Amazon is a multinational company founded by Jeff Bezos in July, 1994 and has been in existence till date. It is a vast internet-based enterprise that specialize in e-Commerce, retail, operations and internet either directly to customers or as middleman between other retailers and millions of customers.
Prior to these, Amazon began as an avenue where books are sold online and delivered to their readers worldwide i.e. basically a technology company that solely simplifies online transaction for consumers. Amazon is located in Seattle, Washington, USA with millions of employees.
There are four principles that guide Amazon: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence and long- term thinking. Their services as well as products are quite enormous and vary. They offer discounts, coupons and promo code on various items. The reviews given by customers are top notch.
Delivery and shipping services vary as well, moreover when the former, ie. delivery is guaranteed or made available on an order; it will be specified on the checkout page, with the supposed delivery date and cost.
Given Amazon’s principle, safety of logistics or delivery services is paramount. Orders or packages can be tracked using the icon “your orders” to garner more detailed assistance to one’s gratification.
Amazon customer service handles all inquiries for deliveries. On return policies, Amazon offers return for items within 30 days of receipt of shipment or delivery. It should also be noted that there are products that can’t be returned.
Also on refund after returning of purchased item, you get to choose your preferred refund method which usually take up to 30 days for them to receive and process your refund. It may interest you to know that personal information furnished on Amazon is of utmost important to them and are subject to use by Privacy Notice practice.
It is undeniable that Amazon has made millions of lives easier by providing convenience to online shopping and making it accessible to all by encompassing a good functionality and customer service, however, prices of goods may be expensive, most especially when you factor in shipping charges.
There exist other alternatives and websites like Amazon with lower cost or deals directly with consumers without middleman. Depending on your choice of preference, price, goods and services, auctioning of items, it is okay to consider these Amazon alternatives enlisted below:
20 Best Amazon Alternatives
1. eBay
eBay is the most well-known Amazon alternative, which was founded in the year 1995 by an American entrepreneur named Pierre Omidyar. It is based in San Jose, California, United States. It was formerly known as “AuctionWeb” when it was founded until 1997.
eBay is an online shopping site designed for classic auction environment into digital space. Unlike Amazon, it does not sell or produce its own products, rather, it is solely a medium for users to sell and buy through each other thereby facilitating consumer to consumer, and business to consumer sales.
It equally connect millions of purchasers and vendors all around the world. It enables visitors peruse through available products up for sale or auction through their online storefront, eBay is seller oriented, unlike Amazon that is buyer oriented.
It operates as an auction house or garage sale by relying on the seller to list their personal goods for sale to be auctioned within a stipulated time. The products on their categories includes; clothes, cars, collectibles, electronics and many more.
The operational mode of eBay quite differ from that of Amazon, when a seller puts out a product for auction, the winner (highest bidder) gets the auctioned item at the price of the second highest bid.
Many sellers offer a Buy it now option so you can buy and pay for the item immediately; meaning that many of the product listed on eBay can be outright bought. PayPal has been their automated medium of payments.
To start, create an account an account with eBay, list a product and sell. While signing up, you’ll be required to choose either as personal or business account, fill the registration form and then create account by signing up with either Facebook, Google or Apple account.
As one’s sales and listing grows, he/she can choose to upgrade to an eBay store subscription ranging from; starter, basic, premium or anchor which vary in their monthly or annual subscription pay.
As a buyer, eBay is free, however you’ll be charged if you buy an item, submit a winning bid or offer for an item. But as a seller, it will cost you money to run as store, sell items, list items for sale and so on. As an eBay seller, you receive payouts through your linked checking account.
Once an order is confirmed and shipped and the necessary fees and coast deducted, your sale proceeds will show as processing funds.
Visit their website at www.eBay.com to sign up.
2. Walmart
Founded by the Walton family in the year 1962 and with its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, this Amazon alternative deals everyday items including; clothing, food, electronics and online groceries.
They are known for everyday items at low prices and unlimited free delivery from their store. They ensure their platform is accessible to all including those with disabilities in an enhanced manner using assistive technology.
Walmart’s success can be streamlined to having their own supply chain from store and cutting down on cost.
Walmart value the trust that customers, associates, representatives and service provides when they give them personal information as they believe it is more of an issue of compliance; so they strive to manage same with the core value of respect for such individuals. On shipping, members have access to free shipping with no minimum order.
If you are a Walmart member, you don’t pay for delivery if you spend over $35 on goods, but you pay a minimum fee of $5.99 if your order is below $35. Their express delivery cost $10 with the inclusion of existing delivery charge for all members.
Walmart strive for perfection and efficiency as it takes them 2 days or less to deliver online orders and 2-5 business days for contiguous US. They also experience policy on return and get full refunds on items like clothes, shoes, jewelry etc via original form of payment within 90 days.
Also they have as 60 day return policy on prescription glasses as well as 30 days in case of most third party items like washing machine, refrigerators etc, provided they are not damaged and are accompanied by the purchase receipt.
You can download their asp from Google Play Store or Apple Store, or you visit their website www.walmart.com for a thrilling experience.
3. Rakuten
Rakuten is the largest e-Commerce in Japan and third in the marketplace globally. It was founded in 1997 and formerly known as MDM, Inc. up until 1999 when it was changed to Rakuten. This Amazon alternative is owned by a Japanese conglomerate, Hiroshi Mikitani with its headquarters in Setagaya City, Tokyo, Japan.
Rakuten stands for “optimism” and this philosophy lies on the core value of their brand. It is often referred to as the “Amazon of Japan”. Rakuten is an ecosystem of services with members at the core.
Rakuten is an e-Commerce company empowering people to realize their dream. They offer services in 30 countries and regions including Asia pacific, Europe, America and global. They engage in 70+ businesses and over 1.6 billion members.
They operate majorly in three segments: Internet services (digital content, food delivery, ads & media, ecommerce), Fin tech (banks & securities, life insurance, digital wallet, credit cards) and Mobile (telecommunication networks, sale of mobile devices).
The most thrilling part about Rakuten is that you earn money or cash back while shopping from your favorite stores. Cashback enables you recover some of the money you spent for making online purchase from the stores you love.
Create a secure account with email and password using your Facebook or Google account. You get a welcome bonus of $10 for being as new member, to obtain the said bonus; you must place a qualifying order of minimum of $25 within 90 days of joining to qualify for the welcome bonus. Also by referring as friend using your link, you get referral bonus too.
Rakuten achieve cashback to their members by the commission the stores pay them for sending them shoppers and they in turn pass money to their members; it adds up after each purchase is made.
They have excellent reviews from their members which depicts their core credibility value. Their customer service responds quickly and always accessible; thus highly recommended. It is one of the top Amazon alternatives online.
Shop with them and enjoy cashback at www.rakuten.com.
4. Zappos
Zappos is among the Amazon alternatives. It is derived from a Spanish word ”Zapatos”, which means Shoes. This Amazon alternative is an American largest online marketplace, founded in 1999 by Nick Swinmurn that specialises in shoes before expanding into clothing and other items.
It initially operated under the domain name Shoesite.com but later got acquired by Amazon in July 2009. Although it operates as an independent website, it is a subsidiary of Amazon. Its headquarters is in Las Vegas, Nevada USA.
They were formerly focused on footwear but expanded over the years to encompass other categories such as clothing, belts, sunglasses, watches, a handful of accessories and other varieties of items to choose from which comes at the best price you can find elsewhere. Their products are for men, women and children alike.
Zappos is famous for its sterling reputation for its customer service and revolutionary corporate culture. They deliver high touch and beat customer service experience, and it is equally noteworthy to say that Company culture is at the forefront of their operations. They strive to deliver happiness through Commerce, Customer, Company culture and Community.
A consumer rating of 4.5 stars from 692 reviews has emanated from their users of how impressed their customers are with their services, mostly in their free shipping policy and return policy and friendly customer service.
They have Reward programs ranging from silver, gold, platinum and elite; you qualify for each based on the points you have earned, and each upgrade comes with a new set of benefits.
Zappos guarantees safe shopping and, most importantly, free shipping and return in most cases. They take 4-5 business days to deliver; unlike other websites, Zappos offer free standard shipping on all orders placed on their website.
Some customers tend to qualify for expedited shipping at no charge. They have a policy of 1-year return on goods with the condition that it must be returned in the state it was initially received.
Experience hassle-free time while shopping on their website at www.zappos.com.
5. AliExpress
AliExpress is one of the best Amazon alternatives online, and a global retail marketplace that enables consumers to buy directly from producers and distributors. Owned by Alibaba Group with its headquarters in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, AliExpress was launched in 2010.
It is known for offering unprecedented low prices to International online buyers on quality deals on fashion, accessories, toys, computer, underwear, electronics, and many others and for selling directly to individual customers worldwide.
AliExpress is known as the ”Ebay of China”. It operates and is made available in 18 languages, including Portuguese, English, Russian, French, Spanish, Polish and Italian. It also ships to more than 190 countries.
It offers and a huge variety of products that span over about 10,000 plus categories. Their products are based mostly in China and tend to be significantly cheaper as cost of labour is similarly low.
To protect their consumers, they offer buyer protection programs that keep scammers away. You’ll get a full refund from AliExpress if your products don’t arrive on time or as prescribed. They offer easy shipping logistics and less expensive products as there is eradication of middlemen.
Create an account with them by downloading their app on your mobile phone or through their website, sign up and ensure to confirm your email address. There is no minimum order requirement for most products. They have readily available customer service, 24/7 help centre or service and round-the-clock assistance available.
You become eligible for free shipping once you reach a certain order price. Packages sent with AliExpress standard shipping takes 15-45 working days whereas premium shipping takes 7-15 working days. It also depends on the shipping option you choose. It has a free shipping option on some products too, however, it costs higher in price and may get to you longer, unlike paid shipping ones.
Track your order by pasting the unique numeric or alphanumeric assigned to you in the section for tracking package, which can be accessed and shows the location of your goods till it gets to your required shipping postal address.
Visit their website at www.aliexpress.com.
6. Newegg
Another Amazon alternative on our list is Newegg. It is an American online leading tech e-retailer and a premier destination for computer hardware and consumer electronics. Its headquarters is in City of Industry, California, USA.
It has millions of customers that shop for the latest pc components, office products, furniture, smart home appliances and gaming products. It offers the best prices on these appliances and more, with fast shipping top-rated customer service.
Delivery of goods usually takes 3-5 business days for most items and 7-10 business days for major appliances. Rural locations may vary in the delivery period. In the course of shipping, you can track your order, although email will be sent to you from Newegg once your goods are charged and shipped.
According to their standard return policy, any product sold and shipped by them and labelled with 30 day hassle-free return badge is eligible for a free return within 30 days with no restocking fees and free shipping i.e. 30 days from the day of delivery.
Get your electronics and tech at www.newegg.com.
7. Etsy
It is a global online company that focuses on handmade or vintage items and crafts from personable. People on this site get to make, buy, sell and collect unique items, which include; hand-craft accessories, jewellery, furniture, tools, craft supplies and items described as vintages which must be 20 years old at least; and happen to be rarely found elsewhere.
Etsy is an American e-commerce situated in Brooklyn, New York, USA was founded in the year, 2005 by Rob Kalin, Hain Schoppik, Jared Tarbell and Chris Maguire. They sell unique and one-of-a-kind items.
Only those up to 18 years of age can have an account with Etsy as stated in their Terms of use. Etsy has amazing customer service due to sellers’ need to please potential customers. They accept various means of checkout, including google pay, apple pay, PayPal, credit and debit cards, etsy gift cards, etsy credits etc.
Shipping on all orders is done within 3-7 business days from the day of payment for domestic deliveries, which are subject to the mail chosen by the customer and are to be shipped promptly within 30 days of purchase.
Delivery of goods on Etsy is dependent on the seller. Each seller is responsible for their policies on exchange, refunds and returns and unless expressly stated in the return policy on their listing, sellers are not to accept returns, exchanges or provide a refund.
Whether you are looking for items to spruce up your home décor or unique gifts, or ones that have stood the test of time, you can find them at www.etsy.com.
8. Best Buy
This alternative to Amazon is a multinational American-based consumer electronic audio products that sell as wide variety of related merchandise founded in the year 1966 by Richard M. Schulze.
The headquarters is situated in Richfield, Minnesota, USA. It equally has operations in Mexico and Canada too. Best Buy was formerly ”Sound of music” that originally specialized in studio stores. Therefore, it could be inferred that they have strong marketing expertise in the electronic sector.
Best Buy sell arrays of products like refrigerators, washing machine, digital cameras, music, video games, phones, car stereos and home appliances in as non-commissioned sales environment. It has a large footprint of over 1,731 stores in the USA. Their core value is integrity, respect, humility, learning from challenge, and change are elements that have credited the great corporate culture that is associated with Best Buy.
They are notable for their supply chain sustainability program enables them to meet expectations for a safe workplace and an improved customer experience through which they enrich lives through technology.
Place an order, choose a country of your choice and have it delivered the same day for both residential and business customers in selected areas and ZIP codes.
If your delivery is not completed, your order is returned to the store, and a full refund of the order, including shipping costs, is reimbursed within 24 hours. On return policy or exchange, customers have 15 days from the day after purchase with proof of purchase to benefit either from their return or exchange, which will be processed timeously.
There is no restocking fee on returned items. You are to log in to your account and print pre-paid evidence to enable you to process the return of the product either via mail or the local store. Best Buy has an extended period of 30 days return for their elite members and 45 days for elite plus members.
However, all products, on return policy, should be in unused condition shipping label and in its original content.
Get your affordable products at their website at www.bestbuy.com.
9. Target
Target is an American retail corporation that deals in general merchandise. It was founded in the year 1902, by George Dayton, with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. It offers great seasonal deals on a range of products, including pharmacy goods, electronics, clothing, furniture, kitchen and gadgets.
The products sold on Target are on cutting-edge trends. Their prices are as low as Walmart but typically of higher quality goods. Target market products under owned brands and exclusive brands and is also known for the competitive prices they offer. They equally give an extra 5% off when you use RedCard while shopping.
Target offers exceptionally flexible and customer-friendly return policy. You’ll also have full year on return or exchange of goods on Target-owned brands. All items are shipped promptly from their warehouse or in-store inventory within 3-10 business days using UPS, FedEX or USPS. Tracking numbers are available for items shipped with UPS and FedEX.
Orders placed with RedCard and ones over $35 or more are eligible for free standard shipping and free 2 day shipping, respectively. But orders under $35 that are placed with RedCard will be charged a $5.99 flat fee for standard shipping.
Target offers 90 days of return on most items with your receipt or proof of purchase, but they offer special and extra 30 days ie 120 days if you’re a Target RedCard holder, for return or exchange. However, it depends on the products; they offer returns on goods except for digital downloads, personal items, breast pumps in unsealed or open packages, any collectable ie open or defective etc.
Visit their website at www.target.com for nice shopping spree!
10. Overstock
This form of Amazon alternative is quite different from other aforementioned. Overstock is an American retailer selling primarily furniture. This tech driven online retailer sell vast selection of brand name goods at affordable prices.
It was founded in 1999 by Patrick M. Bryne, with their headquarters situated in Midvale, Utah near Salt Lake City, United States. Overstock sell selection of trendy furniture, home décor, office supplies, kitchen appliances, cookware, dinnerware, bakeware, electronics, and tech related products.
They also sell excess inventory at discounted prices. Due to its vast selection of liquidated products, overstock tend to be a good choice for anyone looking for a particular item from a specific major retailer.
Overstock registration is free. If you’re a member of Club O, (overstock membership) which cost $19.95 annually, you will be enjoy free shipping on all purchase, 5% back in rewards,$40 for reviewing a purchased product, $45 savings in your club o extra rewards store and many more amazing deals.
Qualify for free shipping when you purchase items is over $45 and above, but only $4.95 will be charged if it doesn’t meet the minimum amount. Their members also enjoy free returns on selected items when they choose an in-store credit refund. You’ve 30 days after delivery to return most new and unused products.
After much inspection of the returned goods upon its arrival; as to whether is an error from Overstock or defective products, you’ll be refunded the full cost of your merchandise and your original shipping charges within 1 month.
However, you pay returning fee (depending on size and weight) if the items returned are not in its original condition when it arrival at their warehouse.
Visit www.overstock.com to shop from them.
11. Barnes & Noble
Barnes and Noble is quite similar to Amazon. It began as a bookseller but evolved to include other items for sale as well. It is a site for basically buying books online. It was founded by William Barnes and G.
Clifford Noble, albeit owned by Elliott Management Corporation, its headquarters is in New York City, USA. This Fortune 1000 company has the largest number of retail outlets in United States, with over 6 million books in stock, most are readily shipped within 24 hours after purchase and a stock of over 4.5 million eBooks available for download. You can also find textbooks, magazines, games, toys, collectibles, encyclopaedias and so much more for sale at Barnes and Noble, which they offer excellent prices on. It enables buyers cut down on overhead cost and also save money. Barnes and Noble offer publishing and self-publishing services.
Signing up for their membership gives you eligibility for free shipping on orders above 25% and exclusive online discounts.
Premium membership receives 10% off on almost everything in store and online, plenty rewards, free shipping etc. Standard shipping is free for members and non-members when they buy $40 or more in qualifying items within US only.
Refunds for purchase price of items including applicable tax to original form of payment for items is for goods returned 30 days after its delivery date in their original condition. Sealed products on return must be unopened i.e., in a new and unused condition.
However, it should be noted that shipping fees in this context is not returned. Shop amazing and eye-catching books at www.barnesandnoble.com.
12. Thrive Market
It is an American e-commerce membership based retailer best for organic and non-GMO groceries for healthy and natural goods. It offers low prices on top organic brands and natural food products. Thrive market was founded by Nick Green, Gunner Lovelace, Sash Siddhartha and Kate Mulling.
It was launched in the year, 2014 with its headquarters in Los Angeles, California. Their aim is to make healthy living accessible to ordinary consumers. They feature a paid membership model that gives shoppers great deals when they buy non-GMO and sustainable items in bulk.
Furthermore, thrive market gives out free membership to the indigent for every paid membership acquired on their platform, i.e. each membership sponsors an additional low-income family.
Their membership is for $5 per month, and it grants the user access to over 6,000 sustainable and organic products at a fraction of the retail cost.
This grocery store has over one hundred and fifty three thousand 5 star reviews from its users. Thrive ensures fast and free carbon-neutral shipping on orders of $49 and above, recyclable packaging etc.
Their shipping costs vary but orders over $49 more gets free shipping. Also frozen orders takes 2-4 business days to arrive at your door once it gets shipped from their warehouse.
13. Uncommon Goods
Another online store on our list of Amazon alternatives is Uncommon Goods. It is a private American online and catalogue retailer corporation that offer a range of creative and handmade products which include; jewellery, table top, books, food, accessories, games, drinks and DIY kits.
It was founded in the year 1999, by David Bolotsky, with its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, USA. It is a place to discover hand-picked, creative designs by independent artists and makers. Most of their items come from independent artisans often using recycled, reclaimed or up cycled materials. Uncommon Goods is a place for you if you are looking for a unique, custom, or thoughtful gifts one of a kind presents for birthdays, holiday season and special occasions.
Shipping prices vary, as they are based on the value of the items in your order and on the service level you choose.
Their free standard shipping is for 3-7 business days within USA for only $19.90 annually, after a free 14 days trial of Uncommon Perks program. To return products purchased on Uncommon goods, you need to print a free return label and follow their instructions. It takes 2-3 weeks to receive and process. However, customized items cannot be returned.
Shop amazing deals on www.uncommongoods.com.
14. Nordstrom
It is an American departmental store founded by John W. Nordstrom in 1901. It has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, United States. They specializes into fashion both for kids, men and women which includes dresses, shoes, clothing, accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, makeup and more from many top brands.
Nordstrom is well known for their high-touch service, spacious look, top quality products and personalized customer service both on and offline.
You can download Nordstrom app to create an account or sign up. Their membership is free. The Nordy Club (Nordstrom membership) has rewards programs, giving you rewards access and experiences. All items on Nordstrom are available for free shipping. Their standard shipping usually take 3-6 business days.
On return of purchased items done online, it must be 40 days after order date and that of stores must be returned 30 days after purchase. Also to confirm if your orders are available for return, check your invoice, email confirmation or purchase page. Items available for return must be returned in their original packages, and not worn, altered or damaged.
Their consumer rating of 3.42 stars from 702 reviews indicate their customers are satisfied with their purchases, particularly on their customer service, free shipping and return policies.
15. Alibaba
It is a multinational technology company that specializes in e-commerce, retail, internet and technology. It is one of the Amazon alternatives that was founded by Jack Ma in the year, 1999 with its headquarters in Hangzhou, China.
Their purpose is to make it easy for people to do business anywhere, by giving suppliers the tools necessary to reach a global audience for their products, and aiding purchasers find products and suppliers faster and efficiently.
It’s a matchmaker for businesses; by connecting buyers and sellers online, making it easier to do business anywhere in the world. They serve millions of buyers and suppliers around the world, and have millions of products in over 40 different major categories ranging from consumer electronics, to apparel, jewelry, clothes, bags, machinery etc. Alibaba is a marketplace where sellers serve businesses and take orders in bulk quantities, unlike AliExpress. Its operation is worldwide.
Their website serves as an internet directory where anyone can contact and purchase directly from manufacturers.
Buying from this platform is quite affordable because you can negotiate wholesale prices and buy in large quantity.
To register an account on Alibaba, you need to access their website, login with your email address and agree to their terms then a confirmation email will be sent to your mailbox. Their shipping depends on whether it’s based via air express, freight or sea.
Alibaba equally protect their customers orders as well as the quality of the products sold by manufacturers to the consumers from payment to delivery with Trade Assurance. You can track your package with Alibaba tracking number. Their app is available for download, or you can shop from their website at www.alibaba.com.
16. BuyDig
BuyDig is one of the top Amazon alternatives and a private e-commerce company situated at Edison, New Jersey, United States. It was founded in the year 1996. It is a retailer of consumer electronics that offers products such as camera, video, assorted electronic equipment and home entertainment.
Goods like hard drives, lenses, home theatre components including LED, LCD, plasma televisions and accessories are also available on Buydig. This internet digital superstore offers everyday low prices on these items mentioned.
On buydig, they offer outstanding services and state of the art products. They offer three ways of shopping which include online or over the phone.
Buydig offer fast free shipping, no minimum or membership required. Your purchases from them include full warranty coverage and guaranteed full support of the producers should the neeed arises.
The customer service is of concierge-level as they have top tier commitment to their customers. Access their customer support team by phone during business hours and by email 7-days a week.
They have a consumer rating of 3.32 stars from 48 reviews which shows that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. It takes them 1-2 business days to ship orders immediately it’s processed.
You also have 45 days after delivery of goods to return them for full refund, however subject to certain conditions.
Visit their website at www.buydig.com for your latest trends in digital and consumer electronics.
17. QVC
QVC is an Amazon alternative that specializes in video and ecommerce retailer offering various brands to customers around the world. It stands for Quality Value Convenience. QVC was founded by Joseph Segel in the year 1986, with its headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States. QVC is an American online television network, and flagship shopping channel that specializes in televised home shopping, ie, they market and sell consumer products primarily through live televised shopping programs.
It was created to help people get engaged in shopping through television broadcasts. The company based its’ principle and value on the acronym it represents; to enhance trust with consumers, creating lifetime and avid fans.
It has retail operations in UK, USA, Germany, Japan, Italy and through a joint venture in China. They sell an array of products like dresses, blazers, shoes, jewelry, handbag, home and electronics, kitchen wares and other related products worldwide.
QVC engages millions of shoppers via 12 broadcast networks and multiple streaming services, websites, apps and social pages. Their products are quite affordable, as they buy in bulk and keep a high selective inventory.
They use various carriers to ensure your orders get to you within the estimated delivery date, as most orders are sent standard delivery.
If you’re unsatisfied after receiving your order, their return policy allows you to send back eligible products within 30 days of receiving your package for an exchange.
However, QVC does not accept returns on blowout clearance price items; they only return or exchange product defects or QVC errors.
Shop amazing deals and special values daily on www.qvc.com.
Also Read: ADFS Alternatives
Conclusion
Amazon may be an excellent online platform but certainly not the only option. The online shopping platform has evolved to accommodate other alternatives to Amazon. There are lots of other e-commerce stores to get what you’re looking for and explore for whatever experience you may want to have. Visit any of the treated stores to have a thrilling experience while shopping.