The Ultimate Guide: How to Buy on Amazon – A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners and Beyond
Amazon has become a global behemoth in the e-commerce world, offering a vast array of products, from everyday essentials to unique and hard-to-find items. For many, it’s the go-to online shopping destination. However, if you’re new to online shopping or simply want a refresher on navigating Amazon efficiently, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll walk you through every step, from creating an account to completing your purchase, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience.
1. Setting Up Your Amazon Account: Your Gateway to Online Shopping
Before you can browse the millions of products on Amazon, you’ll need to create an account. Here’s how:
Visit the Amazon Website: Open your web browser and go to www.amazon.com (or your local Amazon site if you’re not in the US).
Locate the ‘Accounts & Lists’ Button: In the upper right-hand corner of the page, you’ll see a button labeled “Accounts & Lists.” Hover your mouse over it, and a dropdown menu will appear. If you already have an account, you would simply ‘Sign in’ here, but for new users, you’ll need to click on ‘Start here’
Click ‘Create your Amazon Account’: In the appearing box, click the gold button labeled “Create your Amazon account”
Fill in the Registration Form: You’ll be presented with a form requiring your name, email address or mobile phone number, and a password. Choose a strong password that’s not easily guessable. Re-type the password in the second password box. Once all required information is inputted correctly, click on the ‘Continue’ button.
Verify your email/phone: You’ll receive a verification email or text containing a One-Time Password (OTP). Enter the OTP in the designated field on the Amazon website to verify your account.
Adding a Payment Method (Optional, but recommended): While you can browse without a payment method, you’ll need one to make a purchase. After account creation, Amazon may redirect you to a page where you can add payment details or you can navigate to your account page at any time to add them. You’ll find the ‘Payment Options’ or ‘Your Payments’ section in your account settings. You can add credit cards, debit cards, or Amazon gift card information. You might also be able to link bank accounts using your bank’s service for certain regions or use payment services like Paypal, although these options might vary based on your location.
Set Your Shipping Address (Also Optional, but recommended): Amazon needs to know where to deliver your purchases. Locate the ‘Your Addresses’ section in your account settings. Add your shipping address, including your full name, street address, city, state/province, zip code, and country. You can also add multiple addresses if you frequently ship to different locations.
With your account set up, you are now ready to begin exploring Amazon’s vast marketplace.
2. Navigating the Amazon Website: Finding What You Need
Amazon can seem overwhelming with its multitude of products. Here are several ways to find what you’re looking for:
Using the Search Bar: The most direct method is to use the search bar located at the top of the page. Type in the product or keyword you’re looking for. For example, “coffee maker,” “running shoes,” or “fiction novels.” Be specific if you have particular needs. For instance, try “French press coffee maker” if you are looking for a specific type of coffee maker. You can often also use brand names, model numbers, and specific features.
Browsing Categories: Amazon organizes products into categories and subcategories. Hover your mouse over the ‘All’ dropdown menu at the left of the search bar, and you will see numerous departments. This is helpful if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for but have a general idea, or if you want to explore related products. For instance, if you are looking for kitchen supplies, navigate to the ‘Home & Kitchen’ category, then refine your search through the many available sub-categories.
Using Filters: Once you’ve performed a search or chosen a category, you’ll see filters on the left-hand side of the page. These filters allow you to narrow down your search results based on price, brand, customer reviews, specific features, and more. Using these can quickly zero in on your ideal product. This is especially useful with common items with many variations.
Checking out Deals Pages: Amazon frequently has deals and discounts. Look for sections like ‘Today’s Deals,’ ‘Lightning Deals,’ or ‘Prime Day’ (if you are an Amazon Prime member) to find bargains. Also, many products have a small percentage discount coupon that you can use by simply checking the box next to the price. These are often limited-time offers or quantity-limited, so they are best acted on quickly. The ‘Deals’ menu is located on the header, next to ‘All’.
Utilizing Customer Reviews and Ratings: Before making a purchase, always check customer reviews and ratings. This can provide valuable insights about product quality, reliability, and customer experience. Look for a pattern in the reviews and pay particular attention to reviews with pictures or videos as they are often more credible. If there are very few or mostly negative reviews, it may be a sign that the product isn’t worth your money.
Wish Lists and Saved Items: If you’re not ready to buy something immediately, add it to your ‘Wish List’ or ‘Save for Later.’ This allows you to keep track of products you’re interested in and come back to them later. You can also set up wish lists for different occasions or for other people that you are intending to buy presents for.
3. Understanding Product Listings: Making Informed Decisions
Once you’ve located a product, it’s important to review the product listing carefully. Here’s what to pay attention to:
Product Title and Description: Carefully read the product title and the detailed description. Ensure they match what you’re looking for. Note the product specifications, size, color, materials, and included components.
Price and Shipping Costs: Check the price of the item, and note the shipping costs. Amazon often offers free shipping for orders above a certain threshold, or for Amazon Prime Members. Be aware that shipping can vary based on whether you are purchasing directly from Amazon or a third-party vendor. You can often check shipping costs beforehand on the product page by inputting your shipping location.
Seller Information: Pay attention to who is selling the item. Look for a reputable seller. Items sold and shipped by Amazon are generally a reliable choice with easy returns. Items from third-party sellers can vary in quality and returns policies. Take note of their feedback rating before purchasing. The seller information is normally displayed under the main purchase price.
Availability and Estimated Delivery Date: Check the product’s availability (in stock, out of stock, etc.), as well as the estimated delivery date. This will give you an idea of when to expect your purchase. If time is critical, use the filters to show only items with the fastest delivery options.
Product Images and Videos: Examine the product images and any available videos. Check that they clearly show the product from different angles.
Returns and Warranty Information: Review the return policy. Generally, most items sold by Amazon are returnable within 30 days, but some sellers have different policies. Also, be aware of whether or not a product includes a warranty. Warranty conditions are usually posted by the vendor. This might affect how you value a product, especially for electrical equipment.
4. Adding to Cart and Proceeding to Checkout: Securing Your Purchase
Once you’ve found a product you want to purchase and reviewed its listing, it’s time to add it to your cart:
Click ‘Add to Cart’: On the product page, click the ‘Add to Cart’ button. If you’d like to buy multiples of an item, you can select the quantity beforehand on the product page. A pop-up or page will confirm that the item has been added to your cart.
Review Your Cart: After adding to cart, click the ‘cart’ icon at the top of the page. This will take you to a review page to verify the contents of your shopping cart. Ensure that the correct products and quantities are displayed. You’ll also see the subtotal, as well as estimated shipping and tax costs.
Proceed to Checkout: Once satisfied with your order, click the ‘Proceed to Checkout’ button. This will take you to the next stage in the purchasing process.
Select a Shipping Address: If you have multiple addresses set, choose the correct shipping address for your order. Ensure that your address is correct as any mistakes could delay or prevent the arrival of your goods.
Choose a Shipping Option: Amazon offers various shipping options, including standard, expedited, and same-day delivery (where available). Select the option that best suits your needs. Note that some options may require additional charges. Amazon Prime members often have free shipping options available to them.
Select Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method from the options you have registered. If you haven’t registered your credit/debit card or bank details, you will be asked to provide those now. If you have an Amazon gift card, you can also redeem it at this stage.
Review Your Order: Take one final look at your order summary before confirming. Check that the product details, address, payment method, and shipping method are all correct. Pay special attention to any coupons or promotions that you are using to ensure they have been applied.
Place Your Order: Once you’re completely satisfied, click the ‘Place Your Order’ or ‘Buy Now’ button. Amazon will then process your order and you will see an order confirmation page. You will also receive a confirmation email.
5. Tracking Your Order: Monitoring Delivery
After you’ve placed your order, you can track its progress:
Access Your Orders: Go to your Amazon account and click on ‘Your Orders.’ This will display a list of your recent and past orders.
Track Package: Locate the order you want to track and click the ‘Track package’ link. This will show you the current status of your delivery, including the estimated delivery date and location of your parcel.
Delivery Updates: Amazon usually sends delivery updates to your email. You may also have options for SMS/text message updates. It is advisable to check these to stay abreast of any changes that occur during the delivery.
Contacting Amazon: If you have any issues or your package hasn’t arrived within the estimated time, contact Amazon customer support via the ‘Contact Us’ link on the orders page. They can provide assistance with tracking and shipping concerns.
6. Returns and Refunds: Handling Issues
Amazon has a fairly flexible returns policy if you need to return an item:
Initiate a Return: Go to your ‘Your Orders’ page, find the relevant order, and click on ‘Return or Replace Items’.
Select Return Reason: Choose the reason for return from the given options and follow the instructions on the screen. This might include choosing the return method and printing a prepaid shipping label. Be sure to package the item securely for safe transport.
Return the Item: Return the item to Amazon using the pre-paid label, or to an approved return drop-off location if available. Make sure to do this within the allotted return period, and to retain your return confirmation information in case of any future questions.
Refund Processing: Amazon will usually process your refund a few days after the returned package is received at their warehouse. The refund will typically be issued back to your original payment method. The processing time may vary depending on your chosen payment option.
Tips for a Better Amazon Shopping Experience
Utilize Amazon Prime: If you are a frequent Amazon user, consider Amazon Prime. Benefits include free and expedited shipping, access to streaming services (Prime Video), exclusive deals, and more.
Read Customer Reviews: Always, always read customer reviews before making a purchase. Don’t rely solely on the product description. Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback.
Use Price Tracking Tools: Price tracking tools, usually available as browser extensions, can alert you when the price of an item drops. This can be very useful for expensive items.
Set Up a Wishlist: Use the wish list feature to save items you are thinking of buying later. You can also share the list with others for gift ideas.
Pay Attention to Deals: Amazon has constant deals and offers. Sign up for their newsletter, and check the deal sections regularly to take advantage of the sales periods.
Be Aware of Scams: Be aware of unusual deals or solicitations. Verify the legitimacy of all deals before purchasing, and pay particular attention to third party vendor offers.
Conclusion
Buying on Amazon can be an incredibly convenient and rewarding experience once you know your way around. By following these steps and tips, you will become a confident and efficient Amazon shopper. Now, go forth, explore the marketplace, and happy shopping!
