One of the goals of any Consumer movement in 2022 has got to be to buy less shit. We're all (myself very included) guilty of purchases which we immediately regret, and even the ones that don't provoke immediate regret are often things that we turn out not to need as much as we thought.
But, let's say you do have to consume. We all do. Once you've decided that you do need to buy something, here are some good suggestions, via Henry St Leger at TechRadar. Henry writes:
"It’s worth looking at smaller, more dedicated sellers for specific categories. Doing so will also mean you’re likely to find some goods that aren't stocked by the big retailers. Newegg is a good option for PCs, PC components, and gaming accessories, while Micro Center similarly offers PC-related hardware and software that's worth checking out. B&H is a great place for cameras, non-Apple smartphones, and general electronics."
Two points that are worth remembering here, though:
Any new gadget will have their own website, so once you've committed to getting something, just head over and order direct. You might have to suffer through a less optimal customer experience, or settle for slower shipping times, but did you really need that new smart speaker tomorrow?! Relax!
Even going to another giant retailer is better then Amazon. Yes, even ::shudder:: Walmart. Why? As an American consumer, Amazon is the biggest game in town, so that boycott has to hold. If we can change Amazon, the rest of the marketplace will have to follow.
Got any advice here? Hit us up!
rampant consumerism means you can get most gadgets in perfect condition second hand! often in sealed original box! like Walmart, fbook marketplace is still fbook (ug), but at least it's less money straight into the veins of Amazon (voting with our wallets), and less virgin resources straight into your home.