One failing of Amazon prime and its multiple services is that it can be difficult to quantify exactly why people are signing up for the service. Are they doing so for shipping? Do they want it because they are avid readers? Or is it the need for more video options?

For some people, Amazon has become part of a lifestyle. The ability to shop for everything from TV’s to Ketchup online has become a part of modern life. Because of this Amazon Prime and its multiple perks has grown in popularity because of the offered convenience and perceived value for those who take advantage of

its services on a regular basis. For $99.99 users gain access to:

• Free two-day shipping
• A large selection of free streaming options from original series along with popular shows and movies
• Music streaming from Amazon Music
• Free ebooks
• Ability to access lighting deals earlier
• The ability to receive packages with same day delivery (in participating areas)

In the context of streaming, this arrangement makes explaining video options for new customers a bit cumbersome. If they are not already Amazon customers giving someone a paragraph of information can confuse people who just want to watch that new show about the man who changes into a woman show they keep hearing about. Now that is no longer a problem.

Amazon is now offering Amazon Video as a separate service from the rest of its Amazon Prime offerings. The service which only includes TV and movie streaming costs $8.99 per month. But is it the best way to go?

Long term price
Breaking up payments is a sales technique that usually works out better for whoever is collecting then the person who is paying, It either entices a consumer to purchase something they can not afford at the time with the promise of paying it off over time or outright costs more. In the case of Amazon, the monthly price does cost more.

What is the price difference?
Paying for the video service on its own monthly would cost users $107.88. The advantage for consumers is that if they try it for a month and do not like it they can turn around and drop it. If they have signed up for a full year of service they may not be able to get their money back past a certain period (usually a month).

How likely are you to keep it for a year?
If you are truly just smelling the roses then trying Amazon video for one month should work out well for you. But Keep in mind if you use it for two months and then decide to upgrade to the full prime membership for the other perks you have already lost money.

Bad Deal for Fire TV Owners
The Amazon Fire TV heavily integrates Amazon services into the interface of the device. Music and video are staples

of the media player of course. There are also shopping options that continue to grow via Alexa. Kindle owners also get a great deal of content out of prime. If you have made such related purchases you are almost cheating yourself by not signing up for the full package. On the other hand, if you are a Roku user or access amazon video from an IOS device only the video only option may make some sense. But in general, I recommend just grabbing all of the services at the same time. You will be glad you have free shipping when its time for Christmas shopping and you don’t have to hit the mall.

Even Worse deal
The worst option of the three is a full Amazon Prime package at a monthly rate. If users try it out and get used to the monthly bill they will have spent $131.88 before taxes. While some folks might drop $40.00 on coffee every week it seems like a bad idea to throw money away in my book.

Should I Get Amazon Prime Monthly or Pay For The Full Year?

I would recommend giving the full year service a thorough look. See how you like the shipping options and how much you use the video service. If you are also a kindle user dive into the reader features. You can cancel within 30 days and get your money back. That way you don’t waste 10-12 dollars just to try something out.