We are busy people living busy lives. We don’t have time to run to the store every time we run out of something! And who wants to lug big boxes of diapers or toilet paper or even a flat screen television home from the store?! That’s why I love my Amazon Prime membership! Everything is delivered directly to my door within 48 hours!
But the question we are answering today isn’t why I love Prime, but is it worth the cost for you?
First, let’s talk about what Amazon Prime offers to it’s members. Prime is a membership program through the Amazon online store that provides several benefits over the course of the year. These include 2-day shipping on most items sold on Amazon, television streaming service, Prime music, unlimited photo storage, and now access to Audible channels. You also have the ability to get special deals and discounts from Amazon family including 20% off all diaper purchases.
However, I don’t think Amazon Prime is for everyone. It definitely has it’s pros and cons.
Pros
- 2-Day Shipping on eligible items in the contiguous 48 states.
- Prime Video has unlimited streaming of both movies and television shows that are constantly updated. This is very similar to Netflix if you’ve ever used their service.
- Prime Video also offers exclusive and original Prime shows that are only available to Prime members.
- Prime Music provides unlimited access to more than a million songs.
- You have access to unlimited photo storage in Amazon’s cloud. This is great if you love to take pictures, but don’t want them bogging down your computer!
- Prime members get early access (30 minutes before they go live) to Amazon’s daily deals.
- They offer a 30-day free trial so you can see if you like it first without paying the upfront cost of a yearly membership.
- You can connect 2 adult Amazon accounts to one membership so both adults can reap the benefits without having to always order on one account.
- As an Amazon Prime member, you will gain access to Amazon Family, which gives you access to 20% off all diaper purchases.
Cons
- The cost can definitely be a con. The yearly fee is $99. This can be a con for some, especially since you have to pay for the entire year upfront.
- Amazon doesn’t figure in weekends (Saturday or Sunday) for their 2-day shipping. If you order something on Thursday, you won’t receive it until Monday unless you choose to upgrade your shipping for a fee.
- If you don’t order online often, don’t watch a lot of television, or don’t stream a lot of music, it probably isn’t worth the cost. My parents don’t use technology very often, rarely shop online, and don’t stream any music or television in their home. They wouldn’t reap the benefits of a Prime membership for it’s cost.
- I’ve found that, similar to Netflix, Amazon will bring and take away shows to their Prime Video account. If you enjoy binge watching shows, you will want to pay close attention to their emails which provide the information about the shows they are bringing and, more importantly, taking away each month. It’s not fun to be in the middle watching an entire series for it to be taken away.
- For some, the music can be limited. I haven’t had this experience at all and find their “stations” to be fantastic. But I know some have complained that the music is limited. Just something to look into.
You can find an entire list of the benefits that Amazon Prime provides its members here.
We have had our Prime membership for two years and I can honestly say it has more than paid for itself several times over. Is it for everyone? No. But we definitely have reaped the benefits of it.
I don’t think Amazon Prime is for you if:
- You don’t shop on Amazon very often.
- You don’t need or want access to television streaming services.
- You aren’t good with computers or technology.
- You don’t need access to photo storage.
- You wouldn’t stream music on your devices.
However, I think you would benefit from an Amazon Prime membership if:
- You make purchases on Amazon frequently.
- You have young children and need to buy diapers often.
- You would love to stream television shows and music.
- You don’t like shopping for large purchases in stores.
- You enjoy saving money online.
If you still aren’t sure if Prime is for you, head over here to get a 30-day free trial and get free 2-day shipping on all of your Christmas shopping!