What is Amazon?
Amazon is the largest online store in the world. It began in 1994 when Jeff Bezos opened a small online bookstore out of his garage in Seattle. Quickly, it became known as “the everything store,” selling millions of items (from books, to electronics, clothing and groceries) through its website and app. Today, Amazon also provides cloud services (AWS), streaming (Prime Video), and has grocery stores like Whole Foods.
Amazon History
1994
Jeff Bezos leaves his job and starts Amazon.com as an online bookstore.
1995
Amazon website goes live. First book sold to a customer in Seattle.
1997
Amazon goes public and starts selling music and video products.
2005
Amazon Prime launches with fast and free shipping.
2007
Kindle e-reader launches. Amazon expands into clothes and toys.
2017
Amazon acquires Whole Foods and enters fresh grocery delivery.
Today
AWS and Prime Video become major growth and revenue drivers.
Main Amazon Services for Shoppers
Online Marketplace
Discover millions of items offered by a variety of sellers, contrast their prices/reviews, and receive delivery in a day/next day with the Prime badge as a sign of reliability and speed.
Amazon Prime
If you pay for Amazon Prime in India with a monthly and annual subscription of Rs. 149 and Rs. 1499 respectively, you get free fast shipping, unlimited access to Amazon Prime Video and movies, music streaming, special deals, and early sale access.
Smart Search & App
Intelligent search with filter, camera-based visual search, individualized suggestions on the basis of what you have already purchased.
User-written reviews and Wishlists
Star rating, customer photographs/questions and answers, add to Wishlist or Buy Later to plan it all out.
Main Amazon Services for Sellers
Seller Central
Free dashboard and easy to upload products, photos/descriptions/keywords, inventory/orders, real-time sales.
Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA)
Ship to Amazon warehouses- Amazon packs, delivers, customer care/returns, Prime badge doubles sales.
Sponsored Ads
Sponsored Ads (Sponsored Products/Brands) will be placed at the top of every search, collect more clicks and conversions.
Analytics Reports
A sales dashboard, rate of winning buy box, alerts about inventory levels and customer insights that can help to set a smart price and make decisions.