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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wonder why people shop at Amazon?

167 replies

poppytripll · 12/07/2014 09:29

Starbucks and the other well known tax dodging companies? If we need more money to pay teachers properly, fund the nhs etc then surely if we supported retailers that pay UK tax it may help? I don't buy coffee much but I use Costa if I do, as it's part of a British company that pays tax.

I also shop in Sainsbury or Waitrose because they pay UK tax as opposed to Aldi and Lidl. I'm probably over simplifying this so please tell me if iabu!

OP posts:
Chippednailvarnish · 12/07/2014 09:32

It's cheap.

CarolineWheatley · 12/07/2014 09:34

It's convenient.

Fairylea · 12/07/2014 09:36

As above.

alleypalley · 12/07/2014 09:36

I don't use Starbucks because there is plenty of alternatives. There's not much alternative to amazon.

Fairylea · 12/07/2014 09:38

If companies paid workers a living wage instead of a minimum wage people might give more of a shit about where they shop and the ethical economics of it all but until then and probably until ethical supplier reduce their prices somewhat people will choose the cheapest they can as they struggle to make ends meet.

TheSkiingGardener · 12/07/2014 09:38

They obey the tax rules. If I want them to pay more tax here then I need to lobby for a change in tax rules really.

wineoclocktimeye · 12/07/2014 09:38

Because its cheap and much as I would love to only shop in the right places, I just can't afford it.

Last Christmas, I did some research when buying my boys presents and buying the same items not from Amazon, would have cost me £62 more (on a total budget of £300) - much as I would have loved to, I just couldn't afford that.

If the price is the same,or nearsbouts, I will shop locally or elsewhere.

Bowlersarm · 12/07/2014 09:38

You can get anything at the touch of a button, cheaply, with very quick delivery. It is obvious why people use amazon.

noblegiraffe · 12/07/2014 09:39

They have everything and I barely have time to do food shopping let alone traipse the shops looking for the random stuff amazon sells.

Jengnr · 12/07/2014 09:40

They might be an evil empire but they are extremely good at they do.

twofingerstoGideon · 12/07/2014 09:40

The Book Depository prices are about the same as Amazon and they have free delivery. They are as 'cheap' and 'convenient' as Amazon, in other words.

Clothes made by children in the third world are also 'cheap and convenient'. Is that okay too?

It's amazing what people are happy to turn a blind eye to.

Chachah · 12/07/2014 09:41

I see your point, but I can't blame people for choosing the cheap and convenient option.

It's not them who are unreasonable. What's unreasonable is the fact that these companies are legally allowed to pay little to no taxes to the UK.

Sleepwhenidie · 12/07/2014 09:41

I don't buy coffee at Costa because it's shit because I'd much rather buy from and support a small independent cafe than a big chain. Different from Amazon because IMO the product is better but we all make our choices....

twofingerstoGideon · 12/07/2014 09:42

They might be an evil empire but they are extremely good at they do.

And for all his faults Mussolini made the trains run on time...

Fluffy40 · 12/07/2014 09:42

We use amazon every week for something, it's brilliant. Why would you go anywhere else ?

twofingerstoGideon · 12/07/2014 09:43

And yes, our tax laws need to change.

TheIronGnome · 12/07/2014 09:43

The Book Depository is extremely good! I've used it a few times when amazon didn't have what I was after or when it's been cheaper.

Generally do use amazon though... It's cheap and convenient and I can buy and browse lots of different things all in one place. A bit like people using big supermarkets rather than smaller independant shops really.

twofingerstoGideon · 12/07/2014 09:44

We use amazon every week for something, it's brilliant. Why would you go anywhere else ?

Because you have principles?

PhaedraIsMyName · 12/07/2014 09:44

I don't shop there nearly as much as I did. Not actually for the tax reasons. I've only bought books and CDs but now rarely buy these other than on physical shops.

FliptheThread · 12/07/2014 09:45

Amazon own The Book Depository twofingerstoGideon

drudgetrudy · 12/07/2014 09:45

Yes, because people are lazy and its convenient and they turn a blind eye
(that includes me).
You have pricked my conscience a bit-I will take a look at the Book Depository.
Aldi and Lidl- because they are cheap and many people can't afford Waitrose.

schlooby · 12/07/2014 09:46

I'm fairly certain that Amazon bought The Book DepositorySad

I'm annoyed with Amazon because they have just cancelled an order I made a week ago as 'undeliverable' even though it's not due to be delivered til Monday and tracking shows it never got closer than 100miles away from my house Angry

drudgetrudy · 12/07/2014 09:47

|Cross posted-The Book Depository no different then. Any suggestions for "one click" ethical shopping at a reasonable price?

Bowlersarm · 12/07/2014 09:47

Personally I don't feel the need to have principles against a company acting within the law. Apologies if it offends, but I will keep using amazon. Starbucks rarely, but I won't avoid on principle.

StrumpersPlunkett · 12/07/2014 09:47

I do have principles however they haven't done anything illegal.
they are by far not the only company/organisation who manage their tax affairs to the letter of the law.