Beginner’s Guide to Shopping on Amazon: Tips, Tricks, and Step-by-Step Instructions

Shopping on Amazon can be a straightforward and convenient experience, especially if you’re new to it. Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you get started:

A buyer account on Amazon allows you to shop for millions of products, track orders, manage payment methods, and enjoy exclusive benefits like Amazon Prime.

1. Creating an Account

  • Sign up: If you don’t already have an Amazon account, go to Amazon’s website and click “Sign In” or “Create Account” in the top-right corner. Fill in your name, email, and create a password.
  • Set up shipping address: Make sure you add your shipping address under “Your Account” to ensure your items are sent to the correct location.

2. Finding Products

  • Search bar: Use the search bar at the top to type in keywords for the product you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for a “laptop,” just type that in and hit enter.
  • Categories: You can also browse items by categories like Electronics, Home & Kitchen, Clothing, etc., found in the navigation menu.
  • Filters: After searching, use the filters on the left-hand side (or at the top on mobile) to narrow down your results by price range, brand, rating, etc.

3. Product Pages

  • Product details: Click on an item to view more details. Here, you’ll find product descriptions, specifications, images, customer reviews, and ratings.
  • Customer reviews: This is a great way to see what other buyers have experienced. Look for reviews with photos or verified purchase tags for more reliable feedback.

4. Adding to Cart

  • Add to cart: Once you’ve decided on a product, click the “Add to Cart” button. You can continue shopping for more items or proceed to checkout if you’re ready.
  • Shopping cart: You can access your cart anytime by clicking the cart icon in the top right. You can also edit quantities or remove items.

5. Checkout Process

  • Proceed to checkout: When you’re ready to buy, click on the cart and then “Proceed to checkout.”
  • Payment options: Amazon accepts credit/debit cards, Amazon gift cards, and sometimes other payment methods depending on your region. Enter your payment details and billing address.
  • Shipping: Choose your shipping method. Amazon offers standard, two-day, and sometimes same-day delivery, depending on your location and the item.
  • Order review: Double-check your order and shipping details before confirming.

6. Tracking Orders

  • Once you’ve placed your order, Amazon will send you a confirmation email with tracking information. You can also check the status of your order in your account under “Your Orders.”

7. Returns and Customer Service

  • If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, Amazon usually offers a return policy (check each product’s return window). You can initiate a return under “Your Orders.”
  • If you need help, Amazon’s customer service is available 24/7 via chat, email, or phone.

8. Prime Membership

  • Amazon Prime: If you shop on Amazon often, consider signing up for Amazon Prime. For a monthly or annual fee, you get benefits like free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, streaming video, music, and more.
  • Free trial: If you’re unsure about Prime, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial.

9. Deals and Discounts

  • Daily deals: Keep an eye on Amazon’s “Deals” section for discounts and promotions. There are Lightning Deals, Gold Box Deals, and regular discounts, especially around holidays.
  • Amazon Coupons: You can clip coupons for specific items that will automatically apply at checkout.

Tips for a Better Shopping Experience:

  • Wishlist: If you’re not ready to buy, add items to your Wishlist for easy access later.
  • Price Tracker: Use price tracking websites or Amazon’s “Keepa” to monitor price changes.
  • Subscribe & Save: If you regularly buy certain items (like toiletries or food), you can set up a subscription for automatic deliveries at a discount.

And that’s it! With these basics, you’re ready to explore and make the most of your Amazon shopping experience.