I have also been a Prime member since its inception and am a solid customer. I do realize that many small businesses have suffered due to Amazon's price control but it is rather inevitable considering the Costco, Target and Walmart take overs. We just got a couple of Amazon control centers, one for rail delivery, the other for air and highway. I get stuff delivered by an Amazon vehicle the same day if I get the order in on time, I can't believe how fast they are. Not too long ago I did a personal test on whether or not I could get toilet paper delivered by Amazon cheaper than Costco. As it turns out the only advantage to Costco is more sheets per roll when you consider whether or not it is an advantage to drive the miles, hassle with parking, etc. when all you need is toilet paper. Thats the problem with Costco, buying more to save less...if you don't go in Costco with comparative prices to other outlets you do not often save any money, they get you when you think your saving buying in bulk...break it down and you can find you could have done better elsewhere. Like many people I do not like shopping in stores and find getting it delivered more to my liking. I do try to support my local Ace Hardware and know the owner who often works deals with me "friends and family" prices. I also work out deals with my local employee owned grocer when it comes to bulk purchases, the other day I bought two cases (24lb. each) of butter, he only makes .04 per lb. profit. There are deals during the holidays but your limited to five or ten pounds, we take advantage of those too. The last butter I bought I used to line the bottom of a new freezer a few years ago, it was at least a hundred pounds, we eat a lot of butter.
