- . Digg It
- . Sphere It
- . E-mail This
- . Save to del.icio.us
- . Permanent Link
Amazons Attack!
Why the number one online retailer kicks butt
Amazon.com is a very successful retailer. After years of high stock prices based on little more than hope, the company is actually making money. A lot of money.
Here are a few reasons for their success:
Easy to use. Though their patent for one-click ordering was rejected, it's pretty simple to navigate through the site, search for whatever you want, and buy it.
Fast. If it takes more than a few seconds for a web page to load, most of us are outtathere. Amazon's page designs are fairly intuitive and easy to use.
Variety. They started with books, then music, now they offer electronics, clothing, jewelry, groceries — even Irish oatmeal!
Price. While not always the lowest-priced provider, they are usually in the ballpark. And since Amazon allows "associate" businesses to sell on the site, it's often easier to find a lower price without searching too hard.
Brand names. Most of the popular names are available. They're not pushing any Amazon-branded stuff — yet. But I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually do brand some products.
Service. They ship pretty quickly. And though they eschew live customer service by phone, they will generally respond to e-mails within 24 hours.
Recommendations and reviews. Yeah, if I buy a Squeeze CD I might like Elvis Costello, too. Fine, but at least they're not touting Journey. The customer-generated reviews are often fun to read. Some are quite informative and can actually aid in buying decisions.
Innovative. Amazon developed its own search engine, which is fast and fairly sophisticated. At times, I've even used the site as a research tool! And their new music download service may eventually supplant Apple's iTunes Store.
Richard Pachter is the MOLI View's contributing editor for Business.
Here are a few reasons for their success:
Easy to use. Though their patent for one-click ordering was rejected, it's pretty simple to navigate through the site, search for whatever you want, and buy it.
Fast. If it takes more than a few seconds for a web page to load, most of us are outtathere. Amazon's page designs are fairly intuitive and easy to use.
Variety. They started with books, then music, now they offer electronics, clothing, jewelry, groceries — even Irish oatmeal!
Price. While not always the lowest-priced provider, they are usually in the ballpark. And since Amazon allows "associate" businesses to sell on the site, it's often easier to find a lower price without searching too hard.
Brand names. Most of the popular names are available. They're not pushing any Amazon-branded stuff — yet. But I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually do brand some products.
Service. They ship pretty quickly. And though they eschew live customer service by phone, they will generally respond to e-mails within 24 hours.
Recommendations and reviews. Yeah, if I buy a Squeeze CD I might like Elvis Costello, too. Fine, but at least they're not touting Journey. The customer-generated reviews are often fun to read. Some are quite informative and can actually aid in buying decisions.
Innovative. Amazon developed its own search engine, which is fast and fairly sophisticated. At times, I've even used the site as a research tool! And their new music download service may eventually supplant Apple's iTunes Store.
Richard Pachter is the MOLI View's contributing editor for Business.
What People Are Saying…
Leave a Comment