[cuban leaf]

We all survived for years without purchasing from Amazon.

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Yep. In my case it was because I lived in Seattle. Amazon’s very existence and what it meant is one of the reasons I felt comfortable moving to the sticks. I do order from other sites, but Amazon is absurdly convenient and Amazon Prime is our only source of televised entertainment outside our DVD/Blueray collection. If it makes you feel any better, we’ve only purchased two movies from them. :)

I can drastically reduce my use of amazon, and have, but there is no need to stop using them. Oh, and in my small town the major employers are the local university and the Amazon fulfillment center. It is one of their first. And they do a LOT of good stuff in our small town.

[woodbutcher1963]

Are there any independent hardware stores/lumber yards/home centers in your town?

I agree that Amazon offered superior service to other shipping companies 5-10 years ago. Now, most other companies have caught up. Do you have an EBAY account? An ETSY account?
Even buying from Lowes, Home Depot or Tractor Supply is better IMHO.