Dec 0902
The Amazon Effect: What Amazon Has Done to the E-Tailing Experience
Like the rest of America, I went shopping on Black Friday. However, I didn’t get up at 3am and I didn’t brave the crowds. I did my shopping online, largely in response to promotional e-mails that I received throughout the day. What struck me was how I compared the shopping and checkout experience on all other sites to Amazon.com. I call it “The Amazon Effect” (I’m sure I’m not the only one to call it that, btw).
I actually hear it all the time from friends, family and clients: why can’t this (insert name of site here) work like Amazon? Okay, forget for a moment that that Amazon has spent tens of millions on their site. Here’s what I’ve come to expect from Amazon and would love it if other e-tailers followed suit.
- Much as I hate to think that my shopping patterns can be predicted by a computer, the personalization on Amazon rocks. Yep, the site pushes all kinds of merchandise on me via e-mail and the Web site, but it’s not crap if I’m even mildly interested. I’ve been introduced to new bands and authors, and I love that the related items often lead me to what I’m really looking for.
- Amazon fulfillment is lightning fast. I placed three orders on Black Friday and they all arrived Monday morning. Meanwhile, another retailer tells me I have to wait 7-10 days for regular shipping. 7-10 days, are you kidding? What are the people in the warehouse doing? Read the rest of this entry
