"Our family has been ordering from Amazon.com since 2001, which in itself says it all. But to go into detail --

For years we went with the Free Super Saver shipping ($25 order minimum) because we thought it was better to get an additional item instead of spending the money on shipping. This could be difficult sometimes when we didn't really *need* anything else - though it's a good way to build up a DVD library.

In 2010, we needed something in a hurry and 2-day shipping for that one item was $35 so we decided to give Prime Membership ($79/yr) a try.

Living in a remote area, we do almost all but grocery shopping online. With Prime, we can get most anything we need, when we need it, and at a decent price.

Smaller items often cost more than your local grocery or drug store, but for the most part the prices are competitive and shipping with Prime is fast, which saves us a lot of time and gas. Also, occasionally an order arrives in 1 business day instead of 2.

Returns are hassle-free, can be done online without the need to talk to anyone or wait for emails.

The only thing to watch out for is when buying from Marketplace Sellers as some do not have good return policies, may list a used book as "New", etc. But for the most part, my Marketplace buying experience has been OK as well. I still prefer to purchase items directly from Amazon to avoid potential hassles with damaged, defective, or wrong items received."

"I can't even count the number of times I've ordered from Amazon.com. Every single time I've had a positive experience, even if I've had to return an item. Their shipping has always been fairly quick and their prices are great too."

"As many have stated, Amazon gets it right. Low prices, easy to sign and make a purchase, even hassle-free returns. I will be a long-time customer. I find myself making more & more purchases on Amazon."

"There's no better on-line merchant than Amazon.

I've been an Amazon member since 1997. I've never had a problem with purchasing or returns. I'm kind of picky about customer service, and I think Amazon has the best out there. The few (under 5) returns that I've made were all handled fast, to my satisfaction and with a minimum of effort on my part.

Almost all of my purchases are made on-line, and most of them are made through Amazon. I only go elsewhere if Amazon doesn't have it or if it's clothing that I need to try-on first.

I have the Amazon Prime service; for a fixed yearly fee you get free 2-day shipping. With Prime, I don't feel the need to group shipments in order to save money. If I forget to order something, it costs me no more money for shipping than if I waited and grouped everything together. My only disappointment with Amazon Prime is that not all items are available through Prime, so you still end up paying shipping on some items.

Note that Amazon Prime orders are shipped by Amazon. Other items purchased may ship through Amazon or by the store actually selling the item through Amazon. If you buy from a non-Amazon shipper, you probably don't get the same level of service. I buy mostly with the Prime service, so I end up getting Amazon service.

Amazon does best for small, pricey items like electronics, camping gear, books, small baby items, etc. I don't think they're as cheap or convenient for bulky items or for clothing that you have to try-on. They don't have everything, so you will end up going to other merchants."

"I have placed many orders on Amazon.com over the years and I have yet to be disappointed. Their service is absolutely stellar. It the most ethical online store on the web."

"I have been using Amazon for years now and have never had a problem with them. Deliveries arent always super fast for items bought through Amazon from other sellers, which isnt down to Amazon. But when its a product directly from Amazon itself they are swift and packaging is good.
It is one of the best companys for returns. They don't quibble or try to make excuses. They pick up the items fast and refund you quickly.
The Live online chat option is great! Saves the frustration of waiting for email replies. 10/10 for that.
Used it today and my query was answered immediately.
Good stuff Amazon ;-)
My advice is steer clear of resellers selling through amazon and stick to Amazon itself.
If more companys were like Amazon I'd be a happy buyer!"

"These shipping problems or customer service must be at the fault of the buyer, or I have just been lucky.

I buy stuff every couple days and I never have a unresolved issue. I have Prime so my orders come within two days, and I order from amazon direct not through other resellers.

If I have a issue I contact amazon through online chat. They have done their best to resolve all issues even when it was against their policy.

I had a 30 amp cable for overnight delivery and they sent a email that it would not arrive ontime and they had refunded the accelerated shipping. Oddly the cable arrived in 9 hours. Which was 3 hours early...."

"I don't know why I tolerate Amazon. Maybe because, unfortunately, they own online retailing. Be that as it may, I ordered a half dozen items a week ago, each one in stock (and still in stock) and the order STILL hasn't shipped. It's time to go back to paying more to order from local merchants. "

"I'm an Amazon prime student member, and I buy tons of stuff through them. Prices are always very competitive, shipping is always fast, and I've never had a problem. Love this store."

"I'm writing in regards to Amazon.com, not the stores around them. Anyways, I've been using Amazon for the longest, and they've been around for the longest. Never had a problem with them, and I get free two-shipping that never came late. They might not have the best prices, but not the worst either. Most respectable store site on the internet."

"Great price on a video card. Showed in stock when I ordered, but still hadn't shipped after 2 weeks. Talking to a chat representative, they had no idea when shipments are even planned to come in, and definitely have no idea if I'll even be able to use the mail in rebate that comes with it that has to be sent in withing 30 days of purchase. IF they pack it as poorly as the last item they shipped me hardware, and I have to sent it back because it's probably broken, that mail in rebate is definitely not going to be valid anymore"

"By far my favorite merchant. Buying from them multiple times a month, and with Prime, everything is a breeze.
Every problem I've ever had with them was promptly and courteously resolved by their customer service."

"I ordered archos tablet and accessories at amazon.ca, but then i received an email that the address of the billing of my card was not the right one for my card. So, i reply and give the right billing address of my card. but then i still receive an email that my order was onhold due the the wrong billing address..so i email it again, now i received an email, mail delivery failure. So, i log in using my account and password, but then i can't not log in, but when i register, it accepted my username and password. so i reset my password again and log in using the new reset password, nothing happen, i still unable to log in. i emailed then, but they didn't response my email, in fact i received a mail failure again. so, i still email them and told them to cancel my order. Until, now i still didn't receive a reply what going on,why im not able to log in... It' s worst customer service that i ever had, i been ordering online store, but it's only amazon.ca was worst. i'm not happy dealing with them...so peaple be aware///"

"They used to be reliable, but now they're playing the eBay game of offering products sold and shipped by others,and if you are unforunate enough to need to return one of those, good luck. They won't help you. In spite of your placing the order with them, they'll refer you to a no-name source to get a refund.

And their Philippines-based customer telephone support is bad, real bad."

"My confirmed order for HP touchpad placed on Amazone.com was cancelled after a few days. Amazon didn't make any attempt to fulfill the cancelled order when many other seller's (for example, onsale.com see http://store.onsale.com/n/customPages-1386) tried to fulfill cancelled orders. I could have got my item if I placed it through another seller."