Amazon Sale

Amazon History

Amazon was founded on 5th July 1994 by Jeff Bezos, who incorporated the company in his rented garage in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Initially named Cadabra, it was quickly renamed Amazon - after the Amazon River, the largest river in the world - reflecting Bezos's ambition to build the world's largest bookstore. The company went live as an online bookseller on 16th July 1995, and within its first week sold $12,000 worth of books. It went public on NASDAQ in 1997, raising $54 million.

Amazon rapidly expanded beyond books, launching music and video sales in 1998, and opening its marketplace to third-party sellers in 2000. Amazon Prime, the subscription service offering fast free delivery, launched in 2005 and transformed online retail. Amazon Web Services (AWS), launched in 2006, became the company's most profitable division and the world's largest cloud computing platform. Further milestones include the Kindle e-reader (2007), Amazon Echo and Alexa voice assistant (2014), the acquisition of Whole Foods (2017), and the launch of Amazon Fresh grocery delivery in the UK. Jeff Bezos stepped down as CEO in July 2021, succeeded by Andy Jassy. Amazon is today one of the world's most valuable companies, with operations across e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, logistics and artificial intelligence.

What do Amazon sell?

Everything

Amazon is the world's largest online retailer and truly lives up to its "everything store" reputation, stocking hundreds of millions of products across virtually every category imaginable. Major categories include electronics, computers and tablets, books, clothing and fashion, home and garden, toys, sports, beauty, health, pet supplies, grocery, automotive, jewellery and tools.

Amazon own-brand products

Amazon sells a wide range of products under its own brand names. Amazon Basics covers everyday essentials such as cables, batteries, kitchenware and office supplies. Amazon devices include Kindle e-readers, Echo smart speakers, Fire TV Sticks, Fire tablets and Ring home security cameras. Amazon also operates the Wickedly Prime grocery own-brand range.

Third-party marketplace

Amazon's marketplace allows millions of independent sellers worldwide to list products on Amazon, vastly expanding the range available. Third-party sellers account for a significant proportion of Amazon's total sales.

Digital services

Amazon also sells digital products including Kindle e-books, Prime Video streaming, Amazon Music, Audible audiobooks, Amazon Photos cloud storage and Amazon Drive.

What is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime is Amazon's subscription membership programme, costing £8.99 per month or £95 per year in the UK. Prime members receive unlimited free next-day delivery on millions of eligible items, access to Prime Video (streaming films and TV), Prime Music, Prime Reading (free e-books and magazines), Prime Gaming, Amazon Photos (unlimited photo storage), 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals, and free delivery on Amazon Fresh grocery orders over £15. Prime members can share delivery benefits with one other adult in their household.

Common Amazon Questions

When is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is Amazon's annual exclusive members-only sale event, typically held over 48 hours in mid-July each year. It features significant discounts across all categories, with some of the deepest reductions on Amazon's own devices (Kindle, Echo, Fire TV, Ring). Amazon also runs a second autumn event, Prime Big Deal Days, typically in October. Non-members can sign up for a free 30-day Prime trial to access the deals.

Does Amazon offer a student discount?

Yes. Amazon offers Prime for Students, a heavily discounted Prime membership for higher education students and those aged 18-22 in the UK. It includes a six-month free trial, after which the membership renews at £4.49 per month or £47.49 per year - 50% off the standard price. Verify your student status with an ac.uk email address or alternative proof of enrolment. All standard Prime benefits are included.

Does Amazon offer an NHS discount?

Amazon does not offer a dedicated NHS or key worker discount scheme. However, NHS staff can benefit from the standard Amazon Prime membership and access deals through Prime Day and other sale events. The Prime for Students and 18-22 year-olds scheme is available to eligible individuals at 50% off the standard price.

What is Amazon's returns policy?

Amazon offers free returns on most items within 30 days of delivery. Returns can be dropped off at the Post Office, Evri drop-off points, or Amazon Locker locations. Some items sold by third-party marketplace sellers may have different return policies. Return status can be tracked via the Amazon Returns Centre in your account.

How does free delivery work on Amazon?

Prime members receive free unlimited next-day delivery on millions of eligible items with no minimum spend. Non-Prime members receive free standard delivery on orders over £20 (or £10 for books). Amazon also offers Click & Collect to Amazon Locker locations and selected shops, often free of charge.

Amazon contact information

Amazon UK customer service is available via live chat, phone callback or email through the Help section at amazon.co.uk/help. The UK freephone number is 0800 279 7234.

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