Tag: amazon

List of All the Trillion-Dollar Companies in the World

In the dynamic world of today’s global economy, an extraordinary group of companies has achieved a remarkable milestone: achieving trillion-dollar valuations. These exceptional companies stand at the forefront of success and influence, leaving an incredible impact on industries and economies around the globe. From groundbreaking technological innovators to game-changing industry disruptors, these companies serve as living proof of the limitless possibilities that business holds in the modern era.

In this article, we’ll explore the list of trillion-dollar companies in the world, exploring their incredible achievements.

What Is a Trillion-Dollar Company?
Which was the First Trillion-Dollar Company?
List of Trillion-Dollar Companies in the World
Companies That Touched the Trillion-Dollar Mark
Which Companies Are Next to Join the Trillion Dollar Club?

What Is a Trillion-Dollar Company?

A trillion-dollar company is a remarkable achievement in the business world. It refers to a company that has surpassed a market capitalization or valuation of $1 trillion. This milestone represents immense size, exceptional success, and significant influence within the global economy. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet symbolize trillion-dollar entities that have achieved remarkable financial success, transformed industries, and impacted our daily lives. Being a trillion-dollar company signifies an extraordinary level of accomplishment and places these companies in a league of their own.

Which was the First Trillion-Dollar Company?

PetroChina was the first trillion-dollar company in the world. On its first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on November 5, 2007, it reached a market capitalization of $1 trillion. However, the corporation only held the level for a short time.

The first trillion-dollar US company was Apple, which hit that level on August 4, 2018. Since then, other companies have joined the club: Amazon, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, and Alphabet. Saudi Aramco is a notable exception on an otherwise primarily American-dominated leaderboard.

List of Trillion-Dollar Companies in the World

Below is the list of all the trillion-dollar companies in the world:

S.no	Company Name	Market Capitalization (August 2024)
1	Apple	$3.443 trillion
2	NVIDIA	$3.089 trillion
3	Microsoft	$3.076 trillion
4	Alphabet (Google)	$2.013 trillion
5	Saudi Aramco	$1.796 trillion
6	Amazon	$1.792 trillion
7	Meta Platforms (Facebook)	$1.313 trillion
8	Berkshire Hathaway	$1.001 trillion

Apple

Company Name	Apple Inc. (AAPL)
Headquarters	Cupertino, California, United States
Founder	Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne
Founded	1976

Apple surprised a few and became the first trillion-dollar company in the US. By 2018, it had already been listed among Fortune’s World’s Most Powerful 50 companies for several years running; but that didn’t last long as Apple sunk below $800 billion by 2019, thanks in part to the US stock market, which has plagued many American enterprises over that past year. However, the stock rose in 2019, and the company’s market capitalization reached $1.3 trillion in early December.

The company became the first one in the United States to reach a valuation of $2 trillion on August 19, 2020; on Jan. 3, 2022, Apple became the first U.S. company to reach $3 trillion. Apple’s market capitalization is higher than the GDP of entire countries like Italy, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.

Apple’s remarkable journey in the stock market highlights its resilience and ability to bounce back, setting unprecedented market milestones that have solidified its position as a global powerhouse.

How Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon Hit a $1 Trillion Valuation

NVIDIA

Company Name	NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA)
Headquarters	Santa Clara, California, United States
Founder	Jensen Huang, Chris Malachowsky, Curtis Priem
Founded	1993

NVIDIA, a popular technology giant renowned for its advanced graphical processor units (GPUs), has accomplished an extraordinary feat by entering the exclusive trillion-dollar club on May 30, 2023.

With a strong dedication to its AI-driven business, NVIDIA has witnessed consistent growth in recent years. The surge of interest and investments in the AI sector within the past six months has further boosted NVIDIA’s success, increasing its sales to unprecedented heights and playing a pivotal role in achieving its trillion-dollar valuation. NVIDIA’s market cap has seen fluctuations since it entered the trillion-dollar club, but it continues to remain a strong player in the market.

Microsoft

Company Name	Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
Headquarters	Redmond, Washington, United States
Founder	Bill Gates, Paul Allen
Founded	1975

In April 2019, Microsoft became a trillion-dollar company, reaching the mark of $1 trillion in valuation. This significant milestone solidified Microsoft’s position as one of the most valuable and influential technology companies in the world.

During the last half of 2020, Microsoft became one of only three companies in the trillion-dollar club. Much like its competitors, Amazon and Apple, who also saw great success with their cloud computing services, Azure helped fuel much faster growth rates for them as well.

Alphabet

Company Name	Alphabet, Inc. (GOOG)
Headquarters	Mountain View, California, United States
Founder	Larry Page, Sergey Brin
Founded	2015

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is another prominent name on the list of trillion-dollar companies in the world. It became the fourth US tech company to reach the $1 trillion club in January 2020. Shortly after, Amazon regained its one trillion-dollar market cap — the first time that four US tech stocks had reached that level at the same time.

Alphabet’s journey to trillion-dollar status reflects its unrivaled dominance in the digital landscape, driven by its innovative technologies, diverse portfolio, and extensive global reach. With Google’s search engine at its core, Alphabet continues to redefine industries, leverage emerging technologies, and shape the future of information and connectivity.

Saudi Aramco

Company Name	Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco or Aramco, 2222.SR)
Headquarters	Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Founder	NA
Founded	1933

Aramco’s foundation dates back to 1933 when the government of Saudi Arabia and the Standard Oil Company of California (SOCAL) signed a concession agreement.

Saudi Aramco broke two records on its first day of trading in December 2019; the company hit the trillion-dollar mark on its very first day of trading, making it the biggest IPO in history. Aramco’s second record-breaking performance came the next day when its market value soared over $2 trillion.

Aramco is the only company in this club with a listing outside the US. It’s currently traded on Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange, making shares next to impossible for non-institutional investors who would like to invest in this lucrative market opportunity.

Amazon

Company Name	Amazon.com, Inc.(AMZN)
Headquarters	Seattle, Washington, United States
Founder	Jeff Bezos
Founded	1994

Amazon hit the $1 trillion mark a month after Apple, but it was also severely affected by the 2018 market slump. However, it only took them until January 2020 when they surpassed analyst expectations with their earnings and revealed that Amazon has 150 million members in its Prime subscription service.

Over the past few years, Amazon’s value has experienced exponential growth, and its success has propelled the company founder Jeff Bezos’s net worth towards surpassing $100 billion.

Amazon has solidified its position among the top companies with its trillion-dollar market cap, thanks to its relentless growth, unparalleled customer service, and an ever-growing catalog with products from nearly every genre imaginable.

Company Name	Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)
Headquarters	Menlo Park, California, United States
Founder	Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes
Founded	2004

Berkshire Hathaway

Company Name	Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B)
Headquarters	Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Founder	Oliver Chace
Founded	1839

Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, reached a $1 trillion market valuation for the first time on August 28, 2024. This makes it the first U.S. company outside the tech sector to join the elite trillion-dollar club, alongside tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and others. Berkshire’s wide range of insurance, energy, manufacturing, retail, and service businesses earned $22.8 billion in profit during the first half of 2024. These businesses include Geico car insurance, BNSF Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Brooks running shoes, Dairy Queen ice cream, Ginsu knives, the World Book encyclopedia, and more.

Buffett, who took over in the 1960s, turned the company into a strong and stable empire. Despite being an “old-economy” company, Berkshire’s smart investments, including in Apple, have played a big role in its impressive growth.

Company That Touched the Trillion-Dollar Mark

Tesla briefly joined the exclusive trillion-dollar club and reached unparalleled heights of market valuation:

Tesla

Company Name	Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)
Headquarters	Austin, Texas, United States
Founder	Elon Musk, Martin Eberhard, JB Straubel, Ian Wright, Marc Tarpenning
Founded	2003
Market Cap	$657.29 B (August 2024)

Due to a successful trading day on Monday, October 25th, 2021, Tesla’s market cap surpassed $1 trillion for the first time. Following the announcement of some exciting news from Hertz and Morgan Stanley, their stock jumped 10%.

Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, briefly joined the exclusive trillion-dollar club in terms of market valuation. However, its journey into and out of the trillion-dollar club has been marked by fluctuations. Despite experiencing moments of surpassing the milestone, Tesla’s market value has fallen back. This volatility was evident in April 2022, when Tesla dropped out of the trillion-dollar club. Nonetheless, Tesla’s pioneering efforts in the electric vehicle industry continue to shape the future of transportation and solidify its position as a prominent player in the market.

Which Companies Are Next to Join the Trillion Dollar Club?

Eli Lilly, a major player in pharmaceuticals with its focus on innovative treatments for diabetes and cancer, is a strong contender for the trillion-dollar club. Its long history of success in the healthcare sector positions it well for potential entry.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a leading chipmaker crucial for technology ranging from smartphones to AI, is also a strong prospect. Despite their significant roles and growing market caps, both companies still have further to go before joining the trillion-dollar club.

However, it’s important to note that being contenders doesn’t guarantee them a spot as the next trillion-dollar companies. The race is still wide open, and only time will tell who will ultimately claim that prestigious title.

Conclusion

The planet is quickly becoming a country with trillion-dollar companies. Till now, only eight companies have been able to reach $1 trillion in value on the planet, and it’s estimated that this number will more than double in the coming years.

The company that will become the next trillion-dollar juggernaut is set for greatness. It doesn’t matter which industry it comes from or where it comes from, and whichever business gets its name on this list will have big shoes to fill because, if history tells us anything at all, it’s not easy to reach that level, and not to mention maintain it.

FAQs

How many trillion-dollar companies are there?

As of August 2024, there are eight trillion-dollar companies, Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Berkshire Hathaway.

Is Tesla a trillion-dollar company?

No, Tesla is no longer a trillion-dollar company. It briefly joined the exclusive trillion-dollar club in terms of market valuation.

Is Meta a trillion-dollar company?

Yes, Meta is a trillion-dollar company with a $1.313 trillion market capitalization as of August 2024.

Which was the first trillion-dollar company?

PetroChina was the first company to reach a $1 trillion market value.

August 29, 2024

Aiming for a 2025 Launch, Amazon Is Preparing for a Quick Commerce Entry in India

The media has reported that Amazon aims to launch its fast commerce service in India in the first quarter of 2025. The US-based eCommerce giant is refocusing its strategy to compete with rival Flipkart, which has just joined the fast-growing category with its ‘Minutes’ service.

Amazon India has designated a senior executive to spearhead the creation of its speedy commerce strategy in keeping with this approach. This move is part of a larger effort to reorganize its leadership to better compete in the rapidly expanding Indian market.

Exploring the Possibility of Acquiring a Stake in Swiggy

Reportedly, Amazon is looking into buying stakes in Swiggy, specifically its Instamart quick service platform.

According to a media report, a precise schedule has been established, but the foundation for the rapid commerce vertical has been ongoing for some time. Amazon has been pushing the project forward internally.

Since Amazon has not yet introduced a global quick commerce service, the launch of this new service will be subject to permission from Amazon’s headquarters. The situation is further complicated because Manish Tiwary, Amazon’s chief of India, is presently serving his notice term and is scheduled to depart the company in October.

30-Minute Delivery Is Amazon’s Goal for Speedy Commerce

After getting a head start in the grocery delivery market with its Pantry service, Amazon has been perfecting its strategy by combining its fresh two-hour service with next-day delivery. The fulfillment of these deliveries is handled by More Retail stores, a joint venture with Samara Capital, and customers also have the option of store pick-ups.

The 30-minute delivery trend is changing, even though Amazon’s next-day customer base for groceries and non-grocery items is still rather large.

Even if the final product is still in the works, a media report hinted that Amazon might keep slotted deliveries as a tactic, targeting certain SKUs.

Over the course of 2024, the rapid commerce sector experienced substantial changes, and even more changes are on the way. The Mumbai-based firm Zepto is quickly growing its dark store networks and SKUs. In less than two months, the company will finish a $1 billion fundraising round.

Indian Ecommerce’s New Battlefield

According to sources within the business, eCommerce platforms will increase their rapid commerce offerings to encompass 20,000+ products this Diwali, leading to fiercer competition.

New Delhi and Mumbai are the latest cities to get Flipkart’s Minutes service, which was first launched in Bengaluru earlier this month. At the same time, BigBasket is ditching its present hybrid model of scheduled and quick deliveries in favor of a quick-delivery-only strategy.

1Lattice and Datum Intelligence predict that the value of India’s eCommerce business increased by 18-20% in the first half of this year, with grocery sales increasing by more than 38% due to a dramatic rise in fast commerce.

Flipkart’s Quick Commerce Revolution: Reshaping India’s Online Retail Landscape

India’s leading digital commerce entity Flipkart is working to venture into the fast-paced world of quick commerce to meet the burgeoning demand for rapid delivery of everyday essentials.

StartupTalkyTripti Agarwal

August 29, 2024
Reliance and Walt Disney Crafted a New Strategy to Win Faster Antitrust Approval

In order to expedite the antitrust clearance process for their $8.5 billion merger of Indian media holdings, Reliance and Walt Disney have reportedly offered to sell some channels. However, they are reportedly fighting any adjustments made to the cricket broadcast rights that they own.

With a combined 120 TV channels and two streaming services, the Reliance-Disney merger, which was announced in February, is sure to be closely watched by antitrust experts. This is because it will result in creating India’s largest entertainment platform, locking horns directly with Sony, Netflix, Amazon, and Zee Entertainment.

The Merger Will Have an Upper Hand

Many are worried about the combined business’s pricing power and its influence on advertisers, especially since Reliance, owned by Asia’s wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani, will own a majority stake in the combined entity. The combined company will also own valuable cricket broadcasting rights worth billions of dollars.

Reliance and Disney have informed the Competition Commission of India (CCI) that they are prepared to sell a small number of television channels (less than ten) in order to allay fears of market dominance and secure early clearance, after the watchdog’s secret requests for approximately one hundred questions pertaining to the merger. There are other stipulations that pertain to regional Indian language channels that the two firms might control.

This Is Not the First Time Such a Merger Is Happening

During the year 2022, Zee and Sony made an offer to sell three television stations in order to create a television behemoth in India that would be worth ten billion dollars. However, despite the fact that this helped them get clearance from the CCI, the merger ultimately failed.

The notification that was issued by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to approve that merger included information about the competitive landscape. The notification revealed that in the local language of Marathi, Disney and Reliance channels had a combined market share of between 65 and 75 per cent at that time. A market share of up to 50 per cent was held by the two with regard to Bengali language entertainment channels.

Cricketing Rights Play a Vital Role

Cricket is an additional area of disagreement in the merger procedure. In India, the sport has a devoted fan base, making the matches highly desirable for sponsors.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), the most prestigious cricket event in the world, and other major leagues’ digital and television cricket rights would be owned by Reliance-Disney.

So far, the CCI has not voiced any worries about the firms’ market strength in cricket rights, but the corporations have argued with the CCI that the rights cannot be sold at the moment because they expire in 2027 and 2028.

According to a report, the corporations are also worried that the approval process could be prolonged because the Indian cricket body would have to approve any sub-licencing of cricket rights.

Reliance Industries Limited Success Story [Case Study]

A case study on India’s biggest organization by market value, Reliance Industries Limited. Know about Reliance’s history, revenue, growth, marketing & more

StartupTalkyDevashish Shrivastava

August 15, 2024
What Happened to Toys R Us? 3 Reasons Why They Failed
Toys R Us created magic for children. In the 80s and 90s, they made children’s wishes come true. It was nothing short of an ultimate childhood dream. Such great memories! But today, the ‘then’ beloved brand is nothing but a faded picture of its prime, glued to the wall. Their glory is long forgotten! The news shared the rise and fall of the retail giant. The industry was a close witness to the struggles of Toys R Us over the industry. After facing quite some trying situations, the store finally decided on global closure in 2021.

No matter how they shaped the childhoods of millions of kids, nostalgia was not enough for its survival. The changing landscape of the industry and customer preference made things difficult for the once-celebrated retailer. Toys R Us had a public downfall from closing stores to operation liquidation.

Toys R Us: Once a Successful Retailer
The Demise of an International Retailer: When Did Things Take a Turn?
Three Reasons for the Downfall of Toys R Us
What Is Next for Toys R Us?
Revival of the Brand by WHP Global

Toys R Us: Once a Successful Retailer

Toys R Us First Store Logo

Not every success story lives forever. Some enjoy the rise, bask in its glory, and hit rock bottom after quite a run. Toys R Us had the same fortune.

Charles Lazarus was an American entrepreneur. In 1948, he established this retail business which became one of the top players in no time. The industry glorified the company and considered it a ‘category killer.’ No one else lived up to the standards Toys R Us set for its customers. Children loved the toys that this retailer sold.

However, in 2018, almost seven decades later the company fell prey to a string of unfortunate events. It filed for bankruptcy. And finally, the day came when it had to close business worldwide. But how did a retailer mammoth, a category killer, burn to ashes after such a magnificent run?

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StartupTalkyAnagha S

The Demise of an International Retailer: When Did Things Take a Turn?

Most bankruptcies are the result of years of debt, fast-slipping sales, and poor management. So what went wrong with Toys R Us? Well, everything. A company that once reigned over the toy industry fell prey to bad sales and mounting debt.

Everything needs to adjust to changing times. However, Toys R Us could not grapple with the changing industry market space. Moreover, there are platforms like Amazon and retailers like Target and However, that added to its suffering. But the company’s management also needs to shoulder the blame.

They could not read changes in consumer behaviour. Consequently, they failed to adjust their business model and use new technology wisely.

However, a $7.5 billion buyout stalled the inevitable downfall of Toys R Us. In 2005, a few investors delayed the global demise of the retailer. However, the already piled-up debt was too much to handle.

Unfortunately, the retailer had to announce 180 shutdowns out of its 800 US stores. It also closed all its stores in the UK, moments before liquidating its operations.

Three Reasons for the Downfall of Toys R Us

Toys R Us New York Square Flagship Store

1. The Infamous Deal With Amazon

The company entered a decade-long partnership with Amazon in 2000. The deal set Toys R Us as an exclusive Amazon toy seller. The contract promised the company $50 million per annum from Amazon along with a commission from the sales.

Seeing the successful venture, Amazon decided to expand its toy category. They included direct competitors of Toys R Us. This brought trouble for the company. So they sued Amazon, won the lawsuit, and terminated their deal.

However, the loss incurred due to their co-existence with competitors on Amazon’s e-commerce platform was huge. And the amount they won after suing Amazon did not cover their losses.

Even after the setback, they tried to create their online presence independently. But unfortunately, it was too late. The site had technical errors which frustrated the customers.

2. From Being the ‘Category Killer’ to ‘Becoming Clueless’

In 2001, Toys R Us had its New York Square flagship store. It was undeniably a great attraction for all children. Kids enjoyed the different theme zones that Toys R Us had. It won hearts with amusement arcades, animatronic T-Rex, other Jurassic Park attractions, Barbie dream houses, Wonka, legos, and so on. Sounds like a total childhood dream palace, right?

However, the store shut down in 2015. They wanted to cut down on expenses. The big mistake? They compromised on management costs. The company cut down on staff. They let experienced employees go. This was a blunder. In no time, they drowned in their surplus inventory.

The company unknowingly chased away potential customers. Retail needs better store management and customer interaction. Without proper management, they failed to deliver the basic service needs.

3. Did Their Business Model Aggravate Their Downfall?

None can escape the wrath of time. Either you give it your all and adapt to the changing times, or you quickly become irrelevant. Whether it be, on an individual level or industrial level, we all need to adjust. Toys R Us failed to do what time demanded of them. They could not innovate and adjust to the changing landscape.

The world is moving online. But so many big companies stayed the same when this change began. Similarly, Toys R Us failed to see what lay ahead, failing to fathom that e-commerce is the future.

They could not use technology to their advantage. And when they finally did, it was already too late. The retailer could not engage with the changing consumer behaviour. The inability to predict customer preferences threw them off the wagon. This slowed down their business which was a great disadvantage.

Businesses always need to stay ahead of time to survive. Only constant innovation can make them sustainable.

Story of India’s Toy Industry: On the Verge of Massive Expansion

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What Is Next for Toys R Us?

Toys R Us Net Sales Revenue in Billion US Dollars from 2012 to 2016

Toys R Us is not just a retail company in the toy industry. For so many people, this is a sweet childhood memory.
- Although it did close its stores in 2021 after filing for bankruptcy, the story is not over yet.
- It intends to rebrand itself. The retailer announced the development of businesses under a new parent company. Today, Toys R Us is a part of Tru Kids.
- It enjoyed successful launches in both the US and UK.
- Optimistic about 2024, the company plans on expanding into Australia as well.
- In 2019, Tru Kids rebranded Toys R Us and relaunched its previously failed website.
- This venture came in partnership with a major competitor, Target. This competitor retailer acted as a fulfilment partner.
- However, the deal did not settle well. It ended before any fruitful accomplishment.
- Eventually, Tru Kids made a deal with Amazon.
Although Toys R Us saw its fair share of rise and fall, it is trying to emerge from the ashes again. The question, however, remains: Will it be successful with the efforts of a new parent company?

Revival of the Brand by WHP Global

Toys R Us Official Website

Almost three years after filing for bankruptcy, Toys R Us was revived by WHP Global. WHP Global acquired a controlling stake in Tru Kids in 2021 giving it enough power to open stores.

As a plan, WHP Global is working on expanding the reach of Toys R Us across the globe. Currently, the brand has around 1400 stores and an e-commerce site with access to around 31 countries. With all this change, we can assume the brand has revived in 2023 against all the odds.

Conclusion

The last decade was a major turning point for all retailers. People shifted to e-commerce platforms rather than visiting stores. Then why did Toys R Us leadership not see the flaw in their business model? The reason for their demise is not on Amazon or changing consumer attitudes. However, the story is about the company’s failure to make concrete financial decisions with better foresight.

One can have vision. But the resources to execute the same are important. From debts to poor management decisions, Toys R Us gives all businesses great examples of what not to do. The company flourished, it was a big player until it wasn’t. If businesses do not play the way time demands, you know what the consequences will be!

FAQs

Who was Toys R Us’s biggest competitor?

Some of the biggest Toys R Us competitors were Carter, Walmart, Staples, Amazon, etc.

What year did Toys R Us open?

Toys R Us was opened in 1948 by Charles Lazarus.

Is Toys R Us a dead brand?

No, Toys R Us has been revived by WHP Global which made it come back to the market with its e-commerce site and 1400 stores across multiple locations covering 31 countries.
June 20, 2024

Top 15 Most Popular eCommerce Websites in the USA

Well, things weren’t the same as a decade ago, right? From purchasing perishable goods from the marketplace to getting them online within an hour, we have adopted new things along with the changes happening around us.

If you go back to the 1980s, we never thought that we could transfer goods through an electronic portal that literally created platforms for many forms of business from B2B to B2C in marketing fashion, gadgets, groceries, books, home appliances, Beauty, Fitness and other products at affordable rates.

Sometimes, it leaves us with only one choice: purchase certain products online, like heated butter knives, which are only available online and can’t be easily marketable physically. Ecommerce created a trustable platform for products that can be operated online making everything an easy and reliable platform for customers as well as sellers.

We all know that the USA is the second-largest penetrated eCommerce market in the world, following China for the year 2022. In this article, we see the most used eCommerce websites in the USA.

Amazon

Name	Amazon
Founders	Jeff Bezos
Founded On	1994
Headquarters	Seattle, and Arlington, U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	600+ (2024)
Website	www.amazon.com

We all definitely made at least one purchase from Amazon in our life, right? Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer in 1995 as an online bookseller by Jeff Bezos in his garage. Speaking of its largest online shopping site, the platform allows you to find literally everything from A to Z.

According to CNBC, in 2017, Amazon was responsible for 45% of eCommerce sales in the US. Besides, the platform offers its own standalone services such as Echo & Alexa, fire TV, Kindle, and Amazon Prime video and music.

Walmart

Name	Walmart
Founders	Sam Walton
Founded On	1962
Headquarters	Bentonville, Arkansas, U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	10,623 (2023)
Website	www.walmart.com

Walmart is an American multinational retailer corporation that has headquarters in the US, so typically, people from the US know this platform very well and operate a chain of hypocenters and e-commerce websites.

The company was launched by Sam Walton in 1962 in Arkansas, United States, and is now operating 10,623 stores & 24 clubs all over the world with 46 different brand names.

In fact, Walmart is nothing but Flipkart in India, which looks similar to Flipkart in terms of marketing various products. Surprisingly, Walmart acquired a 77% controlling stake in Flipkart in 2018. The company is functioning successfully not only in India but also in the UK, Central America, South America, China, and Canada.

Almost 95% of US consumers have once shopped in a Walmart store or on its website in the year 2016, according to data published on CNBC.

Target

Name	Target Stores
Founders	George D. Dayton
Founded On	1962
Headquarters	Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	1956 (2024)
Website	www.target.com

Target is an American big box departmental store chain that is a general merchandise retailer selling products through its stores and digital channels. In this way, US consumers get to purchase various products from nearby outlets as well as from Target shopping sites.

At first, the company was established as a discount division of Dayton’s department store in 1962 and expanded its business in the 1980s with 2000 stores worldwide. Notably, Target is the seventh largest retailer in the US after 1938 stores throughout the United States as of 2021 reports.

eBay

Name	eBay
Founders	Pierre Omidyar
Founded On	1995
Headquarters	San Jose, California, U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	8,85,000 (2024)
Website	www.ebay.com

eBay is an online portal that facilitates B2B and B2C sales internationally. eBay is nothing but an auction platform that allows users to list items for sale as well as buy goods & services worldwide. eBay was founded by Pierre Omidyar in 1995.

Since eBay is an international online shopping site, without any doubts, eBay has over 19 million US seller accounts with more than 109 million visitors to the website each month. As a result, more than three out of ten users are US citizens, with approx. 66 million mobile users in total.

Aside from that, corporate vendors and full-time entrepreneurs on the eBay platform alone generated over 690,000 jobs, with rural and small-town merchants accounting for more than a quarter of all US sellers.

Home Depot

Name	The Home Depot
Founders	Bernard Marcus Arthur Blank Ron Brill Pat Farrah Ken Langone
Founded On	1978
Headquarters	Atlanta, Georgia · U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	2,335 (2023)
Website	www.homedepot.com

Usually, we tend to emphasize the home interior, exterior, and other improvements when upgrading your house to a bigger or even more modern one.

As a result, The Home Depot is an American multinational and the largest home improvement retailer in the world, which deals in selling materials associated with home improvement or home decor products. It was co-founded by Bernard Marcus, Arthur Blank, Ron Brill, Pat Farrah, and Ken Langone in 1987.

Home Depot runs more than 2300 stores in the US, accounting for $151 Billion US dollars and a huge contribution to the United States economy in the past two years, making it the world’s largest home improvement retailer.

Etsy

Name	Etsy
Founders	Robert Kalin · Chris Maguire · Haim Schoppik · Jared Tarbell
Founded On	2005
Headquarters	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	–
Website	www.etsy.com

Usually, people are inspired by a lot of handmade & craft items and love to wear vintage items. That’s why Etsy is an American eCommerce company that was incorporated in 2005 to create a platform for small businesses to sell their handmade craft or vintage supplies as well as buy a variety of goods.

It was incorporated back in 2015 by the joint efforts of Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire, Haim Schoppik, and Jared Tarbell. Etsy became the most popular online retail store ahead of Home Depot and Target, connecting more than 82 million buyers to 45 million sellers and generating $15 billion in sales as of 2021.

Lowe’s

Name	Lowe’s
Founders	Lucius Smith Lowe
Founded On	1921
Headquarters	Mooresville, North Carolina, US
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	1746 (2023)
Website	www.lowes.com

Being the world’s second-largest home improvement company, Lowe’s biggest competitor is Home Depot, which shares the same customer base in the USA and Canada. Both companies also rank among the most visited ecommerce websites, attracting customers with their online offerings in addition to their brick-and-mortar stores.

Lowe’s was established as an American home improvement retailer in 1921 by Lucius Lowe, who sells home appliances, tools, building supplies, carpet, lighting & ceiling fans, windows, doors, and more.

Since Lowe’s operates a retail chain across the USA and Canada, over $90 million in sales have been generated by US retailers in 2021.

Kroger

Name	Kroger
Founders	Bernard Kroger
Founded On	1883
Headquarters	Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	2,849 (2023)
Website	www.kroger.com

Kroger is the largest supermarket and multi-departmental store operating throughout the United States. It was started back in 1883 by Bernard Kroger. It is a budget-friendly grocery store, where middle-class families make a lot of purchases from Kroger that shop for food like meats at very affordable rates.

Kroger has claimed to be the world’s largest supermarket chain that excelled in adapting to changes & shifts among their target audience and competitors like Walmart.

Wish

Name	Wish
Founders	Piotr Szulczewski · Sheng Zhang
Founded On	2010
Headquarters	San Francisco, U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	–
Website	www.wish.com

It is an America-based eCommerce company that facilitates a business relationship between sellers and buyers. Wish became the world’s most downloaded shopping app in 2018, with the majority of consumers being USA mobile users. It was founded by Piotr Szulczewski and Danny Zhang in 2010.

Wish eliminates third parties or intermediates by selling products directly to customers at very cheap shipping rates. In addition, Wish is the third-largest eCommerce company in the United States in terms of sales.

Ikea

Name	Ikea
Founders	Ingvar Kamprad
Founded On	1943
Headquarters	Delft · Netherlands
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	471 (2023)
Website	www.wish.com

We must have heard of Ikea, which is popularly known even in India, where you could get home furniture, designs, and other decorations at affordable rates and high quality. Ikea is renowned as the largest furniture retailer in the world, which was founded by Ingvar Kamprad in 1943.

Ikea is currently operating its business in over 50+ countries with 422 stores as of the 2021 report. Apart from that, the company has gained nearly 490 million customers who visited online shopping sites in the USA, which impacted a strong performance in FY20, with $4.7 billion USD in total sales.

Business Model of IKEA

Best Buy

Name	Best Buy
Founders	Richard M. Schulze · James Wheeler
Founded On	1966
Headquarters	Richfield, Minnesota · U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	1,144 (2023)
Website	www.bestbuy.com

It has been one of the most popular American multinational consumer electronics retailers since 1966, from the time of its introduction by Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler. Moreover, the company has ranked in many lists of top companies throughout the years and is the third top online store for electronic sales.

It officially started as an online store in 2000. In 2020, Best Buy is titled the largest specialty retailer in the US consumer electronic retail industry. Besides, the online company has gained a lot of recognition over the years.

The online store is best known for its nationally focused sales and net revenue around the United States of America. As a whole, most American Electronic and Media products are purchased through Best Buy’s official website.

Costco

Name	Costco
Founders	James Sinegal · Jeffrey Brotman
Founded On	1983
Headquarters	Issaquah, Washington · U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	839 (2023)
Website	www.costco.com

United States of America’s largest chain of member-only big box retail sellers, Costco, is the fifth largest retailer in the world. Often praised for its competitive pricing and wide selection, Costco has expanded its presence in top online shopping sites since its founding by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman in 1983.

Costco is famous for selling branded merchandise at the best possible price for its consumers. In no time, Costo embraced eCommerce and is remembered as a go-to website that offers unlimited products under different categories.

A new Costco Grocery service, launched in October 2017, delivers nonperishable goods two days a week and provides free shipping on orders over 75 dollars. And over the years, Costco has seen a tremendous increase in profits, especially in eCommerce.

Wayfair

Name	Wayfair
Founders	Niraj Shah · Steve Conine
Founded On	2002
Headquarters	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	–
Website	www.wayfair.com

Wayfair is an online American eCommerce company. It is best known for selling furniture and home goods online. It was founded by Nirav Shah and Steve Conine in 2002. The e-commerce company offers over 33 million products from around a thousand global-level suppliers.

And in 2022, Wayfair is almost set to open its first physical retail store in Lynnfield. Wayfair has superb expert customer service, from the latest tools to making shopping easier than ever expected.

It stands first for helping everyone online with things related to home. The bottom line is that Wayfair is the destination for people who love to create their own spaces.

Mercari

Name	Mercari
Founders	Shintaro Yamada, Ryo Ishizuka, Tommy Tomishima
Founded On	2013
Headquarters	Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	–
Website	www.mercari.com

Mercari might be a Japanese eCommerce company, but the majority of its revenue and headquarters are from the United States. The key feature of Mercari is its marketplace app, which was launched in Japan in 2013 as a community-powered marketplace. And subsequently, it flourished in America in 2014, followed by the UK in 2015. Shintaro Yamada, Ryo Ishizuka, and Tommy Tomishima introduced it.

Mercari has paved the path for various eCommerce retail sellers, whose first product (marketplace app) enables users to buy and sell items on their smartphones in a fraction of a second. On the other hand, it also collaborated with other American multifarious labels, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx.

Poshmark

Name	Poshmark
Founders	Manish Chandra · Tracy Sun · Chetan Pungaliya · Gautam Golwala
Founded On	2011
Headquarters	Redwood City, California, US
Total Number of Stores Worldwide	–
Website	www.poshmark.com

The Poshmark marketplace, one of the top ecommerce sites, allows users to buy and sell new and used clothing, home goods, and electronics. Currently, there are over 80 million users on the platform, with more than 200 million listings. Poshmark was inaugurated in 2011 by Manish Chandra, Tracy Sun, Gautam Golwala, and Chetan Pungaliya.

It is now one of the leading suppliers of eCommerce shipping solutions. Poshmark brings together physical shopping’s human connection and the scale, ease, and selection benefits of eCommerce for easy, social, and sustainable buying and selling.

Conclusion

The use of eCommerce has increased over time. The USA is the second largest e-commerce market, just after China. Each country has its own list of best working e-commerce sites for its citizens.

The top eCommerce platforms in the United States are discussed above. The list of the platforms includes names like Amazon, Ikea, Poshmark, Mercari, Wayfair, Costco, Best Buy, Wish, Kroger, Lowe’s, Etsy, Home Depot, eBay, Target, and Walmart.

FAQs

Which is a US-based popular e-commerce company?

Amazon is an America-based company that is also known as one of the biggest e-commerce platforms in the World.

Who is Amazon’s biggest e-commerce competitor?

Some of Amazon’s biggest e-commerce competitors are Alibaba, eBay, Walmart, etc.

Which e-commerce platform is best in the USA?

Some of the best e-commerce platforms in the USA are Amazon, Ikea, Poshmark, Mercari, Wayfair, Costco, Best Buy, Wish, Kroger, Lowe’s, Etsy, Home Depot, eBay, Target, and Walmart.

Is Shopify popular in the USA?

In the calculation of Shopify users by country, 70% of Shopify stores are under Shopify USA, with this information we can say that Shopify is popular in the USA.

Which are the most popular websites in the USA?

The most popular websites in the USA include Google, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, and Wikipedia. These sites consistently rank high in terms of traffic and user engagement.

Which are the most visited e-commerce websites?

The most visited e-commerce websites globally include Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, Walmart, and JD.com. These platforms consistently attract high volumes of online shoppers due to their diverse product offerings and convenient shopping experiences.

April 17, 2024

Marketplaces Leverage Data: Powering Own Brand Launches
In today’s digital era, eCommerce marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart are making use of valuable data to launch their own brands, products, and services to capture the continually evolving retail landscape in India.

The marketplaces own big data from across regions, customers, and platforms and utilize these informative details to introduce their own brands, which are more user-friendly, budget-friendly, and rightfully address the demands of customers. These successful brands like Solimo, Amazon Essentials, and Flipkart Smartbuy are becoming pioneers in fulfilling the customer’s needs and desires in the revolutionizing retail landscape.

Amazon, the largest eCommerce platform globally, announced in February that it is preparing to launch a new online marketplace in India called ‘Bazaar’, featuring cost-effective, unbranded fashion and lifestyle items.

This article delves into the opportunities and challenges inherent in this transformation and explores how eCommerce marketplaces as well as offline retailers are reshaping the dynamics of power within the retail sector.

Before going to the pros and cons of news brands, let’s first understand what is leveraging data and why marketplaces are doing it.

What is Data Leveraging?
Why Marketplaces Are Leveraging Data?
How Marketplaces Leverage Data to Develop New Brands
What Opportunities Data Leveraging Offers to a New Product Launch
What Are the Challenges Faced by Marketplaces for Owning/Launching a Brand
Reshaping Retail’s Power Dynamics

What is Data Leveraging?

Data leveraging is like having a superpower for running a business. It means using the information one possesses, whether it’s about customers, products, or market trends, to make smarter decisions and unlock new opportunities.

With data leveraging, businesses can personalize experiences, optimize operations, and stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced world. It’s the secret sauce that turns numbers into insights and helps businesses thrive in the digital age.

Why Marketplaces Are Leveraging Data?

By leveraging data, marketplaces, and retailers can create seamless omnichannel shopping experiences that cater to the demands of modern consumers, millennials, and Gen Z.

By analyzing data points and collecting user information, big businesses can make solid business strategies that will help in reaching new users, continuing with old customers, addressing product gaps, meeting the growing demands, and presenting the best product with minimum cost and big savings.

These marketplaces can also make data-driven decisions based on real-time information, act on the insights, and derive new ways to measure performance, set strategic goals, and guide improvement in their product experience and marketing strategy.

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How Marketplaces Leverage Data to Develop New Brands

Marketplaces like Amazon India, Flipkart, Myntra, and Pepperfry leverage data in several ways to enhance their operations, improve customer experiences, and drive their business intelligence and growth.

In April 2023, Amazon emerged as the predominant online marketplace globally, with an average of approximately 4.8 billion visits that month.

Following closely behind was eBay, the second most-visited shopping site, which recorded around 1.2 billion visits.

Notably, both Amazon and eBay also held the top positions as the world’s leading online retailers in terms of mobile web traffic.

Personalized Recommendation: They use data to give personalized product recommendations thereby enhancing the online shopping experience and increasing the likelihood of conversions and repeat purchases.
For example, Flipkart’s private label, ‘Flipkart SmartBuy,’ offers a range of products designed specifically for the Indian consumer, including electronics, home appliances, and personal care items.

Dynamic Pricing: They utilize data analytics to come up with products that are priced dynamically based on factors such as demand, competitor pricing, and customer behavior, optimizing revenue while remaining competitive.
For example, Amazon India’s private label, ‘AmazonBasics,’ offers a wide range of affordable and reliable electronic accessories, catering to the needs of budget-conscious Indian consumers.

Inventory Management: The data helps in understanding the appetite of the market. Marketplaces predict demand, manage inventory efficiently, and minimize costs while ensuring sufficient stock levels to meet customer’s demands.

Seller Performance Management: Market platforms evaluate seller performances using data on product quality, fulfillment speed, and customer feedback. This data helps in providing them incentives for their self-made product and maintaining quality.

Fraud Detection and Prevention: Big marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart employ data analytics to identify and prevent fraudulent activities on the platform, thereby safeguarding themselves and ensuring trust and security for users.

Supply Chain Optimization: Data analytics enable marketplaces to optimize supply chain operations, including demand forecasting, transportation route optimization, and inventory management, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs for their items.

Customer Service Improvement: By analyzing customer feedback forms and service interactions, marketplaces identify areas that need improvement and enhance their overall customer service experience for their own items, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Market Insights and Trends: Leveraging data insights into market trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences, marketplaces make strategic decisions regarding product offerings, marketing campaigns, and market expansion in the Indian retail segment.

Here is a list of marketplaces that are active in India right now:
- Amazon India
- Flipkart
- Myntra
- Snapdeal
- ShopClues
- Pepperfry
- Etsy
- Meesho
- Nykaa
- Ajio
- Limeroad
- BigBasket
- Reliance Retail
- JioMart
- Lifestyle
These are some of the top online marketplaces in India, where you can sell your items and services and reach millions of customers by a click of a few buttons or by going personally to their big stores.

Here Are a Few Examples of Marketplaces Launching Their Brands
- Reliance Retail and Trent Ltd: They are actively targeting the emerging Gen Z consumer group through brands like Yousta, Foundry, and Zudio, catering to their preferences and lifestyles.
- Nykaa: Known for its clean beauty and athleisure brands, Nykaa taps into popular market segments with offerings that resonate with its audience. Kay Beauty by Katrina Kaif is a notable example, focusing on inclusive makeup suitable for various skin tones.
- Myntra and Amazon India: Collaborating with celebrities like Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, Myntra’s House of Pataudi and HRX, and Nykaa’s Kay Beauty co-launched with Katrina Kaif, contribute to branding and appeal to a wider audience.
- Amazon India: With over 100 own-brands worldwide, Amazon has introduced India-specific brands like Tavasya and Anarva in addition to global offerings. While only 1 percent of Amazon.com’s sales come from private label brands, products like Amazon Essentials enjoy high conversion rates among browsing customers.
What Opportunities Does Data Leveraging Offers to a New Product Launch

Enhanced Customer Insights: Marketplaces have access to vast pools of customer data, enabling them to gain deep insights into consumer preferences, behaviors, and trends.

Tailored Product Development: Armed with comprehensive data analytics, marketplaces can develop own-brand products tailored to meet specific customer demands and preferences.

Competitive Advantage: By leveraging data-driven insights, marketplaces can create unique, high-quality products that stand out in the market, gaining a competitive edge over traditional retailers.

In India, with over 600 million internet users and 185 million online shoppers, it ranks third globally in digital shopping, after the United States and China.
This has led to a surge in Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands, which sell directly to consumers online, bypassing traditional distribution networks. The country currently hosts over 600 D2C brands, with the market projected to exceed USD 66 billion in 2023, as per Statista.

Streamlined Operations: Data analytics facilitate efficient inventory management, pricing strategies, and supply chain optimization, leading to improved operational efficiency.

Revenue Growth: Successful own-brand launches can drive incremental revenue streams for marketplaces, diversifying their revenue sources and bolstering profitability.

Market Size of E-commerce Industry Across India From 2014 to 2018, With Forecasts Until 2030

What Are the Challenges Faced by Marketplaces for Owning/Launching a Brand
- Data Privacy Concerns: The collection and utilization of customer data raise significant privacy concerns, necessitating robust data protection measures and compliance with regulations.
- Brand Reputation Risks: Poorly executed own-brand products can damage the reputation of marketplaces, leading to loss of customer trust and loyalty.
- Competition from Traditional Brands: Established brands may view marketplace-owned brands as direct competitors, leading to potential conflicts and market saturation.
In India, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) market is poised for remarkable growth, projected to expand over 15 times from 2015 to 2025. In 2020, the D2C market was valued at USD 33.1 billion.
By 2025, it is expected to nearly triple in size, reaching USD 100 billion, with fashion and accessories emerging as one of the leading segments in India’s D2C landscape.
- Quality Assurance: Maintaining consistent quality standards across a diverse range of own-brand products poses a challenge for marketplaces, requiring stringent quality control measures.
- Balancing Transparency and Customization: Marketplaces must strike a balance between leveraging customer data for personalized experiences while ensuring transparency and ethical data practices.
Reshaping Retail’s Power Dynamics

Marketplace-owned brands are exerting a profound influence on retail’s power dynamics:
- Disintermediation: Marketplaces are increasingly bypassing traditional manufacturers and retailers, and exerting greater control over the value chain.
- Shift in Market Share: Own-brand products are capturing a larger share of the market, challenging the dominance of traditional products, brands, and retailers.
- Data Monetization: Marketplaces are leveraging customer data not only to optimize own-brand offerings but also to generate additional revenue streams through targeted advertising and partnerships.
- Democratization of Retail: The proliferation of own-brand products democratizes access to retail, allowing smaller sellers and entrepreneurs to compete on a level playing field.
- Consumer Empowerment: With a plethora of choices and personalized experiences, consumers are empowered to make more informed purchasing decisions, driving market dynamics.
Conclusion

Data leveraging offers valuable opportunities to inform and optimize every stage of the new product launch process, from market research and development to marketing, sales, and ongoing performance monitoring.

The data-driven evolution of Indian marketplaces represents a revolution in the retail sector, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation, research, and growth. By harnessing the power of data analytics, Indian marketplaces can differentiate themselves, reshape retail dynamics, and deliver unparalleled value to Indian consumers.

As the Indian eCommerce market continues to evolve, the role of data-driven own-brands will only become more prominent, driving India’s retail sector into a new era of prosperity and innovation.

By harnessing the power of data, businesses can increase the chances of a successful product launch and drive sustainable growth in the market, ultimately driving value for customers and stakeholders in a broader aspect.

FAQs

What is data leveraging, and why are e-commerce marketplaces utilizing it?

Data leveraging involves using available information, such as customer data, product insights, and market trends, to make informed business decisions and unlock new opportunities. E-commerce marketplaces utilize data to personalize experiences, optimize operations, and stay ahead of competitors in the digital age.

How do e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart leverage data to introduce their own brands?

Marketplaces analyze customer data to create personalized recommendations, dynamically price products, optimize inventory management, and develop their own-brand products tailored to meet specific customer demands and preferences.

What are the benefits of data leveraging for launching new product brands?

Data leveraging enables marketplaces to gain deep insights into consumer preferences, behaviors, and trends, facilitating tailored product development, streamlined operations, and revenue growth through successful own-brand launches.

What are some challenges faced by marketplaces in owning and launching their own brands?

Challenges include privacy concerns related to data collection and utilization, risks to brand reputation from poorly executed own-brand products, competition from traditional brands, and maintaining consistent quality standards across a diverse range of products.

How are marketplaces reshaping retail’s power dynamics through own-brand products?

Marketplaces are bypassing traditional manufacturers and retailers, exerting greater control over the value chain, and capturing a larger share of the market. This democratization of retail empowers consumers with choices and personalized experiences, driving market dynamics and innovation.

What opportunities does data leveraging offer for new product launches in the Indian market?

Data leveraging offers opportunities for enhanced customer insights, tailored product development, competitive advantage, streamlined operations, and revenue growth in the rapidly evolving Indian eCommerce market.

Which eCommerce marketplaces in India are actively launching their own brands?

Marketplaces like Amazon India, Flipkart, Myntra, and Nykaa are actively launching their own brands, tapping into consumer preferences and market segments with offerings that resonate with their audiences.

What role does data analytics play in ensuring the success of marketplace-owned brands?

Data analytics enable marketplaces to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, maintain quality standards, and make data-driven decisions throughout the product lifecycle, from development and marketing to sales and performance monitoring.

How do marketplace-owned brands contribute to the overall growth and innovation in the Indian retail sector?

Marketplace-owned brands drive growth and innovation by offering unique, high-quality products that stand out in the market, democratizing access to retail, and empowering consumers with choices and personalized experiences.
March 5, 2024
Best Products to Sell for Valentine’s Week
Valentine’s Week is going to begin on 7th Feb and will continue till the day of love,14 February. Valentine’s week is the week for people to celebrate love, and lovers come together to celebrate this occasion.

Valentine’s Week is also a week for producers and companies to launch their best products in the market, which allows couples and lovers to celebrate their love.
Valentine’s week market is a great way for companies to come up with their most creative and loved-up products.

So, here are the best selling products during Valentine’s Week for your loved one:-
Where To Sell

Chocolates

The most obvious gift for Valentine’s week is chocolate, the most sold item on Valentine’s Day. With a day of the week dedicated to chocolate, the Valentine’s market is the best time for selling chocolates that celebrate love and are cute and pretty in nature. Regular chocolate sales also increase during this time, so chocolates with very unique creative ideas are more of an eye-catcher in the market. Chocolates with heart-shaped wrappers in heart-shape, letters attached to them, flavoured chocolates, and dark chocolates are some great ideas for Valentine’s week for the producers as these attract customers and are huge sellers during the week.

Watches & Perfumes

A more universal and diverse gift for gifting during Valentine’s week is watches and perfumes. Both the products are available for both parties and have a lot of choices and options to be picked from. This is the time period when companies come up with their best product and have limited editions for Valentine’s week. These special edition products are more price-oriented but can be customized for the people. Watches and perfumes are good products to sell, and the more customizable they are, the more popular they will be in the market.

Salon Cards

A great way to treat your loved ones is by providing them love in the form of Salon vouchers. The parlours and spa stations have a great scope in the market to come up with great ideas of salon spree and spa collections for couples. The couple packages for the couple are the best products to sell during Valentine’s week. Valentine’s week is the time for people to relax with their beau, which makes it a great product to sell during Valentine’s.

Flowers

Flowers – Best Selling Items for Valentine’s Day

There is no Valentine’s without flowers, so flowers are one of the best selling items for Valentine’s Day. The first day itself is the day of Rose, so the florists and the gift shops get a huge market to sell flowers to loved-up people. There can be a single flower or a bouquet; the options should be wide and varied for the people to choose. The most popular flowers to sell during Valentine’s week are roses, lilies, Orchids, carnations, and daisies. The flowers can be decorated in a more beautiful manner using red ribbons and bow packaging material to make it more selling during Valentine’s week.

Apparels & Shoes

Apparel and shoes are appealing to every individual, and Valentine’s Week is a great way to sell apparel and shoes. The couple-matching t-shirts, Couple-coordinate clothes, shoes with matching messages, gift hampers, clothing, and shoe vouchers are great gifts to sell. Apparel and shoe companies can also launch limited-edition Valentine’s specials for more effective sales of their products. The accessories are also a good item to sell during Valentine’s week and for the week, launch a wide variety to allow the couples to choose from a wide variety.

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Jewelry

A girl loves Jewelry. So this is for the boys: if you want to make your girl or the girl you would like to make happy, buy jewelry for her. Valentine’s week is a great time to sell jewelry including bracelets, rings, earrings, hair accessories, anklets, necklaces and neck pendants. From simple gold and silver jewelry to heavy jewelry, jewelry has a great market during Valentine’s week. The most popular type of jewelry is customizable and name-based because of the potential to show love to loved ones. Not only girls’ jewelry for guys is also very popular to sell during Valentine’s week. The best things to sell for guys are bracelets, lockets, bandanas, earrings, etc.

Lingerie and Make-up

Lingerie and makeup, considered the girls’ best friends, are among the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts. The best way to appeal to girls during Valentine’s week is by offering these coveted items. The demand for lingerie and makeup surges during this romantic period, with makeup companies launching special Valentine’s makeup collections tailored for the occasion. These collections become highly sought-after products during Valentine’s week. Similarly, lingerie designed specifically for Valentine’s week becomes a top-selling item during this time.

Gym Memberships

The couple who trains together stays together can be the motto during Valentine’s week to sell gym memberships during Valentine’s week. The couple memberships are a special gift for those couples who are into the gym and health and fitness. The gyms and fitness centres can come up with interesting packages for couples to get into the gym and health during this loved-up week. Nutrition companies can also sell health and nutrient packages for couples and singles who are dedicated to health instead of finding love.

Romantic Dinners and Movie/Concert Tickets

Romantic Dinners – Best Selling Items for Valentine’s Day

The 14th of February is V-day, the day to celebrate the ultimate love, and for most people who are either couples or singles, it is romantic dinners and movie/concert tickets.

The restaurants and food outlets get a chance to come up with various themes of romantic dinner tables for people to celebrate their best days. Movies and concerts are also some good things to sell during the V-week as the favourite bands are in town or the movie is released during the V-Week. The V-Week is a week to celebrate love and also a great week for selling the above-mentioned products.

Gift Cards/Vouchers

Gift cards and vouchers, a Valentine’s Day card suit for Valentine’s Day gifts are perfect for those who tend to shop at the last minute. Buying gift cards requires no shipping time, and vouchers can be activated instantly. To ensure effectiveness, it’s crucial to offer gift cards with appropriate values. Utilizing social media to promote these gift cards can be highly beneficial, and consider using boosted advertisements to remind busy shoppers about them. Additionally, emphasizing the convenience and versatility of gift cards can further attract last-minute buyers.

Valentine’s Day Cards

Valentine’s Day Cards – Best Selling Items for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day cards are a timeless and sentimental choice for expressing love and affection, making them one of the best products to sell during Valentine’s Week. With their charming designs and heartfelt messages, these cards offer a personal touch that resonates with customers looking to convey their emotions to loved ones. From traditional romantic themes to quirky and humorous options, a Valentine’s Day card suits every relationship and taste. Moreover, the growing trend of personalized and customizable cards allows sellers to offer unique and tailored experiences to their customers.

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Beauty and Skincare Products

Valentine’s Week is a great time for beauty and skincare products sales, as they offer a perfect balance of pampering and self-care. These products make thoughtful gifts for personal care enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation, ranging from luxurious facial serums and moisturizers to indulgent bath bombs and scented candles. Retailers can capitalize on this market by highlighting romantic packaging or limited edition Valentine’s-themed collections to attract shoppers. With the rising trend of self-love and wellness, beauty and skincare products present an ideal opportunity to treat loved ones or oneself.

Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts are one of the best products to sell during Valentine’s Week. They capture the essence of the holiday by offering a unique touch. From customized jewelry to bespoke photo albums and engraved keepsakes, personalized gifts allow customers to express their love in a deeply meaningful way. These items hold sentimental value, making them cherished keepsakes for years to come. Personalization adds a special touch that resonates with both the giver and the recipient, whether it’s a name, date, or heartfelt message. Thus, it is an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day shoppers who want to create lasting memories with their loved ones.

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Candles

Candles are a timeless and romantic product that holds significant appeal during Valentine’s Week. Their soft, flickering light creates an intimate ambience that is perfect for romantic dinners or cosy evenings. With a wide range of scents available, from classic floral notes to exotic blends, candles offer something for every taste. They make for versatile gifts that can be enjoyed by both individuals and couples alike. Whether marketed as standalone items or as part of curated gift sets, candles are sure to be a popular choice among shoppers looking to create a warm and romantic atmosphere for their loved ones during Valentine’s Week.

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Tech Accessories

Tech Accessories – Best Selling Items for Valentine’s Day

In recent years, the market for personalized print-on-demand technology accessories has expanded remarkably, and phone cases have emerged as the most popular products. Phone cases are practical and affordable, making them an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day gifts. They not only protect phones from scratches and dents but also add a touch of fun, style, and novelty. Successful print-on-demand phone case vendors often incorporate personalized features such as photo uploads, text customization, and clipart options. Additionally, creating complementary designs for pairs of phones, such as matching halves of hearts or adorable characters, can further enhance their appeal.

Where To Sell

There are many online shopping websites where you can sell your products and services. Some of these are as follows :

Amazon

It takes a few minutes to set up your Amazon selling account. To get started with selling on Amazon, you will need to have a selling plan and strategy. With the Amazon Seller app, you will be able to track sales, fulfil orders and much more. With all these facilities, Amazon stands as the best place to sell products.

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Flipkart

To start selling on Flipkart, you need 1 product and two documents. The lowest cost of doing so on this portal is another good reason to start your online selling journey.

Valentine’s week is a great opportunity to start an online business if you don’t have one yet. If you already have one, then make the most of it by selling the right products at the right time.

FAQs

What are the top 3 jewelry items purchased for Valentine’s Day?

The top three jewelry items purchased for Valentine’s Day are diamond earrings, heart-shaped pendants, and personalized bracelets.

What are the top 7 best selling products or services for Valentine’s Day?

The top 7 best-selling products or services for Valentine’s Day include chocolates, flowers, jewelry, greeting cards, romantic dinners, spa treatments, and personalized gifts.

What is the most sold item on Valentine’s Day?

The most sold item on Valentine’s Day is chocolate. It is a classic and beloved gift that symbolizes love and affection.
February 12, 2024
Clean, Green, and Cost-Effective Businesses – What’s Making the E-commerce & Food Giants in India Shift to Electric Fleets?

This article has been contributed by Pritesh Mahajan, Founder, Revamp Moto.

The landscape of India’s business world is changing, and it’s changing rapidly. In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a central theme in global business discussions. The urgency to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions has pushed companies worldwide to reevaluate their environmental impact. India is no exception. With a growing awareness of the environmental challenges and a commitment to cleaner, greener practices, Indian businesses are taking significant steps towards sustainability.

E-commerce and food delivery giants, in particular, are undergoing a significant transformation as they seek to align their operations with sustainability goals and cost-effectiveness. A key driver of this transformation is the shift toward electric fleets. This concept has become a huge motivating factor that encourages industry leaders to embrace electric vehicles and the profound impact it’s having on the business ecosystem.

The Electric Revolution
1. Zomato: Partnering for a Greener Tomorrow
2. Amazon India: Delivering Sustainability
3. Flipkart: Pioneering Sustainability
4. Swiggy and BigBasket: Delivering Green Convenience
5. Maersk: A Global Leader in Sustainability
Technology Driving the Transition
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
The Road Ahead

The Electric Revolution

Electric vehicles have become a symbol of this sustainability drive. These vehicles are not just environmentally friendly; they also offer substantial cost advantages over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In India, EVs have garnered increasing attention for their potential to reduce air pollution, decrease fuel costs, and promote energy efficiency.

To put things into perspective, a study by Boston Consulting Group found that the total cost of ownership of a high-speed two-wheeler EV is around 35% lower than the same model with a combustion engine. An electric three-wheeler is 25% cheaper than its diesel counterpart. These numbers alone underscore the economic rationale behind the shift to electric fleets.

Several prominent e-commerce and food delivery giants in India are at the forefront of this electric revolution. Let’s delve into some real-life examples.

1. Zomato: Partnering for a Greener Tomorrow

Zomato, a multinational restaurant aggregator and food delivery company, has set ambitious sustainability goals. In 2022, Zomato partnered with Jio-bp, a joint venture of Reliance Industries and BP, with the aim of electrifying its entire fleet by 2030. At that time, the company already had around 4,000 riders using EVs for deliveries. Zomato’s strategy includes increasing awareness among its drivers on EVs across India and forming partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and leasing companies to accelerate the electrification of its fleet.

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2. Amazon India: Delivering Sustainability

Amazon India, a major player in the e-commerce sector, joined forces with TVS Motor, one of India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers, in 2022. This partnership aimed to bolster the deployment of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers for last-mile deliveries. Amazon India has set an ambitious target of adding 10,000 EVs to its fleet by 2025, aligning with Amazon’s global commitment to adopt 100,000 EVs by 2030.

3. Flipkart: Pioneering Sustainability

Flipkart, India’s pioneering e-commerce company, has been a trailblazer in embracing EVs. It was the first Indian e-commerce company to introduce electric vehicles to its fleet and join The Climate Group’s EV100 initiative. Flipkart has made a bold commitment to become 100% electric by 2030, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.

4. Swiggy and BigBasket: Delivering Green Convenience

Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience delivery platform, embarked on a green journey by partnering with Taiwanese battery-swapping company Gogoro. This strategic move involved switching to electric intelligent scooters, contributing to reduced emissions and cleaner air. Similarly, BigBasket, an online supermarket based in Bangalore, is determined to electrify 90% of its fleet, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable last-mile deliveries.

5. Maersk: A Global Leader in Sustainability

Mærsk, a Danish shipping and logistics company, recognized the importance of electric vehicles in distribution logistics in India. In August, the company announced its plan to deploy an additional 500 EVs in 26 Indian cities to ramp up electrification in first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile deliveries. Maersk had already taken the first step in September 2022 by launching electric three-wheelers and four-wheelers in Mumbai.

Technology Driving the Transition

Technology has played a crucial role in facilitating this transition to electric fleets. One notable example is UK-based Saietta’s Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) designed specifically for three-wheeled and four-wheeled light electric vehicles (LEVs). Saietta has partnered with HCLTech to manufacture the VCU in India and deliver over 80,000 units to Indian LEV manufacturers over five years. This partnership underscores the technological advancements that are driving the EV revolution in India.

Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development

It’s worth noting that government initiatives have also paved the way for the adoption of electric fleets. The ‘Go Electric’ campaign, launched in 2021, seeks to educate the public about the advantages of EVs. Additionally, the FAME II scheme, aimed at supporting the electrification of public and shared transportation, has contributed to the growth of electric fleets in ride-hailing and delivery services.

One of the critical factors behind the success of electric fleets is the expansion of charging infrastructure. Both public and private players have invested in charging stations across the country. This development addresses a significant concern for potential EV buyers: range anxiety. With improved charging infrastructure, EV adoption is expected to accelerate further.

The Road Ahead

As more e-commerce and food delivery giants in India embrace electric fleets, the ripple effect of this transformation is evident. It not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also sets an example for other businesses to follow. The initial investment in EVs may be higher, but the long-term cost savings, reduced emissions, and positive impact on the environment make it a compelling choice.

As Pritesh Mahajan, Co-founder of Revamp Moto, a leading name in sustainable mobility solutions, puts it, “The adoption of electric fleets by e-commerce and food delivery giants is one of the most efficient ways to integrate electric vehicles on the road. It not only increases their visibility but also encourages more people to make the shift to cleaner and greener mobility options. This shift is a win-win, as it not only saves costs for businesses but also aids mobility among the hardworking delivery professionals. It’s a step towards a sustainable future that we can all be proud of.”

The shift to electric fleets by e-commerce and food delivery giants in India is more than a business decision; it’s a commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. With technology advancements, government support, and a growing charging infrastructure, the road ahead looks promising. As these industry leaders continue to lead by example, it’s only a matter of time before electric fleets become the norm in India’s delivery and logistics landscape.

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Amazon VS Target: The Ultimate Retail Rivalry
Globally, the eCommerce sector is expanding steadily. New eCommerce markets are developing every day, and already-existing markets are hitting new benchmarks. In the eCommerce space, Amazon and Target are well-known competitors, each with special advantages and tactics. Amazon has managed to hold its position as the world’s largest online retailer through its extensive range of goods, effective shipping services, and cutting-edge technologies such as Alexa. In contrast, Target has been focusing on the combination of its physical shops and online presence, providing a carefully chosen assortment, special collaborations, and efficient same-day services. Let’s see what the eCommerce giants, Amazon and Target, have been doing so well that made them what they are today by going through their businesses and comparing them.

Amazon – About
Target – About
Biggest Assets
- Target’s Physical Stores Strategy
- Amazon’s Click and Collect & Locker Strategy
Financials: Amazon & Target
Technology and Supply Chain
Customer Loyalty Programs
Marketing Strategy
Can Target Catch Up with Amazon?
What Lies Ahead?

Amazon – About

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon on July 5, 1994, out of his Bellevue, Washington, garage. It is an American multinational firm focused on digital streaming, cloud computing, eCommerce, online advertising, and artificial intelligence. Amazon allows any vendor to sell anything, taking a cut from every sale. It started as an online bookstore but has since extended into many other product categories, earning the nickname “The Everything Store.”

As one of the most valuable brands in the world, Amazon is sometimes referred to as “one of the most influential economic and cultural forces in the world” today. It is regarded as one of the Big Five American tech companies, along with Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet (the parent company of Google), and Meta.

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Target – About

Target has been around for 100 years (founded in 1902) and was founded by George Dayton. However, the rebranding process that made Target the success we all know today was started in Minnesota and developed through the years via expansion and acquisitions. The American retail company Target Corporation runs a network of hypermarkets and cheap department stores.

Target is well-known for emphasizing high-end, fashionable goods at reasonable prices. Along with groceries, its stores usually sell a variety of miscellaneous products, such as toys, electronics, clothes, home goods, and more. Bullseye is the name of the company’s canine mascot, and both the name and emblem allude to the center of a shooting target. It has continuously been recognized as one of the most philanthropic American businesses.

Target – Seventh Largest Retailer in the United States

Target Corporation also known as Target, is an American department store chain. It was set up in 1962 as a division of Dayton’s department store.

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Biggest Assets

Target’s Physical Stores Strategy

Target relies on its physical store network to compete in the Shipping Wars as an underdog. Target uses its stores as fulfillment centers for online orders. This reduces shipping costs and competes with Amazon’s quick delivery.

Target’s approach is motivated by the necessity to maintain efficiency and competitiveness in the quickly expanding eCommerce sector, but it also attempts to address environmental issues by lowering carrier mileage and grouping shipments.

By the end of 2026, Target wants to have 15 sortation centers in its network thanks to an investment of $100 million. A sortation center is a logistical facility that brings together, sorts, and distributes the flows passing through it.

Number of Target Stores in the United States from Financial Year 2016 to 2022

Amazon’s Click and Collect & Locker Strategy

Amazon now offers small and medium-sized companies who sell on its marketplace a click-and-collect option. Certain items on Amazon.com can be bought and collected from a nearby shop on the same day. Sellers can also offer same-day delivery using their drivers and vehicles. In addition to the foot traffic that stores receive from Amazon, Click & Collect in-store offers the advantage of attracting new consumers, facilitating interaction between store staff and customers, and the sale of additional products and after-sales services. In addition, this improves the store’s visibility and allows customers to discover the entire range of a store.

When you shop at Amazon, it’s easy to receive your purchases. Sometimes you may want your package delivered to a different place, not your home or work. You can choose a secure pickup location for your Amazon orders with Amazon Locker. You can pick up your packages on your own time and rest easy knowing they’re safe in the meantime. Shipping to a Locker is free for Prime members.

Amazon Lockers

Financials: Amazon & Target

The online shopping giant Amazon didn’t appear to be slowing down. According to Citi Research, Amazon’s Gross Merchandise Value increased by more than 12% over the previous year, surpassing the eCommerce industry average of 8% growth.

Sales at Amazon increased by 13% in 2023 third quarter to $127.1 billion in 2022. Additionally, Amazon’s global sales increased 16% annually to $32.1 billion. Amazon Web Services, or AWS, saw a 12% rise in sales to $23.1 billion in 2016.

For Target, in the 2023 third quarter, comparable sales fell by 4.9 percent, which was caused by a 4.6 percent fall in comparable store sales and a 6.0 percent decline in comparable digital sales. With $25.4 billion in total revenue, it was 4.2 percent less than the previous year due to a 4.3 percent reduction in overall sales and a 0.6 percent decline in other revenue.

For these retail giants, the upcoming quarters will undoubtedly be a test of their courage, inventiveness, and adaptability. The struggle for American consumers’ wallets is far from over.

Technology and Supply Chain

Both companies are using their technology to innovate and work towards the betterment of the Supply Chain. Amazon is developing a range of supply chain solutions for small and midsize enterprises by combining its vast eCommerce shipping network with its AWS cloud computing capabilities. The tech behemoth unveiled Cardinal and Sparrow, two new intralogistics robots, in 2022. These robots can currently be used to collect items of various sizes, shapes, and materials, transfer things across the fulfillment center, and sort parcels. Amazon has been investigating package delivery using drones. The goal of the Prime Air project is to create a drone delivery system that can deliver packages in under 30 minutes.

On the other hand, Target has invested in digital marketing techniques, website and app upgrades, and better online purchasing. By the end of January 2026, the store hopes to have at least 15 of these locations, known as sortation hubs. Along with increasing its curbside pickup and same-day delivery options for alcohol, Target has also added its highly popular in-store Starbucks cafes to its lineup.

At roughly the same time that Amazon announced its pursuit of a net zero carbon certification for a new Amazon Fresh in Seattle, Target opened its first net zero energy store in Vista, California.

How Target Is Challenging Amazon

Customer Loyalty Programs

Every organization needs to create loyalty programs that would help retain customers. Amazon’s plan to improve its ecosystem and consumer loyalty also includes the creation of Amazon Prime, which offers advantages including free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and more.

On the other hand, Target provides Target Circle, with a free loyalty program. Target Circle offers benefits without charging a price, even if it doesn’t have as many advantages as rivals like Amazon Prime.

Members can vote for local charities in their communities that Target should donate to, as well as access services that are personalized and pertinent to them. Currently, the program has over 120 million members, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing loyalty programs.

Marketing Strategy

Amazon uses a broad and all-encompassing marketing approach to keep its position as the world’s largest online retailer. Perhaps one of the greatest pieces of Amazon’s marketing strategy is the opportunity for customers to post reviews. 93% of people look at online reviews before making a purchase, proving why this strategy is so effective.

Sellers can advertise their products on Amazon using a variety of ad types thanks to the company’s advertising platform. Display ads, video commercials, and sponsored products are a few of the advertising options that Amazon provides. To strengthen its social media presence, it has also collaborated with several content producers.

Target sets itself apart from the competition with its selection of distinctive in-house brands and carefully chosen national brands. It effectively meets the needs of its customers, whether they make purchases in-person or online, by using its stores as fulfillment centers.

Additionally, to preserve and improve relevancy, it interacts with customers through initiatives like RedCard and Target Circle. Target uses its corporate sustainability plan, Target Forward, as its main tool to harness for the good of people, the environment, and the company.

Can Target Catch Up with Amazon?

There were empty brick-and-mortar chains with vacant parking lots when the world came to an abrupt stop in March 2020, but none could compete with Amazon’s massive data collection, logistics, and pricing structure.

Target, however, is gaining traction now that customers are coming back by taking advantage of the one asset that Amazon does not have: a physical store network.

Target has just 1.8% of the eCommerce market share in 2023 compared to Amazon’s 37.6% as per the reports. To manage high volume and boost efficiency, Target constructed sortation centers. This led to a 150% increase in next-day delivery and tens of millions of dollars in savings.

According to Target, customers appear to still value personalization; click-and-collect sales are soaring at its nearly 1,900 US stores. While it may have sounded counterintuitive at the beginning of the pandemic, the combination of eCommerce and physical retailing makes sense today, which is why Amazon is making significant investments in its network of stores.

What Lies Ahead?

For small businesses, Amazon has introduced a “buy now, pay later” option that lets them buy products on credit. But the Ninja cautions that depending on debt to expand a business can be dangerous, particularly for one-person operations where the debt is personally guaranteed. Brian Cornell, the CEO of Target, has drawn attention to a worrying trend in which consumers are cutting back on spending, even on groceries which is a sign of financial strain.

Amazon is still the industry leader in eCommerce right now, but Target has made considerable advances in the online space because of its omnichannel strategy.

Conclusion

Target has established itself as a strong rival by utilizing its advantages in both online and offline retail, while Amazon continues to be an eCommerce giant that sets industry standards. The future landscape for these organizations and others in the industry will surely be shaped by the continued expansion of the e-commerce market.

FAQs

What are sortation centres?

A sortation center is a logistical facility that brings together, sorts, and distributes the flows passing through it. By the end of 2026, Target wants to have 15 sortation centers in its network.

When was Amazon founded?

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon on July 5, 1994.

When was Target founded?

Target has been around for 100 years (founded in 1902) and was founded by George Dayton.
December 5, 2023
What Is Amazon Vine, and How Can You Get Free Products From It?
Have you ever thought of writing a review on Amazon? Or do you think that you will not gain anything from a simple Amazon review? You are on the right page if your mind is filled with such queries. Since 2007, Amazon has had a program set for you that will make you think twice.

It is known mainly as Amazon’s Vine Program, which is comprised of a group of intricately screened reviewers who can earn products for free in return for leaving honest reviews!

Although Amazon does not reveal much about the reviewers’ screening process, there are a few salient guidelines you can follow to try becoming one of those lucky ones who can earn a free prize or an incentive.

Overview of Amazon Vine
What Should You Understand Before Enrolling in Amazon Vine
Enrolling Process on Amazon Vine Program
The Cost Involved in Enrolling Into Amazon Vine
Tips to Become a Top Amazon Vine Reviewer
Pros and Cons of Amazon Vine for Sellers

Overview of Amazon Vine

Amazon Vine is a program based on product review structures specifically to encourage shoppers to leave unbiased, honest reviews and get rewarded with free Amazon products. But Amazon is highly scrupulous, and they pick as their elite reviewer.

The reviewers on Amazon Vine or the alias Vine Voices get selected upon invites and act as highly trusted Amazon reviewers. The Vine Voices are picked exclusively based on how their reviews are ranked, which measures the usefulness and quality of their reviews gauged by Amazon customers. Sellers can use this program to attain reviews for their products, and as a buyer, you can earn free merchandise from Amazon.

Earlier, the Vine members used to earn monthly newsletters that featured books and other products they selected to offer reviews on. These products are valued at a range from a couple of dollars to as much as $1000. Now, these reviewers have access to the rolling item lists they are privileged to order.

As noted by NPR, Vine members can never sell or give away items they receive from this program, and Amazon can also ask for a return, although they refrain from doing so.

How Amazon Vine Helps Sellers

What Should You Understand Before Enrolling in Amazon Vine?

Amazon Vine has the most potential to solicit reviews for new products; however, there is a greater risk associated, which you should consider before enrolling in this program.

Vine Voices must stay insightful and unbiased, implying that their reviews are more intricate and filled with details than a normal review left by an Amazon-verified customer.

As an Amazon Vine Voice, you might even add videos and photos to your reviews; staying positioned is great. However, there are instances where Vine Voices leaves negative reviews, and a Vine reviewer will surely notice and write regarding anything bad or a defect in the product.

It is more likely to get various detailed, negative reviews for any new product since the reviews on Vine cannot be changed or removed unless they violate the terms and conditions of Amazon.

It is bad news for a seller since it would affect the conversion rate and place their ASIN at a major disadvantage. Nothing is better than any bad reviews on Amazon.

Enroll only the best ASINs in the program to mitigate the risk of the negative reviews left by Vine Voices. Refrain from products subjective to qualities like flavors or aromas.

Just because you consider that your handcrafted candle will smell exotic does not mean that the reviewer from the Vine Program will agree to it.

Before selecting any product for Vine, ensure that you conduct your own research for product analysis to fetch an idea of how the customers might respond. Then, make use of your best intentions. If any buyer on Amazon complains about the same product, there is a greater chance that Vine Voices will leave a negative review.

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Enrolling Process on Amazon Vine Program

Tips for Getting Selected for the Amazon Vine Voice Program

Getting An Invite

So, do you wonder about the process or the steps involved in becoming a highly trusted reviewer on Amazon? Amazon will contact you if they consider you the best fit for this program; however, the company offers guidance on what it searches for in a Vine Voice.

Amazon’s primary focus was the quality instead of the review quantity left. You will not benefit by leaving a single line or a one-word review. Even if you are creative in your reviews, Amazon does not guarantee that you will be picked into their Vine program.

The following are the main guidelines for the Amazon Vine Program:
- The reviewer’s ranking is solely based on the comprehensive assistance of the reviews while reckoning the number of reviews left.
- Demonstrating one’s expertise in a single, distinctive category of products.
- Reviews left recently gain weight while rankings get updated every couple of days.
- A likeness in products identical to the ones you are enrolling for in this Vine program.
Unfortunately, there is no way to know which products you will enroll in, although a fondness towards a product is the main thing to get enrolled, and the main route is through invites.

All we could infer is that the vendors are paying to get their products listed, a reality that Amazon initially refrains from disclosing. It was the main reason this program attained adverse coverage in the past.

Enrolling Through Votes

Ensure you are refraining from leaving short and simple reviews if you wish to get noticed by Amazon and enroll under Vine Voices. Do not complain about products or anything mentioned under the product description. Rethink the questions you would have asked yourself before placing orders for $200 worth of gadgets you knew you never required.

Amazon is most likely to scrub through thousands of reviews left on the available products on their site and check how these reviews are being taken by their valuable customers. Reviewers with consistent feedback are marked as helpful and have higher chances of getting invited to this program.

Following a Single Category

It is the other criteria that Amazon searches for as they scrub through your expertise and interest in a specific category of products.

A few unreliable proofs showcase that getting stuck under a single category and becoming a helpful and recognized professional in this niche offers you better chances of becoming a member of the Vine program.

No Clear Instructions From Amazon

Amazon refrains from disclosing valuable information on how you can make informed decisions.

For instance, we discovered that there are Vine Voices who received more than 4,000 helpful votes for their reviews. A couple of Hall of Famers earned over 88,000 votes; however, they did not get a chance to become a part of this program.

There is no computation into action to get enrolled in the Amazon Vine Program. One of the Vine Voices posted on Quora that they received the invite through over 300 helpful votes and left over 30 reviews. Along with these numbers, the Vine Voice even mentioned that it relies mainly on the categories Amazon plans to add under the new Vine Voices. In short, Amazon does not guarantee you anything!

One massive piece of information involves Amazon not disclosing how often they invite users to join the Vine Voice Program. Therefore, Amazon has never been clear regarding its recruitment process. So, if you aim to get considered, you just have to keep working towards it.

How to Join Amazon Vine

The Cost Involved in Enrolling Into Amazon Vine

Each parent ASIN needs to pay $200 to join the Amazon Vine Program. Earlier, this program was free of cost; however, they started charging for their services on 12th October 2021. However, you should know that you will not receive an Amazon Vine invoice until your first review is published.

There is good news here: if you are underage or a child, then the ASINs need not pay anything!

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Tips to Become a Top Amazon Vine Reviewer

Becoming an Amazon Vine Voice is never easy, as you should stay consistent in leaving thorough and complete reviews across varied product categories. The minimum number of reviews you should publish to become eligible for this program is 100, as we deduced from the list of the top reviewers on Amazon.

You will also get access to the rolling list of products you can order for free at your feasible time as a Vine Voice. The catchy part here is that you are not obligated to leave reviews; if you decide to leave a negative review, you stay protected from Amazon’s retaliation.

Sadly, there is no strict method or formula to follow to get an invite into this program. However, you have a higher chance of enrolling in this program if you leave an insightful and detailed review of the products you purchase on Amazon.

What Amazon cares about is the quality and not the quantity, and the following are a few guidelines for the kind of reviews you should leave to enroll in this program:
- Refrain from leaving a single-liner or a one-word review, as the number of reviews you leave never matters as long they prove helpful.
- Always leave detailed reviews on the specific categories of products. You have a higher chance of getting picked as a Vine Voice when aiming at a specific category and demonstrating your expertise in this distinctive domain.
- Make sure to leave a review daily, as Amazon gives more attention to consistent and regular reviews.
- Ensure you are not complaining about any product features mentioned clearly under the product description. For instance, do not complain about product size if the dimensions are mentioned clearly.
- Although the real algorithm to enroll in the Vine Program is still unknown, the reviewers with consistent reviews have greater chances of getting upvoted and earning invites to this program.
You should know the implications of taxes for the free merchandise you will earn as an Amazon Vine Voice. If you earn a free product worth more than $600, you might have to pay some tax based on the product value.

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Pros and Cons of Amazon Vine for Sellers

Comparing Amazon Vine to other review methods, it has its pros. But, like any strategy, there are cons too. Let’s break down the good and the not-so-good of the Amazon Vine program to help you decide if it’s the right fit:

Pros:
- Amplified Review Potential: Amazon Vine allows sellers to garner up to 30 reviews, although there’s no assurance as some Voices may opt not to contribute.
- In-Depth, Top-Quality Reviews: Chosen for their reviewer rank, Vine Voices provides meticulously crafted reviews, often featuring pros and cons lists, alongside customer images/videos.
- Boosts Credibility: Amazon Vine reviews enhance your product’s credibility, as they come from reputable Voices recognized by Amazon. This added trust factor can significantly impact potential buyers’ confidence in your product.
- Practical Product Insights: Vine Voices meticulously analyzes every aspect of the product, offering potential customers comprehensive details and actionable feedback crucial to their purchasing decisions.
- Catapults Traffic and Conversions: The influential reviews from Vine Voices play a pivotal role in driving sales and conversions, propelling your product’s overall best-seller rankings, and generating momentum in the marketplace.
Cons:
- Uncertain Review Outcome: Reviews, whether positive or not, are not guaranteed through Amazon Vine. While Vine Voices provides detailed insights, sellers have no control over the reviewer’s sentiment, and contacting them is not an option.
- Exclusive to Brand Registered Sellers: Participation in the Vine program is restricted to brand-registered sellers. This exclusivity can benefit brand-registered sellers, providing a competitive edge if their competitors are not yet brand-registered.
- Enrollment Costs: Sellers need to consider the financial aspect, as enrolling in Vine comes with a fee ranging from $75 to $200 for each parent ASIN. The decision to enroll should be weighed against the potential benefits to determine its overall worth.
- Limited Number of Parent ASINs: Sellers should be mindful of the limitation on the number of parent ASINs they can enroll, as this can impact the scope of the Vine program for their products.
Conclusion

After you get enrolled and accepted under the Vine Voice Program, you must follow the guidelines Amazon sets. You get restricted to two products at a time and should write and post reviews of the products you received before requesting more items. Ensure to leave a review within a month from the day the product is delivered.

You have to pick products that you know about or are interested in. Never feel pressured to pick something to leave a review. You can skip a few months if you do not need a product. In the context of the ‘Amazon Vine program India’, the same principles apply, allowing reviewers to select products they are knowledgeable about or interested in, emphasizing a voluntary approach and the flexibility to skip months when a product isn’t needed.

Remember that Amazon closely watches the active participation of the Vine Voices reviews. The best reviewers associate with Amazon under this program and can enroll easily.

FAQs

What is Amazon Vine program?

The Amazon Vine program is an invitation-only program that helps customers make informed purchasing decisions by giving them early access to new and unreleased products from Amazon’s vendors and sellers.

Does Amazon still have Vine?

Yes, the Amazon Vine program is still live, and Amazon does invite people from time to time.

How many items can I order from Amazon Vine?

Once selected for Amazon Vine, you can order two items simultaneously.

How to join the Amazon Vine program?

It is an invitation-only program. Customers who consistently write insightful reviews and have a high reviewer rank will most likely be invited.

Is the Amazon Vine Program available in India?

Yes, Amazon’s Vine India program is available, and it is an invite-only program.

What are the other alternatives to get trusted reviews on Amazon?

The other alternatives to get trusted reviews on Amazon are:
- Amazon Early Reviewer Program
- Automate your reviews with Emails
- SellerApp review request tool
November 30, 2023