Wednesday Morning Rant

The Decline of eCommerce

Not in quantity, but in reliability and quality. This decline is not universally true, but it is increasingly true in large online marketplaces. Where an eCommerce outlet has become a platform rather than a store as such, things are increasingly going screwy. Knockoffs abound, outright scams are more common and there is an apparent absence of accountability. The mechanism that is supposed to check excesses - purchaser reviews - are gamed more than ever thanks to AI, shills and the sheer volume of content.

I have experienced several - if you'll pardon the pun - prime examples of this on the largest retailer-cum-platform, Amazon. Whatever you need, you'll find it - sort of. You may find something real or something fake. You may find a reputable brand or you may find something with an unpronounceable name strung together to form some unique string that can be registered as a business name. You may find genuine good deals, or you may find dangerous trash and outright fraud. It's often impossible to tell which is which, and it's become a serious problem.

One example is batteries. 18650 batteries are rechargeable lithium batteries that power everything from flashlights to RC cars. They're found inside many power tool battery packs. Tons of rechargeable products from blenders to air blowers have them buried somewhere inside the works. The 18650 is an industry-standard form factor with myriad uses and fairly well understood and fixed rules. The ways they are rated - capacity in milliamp hours, discharge amperage, protected or unprotected circuitry, etc. - are also industry standard.

Go buy an 18650 on Amazon. I dare you. You'll find tons of products, like high-capacity 3300mAh unprotected cells for just six bucks a piece, or stupendous capacity 9900mAh cells for the same price. Unbelievable, right? Well, yeah. It's because it's a lie, and it's endemic on Amazon. The numbers are fiction. You'll get an 18650 cell, and it will fit, but it sure as hell isn't going to be 3300mAh, much less the preposterous nearly 10,000mAh I see on offer. If you look at reputable manufacturers, you'll find that the top manufacturers' cells top out at around 4,000mAh, and most don't get that high. I made the mistake of buying "3,500mAh" 18650s on Amazon and, after testing them, found that they were 2,000maH - nothing special, and bad value at the price. They probably aren't dangerous, but it was still a scam.

How much is a real, actual 18650 from a reputable manufacturer like Panasonic or Samsung? A real, good, unprotected, 3,000mAh high-drain cell from Samsung purchased from a specialty online retailer will run you about eight bucks. The low-drain versions with higher capacity will run you half that - less than the fake batteries. The fakes on Amazon and Walmart aren't even cheap, they're just plentiful and lie in wait for unsuspecting customers on the country's largest sites.

Batteries are rife with what is at best deceit. Electrical connectors like lever nuts are a sea of unknown lookalikes of real products. Flashlights claim impossible output levels approaching full daylight. Car horns claim to be loud enough to be heard in the next county. Leaf blowers claim to push preposterous quantities of air. Fans claim to be quiet but you'll have to shout over them. Actual counterfeit goods seem to pop up more than ever, if people who claim to receive them are to be believed.

It's endemic. If you want fake goods that, charitably, overstate their marketing, you can find them on the big eCommerce platforms. From batteries and electrical equipment to can openers and dry-erase pens, it's a sea of undifferentiated noise. It's become increasingly difficult to separate out the signal and find something that does what it says on the tin, performs well and is priced competitively. "Real products with decent value" appears to no longer be the business model of any eCommerce "platform."

The large platforms apparently embrace the "Temu, but faster" approach to operations - so when I need stuff like batteries, I get them from specialty stores now. When I need stuff like a multimeter or lever nuts, I'm going to my local Ace or Home Depot. It may cost a few dollars more, but at least the products are real - and often, it doesn't even cost more.

Posted by: Joe Mannix at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Top o' the mornin' to you Mr. Not a Cop!

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Nothing to Contribute to the Debate at September 04, 2024 11:01 AM (xPJvm)

2 Good morning good people.

Posted by: Tonypete at September 04, 2024 11:01 AM (WXNFJ)

3 *trudges downstair to holler to the corgis*

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Nothing to Contribute to the Debate at September 04, 2024 11:01 AM (xPJvm)

4 I tried to buy an 18650 on Amazon once and ended up ordering a cheap-ass Chinesium flashlight.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:02 AM (/y8xj)

5 Me... looking to replace the junk rechargeable "AA" size batteries in the solar deck lights.

Yea... about that.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 04, 2024 11:03 AM (Q4IgG)

6 I always prefer buying stuff in meatspace, where you can actually handle and examine it.

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:03 AM (v6JzV)

7 I have never purchased batteries online.

Bottled Oolong Tea, on the other hand...

Posted by: XTC at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (UnA8+)

8 from flashlights to RC cars

RC cars? You mean like the Popemobile?

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (v6JzV)

9 Top o' the mornin' to you Mr. Not a Cop!
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Nothing to Contribute to the Debate at September 04, 2024 11:01 AM (xPJvm)

What ethnicity is Notacop?

Posted by: Northernlurker , wondering where his phone is at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (FfSAJ)

10 Seems like a market for lemons problem.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (eYoxG)

11 We've come a long way from the early days of Ebay.

Posted by: davidt at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (i0F8b)

12 I always prefer buying stuff in meatspace, where you can actually handle and examine it.

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:03 AM (v6JzV)

Yeah...like Harbor Freight.

Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (AwYPR)

13 I always prefer buying stuff in meatspace, where you can actually handle and examine it.
Posted by: Bulg

What a coincidence!

Posted by: Buttigig at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (WXNFJ)

14 It's about time we talk about common sense battery control!

Posted by: Doof at September 04, 2024 11:05 AM (RhGG0)

15 What ethnicity is Notacop?
Posted by: Northernlurker

Obscure North-American Indian tribe. Nearly wiped out by the Comanches.

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:05 AM (v6JzV)

16 I hate that now when I type in a very specific request in google, I have to scroll down to the second page to find anything close to what I walked for. I will search for a specific stores website, and competing stores pop up instead because they’ve paid higher fees.

Posted by: Tom Servo at September 04, 2024 11:05 AM (fIpti)

17 I hesitate to order high-end stuff like Mitutoyo tools on Amazon because you can never be sure if it's legit or counterfeit. For that kind of stuff, I'll pay an extra couple of bucks to order from a specialty tools place like Grainger.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:05 AM (/y8xj)

18 I buy as little as possible from Amazon, but it's useful to check out prices for an item that I need. I then start looking for a vendor that specializes in that kind of item.

Example: I now get all my refrigerator and furnace filters from https://www.filtersfast.com/

They have every filter you might ever need, and they ship reliably and now faster most times than Amazon. There are lots of smaller companies like this that understand good service and have good products.

Posted by: The Mayor of Casterbridge at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (IHWvd)

19 Yeah...like Harbor Freight.
Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (AwYPR)
++++
LOL. Harbor Freight has upped its game in recent years. There's still plenty of junk and oddities, but also some genuinely decent stuff, especially at the high end. Their "Hercules" and "Icon" lines are usually decent and have good value if you hit one of their eterna-sales when they come up in the right categories.

The "Hercules" cordless line is especially good, because they don't bend you over on the batteries, and the battery packs are actually good quality.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (HnUIn)

20 We've come a long way from the early days of Ebay.
Posted by: davidt at September 04, 2024 11:04 AM (i0F8b)

A used, pink bathrobe
A rare, mint snowglobe

Posted by: spindrift at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (OguvZ)

21 Speaking of Amazon, didja see this? Alexa has picked a side.

https://is.gd/CDUWpo

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (L/fGl)

22 Youtubers Project Farm and The Torque Test Channel, PhillyFixed are my go to to help sort out the chaff from the wheat, so to speak.

Posted by: Deep State at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (0VaB5)

23 I always prefer buying stuff in meatspace, where you can actually handle and examine it.

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:03 AM (v6JzV)

Like clothes.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (Q0kLU)

24 Had no idea of these batteries but always assume there is a scam on product quality in everything on line.

Posted by: Skip at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM (fwDg9)

25 Everything from Amazon comes from China.

China fakes everything.

5 years ago, you could at least get a few uses out of whatever you bought before it failed.

Now, it's less than 50/50 it'll be broken/defective right out of the box.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM (q3zn6)

26 Oops. Forgot to change the Name field on that last post.

Posted by: scruboak at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM (0VaB5)

27 I hesitate to order high-end stuff like Mitutoyo tools on Amazon because you can never be sure if it's legit or counterfeit. For that kind of stuff, I'll pay an extra couple of bucks to order from a specialty tools place like Grainger.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:05 AM (/y8xj)
++++
Absolutely. There is so much lookalike and outright counterfeit electrical equipment that I don't go to Amazon for those things.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM (HnUIn)

28 Good advice, now I'm wondering about some vitamins and such.

Posted by: Eromero at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM (LHPAg)

29 I bought some solar spotlights. As you mention, almost unbelievable brightness they said. Over 200' illumination distance they said. Total garbage.
I left a 1-star review saying just that. Got a message from the seller. An offer of a bribe to change my review. Some free $10 item (their cost? likely 50 cents)
I declined. Refund offer...declined. I wanted others to not get stuck with the trash I received.
Soon, my review was taken down. Disappeared.
I tried to leave another identical one, and was told "that I could not leave a review on this item".
Reviews are entirely bogus.

Posted by: Gunslinger at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM (R2gO3)

30 I find that Amazon (and other online retail) is still good for researching products. But I find that after completing the research and deciding on a desirable item, I'm more often than not going to a local retailer to actually make the purchase. I can put hands on the product and check it out. And if it doesn't measure up, I have a local store to return it to.

Posted by: Darth Chipmunk at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (m0WlR)

31 I miss the days when the Wells Fargo Wagon would a-come down the street.

-- Zombie Winthrop Paroo

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (v6JzV)

32 Like clothes.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (Q0kLU)
++++
I will buy clothes online - even from Amazon - but only for copies of things I already own and know fit properly.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (HnUIn)

33 I try to buy car parts at my local auto parts store because I want them around. Increasingly, they just have motor oil and USB/phone accessories in stock.

I might as well just order online.

Posted by: blaster at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (xhfG9)

34 The "tobacco pipes" you see on Amazon are often Chinese knockoffs, not real briar or even any kind of decent wood. I don't know if they sell pipe tobacco on there, but I'd be leery of that too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (J2vNu)

35
Thank you, Joe. I was gifted a pair of Black and Decker 18 V batteries for weed whacker use, will not hold a charge. Pondering my next non-internet move.

Posted by: Auspex at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (j4U/Z)

36 Well, If you want a couple of thousand 18650, pick up a used Tesla battery pack and tear it down.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (XV/Pl)

37 I always prefer buying stuff in meatspace, where you can actually handle and examine it.
Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:03 AM

I like to do the same. I'll research online, but then I want to see the thing in person. With clothes, especially, I'll find something online, try it on in the store, then order the color/size that the store didn't stock. That usually works for me.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:09 AM (ZANHd)

38 A used, pink bathrobe
A rare, mint snowglobe
Posted by: spindrift at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (OguvZ)

Hey! A Dukes of Hazzard ashtray!

Posted by: Doof at September 04, 2024 11:09 AM (RhGG0)

39 Warning: Math

eBay - internet = garage sale

Amazon - internet = buying from some guys trunk in a shady part of town (sometimes)

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at September 04, 2024 11:09 AM (VNX3d)

40 Speaking of Amazon, didja see this? Alexa has picked a side.

https://is.gd/CDUWpo

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 04, 2024 11:06 AM (L/fGl)

Saw that...I liked amazon's explanation...."oops".

Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:10 AM (AwYPR)

41 There should be a conservative owned Amazon ... despite the "There can Be Only One" theory of the "Google Archipelago".

Why do all the giants have to be Woke and/or Globalist assh*les? (except Elon, who is still too dependent on China)

Posted by: illiniwek at September 04, 2024 11:10 AM (Cus5s)

42 Well, If you want a couple of thousand 18650, pick up a used Tesla battery pack and tear it down.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (XV/Pl)
++++
LOL. An old one, maybe. Most EVs use 21700 batteries now (longer and thicker, higher unit capacity, higher discharge amps).

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:10 AM (HnUIn)

43 I find that Amazon (and other online retail) is still good for researching products. But I find that after completing the research and deciding on a desirable item, I'm more often than not going to a local retailer to actually make the purchase. I can put hands on the product and check it out. And if it doesn't measure up, I have a local store to return it to.
Posted by: Darth Chipmunk at September 04, 2024

***
Even for non-Amazonian outlets, the real deals, I avoid buying shoes and pants. Both of those I need to try on in real life before deciding. Doesn't matter if the online shop has free returns; it's a hassle, and if I'm buying a pair of good shoes or slacks, I want them to fit right and I want them *now.*

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:10 AM (J2vNu)

44 Warning: Math

eBay - internet = garage sale

Amazon - internet = buying from some guys trunk in a shady part of town (sometimes)
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at September 04, 2024 11:09 AM (VNX3d)
++++
That's a decent enough comparison, I think.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (HnUIn)

45 I miss the days when the Wells Fargo Wagon would a-come down the street.

-- Zombie Winthrop Paroo
Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (v6JzV)

That was the days before there was trouble right here in River City!

Posted by: Doof at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (RhGG0)

46 Saw that...I liked amazon's explanation...."oops".

Longer explanation: "Oops, we didn't think anybody would ask both questions."

Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (/y8xj)

47 The "tobacco pipes" you see on Amazon are often Chinese knockoffs, not real briar or even any kind of decent wood. I don't know if they sell pipe tobacco on there, but I'd be leery of that too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM

I'm fortunate to work about 2 blocks from my favorite Bostonian tobacconist. Which reminds me, I keep forgetting to bring in that pipe stem to be repaired...

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (ZANHd)

48 LOL. An old one, maybe. Most EVs use 21700 batteries now (longer and thicker, higher unit capacity, higher discharge amps).
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:10 AM (HnUIn)

Ooooh! You had me at "longer and thicker".

Posted by: Pete Buttigeig at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (C4m9I)

49 34 The "tobacco pipes" you see on Amazon are often Chinese knockoffs, not real briar or even any kind of decent wood. I don't know if they sell pipe tobacco on there, but I'd be leery of that too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:08 AM (J2vNu)

If you want great pipes from great people, visit smokingpipes.com. I used to work for them and they're crazy dedicated to the craft.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (KbCG3)

50 I am glad for this topic. Question for the room:

would you buy a fridge or dishwasher online? Just from what you see on Lowes or Home Depot website?

What can I see in person that I can't see online?

I'll take my answer off the air.

Posted by: Don Black at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (/7KEl)

51 Speaking of Amazon, didja see this? Alexa has picked a side.

https://is.gd/CDUWpo

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 04, 2024

***
Hannity played examples of that on his show yesterday.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (J2vNu)

52 Amazon knows it's selling crap now. Look up an item and it will have a disclaimer that it's "frequently returned". I used to use it to save on shipping and for the occasional super-sale on a good product; e.g. a friend wanted a Penderton woolen blanket. Now it's a crapshoot.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at September 04, 2024 11:12 AM (fxCK2)

53 If you want great pipes from great people, visit smokingpipes.com. I used to work for them and they're crazy dedicated to the craft.
Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at September 04, 2024

***
I have, many times. There's also blueroombriars dot com and MBSDpipes dot com for great estate (read: used) pipes.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:12 AM (J2vNu)

54 I think it was better when you bought from Amazon and it came from Amazon rather than a third party.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 04, 2024 11:13 AM (63Dwl)

55 True. Used to think that alibaba, the original 'pinnacle' of ecommerce, was a 'typical Chinese' junk platform, open to anyone with little to no accountability on sellers. Not much difference anymore between alibaba and Amazon, Walmart, etc.

Posted by: bearski at September 04, 2024 11:13 AM (Bhsk7)

56 I if the going rate for an item is $X and Amazon has a version of it for 1/2 $X the. It’s a piece of shit Chinese knock off. Same with reviews. If it’s all 5 stars with everyone saying the exact same thing? You know it’s a Bangladeshi review farm and not real reviews.

It’s fairly easy to sort through it and find the legit from the junk.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (YcGkc)

57 Posted by: Doof

From last thread:
Hey, Bulg, I just checked and it looks correct to me. Several Hordelings have my contact info - Sharon, Iris, Weasel, Doof, Ben Had, RMBS, etc. if you can get in touch with any of them, I authorize them to share my email or phone # with you.
Posted by: screaming in digital

Doof, can you please send me her contact info? Thanks.

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (v6JzV)

58 Amazon is a starting place for "research". Plenty of stuff at Amazon is Chineseum junk. I start there then try to find whatever I need either locally or from another online vendor, which will typically have better quality and/or price. About the only "things" I purchase at Amazon are books. But, increasingly I buy directly from some authors, smaller online sellers, or local bookstores.

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (C26rB)

59 The only thing worse than the fake products are the fake or useless reviews. Some reviews are obviously fakes. But a majority are for a completely different product, maybe a much earlier version, something different from the same vendor, or something completely unrelated.

It really screws up the star rating so it's impossible to find the really good product. I think this is just Amazon pushing the stuff they want to sell, not pushing what you really want.

Posted by: stuckInCalifornia at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (qjK/D)

60 would you buy a fridge or dishwasher online? Just from what you see on Lowes or Home Depot website?

What can I see in person that I can't see online?

I'll take my answer off the air.
Posted by: Don Black at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (/7KEl)
++++
Sure, I'd order online under certain circumstances. But for major purchases like appliances, I like seeing them in real life first. Do the hinges suck? Is the control panel wobbly? Are the buttons nice to touch?

And if it already feels bad in the store (which gets heavy use, because floor models), that's a *bad* indicator of ongoing quality. But I would order something I've already checked out online.

But for appliances, the best approach I've found is to identify the big regional dealer for the brand that interests you (or any regional dealer, if brand doesn't matter) and go to their scratch-and-dent and B-stock warehouse, usually somewhere out of town. The regional dealers usually get the floor models, returns, etc. from the manufacturer for the whole region, and usually have killer selection, immediate availability, good condition, full warranties and great selection and it's all at a lower price.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (HnUIn)

61 Saw that...I liked amazon's explanation...."oops".
Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:10 AM (AwYPR)

So weird all the ooopsies go in one direction.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:16 AM (YcGkc)

62 Amazon knows it's selling crap now. Look up an item and it will have a disclaimer that it's "frequently returned". I used to use it to save on shipping and for the occasional super-sale on a good product; e.g. a friend wanted a Penderton woolen blanket. Now it's a crapshoot.
Posted by: NaughtyPine at September 04, 2024 11:12 AM (fxCK2)

Well, with the huge number of products being offered, it becomes physically impossible for an online retailer to vet each one to see if it is even real, let alone fir for purpose.

Seems to me there would be a market for "purchasing agent" software that you could assign to search Amazon (and others) to find the best product at the best price. "Hey there, PA! I need a carburetor for a Husqvarna model 124S weed trimmer. Find me a good one for a good price."

Posted by: Pete Buttigeig at September 04, 2024 11:17 AM (C4m9I)

63 Reviews are entirely bogus.
Posted by: Gunslinger at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM

Wait...you're saying those reviews of The Deplorable Gourmet weren't real?! Unpossible!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:17 AM (ZANHd)

64 WalMart pretty much matches Amazon prices now, and at least with WM one can return right to the store. I have done the free returns with Amazon, but it is still more hassle.

I have not noticed Amazon selling China fakes listed as, for example, a Bosch rotary hammer drill, manufactured in Germany. But Home Depot might have that at the same price.

Posted by: illiniwek at September 04, 2024 11:18 AM (Cus5s)

65 @42

>>LOL. An old one, maybe.

True, but if you pick up an old Model S battery pack, you're probably going to yield around 7k cells.

So, you'll have more cells than you know what to do with and you'll have stocking stuffers for years.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at September 04, 2024 11:18 AM (XV/Pl)

66 Recently needed to replace some Ni-Cad AA batteries. One inexpensive battery on Walmart's website had either 5 star or 1 star reviews. The one stars all said the batteries weren't rechargeable and caught fire when in the charger!

The online marketplaces have indeed turned to crap, not what we were promised 30 years ago (time flies, don't it?). Come to think of it, (un)social media is crap too. Perhaps all online public sites turn to crap, sort of an internet entropy.

Posted by: George V at September 04, 2024 11:18 AM (ugbqN)

67 About the only "things" I purchase at Amazon are books.
Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (C26rB)

For years, every book I've bought from amazon has been damaged. I sometimes have to do two or three returns to get a nice pristine copy. They are basically a last resort for me now for books.

Posted by: spindrift at September 04, 2024 11:18 AM (OguvZ)

68
The mechanism that is supposed to check excesses - purchaser reviews - are gamed more than ever thanks to AI, shills and the sheer volume of content.

Amazon's AI reviews are astonishing. Nine out of ten comments could mention a serious deficiency in a product but the AI review will not mention it at all.

I bought a product once, a sous vide machine, which had a serious deficiency in it which could burn someones kitchen and house down. The review was rejected for publication, however the product was withdrawn from the market shortly thereafter.

What I tend to do, based on my tech background is to always try to find the fewest keystrokes to accomplish a task. I discovered that when setting the desired temperature to the highest possible I could hit the down arrow repeatedly, and it would display the highest setting (204 F) much faster then pressing the up arrow. However that did not stop the unit from going above 204 F. It would boil off all the water and if one had a plastic bag remaining very bad things could happen. Amazon chose not to notify it's customers through my review.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 11:18 AM (RKVpM)

69 I am glad for this topic. Question for the room:

would you buy a fridge or dishwasher online? Just from what you see on Lowes or Home Depot website?

Not only "No" but "Hell No!". For appliances, I will spend the extra $$$ to purchase the top end brands from reputable, local dealers (not Lowes or HD). The local shops service what they sell. Usually.

I have a Wolf cooktop, purchased from a big city retailer. But I'm out of their service area and so, installed it myself. Ran into a small issue. Called the help number and they put me in touch with their retailer's help line. They bent over backwards to help me out and fix the problem. I was Facetiming with the service rep at one point.

You wouldn't get that with the also rans.

Posted by: Buttigig at September 04, 2024 11:19 AM (WXNFJ)

70 The only thing worse than the fake products are the fake or useless reviews. Some reviews are obviously fakes. But a majority are for a completely different product, maybe a much earlier version, something different from the same vendor, or something completely unrelated. ...
Posted by: stuckInCalifornia at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (qjK/D)
++++
That's part of the scam, and there's a reason for it.

Vendors can change a product page (new version comes out, needs an update for accuracy or language, etc.). So what scammers will do is put up a listing for a product and sell it. The reviews come in. They talk about how great the camping lantern or whatever is.

Then the vendor will change out the entire page. Instead of a camping lantern - a real product, but probably cheap and low-margin - it's now a light fixture or a kitchen mixer or whatever. It inherits those great reviews, comes in at 4.5 stars (or whatever it was), and pops in the search results. The product is expensive, crappy and high-margin. It proceeds to sell until enough people give it shitty reviews and complain, then Amazon will purge the reviews or delist the product. But the damage is done.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:19 AM (HnUIn)

71 Amazon reviews even by "verified purchasers" cannot be trusted. The last several items I've bought from Amazon I immediately got emails from the sellers offering me cash (e-debit cards) if I posted a positive review. I didn't...

Posted by: Bigsmith at September 04, 2024 11:19 AM (1Au9i)

72 would you buy a fridge or dishwasher online? Just from what you see on Lowes or Home Depot website?
.
Posted by: Don Black at September 04, 2024 11:11 AM (/7KEl)

bought a back up fridge...from Home Depot

Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:19 AM (AwYPR)

73 Off buttisock.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:19 AM (C4m9I)

74 My daughter has tiny feet. Well, she's kinda pocket sized at 4'10" so her size five feet aren't really odd or anything. She has a helluva time finding adult women's shoes in that size so she either has to order online or just wear kids shoes. She likes wearing heels for the height boost and kids shoes don't have that. So online it is.

I have the opposite problem. I have big feet. And one is larger than the other thanks to the drunken Mexicans that crossed the center line and hit me head on. Crushed heel being rebuilt made that foot bigger. So that makes it harder for me to find shoes that fit me well enough that I will wear them more than once. But I rarely buy shoes. Sneakers and flip flops are easy enough to find. Stylish flats or heels are much more challenging and buying them online is impossible.

Buying anything online is a crap shoot in my opinion.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 04, 2024 11:19 AM (4XwPj)

75 They bent over backwards to help me out and fix the problem. I was Facetiming with the service rep at one point.
Posted by: Buttigig

Interesting comments for that nic.

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:20 AM (v6JzV)

76 Thx CBD. Battery startups are a dime a dozen. A Canadian one made a deal with state and local pols here in town to build a production facility at a deserted IBM facility. Everyone including our Congcritter was at the announcement. That was a year ago and when last heard the company was filing for bankruptcy. Politicians like shiny objects

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 04, 2024 11:20 AM (337Wc)

77 I never look at 1 or 5 star reviews. I look at 3 and 4 stars. Those are legit reviews. I don’t expect a product to be perfect and get nothing but 5s. And 1s are usually stupid like I ordered this thing and they said it would be here Thursday but it showed up Friday. Worst company ever!!!!!

3s and 4s are reviews like generally I like it but here are some things that I didn’t like. Which is what I really want to know.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:20 AM (YcGkc)

78 27 I hesitate to order high-end stuff like Mitutoyo tools on Amazon because you can never be sure if it's legit or counterfeit. For that kind of stuff, I'll pay an extra couple of bucks to order from a specialty tools place like Grainger.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:05 AM (/y8xj)
++++
Absolutely. There is so much lookalike and outright counterfeit electrical equipment that I don't go to Amazon for those things.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:07 AM (HnUIn)

I've been burned several times by fakes on Amazon. A couple examples. I bought a gallon of Slip2000 degreaser/cleaning solution on Amazon several years ago. Good price, not insanely low. When I received it I knew it was fake because the red lettering on the label did not align with the black lettering. A year ago I needed a new waiter's corkscrew. I bought one that had a gazillion ratings, 90 percent 5 Stars. It was junk; the tip of the corkscrew was as sharp as Joey's mind.

I want to get some additional Milwaukee 18-Volt rechargeable batteries. These I will soon buy from Home Depot or another reputable (I hope) outfit, not from Amazon. Caveat Emptor.

Posted by: Gref at September 04, 2024 11:21 AM (aBgBM)

79 I work at home so going out to buy in meatspace means going out. :-> When I was younger, going out to buy things wasn't a hassle -- of course, it was nice to get pizza and chinese food delivered, esp. when drunk -- but the only thing I *detested* buying back in the day was airplane tickets because calling around for the best deal sucked. But otherwise, I don't need to buy online.

Posted by: SFGoth at September 04, 2024 11:21 AM (KAi1n)

80 From last thread:
Hey, Bulg, I just checked and it looks correct to me. Several Hordelings have my contact info - Sharon, Iris, Weasel, Doof, Ben Had, RMBS, etc. if you can get in touch with any of them, I authorize them to share my email or phone # with you.
Posted by: screaming in digital

Doof, can you please send me her contact info? Thanks.
Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:15 AM (v6JzV)

How do I know that message really came from the human Bulg and not some Bulg-bot??

Posted by: Doof at September 04, 2024 11:21 AM (RhGG0)

81 I’ve bought a fridge and a dishwasher online in the past year.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:22 AM (YcGkc)

82 What I would like to know is how a product gets awarded the "Amazon's Choice" label.

Posted by: Mark1971 at September 04, 2024 11:22 AM (xPl2J)

83 What I would like to know is how a product gets awarded the "Amazon's Choice" label.
Posted by: Mark1971 at September 04, 2024 11:22 AM (xPl2J)
++++
No clue. My *guess* is that they are "high-volume, low-return, good-margin" products, but I have no idea. It could be straight pay-for-play.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:22 AM (HnUIn)

84 I've been having good luck with buying from Ebay the last couple years. Usually will pick US-based seller and for parts, I'll try to find a shop that is listing stuff opposed to Aunt Gertrudes' garage pile. Amazon is a hot mess for who are you buying from and is what you get a returned item.

Posted by: Yip at September 04, 2024 11:23 AM (YT5J+)

85 What I would like to know is how a product gets awarded the "Amazon's Choice" label.

Posted by: Mark1971 at September 04, 2024 11:22 AM (xPl2J)

payola

Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:23 AM (AwYPR)

86 This is an age-old problem. Long before Amazon. Probably started around the time Sears & Robucks started printing catalogs. Nothing new under the sun.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 04, 2024 11:23 AM (g8Ew8)

87 Do a search on AMZN for a brand name product, and three quarters of the search results will be off brand chinese knockoffs.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 04, 2024 11:23 AM (lTGtQ)

88 How do I know that message really came from the human Bulg and not some Bulg-bot??
Posted by: Doof

Oh, come on. I passed your CAPTCHA:

"Select all the photos that contain pickleball MILFs."

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:24 AM (v6JzV)

89 Thanks for the feedback

Posted by: Don Black at September 04, 2024 11:25 AM (/7KEl)

90 This is an age-old problem. Long before Amazon. Probably started around the time Sears & Robucks started printing catalogs. Nothing new under the sun.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 04, 2024 11:23 AM (g8Ew

++++
There have always been and will always be shysters, liars, thieves and con-men.

The scale is fairly unprecedented, and before the internet, the shysters didn't have such stupendous presence that they had market-making power.

The internet and modern scam-riddled eCommerce platforms didn't create this problem, but I think that they did make it bigger and more pervasive.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:25 AM (HnUIn)

91 Everything from Amazon comes from China.

--

It's really amazing, but nearly everything you can search for lands you at some seller's product with, as Joe Mannix already pointed out, a peculiar mix of vowels and consonants thrown together to simulate some "company name." It always seems to be Chinese. Amazon is rife with it, and rife with fraudulent products. You have to be really careful, even when you think you're buying a brand name. Odds are, you probably have a good chance of buying a fake product. I shop on Amazon as little as possible. I'd rather pay a bit more from a real online seller or company direct.

Posted by: Lady in Black at September 04, 2024 11:25 AM (N2zvp)

92 How do I know that message really came from the human Bulg and not some Bulg-bot??
Posted by: Doof
---
Heh. It is ok with me if you share my contact info with Bulg. The link in my nic doesn't work for him. (would be ok also if someone else tests it so I can fix if broken)

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:25 AM (iZbyp)

93 It's become increasingly difficult to separate out the signal and find something that does what it says on the tin

I've seen several recent instances of people using "on the tin". All of them were Brits. I think the author of this article, "Joe Mannix", is a knockoff.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 04, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

94 Interesting comments for that nic.
Posted by: Bulg

Heh.

Posted by: Tonypete at September 04, 2024 11:26 AM (WXNFJ)

95 I cannot recall buying anything from an online retailer, except books.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 04, 2024 11:27 AM (XeU6L)

96 Amazon can be hit and miss - i do shop a lot from there just for the convenience (also, I hate retail shopping).

Posted by: IC - #FJB at September 04, 2024 11:27 AM (ZtyUu)

97 Rain hath begun here. I hope it will stop before 4:30 and not start again until after I get home, around 6:45-7:00. The reception I have to go to at 5:00 is in a building some distance off, and while I have a rain jacket and an umbrella with me, walking through heavy rain is exhausting.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:27 AM (J2vNu)

98 This is an age-old problem. Long before Amazon. Probably started around the time Sears & Robucks started printing catalogs. Nothing new under the sun.

Og buy rock from Blurg. Blurg say is good rock. It not good rock.

Posted by: Og at September 04, 2024 11:28 AM (xCA6C)

99 Germany’s army rushed an Iris-T air-defence system into service on its own soil for the first time Wednesday having delivered several of the sophisticated systems to war-torn Ukraine to take down Russian rockets, drones and missiles mid-flight.

AFP reports Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the surface-to-air system was part of a long term build-up of German and European defences initiated in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin launching the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

.. Germany seems to be orchestrating a “Boy Who Cried Wolf” moment

Posted by: SMOD at September 04, 2024 11:28 AM (RHGPo)

100 Og buy rock from Blurg. Blurg say is good rock. It not good rock.
Posted by: Og at September 04, 2024 11:28 AM (xCA6C)
++++
*snort*

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:29 AM (HnUIn)

101 This is an age-old problem. Long before Amazon. Probably started around the time Sears & Robucks started printing catalogs. Nothing new under the sun.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 04, 2024 11:23 AM (g8Ew

It's definitely different now. Back in the Sears catalog days, you were buying from Sears. Now on platforms like amazon, you're more likely to be buying from a third party like Wu's C*cksuckah Emporium, rather than amazon.

Posted by: spindrift at September 04, 2024 11:29 AM (OguvZ)

102 Ben Had, if you're about, I'll repost my willowed comment from the last thread.

RMBS, how was the food?
Posted by: Ben Had at September 04, 2024 10:49 AM

Excellent. The food on the ship was great, especially the French restaurant we did dinner at for the Mom's birthday. We didn't have the opportunity to eat on shore much, but the fish in Skagway was fantastic, and the brunch we had in Seattle with nurse was great. Especially the very well-made Bloody Marys with candied bacon.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:01 AM

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:29 AM (ZANHd)

103
"Pickleball MILF's" 0 results found

"Pickleball GILF's" 2,345,125 results found

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 11:29 AM (RKVpM)

104 Free hint for Amazon: Look for the country of manufacture. If they go out of their way to hide it, it's China.

Posted by: NR Pax at September 04, 2024 11:30 AM (svLOV)

105 Og buy rock from Blurg. Blurg say is good rock. It not good rock.
Posted by: Og at September 04, 2024

***
Blurg is Neanderthal. Og know how those Neanderthals are.

Posted by: Gorch the Cro-Magnon at September 04, 2024 11:30 AM (J2vNu)

106 Bond investors pushed down the yield on short-term Treasuries more than longer-term bonds, causing the yield curve to uninvert for the first time in years.

This means that the longer-term yields were above short-term yields, a relationship considered normal in the bond market where investors typically require more yield to holding longer term bonds.

Posted by: SMOD at September 04, 2024 11:30 AM (RHGPo)

107 "Pickleball MILF's" 0 results found

"Pickleball GILF's" 2,345,125 results found
Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 11:29 AM

Oddly, I found myself watching what appeared to be beach pickleball in Seattle. It was...interesting.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:31 AM (ZANHd)

108 I buy a lot of stuff online because I hate going to stores (and it is a little more challenging for me to do so since my mother came to live with me). With 2 major exceptions, groceries and guns. So far have not been burned too much with Amazon purchases, except for some cabinet door hardware I cannot seem to match up ...

Clothes and shoes I usually stick to brands that I already have and know how the sizes work for me.

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:32 AM (iZbyp)

109 RMBS, wonderful. Good food always makes a trip even more fun. See you both soon.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 04, 2024 11:32 AM (WbH4L)

110 How do I know that message really came from the human Bulg and not some Bulg-bot??
Posted by: Doof
---
Heh. It is ok with me if you share my contact info with Bulg. The link in my nic doesn't work for him. (would be ok also if someone else tests it so I can fix if broken)
Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:25 AM (iZbyp)

I'll set him straight! Link looks OK to me -- just need to remove the "mailto:" part when copy/pasting

Posted by: Doof at September 04, 2024 11:32 AM (RhGG0)

111 Radio propaganda is sending out panicked, serious reports of planned election interference from multiple countries, the FBI has learned. Russia, China, Iran, even North Korea. The Justice Dept and the WH are having meeting on how to stop it. Things are looking grim.

I take this to mean the steal is on and the best method of cheating is being put in place.

Posted by: Ripley at September 04, 2024 11:32 AM (GUOwU)

112 It's definitely different now. Back in the Sears catalog days, you were buying from Sears. Now on platforms like amazon, you're more likely to be buying from a third party like Wu's C*cksuckah Emporium, rather than amazon.

not to mention the bot farms and AI spam from India and China making the reviews almost meaningless

Posted by: brak at September 04, 2024 11:32 AM (NGHTx)

113 I have been buying a fair amount of auto and small-engine parts from Amazon lately. Being rural, if I have to go into the city to buy parts, it's 50 bucks in gas to get there and back. New carburetor for a weed whacker: 25 bucks CDN. It's not worth my time to try to rebuild one, and I would still have to order the rebuild kit.

Right now, I have a Dorman 615-132 spindle nut and two seals coming from Amazon USA. The nut is 37 USD there; on Amazon.ca it is 62.50 CDN. And the seals were 6 bucks each versus 37 CDN (!!!) in Canada.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:33 AM (C4m9I)

114 Remember:
The Chinese believe if you buy their fraudulent product, it's your fault for getting fooled.

Seriously.

I've mentioned it before, but go look up China Insider With David Zhang on YouTube.

You have no idea how much China fakes everything.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 04, 2024 11:33 AM (q3zn6)

115 74 She likes wearing heels for the height boost and kids shoes don't have that.

The groomers are working on that.

I have a friend who is 4'11". She went looking for a leather miniskirt. Found the absolute smallest size and it still didn't fit her.

Posted by: NR Pax at September 04, 2024 11:33 AM (svLOV)

116 Harbor Freight is the place I'd go to and buy a tool that I was only going to use once or twice. Like a tile saw. I might cut a couple pieces for a project, but it's doubtful I'd ever use it again.

This, presumes I'd even be interested in cutting tile vs. just hiring someone with skilz to do it for me.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 04, 2024 11:33 AM (Q4IgG)

117 Ugh. I left the warmer on and my last half-cup of coffee turned into something unpleasant.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:33 AM (HnUIn)

118 I sorta see the China knockoff biz on Amazon the same way we used to view store brands.

Did you kids want Lucky Charms? Here, have some Kroger brand Stars and Moons. Sure, the cereal bits taste like sand, and the "marshmallows" were manufactured during the Coolidge administration, but your kids don't care.

But for some things, you get the "name brand," for the reliability, even though it's more expensive.

For Chinazon, this is especially true when buying clothing. If you wear a specific shirt or pant size, you can't rely on Glooboo brand to be the same as Levis or Wranglers or Izod.

Buyer beware.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 04, 2024 11:34 AM (dGCAG)

119 I've used Amazon a long time and agree that it's a mess. I am able to find Japanese items, like dishes, but do need to check for a country of origin. I've had bad luck with stuff I've bought at Ace and Tractor Supply.

It's interesting that China has taken over the kalimba market. Learned this in part from a site calle Kalimba Magic. He mentioned that, since he is retiring, the African company that makes Hugh Tracy kalimbas is closing. If you look at kalimbas on Amazon, they are all Chinese. I suspect that had something to do with the African company closing.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 04, 2024 11:34 AM (MpVUb)

120 Free hint for Amazon: Look for the country of manufacture. If they go out of their way to hide it, it's China.

Posted by: NR Pax

I enjoy looking through catalogs, whether online or in print, and seeing: made in Germany, made in Mexico, made in the US, Imported

The country that must not be named.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 04, 2024 11:34 AM (lTGtQ)

121 Russian soldiers in a Zaporizhia treeline got a very unpleasant surprise when a new Ukrainian drone unleashed a rain of fiery thermite death on them.
Leave it to the Ukrainians to make yet another terrifying innovation in drone warfare. I’m sure the Russian soldiers were none too thrilled to be targeted by this drone-based Martian heat ray.

Posted by: SMOD at September 04, 2024 11:34 AM (RHGPo)

122
Seriously though, there are some young women who play pickleball, are attractive and are wicked good. But the majority are much much older. I overheard a 95 year old woman at the 'Y' a couple months back who had only stopped playing the year before.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 11:35 AM (RKVpM)

123 It's interesting that China has taken over the kalimba market. Learned this in part from a site calle Kalimba Magic. He mentioned that, since he is retiring, the African company that makes Hugh Tracy kalimbas is closing. If you look at kalimbas on Amazon, they are all Chinese. I suspect that had something to do with the African company closing.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 04, 2024 11:34 AM (MpVUb)
++++
Today I learned what a "kalimba" is.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:35 AM (HnUIn)

124 The link in my nic doesn't work for him. (would be ok also if someone else tests it so I can fix if broken)

The format looks correct and when I click on it, the browser asks if I want to open the mail app. I cancelled because I don't actually have a configured mail app on this computer but it seems to be working as expected.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:35 AM (/y8xj)

125 117
‘ my last half-cup of coffee turned into something unpleasant.’
Use it to seal your driveway.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at September 04, 2024 11:35 AM (jbnUc)

126 RMBS, wonderful. Good food always makes a trip even more fun. See you both soon.
Posted by: Ben Had at September 04, 2024 11:32 AM

We're looking forward to it!

I now have a new lamb shank presentation to tinker with at home. They did a Moroccan spiced lamb shank and chop. The two rib chops were perfectly rare, but the shank had been braised like I'm used to, but then pulled off the bone, shredded like pulled pork, formed into a small cylinder and seared. It was an elegant little presentation, and very tasty. It also lets you stretch a shank between a few people.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:36 AM (ZANHd)

127 What I love is the "Authentic [famous brand]"

They print Samsung or Sony or whatever on a generic battery and assume people will believe it.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 04, 2024 11:36 AM (d9fT1)

128 I do use Amazon Prime -- a lot. I build and fly model airplanes and need the occasional odd nut or bolt. And I can drive all over LA to find it. Or I can go on my PC see what I need and have it on my doorstep usually in a day or so.

So it's good for that. Probably the biggest appliance I might buy on Amazon is a waffle iron--and it wouldn't be an expensive one either. I can get the same cheap Chinese stuff down at the local Target, but why make the trip?

Posted by: Comanche Voter at September 04, 2024 11:36 AM (cB7nX)

129 Or the related problem of every single thing having a different name but coming out of the same factory.

"Remanufactured" alternators come to mind. It doesn't matter where you buy it from, it's almost certainly been shipped to and from the same Chinese factory to be put in a different box and sold under various labels as house brands.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 11:37 AM (ChwNg)

130 Russian soldiers in a Zaporizhia treeline got a very unpleasant surprise when a new Ukrainian drone unleashed a rain of fiery thermite death on them.
Leave it to the Ukrainians to make yet another terrifying innovation in drone warfare. I’m sure the Russian soldiers were none too thrilled to be targeted by this drone-based Martian heat ray.
Posted by: SMOD at September 04, 2024 11:34 AM

This war's PTSD brought to you by Best Buy.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:37 AM (ZANHd)

131 116 Harbor Freight is the place I'd go to and buy a tool that I was only going to use once or twice. Like a tile saw. I might cut a couple pieces for a project, but it's doubtful I'd ever use it again.

—

If you only need it once, rent it.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:37 AM (YcGkc)

132 I left the warmer on and my last half-cup of coffee turned into something unpleasant.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:33 AM (HnUIn)

Send it over. We can use it on Russians in a treeline.

Posted by: the Ukrainians at September 04, 2024 11:37 AM (OguvZ)

133 20 bucks, same as in town.

(for those who ask "What's a kalimba?)

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:37 AM (C4m9I)

134 I bought my gas stove online from Home Depot. It's been fine. I understand that you healthy folks don't mind trudging around big box stores. Between my bad knee and bad lungs, I just can't do it.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 04, 2024 11:37 AM (MpVUb)

135 Ugh. I left the warmer on and my last half-cup of coffee turned into something unpleasant.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

Postum?

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:37 AM (v6JzV)

136 Today I learned what a "kalimba" is.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

-

The best part is that they're $20

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 11:38 AM (ChwNg)

137
I cannot recall buying anything from an online retailer, except books.
Posted by: Mike Hammer

That's how Amazon started out. Just books.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 04, 2024 11:38 AM (63Dwl)

138 Dude at a rock hound swap meet makes polishers as a side gig. He tries to source everything in the US. He can't find simple metal bolts.

We a so fucked.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at September 04, 2024 11:38 AM (ufFY8)

139 Someone's cackling, Lord, kamalaya
Someone's cackling, Lord, kamalaya
Someone's cackling, Lord, kamalaya
Oh Lord, kamalaya

Posted by: SMOD at September 04, 2024 11:39 AM (RHGPo)

140 I'll set him straight! Link looks OK to me -- just need to remove the "mailto:" part when copy/pasting
Posted by: Doof
---
thanks, Doof!

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:39 AM (iZbyp)

141 When it comes to pipe tobacco, I get the tinned blends at a local tobacconist. It costs more but by the time you add in the extra (sin) tax (thanks for shit, Richmond) and delivery, there isn't much price difference. Also, the online stores are usually sold out of limited run offerings in a couple of hours. I get bulk blends, like Sutliff Match blends and Mac Baren's HH line, from Pipes and Cigars or Smoking Pipes since the local store doesn't offer them.

Posted by: JTB at September 04, 2024 11:39 AM (zudum)

142 Bulg. If you can't get the link to work my email is in the left side bar.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 04, 2024 11:39 AM (WbH4L)

143 Wasn't Kalimba that chick that Clinton tried to appoint to the Supreme Court?

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:39 AM (v6JzV)

144 I cannot recall buying anything from an online retailer, except books.
Posted by: Mike Hammer

That's how Amazon started out. Just books.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 04, 2024 11:38 AM (63Dwl)

And you had to wear pants when shopping there

Posted by: Doof at September 04, 2024 11:40 AM (RhGG0)

145 Generally speaking only time I bother going to a store is if I need something asap. If it can wait a day or two, online it is.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:40 AM (YcGkc)

146 I've ordered firearms/ammo online...no prob.

Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:40 AM (AwYPR)

147 f they go out of their way to hide it, it's China.

Designed in USA (12 point font)

made in china (5 point font)

Posted by: brak at September 04, 2024 11:40 AM (NGHTx)

148
I hope when 'Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)' becomes gainfully employed someone steps up and fills in his posting duties for both the babe content and shear volume.

I don't wanna be on the wall of shame ever again. Once was enough.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 11:40 AM (RKVpM)

149 I do well with both eBay and Craigslist.

Got my Cast Iron Craftsman 10" table saw via local CL. $100, from an Olde Farte who was selling off his shop tools, prior to he n' his wife moving to a Senior Community.

Likewise, bought a local, refurbished (as NEW!) 1979 Sansui G-5700 stereo receiver. And, out of Long Island, NY, a Victor CD player. $50, for an audiophile unit with a +$1,000 early '80s price tag.

Add in some Nikon lenses, one from (no kidding) Tokyo, Japan. 1990s lens, New Old Stock In Box. Under $300, on my doorstep.

But, I don't buy such items until after a few exchanges of correspondence, with the sellers. Amazing how you can sort 'em out, that way. A true audiophile can HAVE that conversation, a scam seller, cannot. Same with tools, camera gear, and etc.

Don't just be a "beware" buyer. Be an INVOLVED buyer.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at September 04, 2024 11:40 AM (kQgoX)

150 thanks, Doof!
Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:39 AM (iZbyp)

Happy to help!

Will I be seeing you in TX next month??

Posted by: Doof at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (RhGG0)

151 Yes, thank you, Doof. I'll put in a good word for you with Major Monogram and Perry the Platypus.

Posted by: Bulg at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (v6JzV)

152 Amazon provides a valuable service. If my wife goes three days in a row without ordering something, they'll send someone out to do a wellness check.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (/y8xj)

153 Giant online retailer aggregators like Amazon have sadly put so much downward pressure on prices that almost all of what you find is cheap stuff. Unless you know exactly what you want in terms of brand and model, your search results will always come back overwhelmingly populated with low end stuff. That's because price sells.

Try to find a high-quality air fryer or other small appliance on Amazon. You can't. It's all plastic made-in-China junk. Does it work? Yes. But it's all obviously built to a cheap price.

Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade, Esq. at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (iFTx/)

154 Designed in USA (12 point font)

made in china (5 point font)

—

What’s your point?
- Apple

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (YcGkc)

155 I've ordered firearms/ammo online...no prob.
Posted by: BignJames at September 04, 2024 11:40 AM

*looks around at Massachusetts*

Must be nice.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (ZANHd)

156 The format looks correct and when I click on it, the browser asks if I want to open the mail app. I cancelled because I don't actually have a configured mail app on this computer but it seems to be working as expected.
Posted by: Oddbob
---
Thanks for checking - in the near future I may be asking for people to write if they're interested in an SC MoMe, so I'd like to know it's working. Maybe a pop-up blocker??

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (iZbyp)

157 That's how Amazon started out. Just books.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 04, 2024 11:38 AM (63Dwl)
++++
Yup. It was a brilliant way to more or less *create* the eCommerce industry the way that they did.

Books make a ton of sense. They are a known quantity with assumed quality because books are books. You know what a book is, know what hardcover vs. paperback is, etc. There is no "well, shit, that's a surprise" factor with buying them sight unseen.

Books were *ideal* for eCommerce since there's no guesswork (other than whether the book is any good, of course) involved and a big retailer could stock an unmatched selection of books and ship 'em out.

Amazon chose books for a reason. Bezos never intended it to always be a bookstore, it's just that books were a perfect launchpad.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (HnUIn)

158 Honestly, when it comes to tools and appliances, I look at ebay or garage sales. Even supposed US manufacturers are using third world parts. Most of my appliances are from the 20th century, and I will source used or new old stock parts to keep them running, since they were made to last a lifetime back then.

Virtually no appliance made in the 21st century is made to last more than about five years.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 04, 2024 11:42 AM (lTGtQ)

159 Happy to help!

Will I be seeing you in TX next month??
Posted by: Doof
---
If I'm upright and above ground, you betcha!

Maybe will have a Cornwall calendar ready by then, should you wish to have one!

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:42 AM (iZbyp)

160 It's definitely different now. Back in the Sears catalog days, you were buying from Sears. Now on platforms like amazon, you're more likely to be buying from a third party like Wu's C*cksuckah Emporium, rather than amazon.
Posted by: spindrift at September 04, 2024 11:29 AM (OguvZ)

If I'm remembering correctly, before China, people were bitching about Japanese knockoffs.

But to be honest, why should we expect anything else. We let American manufacturing slip away, or in reality, we chased American manufacturing away to foreign shores. Is it any wonder that we get what we allowed to happen?

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 04, 2024 11:42 AM (g8Ew8)

161 Oh, and why are the search results at Amazon getting more and more worthless? Pages and pages of the exact same product.

Because the socials are flooded with people selling "drop-shipping" "fulfilled by Amazon" get-rich-quick courses.

Every one pushing the same product from their "store."

And every one just a front selling from AliBaba or some other Chinese importer.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (q3zn6)

162 Honestly, when it comes to tools and appliances, I look at ebay or garage sales. Even supposed US manufacturers are using third world parts. Most of my appliances are from the 20th century, and I will source used or new old stock parts to keep them running, since they were made to last a lifetime back then.

Virtually no appliance made in the 21st century is made to last more than about five years.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 04, 2024 11:42 AM (lTGtQ)
++++
Garage sales and flea markets are a *great* place for tools.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (HnUIn)

163 I've ordered firearms/ammo online...no prob.

Generally speaking, those will be specialty retailers who have at least some reputation to protect. Unlike more-or-less anonymous sellers on Amazon who can appear and disappear in a flash.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (/y8xj)

164 I get bulk blends, like Sutliff Match blends and Mac Baren's HH line, from Pipes and Cigars or Smoking Pipes since the local store doesn't offer them.
Posted by: JTB at September 04, 2024

***
Mi cigar-and-pipe shop has a number of bulk blends, including certain Stokkebye flakes. They outnumber the tins.

Posted by: Gorch the Cro-Magnon at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (J2vNu)

165 Amazon provides a valuable service. If my wife goes three days in a row without ordering something, they'll send someone out to do a wellness check.

I'm almost surprised when I walk out the front door and there's not a package sitting there

Posted by: brak at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (NGHTx)

166 Typical American consumer

Why is everything made in China?
Also: oh cool look how cheap this Chinese knock off is, add to cart.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:44 AM (YcGkc)

167 "I can get the same cheap Chinese stuff down at the local Target, but why make the trip?"

WalMart does delivery for free on orders over $35. I think they do groceries as well, usually next day. Sam's does as well, but it is I think $8, but it is next day, or even same day ... can get groceries and alcohol.

Saves a trip and all the hassle.

Posted by: illiniwek at September 04, 2024 11:44 AM (Cus5s)

168 The girl spawn was adopted from China. When we got home we went to a custom t-shirt shop and had them do a shirt for her that reads...

In big red, white, and blue font - 100% AMERICAN

With tiny black font underneath -(made in china).

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 04, 2024 11:44 AM (4XwPj)

169 I've ordered firearms/ammo online...no prob.
Posted by: BignJames

Same. Guns, ammo, powder, primers, lead.

Oh, PSA - Ballistic Products has a shipping special on up to 50 lbs of lead for $15.99 flat rate. (Code SHOT15) Expires 09-18. Ships USPS.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:44 AM (pzE/I)

170 >>>Oh, and why are the search results at Amazon getting more and more worthless? Pages and pages of the exact same product.

I've found out that I can get better Amazon search results if I search Amazon by using Google.

Posted by: Mark1971 at September 04, 2024 11:44 AM (xPl2J)

171 Here's another tip if anyone wants it.

If you find a product you want that ships from a 3rd-party seller, do a quick web search for the seller and see if they have their own, independent, not-on-Amazon storefront. If they do, you may well find the same product from the same seller, just cheaper.

I bought a set of wrenches this way. Amazon had it at one price, from an independent seller. That seller had its own storefront. It wasn't snazzy (they were mostly business-to-business), but it had the same set I wanted for meaningfully less money. They don't have to cut in Amazon on direct sales.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:45 AM (HnUIn)

172 111 Radio propaganda is sending out panicked, serious reports of planned election interference from multiple countries, the FBI has learned. Russia, China, Iran, even North Korea. The Justice Dept and the WH are having meeting on how to stop it. Things are looking grim.

I take this to mean the steal is on and the best method of cheating is being put in place.

Posted by: Ripley at September 04, 2024 11:32 AM (GUOwU)

Rather than upping the quantity of fake votes it may mean the Dems know they cannot win with their maximum planned cheat level. So they're doing battle-space prep for a 4-year long scream that Trump only won because of interference by Russia, Russia, Russia, and most every other country you can name. None of which want Trump to win, but the LIVs will buy the lies hook, line, and sinker.

Posted by: Gref at September 04, 2024 11:45 AM (aBgBM)

173 Books were *ideal* for eCommerce since there's no guesswork (other than whether the book is any good, of course) involved and a big retailer could stock an unmatched selection of books and ship 'em out.

Amazon chose books for a reason. Bezos never intended it to always be a bookstore, it's just that books were a perfect launchpad.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:41 AM (HnUIn)
______

Plus the book publishers hated the big brick-and-mortar booksellers and were looking for a new way to sell their shit. Bezos was a wall street guy with connections. Was the easiest deal ever made.

Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade, Esq. at September 04, 2024 11:45 AM (iFTx/)

174 Bidenomics at work: job openings fall to lowest number since January 2021.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:45 AM (YcGkc)

175 That's why I brought the kalimba thing up. It's a very niche market. I used to get the Kalimba Magic newsletter, then the guy went off the rails on something and I stopped. There are musicians that use them. But mostly it's a pleasant way to make some noise. To have China making every possible design for considerably less than African companies? It's odd that they would even bother

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 04, 2024 11:45 AM (MpVUb)

176 Eagles cornerback Darius Slay says he told family not to come to Brazil amid safety concerns: 'The crime rate is crazy'

Posted by: SMOD at September 04, 2024 11:46 AM (RHGPo)

177 WalMart does delivery for free on orders over $35.

Depends on where you live. I'm 14 miles outside of town and they won't deliver. And Sam's charges shipping on most drinks/bottled waters.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:46 AM (pzE/I)

178 Garage sales and flea markets are a *great* place for tools.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (HnUIn)

And other things, often spoke of on Sundays here.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:46 AM (C4m9I)

179 but the LIVs will buy the lies hook, line, and sinker.
Posted by: Gref at September 04, 2024 11:45 AM (aBgBM)
------

Yes.

Posted by: insurgens ad opus at September 04, 2024 11:46 AM (xQtaY)

180 Amazon prices were reliably lower, assuming it's the real item, for most products. Not so much anymore. Also, I've looked at an item and overnight the price went up by a significant amount. Screw that. As an example, we are looking at the new line of Lodge USA Enamel cookware. (No Chinese connection, strictly USA made.) No difference in the price between Amazon and the Lodge website. I'll order direct from Lodge if that's the case.

Posted by: JTB at September 04, 2024 11:47 AM (zudum)

181 Oh, and why are the search results at Amazon getting more and more worthless? Pages and pages of the exact same product.

Because the socials are flooded with people selling "drop-shipping" "fulfilled by Amazon" get-rich-quick courses.

Every one pushing the same product from their "store."

And every one just a front selling from AliBaba or some other Chinese importer.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (q3zn6)
__

Nah bruh. The sex dolls might all look the same, but there are subtle but important differences. YKWIM?

Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade, Esq. at September 04, 2024 11:47 AM (iFTx/)

182 Bezos was even more than a Wall St guy. He was a McKinsey guy. Access to anyone and everyone with money and/or influence.

Pete Bootyjudge was there as well.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:47 AM (YcGkc)

183 Speaking of batteries, I had to change the battery in the fob for my ford truck. Naturally it doesn't take the standard 2032, but the not so standard 2450. I finally found the last one at Home Depot. Damned if I was going to the ford dealer and paying what they wanted.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 04, 2024 11:47 AM (W/lyH)

184 This Asian lady in a state of partial undress looks askance at the sea of race-to-the-bottom knockoffs and trash on major eCommerce platforms:
http://tiny.cc/kzskzz

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:47 AM (HnUIn)

185 I have a friend who is 4'11". She went looking for a leather miniskirt. Found the absolute smallest size and it still didn't fit her.
Posted by: NR Pax

May I suggest a wide leather belt for her needs? Of course, tell her not to raise her arms or the mystery will be over.

Posted by: Tonypete at September 04, 2024 11:47 AM (WXNFJ)

186 I've ordered firearms/ammo online...no prob.
Posted by: BignJames
---
Yeah, I'm really comfortable buying ammo, mags, etc. online but prefer to buy guns in person. Not that I have that much experience buying guns...

I have bought one revolver off Gunbroker but I was already familiar with the model and got some advice from S&W experts re: price and what to look for in the seller and in pics.

I figure I'm already on All Teh Lists anyway. If not, I need to up my game...

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 11:48 AM (iZbyp)

187 Garage sales and flea markets are a *great* place for tools.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:43 AM (HnUIn)

And other things, often spoke of on Sundays here.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:46 AM (C4m9I)
---
Oysters?

Not sure I'd want to get those at a garage sale....

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 04, 2024 11:48 AM (7fElN)

188 I will often do my shopping on Amazon, but actually buy from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, many items I used to buy directly are no longer available for ordering from the company's website. The company now refers buyers to Amazon.

Posted by: Emmie at September 04, 2024 11:48 AM (Niexy)

189 I wish Amazon hadn't bought Zappos. That was a great online store. They still have the policy about returning shoes, but they don't seem to have the selection.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 04, 2024 11:48 AM (MpVUb)

190 Speaking of batteries, I had to change the battery in the fob for my ford truck. Naturally it doesn't take the standard 2032, but the not so standard 2450. I finally found the last one at Home Depot. Damned if I was going to the ford dealer and paying what they wanted.
Posted by: Diogenes at September 04, 2024 11:47 AM (W/lyH)
++++
The wonderful thing about standards is that there are so many from which to choose.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:48 AM (HnUIn)

191 Look at how NY has abused Trump.

Where does he send his son?

NYU

LMAO

Posted by: Not trying to be mean but... at September 04, 2024 11:49 AM (UZn/6)

192 Russian soldiers in a Zaporizhia treeline got a very unpleasant surprise when a new Ukrainian drone unleashed a rain of fiery thermite death on them.
Leave it to the Ukrainians to make yet another terrifying innovation in drone warfare. I’m sure the Russian soldiers were none too thrilled to be targeted by this drone-based Martian heat ray.
Posted by: SMOD at September 04, 2024 11:34 AM (RHGPo)

If by Ukranians you mean the American death industry, then yeah.

I suppose there's a sturdy myth that there aren't American and Brit and German and other special forces operating over there.

At this point the only goal that would have any purpose (for those who want such things) is to kill Russian soldiers in new and unique ways. It sure has nothing to do with trying to win the war.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 04, 2024 11:49 AM (dGCAG)

193
The news about the attempted assassination of Trump just gets worse:

https://tinyurl.com/2s3ct8hv

It looks more and more like there are several people who need to be investigated and tried, and if found guilty, executed for treason.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 04, 2024 11:49 AM (eDfFs)

194 The Kia Kalimba had to be hurriedly rebadged in Indonesia because the marketing team was unfortunately unaware that the word was identical to a slang term for an unnatural sexual act in the native language.

Posted by: Car nerd at September 04, 2024 11:49 AM (DobEs)

195 Designed in USA (12 point font)

made in china (5 point font)

QA performed in USA.... by the customer.

Posted by: t-bird at September 04, 2024 11:50 AM (fDXgc)

196 "I can get the same cheap Chinese stuff down at the local Target, but why make the trip?"

WalMart does delivery for free on orders over $35. I think they do groceries as well, usually next day. Sam's does as well, but it is I think $8, but it is next day, or even same day ... can get groceries and alcohol.

Saves a trip and all the hassle.
Posted by: illiniwek at September 04, 2024

***
The last and only time I ordered online from Walmart dot com, Federal Express delivered it . . . to another spot in my complex. Sent me a picture, too, and it was not my front step and not close by. I got in touch with them, and they basically said, "We delivered the item. Take it up with the vendor."

I did, and got my $$ back from WM. Jeez.

(Somebody got a free steam floor mop, though)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:50 AM (J2vNu)

197 Amazon provides a valuable service. If my wife goes three days in a row without ordering something, they'll send someone out to do a wellness check.

I'm almost surprised when I walk out the front door and there's not a package sitting there
Posted by: brak

I have one of those small dorm refrigerators on the front porch with bottles of water in it for our UPS driver. He keeps a pocketful of dog treats for the dogs on his route.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (pzE/I)

198 TBF, Baron chose his college not Donald.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (YcGkc)

199 Damned if I was going to the ford dealer and paying what they wanted.

while we swap that fob battery out for you, how about we replace your cabin air filter for only $129.99?

Posted by: Ford service department at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (NGHTx)

200 I've mentioned it before, but go look up China Insider With David Zhang on YouTube.

You have no idea how much China fakes everything.

--

Good thing they make most of our drugs, huh?

Posted by: Lady in Black at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (N2zvp)

201 Not sure I'd want to get those at a garage sale....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 04, 2024 11:48 AM (7fElN)

If you buy used oysters, you don't have to shell out so much loot.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (C4m9I)

202 ‘ my last half-cup of coffee turned into something unpleasant.’
Use it to seal your driveway.
Posted by: Dr. Claw
--------

I pour all of my brewed coffee into an insulated carafe, often have some of yesterday's coffee, reheated in the microwave. I refer to it as 'double distilled'.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (XeU6L)

203 Well, Oswald, I mean Crooks, is dead. What more can we do?
-dipstat

Posted by: Eromero at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (JfXbr)

204 Speaking of batteries, I had to change the battery in the fob for my ford truck. Naturally it doesn't take the standard 2032, but the not so standard 2450. I finally found the last one at Home Depot. Damned if I was going to the ford dealer and paying what they wanted.
Posted by: Diogenes at September 04, 2024

***
Buy two or three, and stockpile.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (J2vNu)

205 I recall when Bill Gates predicted that ecommerce would produce items fit to your specifications.

Instead we have a black market mail service.

Where the fuck is my jetpack?

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (wBaIH)

206
So they're doing battle-space prep for a 4-year long scream that Trump only won because of interference by Russia, Russia, Russia, and most every other country you can name. None of which want Trump to win, but the LIVs will buy the lies hook, line, and sinker.

Posted by: Gref at September 04, 2024 11:45 AM

"Dave in Fl" seems to think the (D)'s will hold the House. Can you say 'impeach'? Two solid years of daily impeachment.

Maxine Waters: "Impeach foty seven!"

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (RKVpM)

207 Virtually no appliance made in the 21st century is made to last more than about five years.
Posted by: Thomas Paine

*Cough Speed Queen Cough*

One of their washer models, the TCxxxx iirc, has many of the same parts that were in use 30 years ago. The same part numbers even.

If it ain't broke, . . . .

Posted by: Tonypete at September 04, 2024 11:52 AM (WXNFJ)

208 while we swap that fob battery out for you, how about we replace your cabin air filter for only $129.99?
Posted by: Ford service department at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (NGHTx)

Perfect. And can you fill my tires with nitrogen for $10/tire as well please?

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:52 AM (YcGkc)

209 If by Ukranians you mean the American death industry, then yeah.

I suppose there's a sturdy myth that there aren't American and Brit and German and other special forces operating over there.

At this point the only goal that would have any purpose (for those who want such things) is to kill Russian soldiers in new and unique ways. It sure has nothing to do with trying to win the war.
Posted by: BurtTC

"Over there" is the testing ground for OVER HERE.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:52 AM (pzE/I)

210 The Kia Kalimba had to be hurriedly rebadged in Indonesia because the marketing team was unfortunately unaware that the word was identical to a slang term for an unnatural sexual act in the native language.
Posted by: Car nerd at September 04, 2024

***
No doubt Kia chose a new word which means "love-you-long-time."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:53 AM (J2vNu)

211 It looks more and more like there are several people who need to be investigated and tried, and if found guilty, executed for treason.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 04, 2024 11:49 AM (eDfFs)

I'm just sad I won't be around 75 years from now, when we finally get the truth.

Thomas Matthew Crooks? Future generations will laugh and laugh at us for being so stupid as to believe this kid took the shot that winged the President.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 04, 2024 11:53 AM (dGCAG)

212 while we swap that fob battery out for you, how about we replace your cabin air filter for only $129.99?
Posted by: Ford service department at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (NGHTx)

Perfect. And can you fill my tires with nitrogen for $10/tire as well please?
Posted by: Write it off Jerry

If they want to help with gas mileage, fill it with helium.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:53 AM (pzE/I)

213 I never use Amazon. Jeff Bezos is an enemy of freedom and therefore my enemy. I will not participate in enriching him if I can help it.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at September 04, 2024 11:54 AM (pohLc)

214 Speaking of batteries, I had to change the battery in the fob for my ford truck. Naturally it doesn't take the standard 2032, but the not so standard 2450. I finally found the last one at Home Depot. Damned if I was going to the ford dealer and paying what they wanted.
Posted by: Diogenes
----

Wait until you need a battery for the EV.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 04, 2024 11:55 AM (XeU6L)

215 "Depends on where you live. I'm 14 miles outside of town and they won't deliver. And Sam's charges shipping on most drinks/bottled waters." Posted by: rickb223

yeah, I'm rural, 13 miles from WM, was surprised I was close enough to qualify. I have the more expensive Sam's plan, total for deliveries is $8, I usually tip another $5 since I'm usually their only delivery out here. But I could have it here tomorrow at 8-10AM, or any hours I choose. Maybe even same day ... kinda nice.

Posted by: illiniwek at September 04, 2024 11:55 AM (Cus5s)

216 Well, Oswald, I mean Crooks, is dead. What more can we do?
-dipstat
Posted by: Eromero at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (JfXbr)

I still wonder if anyone tracked down the guy who looked an awful lot like Crooks, who posted a video the evening after the shooting, saying they got the wrong guy, and this HIS name was... Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 04, 2024 11:55 AM (dGCAG)

217 I never use Amazon. Jeff Bezos is an enemy of freedom and therefore my enemy. I will not participate in enriching him if I can help it.
Posted by: Xipe Totec
-------

Just as large an issue is supporting local retailers.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 04, 2024 11:55 AM (XeU6L)

218 Where the fuck is my jetpack?

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (wBaIH)

It's over there, next to the fusion reactor.

Posted by: spindrift at September 04, 2024 11:56 AM (OguvZ)

219 Plug 'em in and snap 'em down , boys!

Posted by: Mr. Lever Nuts at September 04, 2024 11:56 AM (i77uW)

220 Over there" is the testing ground for OVER HERE.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:52 AM (pzE/I)
Dude, that is so 100% true.

Posted by: Eromero at September 04, 2024 11:56 AM (JfXbr)

221 while we swap that fob battery out for you, how about we replace your cabin air filter for only $129.99?
Posted by: Ford service department

Hah! Every time I take my car to the dealer for anything, they "recommend" a cabin air filter. I suppose because they figure that 1) most people don't even know it exists and 2) of those that do, 99% will never check it because it's a PITA to get to. Yeah, $100+ to replace a $10 filter. It's probably its own line item on the service managers' annual performance review.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024 11:56 AM (/y8xj)

222 "Over there" is the testing ground for OVER HERE.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:52 AM (pzE/I)

We WILL see that in the next decade... armed drones patrolling our streets, telling us to show our ID, to hold it up to the camera, while it also scans our face.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 04, 2024 11:56 AM (dGCAG)

223 *Cough Speed Queen Cough*

One of their washer models, the TCxxxx iirc, has many of the same parts that were in use 30 years ago. The same part numbers even.

If it ain't broke, . . . .

Posted by: Tonypete

Yes, if you want a washing machine, Speed Queen is the choice. I fortunately have a 30 year old washer that still runs fine.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 04, 2024 11:56 AM (lTGtQ)

224
"While we swap that fob battery out for you, how about we replace your cabin air filter for only $129.99?"

It's the 'undercoating' of the 70's. A great line in Seinfeld was when 'Puddy' is trying to sell Jerry on undercoating and he says, "We don't even know what that does."

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 11:57 AM (RKVpM)

225 Why does anyone on our side buy from Amazon anyway? Why not just send contributions to WaPo and the Democrats?

Posted by: Eeyore at September 04, 2024 11:57 AM (1bNHn)

226 I just ordered a well pump from Amazon. Hope it turns out okay.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at September 04, 2024 11:57 AM (+H2BX)

227 I wonder how many "Designed in California" items are designed by Chinese employees?

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (ChwNg)

228 Buy two or three, and stockpile.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (J2vNu)

Batteries have a shelf life. They claim ten years for some, now. Key fob batteries last so long in use, that a spare bought at the same time as a replacement would likely be partly depleted when it cam time to use it.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (C4m9I)

229 I once took a car under warranty to the dealer for an issue. The service guy pulled the air cabin filter scam on me. $70 for a new one. I ask why do I need one car’s only got 10k miles, the maintenance schedule says replace every 20k. Service guy gives me some bullshit canned answer. I ask what do you guys know that the engineers who designed this car don’t? And then he dropped it.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (YcGkc)

230 Why does anyone on our side buy from Amazon anyway?

"Free" shipping. It's included in the price.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (+H2BX)

231 Perfect. And can you fill my tires with nitrogen for $10/tire as well please?
Posted by: Write it off Jerry
-------

Pumpkin spice aroma nitrogen, $12.00/tire.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (XeU6L)

232 Perfect. And can you fill my tires with nitrogen for $10/tire as well please?
Posted by: Write it off Jerry

I will fill them up with a special blend of 78% nitrogen and 22% oxygen for only $7.50.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (lTGtQ)

233 Well I need to check in at the office and then find something inexpensive to do for my birthday. Maybe there's a free birthday beer.

Posted by: Northernlurker , wondering where his phone is at September 04, 2024 11:59 AM (FfSAJ)

234 Batteries have a shelf life. They claim ten years for some, now. Key fob batteries last so long in use, that a spare bought at the same time as a replacement would likely be partly depleted when it cam time to use it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (C4m9I)
++++
The freezer will help delay the decline. I store my spare button cells in the freezer.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at September 04, 2024 11:59 AM (HnUIn)

235 yeah, I'm rural, 13 miles from WM, was surprised I was close enough to qualify. I have the more expensive Sam's plan, total for deliveries is $8, I usually tip another $5 since I'm usually their only delivery out here. But I could have it here tomorrow at 8-10AM, or any hours I choose. Maybe even same day ... kinda nice.
Posted by: illiniwek

I ordered a two pack of kayaks from Costco (they only were sold in a two pack - as I said - Costco!). The closest one is 40 miles away. They delivered them for free. Amazing.

Posted by: Tonypete at September 04, 2024 11:59 AM (WXNFJ)

236 Buy two or three, and stockpile.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 11:51 AM (J2vNu)

Doing that today.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 04, 2024 11:59 AM (W/lyH)

237 I remember during COVID a bunch of chinese merchants were sending seeds to the US instead of whatever the product was supposed to be.

At one point a friend of mine ordered something and she got...a box of masks instead. Which I still think is weird...

Posted by: 18-1 at September 04, 2024 11:59 AM (oZhjI)

238 Yeah, I'm really comfortable buying ammo, mags, etc. online but prefer to buy guns in person. Not that I have that much experience buying guns...

I'm getting a kick out of buying black powder arms online and having them shipped straight to my front door. Next on the bucket list is an 8" double barrelled 12 gauge shotgun with pistol grip.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 11:59 AM (pzE/I)

239 It's the classic story of monopolies and human nature - Eliminate the competition, and there's no one left to make you stay sharp. Ask any married person.

Posted by: Wally at September 04, 2024 11:59 AM (hqVaF)

240 I Meme Therefore I Am
@ImMeme0
BREAKING: Reports of a shooting and one critically injured at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia.

The school sent a message to parents stating, “Apalachee High School is currently in a hard lockdown after reports of gunfire. Law enforcement is here. Please do not attempt to come to the school at this time while officers work to secure the area."

Posted by: redridinghood at September 04, 2024 12:00 PM (NpAcC)

241 while we swap that fob battery out for you, how about we replace your cabin air filter for only $129.99?
Posted by: Ford service department

-

I failed an annual inspection recently because they said my wipers were bad. Fine, whatever. I told them to go ahead and put cheap new ones on.

$50.

I could barely believe it. I knew there would be a premium, but I didn't expect that jump. Now I wonder how many cars fail inspection because of wipers.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 12:00 PM (ChwNg)

242 The funny thing about cabin air filters is that you can buy them at any auto parts store any replace it yourself.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at September 04, 2024 12:00 PM (+H2BX)

243 while we swap that fob battery out for you, how about we replace your cabin air filter for only $129.99?
Posted by: Ford service department

Hah! Every time I take my car to the dealer for anything, they "recommend" a cabin air filter. I suppose because they figure that 1) most people don't even know it exists and 2) of those that do, 99% will never check it because it's a PITA to get to. Yeah, $100+ to replace a $10 filter. It's probably its own line item on the service managers' annual performance review.
Posted by: Oddbob
---
I miss being able to say, "my husband is a mechanic, let me get him to confirm this..." Suddenly a $2000 repair was not so urgent...

(I miss him for EVERY reason not just this, though)

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 12:00 PM (iZbyp)

244 To many local car parts shops to bother getting on line.
And my local parts place saved me so are worthy to go to them.

Posted by: Skip at September 04, 2024 12:01 PM (fwDg9)

245 Pumpkin spice aroma nitrogen, $12.00/tire.

$14 per tire for an artisanal and careful formulated blend of 79% nitrogen including a hint of argon.

It's a noble gas, you know.

Posted by: t-bird at September 04, 2024 12:01 PM (fDXgc)

246 I suppose that I am old-fashioned, I've never used the fob for my Frontier. The fob hangs on a keyhook at the house. I don't want the extra blob in my pocket. Key works just fine.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 04, 2024 12:02 PM (XeU6L)

247 Also let this be a reminder to change your wipers yourself right before an annual inspection.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 12:02 PM (ChwNg)

248 Thanks for the heads up, Mannix -- don't buy much online and was unaware of this.

Posted by: ShainS -- If Your Independence Lasts Over 4 Hours, You May Have Been Red-Pilled at September 04, 2024 12:03 PM (hxRN0)

249 Wipers are one of those things where I’ll pay extra for good quality.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 12:03 PM (YcGkc)

250 I suppose that I am old-fashioned, I've never used the fob for my Frontier. The fob hangs on a keyhook at the house. I don't want the extra blob in my pocket. Key works just fine.
Posted by: Mike Hammer

-

Years ago I finally managed to convince the wife that if she ONLY used the fob to lock and unlock the car then she'd never lock her keys inside.

It took a while but it has worked very well.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 12:03 PM (ChwNg)

251 I miss being able to say, "my husband is a mechanic, let me get him to confirm this..." Suddenly a $2000 repair was not so urgent...

(I miss him for EVERY reason not just this, though)
Posted by: screaming in digital

Fuck 'em. You know how many "husbands" you have here?

Bluff 'em and come here and ask. After a dozen or so smart assed replies, we will seriously answer your question.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 12:03 PM (pzE/I)

252 NOOD

Stallone survived muhbortion

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 04, 2024 12:03 PM (FnneF)

253 249 Wipers are one of those things where I’ll pay extra for good quality.
Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 12:03 PM (YcGkc)

Worth every penny, I tell you!

Posted by: Jerry Nadler at September 04, 2024 12:04 PM (N39Ws)

254 Once you discover that Ollie's sells name-brand wipers for $6 or so it's hard to pay $25 for them somewhere else.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 12:04 PM (ChwNg)

255 I miss being able to say, "my husband is a mechanic, let me get him to confirm this..." Suddenly a $2000 repair was not so urgent...

(I miss him for EVERY reason not just this, though)
Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 12:00 PM (iZbyp)
***

Reminds me of when I took my 2005 BMW 330ci in for its annual service. It really looks good and only 50k miles on it. (I bought it in 200

The guy who owns the shop was looking it over and after it was done asked me if I ever planned to sell it. I told him one day I would. He asked that I call him first.
I guess the car is in good condition.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 04, 2024 12:05 PM (W/lyH)

256 The funny thing about cabin air filters is that you can buy them at any auto parts store any replace it yourself.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at September 04, 2024 12:00 PM (+H2BX)

Any car repair or maintenance item can be done yourself. Most people either don’t know how to or do t want to do it themselves.

My wife won’t even put windshield washer in the car. If I didn’t do it she’d probably pay $30 for a mechanic to do it for her.

Posted by: Write it off Jerry at September 04, 2024 12:05 PM (YcGkc)

257 Fuck 'em. You know how many "husbands" you have here?

Bluff 'em and come here and ask. After a dozen or so smart assed replies, we will seriously answer your question.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices
---
"He told me to slap a hot iron to it."

Seriously... it's a little dusty in here and I appreciate that very much.

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 04, 2024 12:05 PM (iZbyp)

258 The funny thing about cabin air filters is that you can buy them at any auto parts store any replace it yourself.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at September 04, 2024 12:00 PM (+H2BX)

The only car I own with a cabin air filter is a '64 Studebaker. And it is a perfect example of "smart idea, shitty execution". The filter is dead easy to reach. Just pop the hood, peel up the rubber strip covering a slot on the cowl, and up comes the filter, merrily scraping off all the dead leaves and bugs on its surface, and dropping them into the heater core.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 04, 2024 12:05 PM (C4m9I)

259 Hah! Every time I take my car to the dealer for anything, they "recommend" a cabin air filter. I suppose because they figure that 1) most people don't even know it exists and 2) of those that do, 99% will never check it because it's a PITA to get to. Yeah, $100+ to replace a $10 filter. It's probably its own line item on the service managers' annual performance review.
Posted by: Oddbob at September 04, 2024

***
I do know about it and have replaced them once or twice. PITA is an understatement; first, remove the glove box. . . .

I have my regular mechanic handle it every two years. It's a lot less than $100.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 12:05 PM (J2vNu)

260 I wonder how many "Designed in California" items are designed by Chinese employees?
Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024 11:58 AM (ChwNg)

California, eh. I'll stick with the Chinese. Trust nothing from CA.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 04, 2024 12:05 PM (g8Ew8)

261 251
Fuck 'em. You know how many "husbands" you have here?

Bluff 'em and come here and ask. After a dozen or so smart assed replies, we will seriously answer your question.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 04, 2024 12:03 PM (pzE/I)

And we guarantee you will be entertained before you get a serious answer.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at September 04, 2024 12:06 PM (N39Ws)

262
I had a 'corporate' lease with Toyota (multiple cars) for more then a decade and a half. If you have a family member who works for Toyota corporate it's a heck of a deal. Every repair or suggested routine maintenance is absolutely free. Even state/emissions inspections.

Anyway, in all those years they never once replaced the cabin air filter or mentioned it. Suddenly when I purchased the vehicle out of lease it became a necessary repair.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 04, 2024 12:06 PM (RKVpM)

263 AOP - Question. The other night you mentioned doing a quick fix of rusty/broken spindle nut. Kinda of creepy to think of one of those failing. How did you discover that it had? Brake service?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at September 04, 2024 12:06 PM (XeU6L)

264 Also let this be a reminder to change your wipers yourself right before an annual inspection.
Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 04, 2024

***
Urk. Got to handle that this weekend. "Inspection" is a bit of a joke here, though.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 04, 2024 12:07 PM (J2vNu)

265 The girl spawn was adopted from China. When we got home we went to a custom t-shirt shop and had them do a shirt for her that reads...

In big red, white, and blue font - 100% AMERICAN

With tiny black font underneath -(made in china).
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 04, 2024 11:44 A

Heh. I recall hearing an older comedienne talking about adopting a Chinese girl when she and her husband were in their 40s or 50s and couldn't have kids. The punchline was "we ordered out...Chinese!" The NYC accent made it funnier.

Same comedienne talking about being a much older parent with a kid in elementary school: "I'm a member of the PTAARP." At my age, if I ever have kids, I'm totally stealing that.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 04, 2024 12:10 PM (ZANHd)

266 Two out of three products I've purchased from Amazon recently had obviously been sold, used, and returned, then resold as "new" without even being cleaned. That's not so bad with some products, but really gross with others (i.e., a carpet cleaner, a shower head, even an electric toothbrush).

Posted by: TR at September 04, 2024 12:42 PM (hazdd)

267 I prefer brick and mortar any day, and I can pay cash if I want to.

Posted by: JohnFNotKerry at September 04, 2024 12:59 PM (KaJ0/)

268 As a ham radio operator, I've found fewer and fewer alternatives to Amazon. I'm talking basic parts - ring and spade terminators, capacitors/resistors/transistors in the sizes and quantities I wanted, and many of the replacement parts for my hobby.
Home brew can do a lot, but it's difficult when even the soldering materials are made in China.

Posted by: Linda S Fox at September 04, 2024 01:20 PM (7Rs+y)

269 I ordered stainless steel self tapping screws from Amazon and they started rusting within months of using them(SS screws don't rust sigh). I reordered the screws from Grainger and those have been good for over 4 years now.

Posted by: David M at September 04, 2024 01:34 PM (qZfBO)

270 One word: China.
There have always been scams and crappy products, but producing them is the Chinese national sport.
There are some decent Chinese-made products, but those are from a non-Cinese brand who watch the manufacturing process like a hawk.
The only Cinese brand I can think of with decent quality is Lenovo, but it's been 16 years since IBM cut them loose, and they're regressing to the mean, and their quality has definitely slipped.
Chinese manufacturing is not about producing a good product, it's about cutting corners to maximize profit.

Posted by: buddhaha at September 04, 2024 01:46 PM (BrniR)

271 I have bought two different 18650 batteries from two different merchants on Amazon. I've also tried to buy one locally. None of them, including the local, have ever held a charge. The fourth battery I bought from the same local vendor finally worked.

Posted by: P_Ang at September 04, 2024 03:24 PM (09Sfv)

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you been blogging for? you made bⅼߋցging look eɑsy.
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Posted by: modular at September 04, 2024 07:39 PM (tnalZ)

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