Amazon Prime is huge, and chances are that you are a Prime user. The number of Prime members in the US is estimated to be around 148.6 million subscribers in the US (backlinko). Prime comes with many benefits:
- Delivery (i.e. free two-day delivery)
- Streaming and digital (Prime Video, Amazing Music, Amazon Gaming, and more)
- Shopping (Prime member deal, prime day, and more)
- Reading (Prime reading)
- And more
Check out a list of all Prime benefits on Amazon.
Recently, Amazon announced that they were increasing the price of Prime from $119 to $139 per year. They have said that the price increase is needed to expand the Prime membership benefits, like added content to Prime video and expanded same-day shipping, and to compensate for the rising costs of labor and transportation across the Amazon distribution network.
The price increase goes into effect for existing P{rime members on March 25th, 2022. For new Prime subscribers, the price begins on February 18, 2022.
With the price increase, many people are considering not renewing their Prime membership but are questioning how they will replace the benefits.
Let’s take a look at some ways to quit Prime and survive.
Free Shipping
Many Prime members subscribe to get free two-day shipping. While it may take you longer to get your purchases, you are still able to get free shipping on Amazon without being a Prime member. Amazon offers free shipping on orders of $25 or more, with delivery in 5 to 8 business days.
Switch to Walmart+
Amazon recently surpassed Walmart in total revenue from June 2020 to June 2021. There are a few reasons for this, one being that Amazon did not have a direct competitor. Walmart changed that with its launch of Walmart+, putting it in direct competition with Amazon on their climb back to the top. Walmart+ is a cheaper alternative to Amazon Prime, especially since Amazon has announced its price increase.
There are a few things to consider, however. Walmart+ is $98 per year. Walmart+ does not offer a student discount, music, video streaming, or clothing perks when Amazon does. However, Walmart+ does come with gas discounts and the option to scan to pay in-store, whereas Amazon does not.
Use a different streaming service
If you are using Amazon Prime for its streaming service, there are many alternatives for you to choose from. You have platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV+. Disney+, and more. You will have to look into them before making the switch to see what best fits your needs.
Shop Local
Chances are, you can find almost everything you buy from Amazon from your local shops. While it may not be as convenient and you may pay slightly more for the same products, there are other benefits to shopping local. When you shop at a small business, you are helping that owner put food on the table, pay their bills, while you are building relationships, making new connections, and supporting the local economy.
Music Alternatives
Amazon music streaming is a nice perk to Prime membership. Again, you have alternatives out there. If you are an Apple user, check out Apple Music. Spotify is huge, along with Google Play Music, Pandora, Youtube, and more.
Stepping away from Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime has a lot of benefits for its members, but if you are looking to step away and wondering how, you have a lot of options available to you. Look into those alternatives and your local shops to see how you can step away from Prime membership and still get everything you need.
If you have stepped away from Amazon Prime, please share your best advice with us.