5 Reasons Amazon Is Travelers’ Preferred Shopping Center

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In a previous post, we discussed how Amazon is perfect for travel packing. In this post, we dissect the five reasons Amazon is travelers’ preferred shopping center while living abroad.

Living in a different country presents unique challenges, especially with shopping. However, the digital age brings the world to you with just a few clicks. One platform that has revolutionized the way I shop and made my life easier is Amazon. Despite residing in different countries, I have found Amazon my ultimate shopping center for various reasons. In this blog, I will share my experiences and elaborate on why Amazon has become my go-to destination for all my shopping needs.

I became an Amazon shopper in 2016 when I was in college. I used Amazon to rent books because the books I needed for my political science classes were expensive at the university’s bookstore. I could rent textbooks, save money, and afford the books I needed for my other courses through Amazon. I did not use Amazon for any other purpose outside of renting books until I started traveling. 

As a traveler, Amazon allowed me to bring my necessities whenever I went. I have discussed in the past how I can buy my favorite products from home when I am abroad. Because I have sensitive skin, I use Dove and Aveno body wash. When I moved to France, I had trouble finding a body wash that worked with my skin. I used different soaps weekly, and when I went to the pharmacy/drugstore, the products the pharmacists recommended were costly. The products the pharmacists recommended cost three times more than I am used to paying for them, so Amazon was a lifesaver. For those of you looking to travel and worrying about overpacking, here are the five reasons to count on Amazon regardless of where you go. 

1. Vast Product Selection

One of the most compelling reasons I chose Amazon is its vast product selection. No matter what I’m looking for, whether it’s electronics, clothing, books, or even groceries, Amazon offers an extensive range of options. As a traveler, you can order everything you need when you move abroad. The unparalleled variety ensures you find the products you need at competitive prices. With access to countless sellers and brands, Amazon caters to your diverse shopping preferences. When living abroad, I primarily used Amazon to buy household items. 

I purchased house decorations, organizational cabinets, and accessories because I could not bring these items in a suitcase. With the vast product selection, I can give my new apartment everything it needs to feel like a home. I also shopped for school supplies since I traveled to study abroad. Other items I bought included furniture, snacks, and feminine products because what I was used to was not available, and when it was, it was too expensive. It was nice to buy furniture on Amazon because I knew it would be delivered to me, and I did not have to worry about hiring a company to deliver things to me when I barely knew my way around the country. 

2. Convenience and Ease of Use

Amazon is a traveler’s shopping paradise because it is convenient and easy to use. As a traveler, there are a lot of things that may frustrate you, especially when you are looking for something that you cannot find in the city that you moved to because you have not yet well integrated, especially in those first few weeks when you are trying to unpack and get your new apartment in order. The last thing you want is to have a stressful shopping experience. As someone who lived in France, where customer service is not that great, I found shopping online to be easier for my mental health because you don’t want to have unnecessary arguments with a cashier who does not understand what you are going through as a foreigner trying to navigate your new normal. Therefore, the convenience and easy use that Amazon provides is welcomed.

Amazon’s user-friendly interface and convenient shopping experience are why I became an online shopper while living abroad. The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it easy to search for products, read customer reviews, and compare prices. The one-click ordering system and streamlined checkout process save me time and effort. Furthermore, the convenience of having my purchases delivered right to my doorstep, regardless of my geographical location, is an incredible advantage.

3. Global Shipping and Fulfillment

To build on previous points, the number one reason I love Amazon is because of the global shipping and fulfillment. Living in another country often raises concerns about shipping and fulfillment. However, Amazon’s global shipping network has successfully overcome this obstacle. Thanks to their extensive logistics infrastructure, I can order products from various sellers worldwide and have them shipped directly to my address. Moreover, Amazon Prime’s membership program offers even faster shipping speeds and exclusive benefits, making my shopping experience more seamless. 

I usually order the products I need a week before I travel if I do not have Amazon Prime so that my items get delivered a day after I arrive at my destination. If I have Amazon Prime, I order two days before traveling. Doing so allows me to retrieve my order within days after traveling. Amazon’s global shipping and fulfillment component is excellent for travelers because you buy your favorite products. You do not need to search for substitutes when you live in another country. You also save money by not checking in a lot of suitcases. Amazon’s global reach allows you to pack light, have your favorite products within days, and keep your sense of normalcy while living abroad. 

4. Competitive Pricing and Deals

Another aspect I love about Amazon as a traveler is its competitive pricing and deals. Amazon always has a deal going on, which is great for a traveler because regardless of how much money you have, as a traveler, you need to have a reasonable budget and saving skills. Two of the three times I lived abroad as an international student, I was on a tight budget. As a student, I had to pay for printing, for example, something I never had to do at my alma mater, and I took for granted how much printing costs. Therefore, when I made my weekly budget, I had to factor in expenses like printing to avoid spending frivolously sometimes. 

Having Amazon as a shopping center was essential in a country like Belgium, where product prices are high. Amazon consistently provides competitive pricing, allowing me to find products at affordable prices. The platform frequently offers deals, discounts, and seasonal sales that help me save money. Moreover, Amazon’s AI-powered recommendation system suggests related products or alternative options, enabling me to make informed purchasing decisions. By leveraging its vast customer base, Amazon negotiates lower prices from suppliers, ultimately passing the savings on to consumers such as yourself. 

5. Customer Reviews, Ratings & Customer Service

Another standout feature of Amazon is its extensive customer review system. Before purchasing a product, I read reviews and ratings from verified buyers. Reading the reviews influences my decision-making process. These honest and unbiased opinions provide valuable insights into the quality, performance, and suitability of the products I’m considering. I can trust the experiences of fellow shoppers, making me feel confident about my purchases. 

Amazon’s commitment to customer satisfaction has consistently impressed me. Their customer service is reliable, prompt, and responsive. In case of any issues or inquiries, I can quickly contact their support team via email, live chat, or phone. Amazon’s dedication to resolving problems and ensuring customer happiness has built my trust in its brand. Amazon’s customer service team always aims to serve regardless of your location. 

In conclusion, living in a different country can present unique shopping challenges, but Amazon has proven to be a global shopper’s paradise. Amazon is travelers ‘ preferred shopping center with its vast product selection, convenient interface, global shipping capabilities, competitive pricing, customer reviews, and reliable customer service. It has simplified how I shop, providing access to arrays of products worldwide at my fingertips. Amazon remains a trusted ally in meeting my shopping needs regardless of where I live.

Until next time, have fun shopping!

Xoxo,

Cy