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Years ago, I remember looking at Amazon's web page and they sold mostly books and DVD's. This was a website, I didn't need to visit much, as I have a local discount bookstore. My daughter, in college at the time, used it frequently.

I don't know exactly when Amazon began including everything under the sun, but I am so happy they did. I was unable to go out shopping at Christmas, so I would go on the internet at any hour, and order presents. Most of the time, I ended up shopping at Amazon. All of my gifts were delivered on a timely basis. Even a few last minute gifts, ordered 3-4 days before Christmas arrived on time.

Navigation on this site is easy, there are tabs across the top of the page, indicating which category you would like to shop in. If you are unsure, you can just type in the item in the search box, and you are then able to select your item.

I ordered a Sony flat screen television last Friday night, perhaps around 8 PM and it arrived to my sweetie by 4 PM Monday. I am in receipt of a blender I ordered 38 hours ago.

Amazon does offer mechandise at low prices, not always the lowest (but generally close enough). Often times, I find a coupon or promotional code to discount my purchase, or Amazon itself will offer one to you.

I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, when shopping. I like to get the best quality item for the least amount of money. If I don't get a deal, I don't get my "rush".

In the case of my blender, I purchased it by another retailer, who failed to inform me after six days, that the item was on back order. I had to make multiple inquiries. When I decided to cancel this order, it took several phone calls to get an email confirmation. I ended up buying at Amazon, my tried and true.

The other company offered the blender for $119.00, no shipping, no tax. Amazon offered the same blender for $123.85. Amazon also offered $25.00 off any purchase over $125.00, so I added a paring knife for $1.49 and exceeded the limit. I did have to pay for shipping, but it still came out to $112.00, less than the other company, and I have the blender in my home now. And a "free" paring knife to boot.

Amazon sends you your invoice within minutes and tracking number on a timely basis. Often times, as with my blender it was expected to be delivered on May 3rd, today is April 27th, it was delivered several hours ago.

Amazon allows you to create your own store, to help you collect items on your wish list, and offers suggestions based on your choices.

Amazon sells books, housewares, automotive, baby items, apparel, makeup, jewelry, tools, spas, hardware, exercise equipment, pet supplies, computers, cameras and so much more. You can sell pre-owned items and books too. They have financial services, auctions and gift certificates. Oh, I could go on and on. Amazon keeps adding new stores to their site.

I have never made use of their return policy. They offer a 30 day return policy and provide email customer assistance and customer service by phone.

Amazon accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, debit card and electronic check transfers.

I have been very happy with all my purchases on Amazon, I will continue to shop there. I very highly recommend this website.

Update 4/28/06 - Last night, my daughter advised me, in the past, she had trouble obtaining an Amazon telephone number, regarding an order she had placed. I Googled it and found that many people had this same problem. As I said in my review, I have never had to return anything, nor have I had any complaints, but that doesn't mean that I won't, no company is perfect. I am listing the elusive telephone numbers found on websites for contact.

Customer Service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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U.S. and Canada: 1-800-201-7575 (I tried this and it works)
Canada: 1-877-586-3230
International: 1-206-266-2992
amazon.co.uk phone number:
44-208-636-9451
Auction Pro phone number 1-877-251-0696

I hope this information is helpful to you. Thank you for reading my review.


Update: I have purchased multiples of a certain item for gifts, and have used one that I'm not satisfied with. I made the purchase just over 30 days ago and explained this to Amazon. I received a response within 24 hours and they will gladly accommodate me and accept my return. They are a first class operation.