Inspired by yellowoftops' request for webcomic recommendations as well as this thread where I've learned that I'm not the only one on Hubski who thinks Amazon is the E-Commerce equivalent of the devil (though I'm not surprised because you guys are cool like that), I've decided to start up a list of online Amazon alternatives. I also change the title from "rd95's Living List . . ." to "Hubski's Living List" as you guys have already contributed more than I have.

Since few places can match the breadth and depth of Amazon, they'll obviously be more specialized shops. For ease of use though, I'll break them down into categories and where possible, have a slight description of the site and what makes it worthwhile. Of course since I'm the first one posting, most of the stuff will be oriented towards shops that appeal to me. To make the list grow, post in the comments sites you want seen added to the list, what category you think they belong in, as well as a brief explanation, and I'll update my original post.

It's not my goal to get people 100% off of Amazon and their services. After all, their convenience is their number one selling point. However, I think that supporting other businesses is import for a diverse marketplace and supporting smaller, more niche websites is the online equivalent of supporting your local business. The prices might be a bit higher and there might be another step involve, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives. That said, whenever you can, buy local. Your friendly neighbourhood stores appreciate and value you.

Also Note: If you think a site should be taken off this list (bad customer service, poor security, etc.) let me know and I'll more than likely consider removing it. A list of recommendations is useless if they're bad recommendations.

A Little Bit of Everything

Etsy - Buy directly from the people who make their products. Clothing, dolls, jewelry, graphic design. If someone can make it, chances are you can find it on here.

Storenvy - I have no idea if this is similar to Etsy, but if you want to stand out, this is the place for you. When it comes to clothing, they have indie brands aplenty. They also have toys, music and band merchandise, and health and beauty products.

Clothing

6pm - A great selection of shoes at great prices. They also have bags, luggage, backpacks, and the like.

Grailed - A place where you can buy and sell used men's clothing, both designer and vintage.

Books

BookFinder4U - A search engine to compare book prices across websites. Like a Kayak/Trivago for books.

Better World Books - A used book store with good selection, worldwide shipping, and a socially conscious philosophy.

Chegg - A textbook rental company. Not exactly a store per se, but if you're in college, they could be a God send.

In Stock Trades - A great website for comic fans. They have an amazing selection, are quick to get in new products, and often have prices that rival Amazon's.

Textbook Rush - A textbook seller and renter.

Wordery - Huge selection. Worldwide shipping. A hard place to beat.

Electronics

B&H Photo - Primarily a camera store, but also a good source for many other electronics including audio and video. They only collect sales tax for orders shipped to New York.

Digi-Key Electronics - Is it a thing that connects to another thing and has electricity running through it? They probably have it.

Jameco Electronics – They have a large selection of computer components to choose from as well as tons of other electronic bits.

Monoprice - Audio, Video, Gaming, Computers, and more.

Mouser - They have everything from your mundane such as fuses and memory cards to the more sophisticated such as sensors and calibration equipment.

Newark element14 - Batteries, fuses, cables, oscillators, heat sinks, thing-a-ma-bobs. They have it all.

NewEgg - Much better searching than Amazon, prices essentially the same. Strongly against patent trolls. They also only charge sales tax in California, Indiana, New Jersey and Tennessee.

Radioshack - General electronics and a few more esoteric bits as well.

RS Components - RS Components is a trading brand of Electrocomponents PLC . . . Our products, sourced from 2,500 leading suppliers, include semiconductors, interconnect, passives and electromechanical, automation and control, electrical, test and measurement, tools and consumables. (Text pulled from their site)

Music

Bandcamp - One of my go to sites for music. You can listen to tracks online as well as purchase albums. Many artists not only have digital versions of their albums, but other formats as well such as CD, Vinyl, and sometimes even Cassette. Many smaller artists will have a “Name Your Price” option when you want to buy their music.

Sports Equipment

REI – A great site with all sorts of supplies for outdoor adventures. They have stuff for skiing, camping, hiking, cycling, and more. WanderingEng vouches for their customer service.

Ringside - A supplier of boxing and mma equipment, they carry their own brand as well as many other brands. They have a ton of options for high quality equipment at fair prices.

Title Boxing - A supplier of boxing and mma equipment, they carry their own brand as well as many other brands. They have a ton of options for high quality equipment at fair prices.

Toys and Games

Big Bad Toystore – If you're a nerd and you like toys and collectibles, this place is worth checking out.

Cool Stuff Inc. - A good source for Tabletop Games, CCGs, and Roleplaying Games.

Miniature Market - An absolutely awesome website for Tabletop Games, CCGs, Pencil and Paper RPGs, and the like. They have an amazing selection, an easy to use website, and extremely competitive prices.

Toywiz - A site with a decent collection of toys and collectibles.