Update 1/28/19: Amazon Webstore has been discontinued, and Amazon does not offer a comparable service at this time.
Launched in May 2010, Amazon Webstore (webstore.amazon.com) is an online store builder and e-commerce solution offered by online retail giant Amazon.com. Similar to Shopify or Bigcommerce, Amazon Webstore provides an easy setup, low-cost website for merchants who wish to operate online stores and who need to accept debit and credit card payments online through those stores. Any Amazon web store will come with a built-in payment gateway, an online shopping cart, Amazon- or store-branded checkout options, customizable design templates, inventory management, and Amazon integration. Based in Seattle, Washington, Amazon also offers a less involved on-site payment acceptance option for most merchants in the form of its Amazon Payments service.
Standout Features
As one might expect from the world's largest online retailer, Amazon Webstore comes with a large number of attractive features for merchants. In addition to services that are commonly packaged with web stores (like payment processing, shopping carts, hosted checkout, SEO options, and inventory management), Amazon Webstore offers product ratings and reviews, smart search within a merchant's site, and advanced product browsing options. Most significant, though, is the service's integration with Amazon's online market services, including Amazon Product Ads integration, product listings on Amazon.com, access to Amazon fulfillment services, Amazon Prime benefits for customers, and Amazon Payments capabilities. For some merchants, maximum integration with Amazon may be desirable, since it lends credibility and exposes the product to a larger number of customers.
Testimonials & Complaints
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