Amazon was first established as an online bookstore named Cadabra in 1994. It was soon changed to Amazon.com due to trademark reasons. This multinational company is guided by four main principles—customer obsession, invention, operational excellence, and long-term goals. This global tech giant has transformed into an “everything store” with products and service offerings in various categories.
From the latest gadgets to show subscriptions, Amazon offers something to suit every lifestyle. This customer centric company has a strong reputation for convenience and is trusted by millions worldwide. This review explores the variants of Amazon, like the Prime membership or online e-commerce site, to understand its key features. Let’s dig deeper to know what makes Amazon such a dominant force in the digital world.
Services Offered by Amazon
- E-Commerce & Retail: From online grocery delivery to everything else, Amazon has expanded its offerings via the e-commerce platform. Amazon.com is the primary digital platform for finding electronics, fashion, and other products. Amazon Prime Wardrobe features a “Try-before-you-buy clothing service.”
- Amazon Prime Services: This is a subscription service that offers free one- or two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and other exclusive benefits. It also provides scheduled deliveries of household essentials to Amazon subscribers at a discounted rate.
- Technology-Based Services: Users gain access to Amazon Web Services (AWS), which includes cloud computing and other infrastructure services for businesses. You can also integrate Alexa for smart assistance. The Amazon Fire TV Stick enables you to stream media content on your regular television.
- Logistic Services: It is also a B2B commerce platform that enables bulk business purchases and warehousing services for sellers. They can connect with Amazon Business to list their products on the platform, generate profits, and receive advertising solutions to reach Amazon customers.
- Other Services: Amazon also offers UPI services and digital payment solutions via Amazon Pay. Additionally, it provides online prescription medication delivery and other home service bookings.
Amazon Key Features
- Search and Explore Products: The Amazon app or website boasts a filtered search function to help users locate the desired product. It features a filter option to select the price range, ratings, recommendations, and delivery time tailored to your needs. It also features a camera search function to locate the exact products you desire on the platform.
- Fast & Reliable Delivery: Amazon Prime membership allows users to enjoy one-day or same-day delivery. It features real-time order tracking with an easy refund policy.
- Alexa Integration: This voice-controlled virtual assistant, available on Amazon, enhances users’ everyday tasks with smart functionality. With Alexa built into Echo devices and compatible apps, users can shop, control their home devices, and more.
- One-click Checkout: This is a game-changer that allows you to purchase items in a click– no need to go through the checkout process. This time-saving feature is available only to Prime members with pre-saved delivery information.
- Personalised Recommendations: The Amazon platform features an “AI-driven suggestion” box that recommends products based on your browsing and purchase history. It includes the “Customers also bought” and “Recently viewed” features for added trustworthiness.
- Amazon Prime Subscription: Prime members enjoy access to a range of benefits, including Prime Video, music streaming, and expedited delivery options. Amazon Prime streaming includes shows from every platform, such as MX Player and Hotstar.
Amazon History and Launch Timeline
Amazon has a fascinating history that includes the revamp of its offerings and the addition of services to achieve its goal of becoming an “everything store.” Let’s explore their history according to the timeline of changes.
- 1990s: Bezos officially opened Amazon in the name of Cadabra as an online bookstore on July 16, 1995— just a year after founding the company in his garage. Later, he changed its name to Amazon to make it an “everyday store” – relating to the Amazon River.
- 2005: Amazon expanded beyond the e-commerce area and launched Amazon Prime. It is a membership-based service with streaming, shopping, and reading benefits. Prime users can enjoy one or two-day shipping at no cost.
- Late 2000s: Amazon took a leap and launched the Kindle e-reader in 2007 which changed the traditional way of reading books. This device is renowned worldwide and enables users to browse, purchase, and read e-books. They even launched an app for mobile devices and started Amazon Studios to produce original shows.
- 2014: A turning point for the tech industry, Amazon launched the Echo smart device in 2014, which is a voice-based chatbot with the name Alexa. It was commercialised in 2015 and has become a staple in everyone’s life. Alexa controls millions of services like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Amazon e-commerce.
- 2020s: Amazon corporated purchased the “Amazon Bedrock” in 2023, which is a completely managed service to build GenAI applications, and invested $4 million in AI start-up Anthropic
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge variety of products in multiple categories | Risk of fake items from third party sellers |
| Fast and reliable delivery with Amazon Prime | Privacy concerns due to data tracking and personalization |
| Competitive pricing with frequent deals. | Inconsistent experience with third party sellers |
| Helpful customer reviews and ratings | Prime membership may not be reasonable for occasional shoppers |
| Easy and hassle-free return and refund policies | Environmental concerns due to packaging waste and fast shipping |
| Prime membership offers video, music and faster delivery | Feedback of poor working conditions in Amazon warehouses |
| Seamless integration with Alexa and Fire TV. | Over reliance on Amazon may reduce consumer choice over time |
| Secure payments and strong customer support | Increasing dominance raises small business concerns |
How to Get Started with Amazon
Follow these simple steps to use the Amazon shopping website or app.
- Sign up: Go to the Amazon official website or app and sign up if you’re a new user. You can create an account with your email address or mobile number.
- Search for Products: You can use the search bar tp find the products or browse through categories of Electronics, Fashion, Groceries, etc.
- Check Product Details: Click on teh product to view its details and customer reviews. You can compare the prices of similar items and see delivery options.
- Add to Cart: Click on the “add to cart” option to continue shopping, add delivery details, and check out.
Follow this easy procedure to access Amazon Prime Streaming Service:
- Create an Amazon account.
- Subscribe to Prime with a monthly or yearly plan.
- Go to Prime Video
- Sign in with your Amazon account.
- Search for your favorite shows and movies.
- Click play and start watching instantly.
