Quitting Amazon - Why I Decided to Stop Buying Products from Amazon

James Spadaro

2/16/20243 min read

As the new year rolled in, I made a bold resolution - to quit Amazon for a year. Now, don't get me wrong, I have a lot of admiration for Amazon and the convenience it offers. However, there were several reasons that led me to take this step, including my desire to support small businesses and reconnect with the real world. But the primary reason behind my decision was my growing concern about Amazon's search algorithm and the overwhelming number of similar product results.

The Biased Search Algorithm

One of the main issues I have with Amazon is the suspicion that their search algorithm is biased towards promoting certain products. Now, I don't claim to have concrete evidence that this is intentional, but it's hard to ignore the fact that sometimes the search results seem skewed towards products that Amazon wants you to buy. It often feels like they are prioritizing their own products or those from sellers who pay higher fees.

As a consumer, I want to have access to a wide range of options and make an informed decision based on my needs and preferences. However, when I search for a product on Amazon, I can't help but feel like I'm being manipulated into buying certain items. This lack of transparency and fairness in the search results was a major factor in my decision to quit Amazon.

Endless Similar Product Results

Another frustrating aspect of shopping on Amazon is the overwhelming number of results for virtually the same product. When I search for a specific item, I expect to find a variety of options from different sellers. However, on Amazon, I often find myself scrolling through page after page of nearly identical products.

While it's true that having options is a good thing, the sheer number of similar products can be overwhelming and time-consuming. It's difficult to differentiate between them and make an informed choice. This flood of options also makes it harder for small businesses and independent sellers to stand out and compete with larger, more established brands.

Moreover, the abundance of similar products leads to a lack of diversity and innovation. It becomes a cycle of replication rather than encouraging creativity and unique offerings. This realization made me question whether I was truly getting the best value and quality for my money.

Supporting Small Businesses

While Amazon provides unparalleled convenience and competitive prices, it often comes at the expense of small businesses. As a consumer, I believe in supporting local and independent sellers who bring diversity and character to the marketplace. By choosing to shop elsewhere, I can contribute to the growth and sustainability of these small businesses.

Small businesses often struggle to compete with the giants like Amazon, who have the advantage of scale and resources. By diverting my spending to local stores and independent online retailers, I can help level the playing field and give these businesses a fighting chance.

Reconnecting with the Real World

In this digital age, it's easy to get caught up in the convenience of online shopping. However, by relying too heavily on platforms like Amazon, we risk losing touch with the real world. Shopping in physical stores allows me to interact with products, engage with knowledgeable staff, support our local communities, and practice the good old-fashioned skill of talking to other people!

By quitting Amazon, I am forcing myself to step out of my comfort zone and explore alternative shopping experiences. Whether it's visiting local boutiques, attending farmers' markets, or discovering unique stores in my community, I am excited to embrace the tangible and personal aspects of shopping that online platforms often lack.

Conclusion

While Amazon undoubtedly offers convenience and competitive prices, my decision to quit the platform for a year was driven by a combination of factors. The biased search algorithm, the overwhelming number of similar product results, and my desire to support small businesses and reconnect with the real world all played a role in this choice.