As a brand new Amazon Prime member, I decided to post an on-going review of the service periodically throughout the year. I searched for a similar type of review and wasn’t able to find it when I considered whether Prime membership would be a good value for me. I hope this review series can help others.
I typically choose to buy from local businesses whenever it is possible and affordable. However, I live in a small town so sometimes I just cannot find what I want locally. I do make quite a few Amazon purchases each year–probably more than I care to admit. While Prime Two-Day Shipping tempted me, it was actually the other perks that made me interested in Prime membership. The $99 annual price was my main hesitation, would I get that much value out of Prime Membership? Ask me in a few months, but so far so good…
Amazon Prime Perks I have Used Over The Past Month
- Two Day Shipping: I have always been happy with Super Saver Shipping, although sometimes I would add on an extra item to qualify. I do wonder whether that results in me spending a little more than I would otherwise. Now that I have Two-Day shipping, I am getting spoiled by the speedy arrival of my orders. This is great for last minute gifts! I am not sure if this is usually an option, but I have noticed if I choose the “no rush” option at check out, that I am offered a $1.00 Amazon video credit to apply to buying or renting non-prime instant video. I have accumulated $3 that way. No rush shipping is free and I don’t need to order $35 in merchandise.
- Prime Instant Video: There is a lot of overlap between Prime and Netflix, but both Amazon and Netflix have their unique content. I must admit, the Prime Instant Video was the benefit that interests me most. I noticed the Prime carried a few series that I want to watch that were not on Netflix. At this point, I prefer Netflix more, but that may change as prime expands their selection especially if they include more HBO series. Prime also carries several workout videos and I may post reviews after I try them.
- Prime music: I’ve been using this a lot. It does not yet have the variety or new music you would find on Pandora or Spotify. But it has one benefit the free Pandora and Spotify accounts do not, you can download the music to a phone or tablet (if it can run Amazon music app). I’ve been using it to have more variety in my workout playlists the wifi at my gym is often slow or unavailable.
- Kindle First: Each month Prime members can download a free pre-released Kindle book from a choice of several picks of the month, I joined towards the end of July, and have downloaded two so far. The choices were from authors I am not familiar with, so the jury is out until I read one or more of these books.
In future reviews, I may give more details on several of these services. There are a few Prime benefits I have not used yet including the Kindle Lending Library, Amazon Pantry and Subscribe and Save.
About this review: This review is for a product that I purchased. This is my honest opinion and I am not paid for this review.
I have included my affiliate link to a free 30 day trial membership to Amazon prime. I realize this service may not be for everyone, but for many it is a great value. One way to know if it is a great value for you is to try it yourself. Previously, I did try a 30 day trial and found it was easy to cancel before they started charging my account. And by joining through this link, you also support my blog. Win, Win!
Leave a Reply