Quality online stores

Submitted by Anasha t3_y8rkpj in BuyItForLife

I am looking to compile a list of websites that sell high quality items and are independent/small businesses or manufacturers that have good customer service. This is part of a personal effort to reduce my Amazon shopping. I realized that I usually go to Amazon because when I google something, it shows me results from Amazon, and from a bunch of sketchy looking websites. So I figured I could create a string of OR phrases that would limit my search to websites of stores and businesses that I have vetted. What websites should I add to my list?

This is what I have from the top of my head (mostly maker/craft/outdoor sites, but I am interested in other categories as well):

> site:leevalley.com OR site:taytools.com OR site:seattlefabrics.com OR site:thriftbooks.com OR site:countycomm.com OR site:leatherman.com OR site:columbia.com OR site:filson.com OR site:dakine.com OR site:Osprey.com OR site:smartwool.com OR site:adafruit.com OR site:etsy.com OR site:worldwidechocolate.com OR site:cuisiprousa.com OR site:oxo.com OR site:seatosummit.com OR site:tandyleather.com

It is insane to be basically going back to an original web index search model, but google has gotten so distorted by SEO that I rarely get what I want from it.

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Comments

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Seaborn63 t1_it1p43e wrote

REI-Coop for outdoor gear. Great prices and solid company, they retail any brand of outdoor gear you can think of. If you would prefer Patagonia has great products and is also a very good company.

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worom001 t1_it1quee wrote

I'll be keeping an eye on this, personally don't know any good websites outside of Timbuk2.

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Junior_Ad2955 t1_it1upys wrote

Radakitchenstore.com 1620workwear.com Redlandcotton.com

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SpeakerCareless t1_it2adi0 wrote

I just want to say that from talking to small businesses a lot of them do turn to selling via marketplace (Etsy, Amazon, eBay, etc) because the time and cost of maintaining an online storefront and processing their own payments and doing their own sales tax is a lot for very small businesses. Marketplaces offer them big exposure and handle all that for them so they can focus on the thing they make. A lot of very small retailers won’t sell via a website they maintain.

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Cajundawg t1_it2c5hx wrote

Not a thriftbooks fan, as they somehow are able to list on ebay without pictures.

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madeindex t1_it2jjzn wrote

We've put a lot of effort to create a visual directory called Made Index that is MIUSA brands only, most being small business. This isn't quite what you're looking for and it doesn't account for customer service but we find it's a pretty good starting point if you're interested in where things are made.

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Anasha OP t1_it2jzzd wrote

Replying to madeindex (#153,242)

This is great! Have you thought about using the Boolean site: function in google to allow people to search across all of these sites? Seems like it could be a helpful addition. Either way, great resource!

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itsonlypaint t1_it2zbqs wrote

Replying to Cajundawg (#152,684)

Love thriftbooks.

If appearance is a concern, why not buy directly from them for LE or collectible or a place like Half Price Books (if you have one) or...buy a new one?

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itsonlypaint t1_it31249 wrote

solmate socks. I think it's the only one I've had personal experience with.

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FontesOfWayne t1_it3g6ay wrote

Saddleback Leather Company. Some of the best customer service I have ever received. Items are truly BIFL and if there is an issue, customer service is all over it. Can't recommend highly enough

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madeindex t1_it46ux5 wrote

Replying to Major-Bite-9973 (#156,952)

Thanks mate. But I don't see what you're seeing re: made in Japan. The only items I see made in Japan for Battenwear is their down parka and some of the pants but almost everything else that I've gone through just now is still MIUSA. Let me know—

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madeindex t1_it475j8 wrote

Replying to aisfog (#156,462)

Heya, thanks! Would love a pin. Just want to get it out there more to help anyone interested in MIUSA goods. Feel free to submit any companies that we may be missing as well.

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careynm t1_it5ls9f wrote

Often I look at things on amazon, then if I know the manufacturer, I go directly to their site when possible. I'm trying to curb the amazon purchases as well.

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amahoney603 t1_it9i6jy wrote

I buy a lot of my college age son’s clothing from American-giant.com. I think they are based in the Bay Area, and source U.S. cotton. The clothes are well made and durable. They sell women’s clothing as well.

Oh, and Darn Tough socks come with a lifetime guarantee! They are still made in Vermont. I love mine!

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