
I agree Delores!
You get great savings on products, and there is also free delivery for many products. Their TV program is excellent. Amazon Prime began to record and broadcast his television series. The Romanoffs is one of my favorite series at Amazon Prime TV. I recommend everyone to try Amazon Prime, I’m sure you will be satisfied.
I have yet to try the TV programs as I can barely keep up with Netflix but I’m going to take your word for it and actually give it a try.
Hi John
Thank you for a very informative article – much appreciated.
That’s the best explanation of Amazon Prime that I have seen – well done! You have helped me, too, as I recently joined as an Amazon Prime member…reading your article has re-inforced in me that I have made the right choice!
I was wondering if you know whether Amazon Prime works equally well in different countries?
Thanks
David
It does David but not so much on the fast delivery as Amazon is trying to expand and improve their service globally. It is still worth the investment for most countries though if you are a frequent Amazon shopper, so you at least know you are saving some money.
This decision has been tough at times, but I have come to REALLY depend on Prime. All of your reasons resonate with me, although I’d never thought about the release day deal – I don’t stand in those lines, but it’s great that amazon provides a workaround in case I ever do. Thanks for that tip, I do plan to use it.
One more point I would add is that the free shipping, speed and convenience make Amazon Prime my go-to option for birthdays and Xmas gifts when the friend or relative is far away. I have close friends and family that are thousands of miles away, and I depend on Amazon to get my gifts to them on-time. When I travel to visit my kids and grandkids, I have the gifts delivered to the city so they are there in an Amazon Locker when I arrive so I can present them myself without paying for extra luggage. If I could only get them to do the same, I’d avoid extra baggage charges for the gifts they give us.
It’s great to see that you use this service to ifs full potential Steve and thanks for sharing some great advice as well. Thanks to you, I think I might start getting gifts from Amazon and start sending them straight to the recipients instead of having it sent to myself. Do you know if Amazon does any type of gift wrapping though? If not, I’m sure a little suggestion to them might prompt them to do such a thing. I will look into it but if you do know, I would appreciate the help. Thanks Steve!