Suggestions for online shops to avoid amazon

[TooDamnSarky]

For various (fairly obvious) reasons I'd like to switch my online shopping form automatically going to amazon to using smalller companies.

I thought we could have a thread where we list companies that have given good service and ask for recommendations. Don't mind paying slightly extra if it means benefitting from their expertise in getting good quality stuff.

I recently got some fab garden furniture from:
www.plant-theatre.co.uk/

Currently looking for somewhere for small electricals (eg headphones) and seeds.

I would just go with eBay.

I sell on eBay, Amazon Handmade and Etsy. Etsy is by far the best place, they've put so much into advertising in the last seven months, but then the fees are a bit ridiculous on there now. Amazon and eBay are okay but they don't look after the sellers at all, Amazon have done nothing for sellers during the pandemic other than tell us to extend our delivery times. We still get penalised for late delivery. eBay are getting better, but we're talking marginally. The types of customers I get on Amazon and eBay are very different to Etsy. Far more demanding, far less understanding and a greater percentage of extremely rude people.
I recently bought bird food from www.birdfood.co.uk they were very quick.

When lockdown started, and Amazon warned it was prioritising some deliveries and not the sort of tat I wanted, I looked for the 'fulfilled by' sellers and also checked their websites to compare costs. Invariably it was cheaper to shop direct.

I've been impressed by the number of little independents round here that have managed to sort out a website to ship online.

For homeware/gift from a Devon made brand (plus other UK makers)
www.graceandfavourhome.com

For very yummy pies (also Devon based but deliver nationwide)
www.passion4pies.co.uk

Will think of some more and add later

Thanks for thread - great idea.
Hoods Honey for honey, handwash, candles, hand cream, lip balm etc.
Fabulous customer service and everything made with their own honey and beeswax from their hives.
Nightie Night for truly beautiful nightwear - £££ but worth it.

I have a huge moral dilemma with Amazon. Even when you live in the UK, in certain postcode areas it can be hard to find companies to deliver. It has got better in recent years but I think that one of the reasons I got hooked on Amazon was because they actually deliver to me, as I had spent so many hours shopping online on sites offering UK delivery only to have me order cancelled because when they said UK delivery they actually only meant 'most of the UK'.

Small businesses that I know of have now 'opened' via Etsy, not sure of Etsy's ethics, but I do think small business needs backing in the country they, and you, live in . In my case it's but British from now on!

www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk is also stocked at supermarkets but I recommend buying them directly from The Little Soap Company. Great soap!

www.bakerross.co.uk
For children’s art and craft materials, party things

Thanks for all the great links everyone.

Does anyone have a suggestion for sheet music? Nothing too niche - just standard mid-grade instrument stuff.

and more generally, suggestions for places to buy second hand books?

and one more question if I may...

Does anyone have a good alternative to Amazon wish lists? I find these by far the best way of making it easy for relatives to buy the kids presents. I've tried putting non-amazon items on there in the past but have found that people just don't buy them.

I sometimes use Musicnotes for sheet music, you can pay to download then print it out yourself.

Have also used Musicroom for buying sheet music.

Re books. Hive is the only one that is not owned either in part or full by amazon! Plus they give a percentage to a local book shop.

Double check who owns a company before switch - you maybe surprised!

thanks @MrsPear
good to know

thirstymeeples.co.uk/ for board games.

This is such a great and useful idea thank you

any suggestions for flowers?

Bloom and Wild for flowers, or google for a local florist in the area you want them delivered.

Books - A couple of local independent bookshops to me are delivering from their own stock, either in person or by post. Check out independent book shops too!

Thanks all

Just some of the independent companies I have shopped with recently:

Babipur for eco stuff, toys and children's clothes
George's Whitstable for puzzles
Happy little soles for children's shoes
Frugi for children's clothes (though they are owned by Next now, they've retained their ethical values)

I forgot to say The Soap Mine for lovely handmade soaps.

This is a great thread. I love moreveg.co.uk for seeds, the packets are a great size (and price) for a normal vegetable patch or garden. They are shut until Saturday, filling orders, but I’d recommend waiting for them to open, they have a great range.

My go to for books online is www.worldofbooks.com. I have always had a good and fast service. The books have always been in great condition.

Star Bargains for short-dated food.