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I will buy stuff from Amazon. I look at price/convenience. It used to be that Amazon was almost always cheaper than buying direct from the manufacturer. But not so much anymore. So unless the direct-from-manufacturer price (delivered) is markedly above Amazon's price, I will buy from the manufacturer. Ditto for other retailers. But Amazon does indeed often beat the other retailers prices. But not always.
I also look at convenience. I try to group up all my drives around town to save on fuel costs and time. That means that I usually put something to buy "on my list" and don't go out to buy it for several days - when I have enough other errands to run to make a trip worthwhile. But I do look at Amazon and if I find that their delivered price is lower than the local price, and they will get it to me same day, then why not buy it from Amazon?
We have several huge Amazon distribution centers near me and "same day" delivery is what I've come to expect. If not that, my order is typically here the next day. I have had a couple of orders where total elapsed time between placing the order and finding it on my doorstep is less than four hours. It's insane how fast stuff gets to me.
Another reason to buy from Amazon is their returns. If I am at all suspicious of an item (after reading user reviews), my best bet is to buy it from Amazon where I can return it for free if it turns out to be problematic. On the flip side of the coin, a good reason not to buy from Amazon are for perishable items. Like batteries - I don't want something that has been setting on a shelf, maybe for years, being offered by a third party seller. It is extremely rare for me to buy anything from a third party seller, except if that item is "stocked and shipped by Amazon". Because that opens up the quick shipping and free returns. Still, batteries are generally a no-no for me. Except sometimes for that rare one used by only one device that I own, the battery is cheap, and that device is rarely used in the first place. Sometimes I will make an exception and "take my chances" ordering a battery from Amazon for it.
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