Like Nike says, JUST DO IT*. Or don’t.
I’m talking about the recent news that Nike is going to start selling a limited selection of its products directly on Amazon, rather than through third-party sellers as is done now. Should you bite that hook? I’d say it depends.
Cutting Out the Middleman
As Business Insider reports, Nike will initially begin by offering a relatively small amount of its wares on Amazon, while Amazon will eliminate the selling of Nike products by third-party sellers. The idea, apparently, is that “…cutting off the flow of reselling on Amazon will likely lead would-be Nike buyers to Nike’s own website or retailers like Foot Locker if they can’t find what they’re looking for on Amazon. This helps Nike better control its product and how it appears on Amazon…”.
Who Profits From This?
Nike. With smaller inventory available on Amazon, this does not seem good for the consumer, nor, obviously, for the third-party re-sellers who are getting the boot.
Should You “Just Do It”?*
I always urge caution when buying footwear and apparel online. It’s a gamble to buy these things when you have not tried them on, since you’ll have to “eat them” or go through the hassle of returning them if they don’t fit. The exception would be if you regularly wear Nike (or any other brand), and definitely know that a certain size will fit you.
Also, if you are buying Nike wear for actual athletic use, I think it’s really important to buy pieces that fit well. After all, I learned the hard way that ill-fitting sneakers will give you blisters and make you miserable. Because of this, I try to buy my sportswear at outlet stores (even though it’s mainly made-for-outlet stuff).
Nonetheless, like I said, if you are familiar with Nike’s stuff and know your size, by all means order it on Amazon. It’ll save you time, and Earny or Paribus can get you money back if the price drops.
*Nike trademark
**Found here, from Starsky and Hutch movie
Interesting. I’ve never purchase shoes online without trying them first because I’m afraid they won’t fit. I’d hope that cutting out the middleman would decrease costs to consumers. But knowing that Nike can ship things direct from their warehouse through their website…this is just another way of doing that I suppose. Hmm interesting.
Hi Lance, I’m also reluctant to buy shoes online because of the fit issue. However, I do buy some brands that I already know fit me; I just try to avoid new brands.