The Amazon website and brand was founded in 1994 and was launched online in 1995. It started off initially as an online book shop providing an alternative to traditional offline bookshops. Since then the website has diversified to include a wide range of products including Dvd's,computer games,toys, Cd's.Mp3's, electronics etc. It is currently America's largest online retailer.
It has some separate sites for individual countries such as the Uk , Canada, France and Germany amongts others.
The Amazon website is quite well designed and easy to navigate with tabs and links on the side showing the different departments and product categories. You can also search for a specific product if you want to.You can choose to buy from amazon themselves or there are other marketplace options with sellers who are registered on amazon who may or may not sell the item you would like for cheaper.
I have not used the site too much recently but have found it useful for mostly finding books especially more academic ones. These can also be found second hand with some sellers on amazon for cheaper than the listed amazon price.
I have generally had a positive experience with the site but it does not have a great range of products for all categories and as always it is recommended to shop around and try to find the best prices online by comparing different sites.
Good overview. I remember ordering a book I wanted from my local bookshop and it took them four weeks to find out that it was out of print, but I managed to get it second-hand on Amazon instead.
The only thing I might add to your review is perhaps something about delivery charges, but other than that you've got some decent information here - especially on site navigation. I actually didn't realise Amazon had been going for 15 years.
Advantages: Huge selection, good prices, fast and efficient, free deliver for £15+ orders Disadvantages: Delivery not always free and can be expensive, Items not always cheapest
Deru 29.05.2004 (29.05.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Amazon.co.uk