Amazon Visa Pays You Back!

Hello Amazon Fans!

Today I'd like to tell you about the benefits of having an Amazon Rewards Visa Card.  First let me say that I'm not endorsing Visa and I'm not recommending the use of credit cards per say.   I'm not a financial expert in ANY way.   I'm sharing this info with you as a consumer who uses a credit line designed specifically to provide rewards that directly benefit Amazon.com customers.   That said, here we go!

I applied for the Amazon Visa card in 2009 and have been using it ever since.  The benefits are many...this link will take you to an overview of the program: Amazon Rewards Visa Card but I'll give you the basics.  In general, it's the same as any credit card.   It's managed by Chase Bank.   You make purchases and receive a monthly bill.   If you don't pay the full balance, interest is assessed and added to your monthly payment.  Amazon offers a gift card (and/or a variety of other incentives) when you apply and are approved for the card!

As far as the rewards go, you are paid in points for shopping, and you get the most at Amazon.com of course!   Every dollar you spend on Amazon.com is worth 3 points.   Every dollar you spend at participating merchants like restaurants, gas stations, office supply stores and drugstores is worth 2 points.   Merchants include most places that accept Visa.   And you earn one point for every dollar spend on all other purchases.   Points can be redeemed for everything from travel and cash back, to gift cards from hundreds of places!   I've used tons of points to buy Christmas and birthday presents or just towards purchases I make on Amazon!   Every time you check out, your points will be displayed and you can opt to put them toward your purchase.   IT'S SO EASY!

You can apply on-line and manage your account completely on-line via Amazon.com, or from the Chase website.   And if you're a business-owner, there are even more benefits if you become an Amazon.com Business Rewards Visa card member!   My friends, if you're an Amazon fan and shop on the site frequently, it's definitely beneficial to have the Amazon Rewards Visa...every dollar you spend gets you closer to free stuff or money towards your purchases!   Like I said, I'm not looking to endorse Visa or the use of credit, but for me personally, the Amazon Rewards Visa Card has paid me back in many ways for being an Amazon fan!   And it's just another reason why I think Amazon.com is number # 1!

Talk Soon,
Tracie

Amazon Customer Service is NUMBER ONE!

Hello Amazon Fans!

Today we're going to chat about the amazing customer service at Amazon.com!  My friends, good customer service is the key to success for any business or organization, despite what they sell or what service they provide!  I think you'll all agree that a restaurant can have the best food, a store can sell the best clothes or wares and an organization can be the most efficient, but we won't go back if the customer service is bad.  And why should we?  It's a big part of what we're paying for right!?  I've had countless great experiences with Amazon.com and that truly is what makes them number # 1 in my book!

On more than one occasion I've received an order that, for whatever reason, wasn't what I was hoping for.  Despite the fact that the returns process is so easy at Amazon, they often elect to refund my money and let me keep the item anyway!  Who does that?!  And it's not because it would cost alot for the return, because its happened with a variety of products, big and small, heavy and light.  And they always tell me that the reason I'm allowed to keep the item is because I'm such a loyal customer...and they are RIGHT!

Another experience involves Amazon Instant Video.  I started using it shortly after it launched in 2006 as Amazon Unbox.  It then became Amazon Video on Demand before settling as Amazon Instant Video.  I had some issues initially, first with the video player, then with some TV shows I bought.  I sent an email asking for help and a customer service rep called me.  He offered to walk me through it all on the phone and said he would call at any time convenient to me to do so.  I stayed on the phone.  He took me through the process of downloading the Unbox player from start to finish.  He then assisted me with the purchase process...I had tried buying 2 seasons of a TV show and was missing some episodes.  Since I had some difficulty initially, he refunded me for the 2 TV shows and allowed me to keep them for free!  Not only that, he offered even more incentive if I would agree to give them regular feedback about the program for the next 6 months.  I agreed of course, and was allowed to choose 5 more TV shows or movies of my choice for FREE!!  That pretty much cemented my loyalty to Amazon Video on Demand!

I can't say enough how great they ALWAYS are, in ANY situation.  And I make a point to let them know with regular feedback praising their efforts.  I also tell everyone who will listen about them...and that was long before this blog!  They make it so easy to sell their services to family and friends because they're so amazing!  And the cornerstone of it all is their customer service...it's absolutely the reason why Amazon.com is number # 1!

Talk Soon,
Tracie  

Products Galore on Amazon!

Hello Amazon Fans!

Today we're going to talk about the many products available on Amazon.com.  I buy almost everything...and I mean EVERYTHING on Amazon!  It started out as my go-to site when we lived overseas.  Mainly because they offer such a wide selection, but also because they could get packages to us in 3 days! Even when we lived as far away as Japan!  Yet it's still my favorite place to shop and the 1st place I check when looking for anything from a toilet seat to k-cups for my Keurig.  The selection and prices offered on Amazon routinely make it the best deal in town...and that's ANY town, ANYWHERE in the world!

Amazon boasts having the "Earth's Biggest Selection" and I for one, am a believer!  This link will take you to the Full Store Directory but I assure you, if you need or want it, Amazon has it!  They have hundreds of categories and are connected to hundreds of companies.  For me, it's the ideal place to buy gifts for any occasion.  Ideal because they offer free gifts cards, optional gift wrapping for a set fee of $4.99 (regardless of what you buy) and free 2-day shipping for anything that's Prime eligible!  I don't need to leave my house to shop, wrap, pack or take it to the post office...it really is EASY AS PIE!  Also, they never show prices on gifts and offer same-day delivery if you need something quick.

In addition to the magnificent selection, Amazon offers Gold Box.  This link will take you to the program run-down: Gold Box Overview but I'll give you the basics.  Gold Box offers hand-picked new deals every day that feature low prices on the hottest products of every kind!  Every time you go to Amazon, you'll also see the Gold Box Lightning Deals displaying limited-time deals at fantastically low prices!  And every time you login to the site,  you'll see your personal Quick Picks deals, which are chosen daily JUST FOR YOU based on your shopping history.  And that's not all!  You can sign up to receive the daily email, follow on Twitter & Facebook, install the iPhone app for Amazon Deals and the Amazon browser bar on your PC!  That way you never miss anything!

I have to tell you my friends, the reasons I turn to Amazon for all my shopping needs are many, but first and foremost, they always come through in times of need. WITHOUT FAIL!  Here are a few examples: my Aunt recently fell and broke both her elbows.  Yikes!  I got her an edible arrangement the SAME DAY I found out!  Same circumstance when our daughter ended up in the ER with a kidney stone!  Ouch!  I got 2 goody baskets to her the very next day! Couple that with the best customer service IN THE WORLD, and it just cements Amazon.com as number # 1!!

Next time we'll chat more about the fantabulous customer service!
Talk Soon,
Tracie

Selling is a Breeze on Amazon!

Hello Amazon Fans!

Today I'm going to tell you how easy it is to sell items on Amazon.com!  You can get rid of books, appliances, clothes...just about anything.  If you can BUY it on Amazon, you can SELL it on Amazon!  And they will pick, pack and ship it for you!  You can sell professionally if you plan to list 40 items or more.  Less than that is free, while there's a monthly fee of $39.99 for going the professional route .  You can try it out free for a month to see if you need an account for selling 40 or more items.  And that's not all, if you have items you just want to get rid of but don't care to sell, you can trade it in for an Amazon gift card!  How great is that?!

Becoming a seller is easy and if you're a Prime member, they'll give you a comprehensive guide that explains the process in detail...for FREE!  But I don't think you need it.  It's is so easy, anyone can do it.  This link will take you to the website page that explains everything: Selling on Amazon however, I'll give you the gist.  To get started, click the link I provided.  From there, you can choose to watch the video that explains how it works, or you can just select how you want to sell (professionally or not) and follow the steps.  Amazon will walk you through the steps of uploading your inventory, finding a reasonable price based on the same listings already posted on Amazon, shipping your items and how you'll receive your money.

Basically, every time someone searches for an item that you have for sale, it will be offered up as an option.  You'll be notified when someone selects your item to buy and be told exactly what to do.   You'll also be put in touch with the buyer so you can correspond directly.  It really couldn't be any easier my friends!

I recently moved and while preparing for the movers to come, I started going through all my things to unload unwanted items.  I decided I had to get rid of my hardcover book collection since I'm an Amazon Kindle reader now.  I took each one and entered the ISBN number into Amazon to see if they carried any and they had them all, even my old, old ones which pre-date the existence of their website!  I'm already a seller, but decided I didn't want to hang on to the books while they were up for sale, primarily because of the pending move.  So I sold them to Amazon instead!  They paid for the shipping AND paid me for the books!

I'm telling you, it's an easier way to get rid of items.  No yard sales or use Craig's List which requires strangers to come to your house.  It's how I sell most everything these days and is just another reason why I think Amazon.com is number #1!

Talk Soon,

Tracie 

Returns are Easy on Amazon!

Hello Amazon Fans!

Today I want to tell you how easy it is to return items, FREE OF CHARGE, on Amazon.com!  You don't even need to leave your house in some cases! 

First, here's a link to an overview of the returns policy: Amazon Returns & Refunds.  I'll give you the nutshell version.  Any item you purchase on Amazon can be returned within 30 days for a full refund.  Depending on the reason you select for the return, you will be provided with a shipping label, postage paid.  In many cases you can also choose to have a UPS rep come to your house to pick-up the item to be returned.  All you have to do is print the form provided by Amazon, put it in the box with the item and tape it shut.  Amazon notifies UPS, and they can come the VERY NEXT day (depending on the time of day you request the return), unless you return your item on a Saturday.  This is the gist of how I return most items and even if you order something in error and the mistake is yours, if you select "item different from website description" as your reason for return, Amazon will pay for it!

I can't emphasize enough how great the customer service is at Amazon when it comes to returns!  Here's an example: I ordered a set of Rachel Ray pots & pans.  I chose the set that is hard-anodized and non-stick, yet is supposed to be dishwasher safe.  Well, we used the set for about 6 months before all the hard-anodized coating on the outside of the pots & pans completely disappeared.  They look absolutely awful and we are horribly disappointed!  Well, they come with a 10-year limited lifetime warranty, so I attempted to contact the Rachel Ray Corporation to see how to return them.  I got nowhere!  Then we packed up and moved from Jersey to Ohio.  Last week I contacted Amazon instead, despite the fact that we've had the set for more than a year.  I was really only hoping they'd be able to tell me how to return the items using the warranty provided.  Instead, they said that despite the fact that we've had them more than 30-days, they'd make an exception and give us a full refund and even pay for the shipping costs!!  It doesn't get much better than that my friends!

And that's just one example of the fantastic customer service I consistently get with Amazon.  I have NEVER had a bad experience with them and they are just wonderful when it comes to returns!  Couple that with their extensive line of products, seemingly limitless connection to thousands of other companies, and free 2-day shipping for Prime members, and there's absolutely no reason NOT to shop at Amazon!

Next time we'll talk about selling items on Amazon.  Let me know if you have any questions about returns, or anything else to do with Amazon.com...I'm happy to help!

Talk Soon,

Tracie

The Amazing Kindle Line!

Hello Amazon fans! 

Before I tell you all about the Kindle products Amazon offers, I want to mention something about my last post about being an Amazon Prime member.  If you are a STUDENT, you can get Amazon Prime for FREE!  That's right!  All you need is your .edu email address and you can utilize the many benefits of being an Amazon Prime member, like FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING, at no cost to you at all!  See my last post for all the details.

Now let's talk about the Kindle.  I got my first Kindle as a gift more than 2 years ago.  I was hesitant to make the switch, because I'm an avid reader and didn't think I'd enjoy reading off a computer screen.  Once I got it and tried it though, I realized that it looks exactly like the page of a book!  And I can adjust the size of the words to make reading easier!  Anyway, I enjoyed my first Kindle until this past Christmas when I was given the Kindle Fire.  Wow!  I absolutely love it!  My original Kindle required a little clamp-on light, called a mini-bright, so I could read at night in bed.  The Kindle Fire is perfectly back-lit with absolutely NO GLARE at all so it needs nothing!!  And as a Prime member, I have access to hundreds of books, movies, TV shows etc. FREE! 

Amazon now offers 6 different kinds of Kindles, ranging from the smallest reader, to the Kindle Touch series, to the Kindle Keyboard, Kindle DX and up to the Kindle Fire.  They range in price from $79 up to $199.  The best way to see what you're getting for your money is to do a quick compare. This link will take you there: Kindle Quick Compare.  From there you can click another link to see a full comparison chart: Kindle Full Comparison.  Each one offers free special features when you buy and Amazon provides full support 24/7 to answer questions or help you navigate your Kindle.

For me personally, I love, love, love my Kindle Fire!  I have access to tons of free books, I can share my library with my sister and vice verse, I can check my email and/or shop anywhere thanks to the free wifi and I can look up places, like restaurants at the touch of my fingertip!  More than anything, I love to read and I no longer have to lug around boxes of books every time we move or stuff 2 or 3 in my carry-on when traveling!  The library was happy to take my book collection and I was happy to donate it!  I highly recommend you check out the links above and see if any one of the 6 Kindles is right for you!

Talk Soon,

Tracie

Kindle Touch/Wifi

Kindle Fire Wifi/Movies & More Free

Kindle DX/Free 3G

Kindle Wifi/Free 3G

Kindle Keyboard Wifi/Free 3G

Kindle Touch 3G/Audio/Wifi/Free 3G

Amazon Prime Membership

Hello Amazon Fans! 

Today I want to tell you all about the benefits of becoming an Amazon Prime member.  I've been one since it became available in 2005!  It costs $79 annually, but the benefits are absolutely worth it!

First of all, you get free 2-day shipping on anything that is prime eligible!  You might think that would limit your shopping choices, but it definitely does not.  I haven't paid for shipping on anything, and I mean ANYTHING, since I became a Prime member!  And I shop Amazon for just about everything.

If you've ordered from Amazon at all, you can go to the site and see what you’ve bought that could've been sent for free.  First login, then type "Amazon Prime Membership Details" in the search engine.  Then click the link that says "learn more."  That will take you to page that explains the program.  Scroll down a bit and you'll see "Prime Eligible Items Inspired by Your Browsing History" and there will be pictures of the items you've ordered that you could've received FREE! 

In addition, you get instant streaming access to tons of movies and TV shows!  I've used the video player from Amazon for years now and it's excellent!  And because you're a Prime member, you get hundreds of movies and prime-time TV programs for free!  You can watch on any device that offers internet access and it's especially nice when you're traveling and have time to kill. Since this feature became available, I haven't paid for a single movie or TV program!

Another fantastic benefit is instant access to thousands of Kindle books.  I have a Kindle and a Kindle Fire and I rarely pay for books anymore.  And I carry my Kindle Fire with me everywhere.  Also, as a Prime member, you can borrow books for free!  And this gives you access to literally thousands of books!  I get all my school books from Amazon also and pay nearly half the retail price, sometimes less.  If you haven't tried a Kindle, buy a book and read it on your PC.  That' how I access most of my college texts so I can highlight, mark pages etc.  The best thing really is that I no longer pay a fortune for school books.

If I haven't sold you yet, and my only aim is to save you money, give the free trial a whirl.  Go the "Amazon Prime Free Trial" page and sign up.  You'll get the exact same benefits as a regular prime member and you'll even get to add members of your family to your account so everyone gets to use it!  You can opt out or cancel at any time via the "Manage Your Prime Membership" page.

I just can't say enough about the benefits of being an Amazon Prime Member, but that's it in a nutshell.  Let me know if you have questions.  Amazon Prime is definitely one of the main reasons I think Amazon is number # 1!

Tracie