"Stores Charging Premium Memberships" Where Is This Heading ?

Ryxxi on 29/05/2018 - 14:51
Last edited 29/05/2018 - 16:32 by 1 other user

Amazon had introduced Amazon prime a few years ago and now, ebay has its own version, followed by Mwave.

Seems like the trend is starting. Pay more for some services etc.

What do you guys think? Do you think the ACCC shud look into some of these memberships selling services that should not cost extra?

Like "price guarantee" etc. or do you think its ok for everyone to introduce their own Premium membership like amazon prime ?

People shop at a lot of stores and imagine paying memberships to every store.

Like, at least Amazon Prime has free express shipping. Mwave only gives $15 discount and orders have to be above $150 and I don't even know what to say about restocking fees. Only IT companies charge it. But Amazon sells IT stuff in the US and they don't charge restocking, Newegg does but people hate Newegg.

I forgot to Add Australia post's Shipster !

Electrical & Electronics Amazon

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 29/05/2018 - 14:53

    Hah, Buckley's chance. Caveat emptor. Don't join if there is no value for you.

  • Hybroid on 29/05/2018 - 14:54
    +1

    Memberships, subscriptions and ongoing payments are the new thing now and as long as people happily buy in-game DLC, subscriptions to Netflix/music/youtube/PS/Xbox, deliveries etc etc then they'll be here to stay.

  • DarthAntz on 29/05/2018 - 14:55

    same principle borrowed from buffet restaurants/airline industry/gym membership.

    Just because you're paying more, you think you're getting better quality (or services). but its the same as everything else.

    Customers are still paying for privilege that isnt necessarily there. the important thing is theyre paying.

    Good business strategy, money for nothing.

    • SydStrand on 29/05/2018 - 17:24

      Exactly how do those cases provide 'money for nothing?'

      • DarthAntz on 30/05/2018 - 10:48

        Sorry, you are right, 'money for nothing' is a bogus claim for the entirety of the campaigns.
        I am suggesting that the subscription services that get marketed with the 'premium' tag get the sign-ups, but not necessarily the use from all subscribers. So some people pay for these services, then dont really use or benefit from it. they sign up because its there, its offered, and its attractive.
        Money for nothing for the company if these subscriptions are signed up for and paid, and then not used. Same principles gyms use/expiring gift cards, getting paid from people they know arent committed to showing up/using gift cards.

  • Baysew on 29/05/2018 - 15:22
    +1

    All I can say, is that the first rule of OzBargain Premium, is not to talk about OzBargain Premium.

    • Adz81 on 29/05/2018 - 15:36
      +2

      Oh, good one… Way to mention OZBP.

      I thought it was agreed, we wouldn't talk about OZBP OR the badges & perks associated with it.

      • altomic on 29/05/2018 - 15:46
        +1

        I missed the first 10 minutes of the OzBargain Premium meeting, but OzBargain Premium is so awesome, everyone should join OzBargain Premium,

        • Adz81 on 29/05/2018 - 16:03
          +2

          Well, it was… not that it's been made public, I'm looking forward to the newly released tier of membership,OzBargain Premium Gold. More premium than ever before.

        • mskeggs on 29/05/2018 - 17:51

          @Adz81:
          Worth it just for the lounge access.

        • loulou1 on 29/05/2018 - 17:57

          If everyone joined, what would be the benefit for us founding members? And where would we go to talk about the plebs, assuming them joining now would give them access to the premium forums where we have discussed many members in the past? Would all that content be archived? So many questions and one of the reasons we are not supposed to talk about OZBP

    • Ryxxi on 29/05/2018 - 16:33

      where do I buy OZBp ?!?

      • loulou1 on 29/05/2018 - 17:58

        It can’t be bought, not for sale, you have to earn your way in

    • loulou1 on 29/05/2018 - 17:55
      +1

      Reported to Mod.

  • AlienC on 29/05/2018 - 15:42
    +1

    It's DLC's and micro transactions all over again except online store edition. Feels bad man I hate it but hey they just following video games business logic what can I say.. money is the beginning and end of all things.

  • altomic on 29/05/2018 - 15:59

    Club Jetstar -$60 a year. paid for itself (and saved me $100) with the one time I used it to book flights. (though I could have not bought tickets to Japan and saved $1300)

    that has been the only "premium membership" I have bought into.

  • Ughhh on 29/05/2018 - 16:14

    What do you guys think? Do you think the ACCC shud look into some of these memberships selling services that should not cost extra?

    If the store is following ACCC guidelines for non VIPs and are offering additional/VIP services for a price, why would they be in trouble?

    It's like asking if stores should be in trouble for only allowing exchanges and no refunds for change of mind.

  • SydStrand on 29/05/2018 - 17:22

    Do you think the ACCC shud look into some of these memberships selling services that should not cost extra?

    Since when was free or expedited shipping a given? These premium memberships offer value or people wouldn't pay for them.

    Do you own calculation. If it's not worth it, then don't pay for it. But if it's cheaper than however much you're paying in shipping, etc., from that store, then why not? These are all predicated on economy of scale. More people = bigger bulk discount = membership stays lows vs individual pricing. I already saved however much I paid on Shipster within its first month. If Amazon Australia expands their selection, I'd be happy to pay for Prime too.

  • tassieeagle on 29/05/2018 - 18:34

    Yep, real life DLC. Sad state of affairs

  • chumlee on 29/05/2018 - 18:37

    Agreed. Porn websites are killing me with this "premium" charge

  • coxjon on 29/05/2018 - 19:44

    I had a free 2 months of Club Catch and couldn’t find a single use for it. The free shipping is a joke (minimum spend), the club catch deals are just junk that hasn’t sold from the past (usually, the things I pay attention to) and the regular prices to make up to the minimum shipping are no cheaper than any online store.

    I wonder who pays for that? I couldn’t even find groceries I wanted to get free shipping on a cheap item. Plus minimum shipping applies for each marketplace seller on your order!

    /club catch rant. I don’t pay for any other premium services

  • WreckTangle on 29/05/2018 - 20:23

    What’s eBays version?

    • nvox on 29/05/2018 - 20:48
      +1

      "eBay Plus is a new feature-packed membership, aimed at helping you get the most out of shopping on eBay, with exclusive benefits on Australia’s biggest range of products. Members get free delivery and free returns on all eBay Plus listings, as well as double flybuys points, exclusive deals and premium customer service."
      Free 30-day trial and only $29 for your first year (Normally $49.)
      https://www.ebay.com.au/plusau

      edit OzBargain discussion / thread on eBay Plus
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/380975

  • [Deactivated] on 30/05/2018 - 07:48
    +1

    Eventually they are going to start giving away games to paying members each month. Soon after that, posts will appear on Ozbargain claiming that the games are "free", that you're not paying for the games, but for the "online access"

    • Ryxxi on 31/05/2018 - 15:41

      Lol !

  • HeWhoKnows on 30/05/2018 - 13:26

    I think this post is ridiculous.
    Another person that wants everything for NOTHING.
    Does OP work for nothing? I bet not.

    • Ryxxi on 31/05/2018 - 15:42

      Wut ? I am just curious about others opinions..
      Did u even read my post ?

  • reactor-au on 30/05/2018 - 13:52

    I don't see value as long as there is so much fine print like minimum spend for free shipping and special member prices that are the same as another store, etc.

    Bigger question, will stores price match other stores' so called member only prices?

    • Ryxxi on 31/05/2018 - 15:44

      Probably not.Also with Amazon blocking us /redirecting us irs going to be interesting.

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