Are prices higher for Amazon Prime members?

“You’re cheating on us.”

If you think your Amazon Prime membership is saving you money, one TikToker recommends double-checking your shopping cart.

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In a video with over a million views, TikToker and former Amazon Prime member LoveTheLawrences_ (@lovethelawrences_) says she canceled her subscription because she believes the service is “fraudulent.”

Her revelation comes after she sent a friend an Amazon link to drills so he could check if they were a good deal.

“He says, ‘Yeah, get it. They’re only $12,” she says. But if you look at the price on their account, the drills cost $16. The only difference between their accounts? She is a Prime member, but he is not.

“He gets a discount on the products. I have to pay extra,” she continues. “I thought my Amazon Prime membership covered two-day shipping. But that’s not the case. I think it’s a scam.”

According to Amazon’s website, the cost of a Prime membership includes free two-day shipping. However, commenters confirm the TikToker’s suspicions that the membership price is being increased to cover shipping costs.

Yes, shipping costs are included in the price. Prime is not a savings,” wrote one.

“This whole time I thought I had free shipping!!!!” another said.

The TikToker isn’t the only one who notices price differences between Prime members and non-members. The Daily Dot previously reported on another TikTok that showed higher prices for Prime members.

Amazon Prime’s legal problems

Amazon Prime is no stranger to legal issues arising from what customers say are broken promises and misleading policies. The United States Federal Trade Commission recently sued Amazon for allegedly using “manipulative, coercive, or deceptive user interface designs, known as ‘dark patterns,’ to entice consumers to sign up for auto-renewing Prime subscriptions.” The trial will begin in June take place in 2025.

In the comments to the LoveTheLawrences_ video, some are suggesting that the price issue could be the next class action lawsuit against Amazon.

“So you file a lawsuit. That’s a class action lawsuit right there. You will also find that the more you buy an item, the more expensive it becomes on subsequent purchases,” one wrote.

“I’m ready to be part of this class action lawsuit!!!” another remarked.

Amazon Prime members respond

In the comments section, Amazon Prime members shared their own criticisms of the service.

“They give you a specific shipping date and then change it after you make the purchase. And now all their shows and documentaries are behind the paywall,” said one viewer.

“Damn, this is to cover shipping costs. They are cheating us. Dropping Prime,” wrote another.

Others said they had also canceled their memberships.

“I canceled mine a few months ago! “Amazon isn’t what it used to be,” one wrote.

“When I realized my purchases didn’t arrive within the specified time, I canceled,” said another.

“Prime told me I saved $140 for the whole year. If it costs $140 per year. So I canceled it because my stuff didn’t even arrive on time and sometimes they wouldn’t refund me the money for returns,” a third added.

@lovethelawrences_ I need answers, Jeff. Why am I just now finding out that Amazon items cost MORE with a Prime membership??? #amazonprime #amazonmusthaves ♬ Original sound – LoveTheLawrences_

The Daily Dot reached out to LoveTheLawrences_ via TikTok direct message and comment and to Amazon via email.

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