The writer has been questioning whether to renew their Amazon Prime subscription every year since signing up more than a decade ago. They pay $151.34 annually for the service, which comes out to $12.61 a month. The convenience of free two-day shipping is a major value for the writer, as well as the easy returns process. They also appreciate the option to choose later delivery dates in exchange for digital credits that can be used for movie rentals or Kindle purchases. Overall, the shipping perks make the annual fee feel worthwhile.
While the writer doesn’t watch Amazon Prime Video as frequently as other streaming services, they still find value in paying the extra $2.99 per month to avoid ads. Additionally, as a sports fan, they appreciate that 21 of their team’s games are available exclusively on Prime. The writer also benefits from the free, unlimited photo storage that Prime offers, allowing them to store as many photos as they want without paying extra. Although this perk may not be top of mind, it adds value to their membership.
Despite the value they receive from certain Prime perks, the writer acknowledges that there are some benefits they don’t utilize. They already subscribe to Spotify, so they don’t use Amazon Music. They also don’t shop at Whole Foods, so the exclusive deals for Prime members aren’t appealing to them. Prime Day and access to Prime Reading’s collection of books are also not factors in their decision to renew. While the Grubhub+ membership is a nice addition, the writer is cautious about spending more on take-out due to their Prime membership.
Ultimately, the writer decides to renew their Amazon Prime subscription for another year due to the value they receive from perks like free shipping, easy returns, Prime Video, and photo storage. They plan to keep a close eye on how often they use these benefits over the next year to ensure they are getting their money’s worth. They also express interest in improving their communication skills by taking CNBC’s online course, which offers tips on public speaking, calming nerves, body language, and making a great first impression.
