Subject category:
Marketing
Published by:
IBS Center for Management Research
Length: 23 pages
Data source: Published sources
Abstract
The case discusses customer service at US-based e-tailer, Amazon.com, Inc (Amazon). Amazon evolved from being just an online bookstore into one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world where customers could find and discover anything they wanted to buy online in a more convenient way. Customer service, loyalty, and customer retention were the three important aspects of Amazon's service culture. Experts were of the opinion that over the years, the customer base of Amazon had increased significantly due to its high levels of customer service. In addition to consumer customers, Amazon offered marketing and promotional services for third-party retailers and web services for developers. It allowed third party vendors to sell their products on its website. The case outlines the customer-centric philosophies of Amazon and discusses the various customer programs undertaken by Amazon. The case discusses the importance of customer experience at Amazon and describes the focus of the company on three aspects - price, selection, and convenience. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, invested heavily in building advanced technological infrastructure to serve his customers. He spent huge sums of money on customer service programs, even though this affected the operating margins of the company. The case points out certain issues related to Amazon’s customer service and whether it would continue to disrupt the retail sector with its innovations and customer service. The case concludes by discussing how Amazon had to further improve its customer service as competition had intensified and customers whose support was important were demanding more attention, better quality, and greater value for their money.
About
Abstract
The case discusses customer service at US-based e-tailer, Amazon.com, Inc (Amazon). Amazon evolved from being just an online bookstore into one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world where customers could find and discover anything they wanted to buy online in a more convenient way. Customer service, loyalty, and customer retention were the three important aspects of Amazon's service culture. Experts were of the opinion that over the years, the customer base of Amazon had increased significantly due to its high levels of customer service. In addition to consumer customers, Amazon offered marketing and promotional services for third-party retailers and web services for developers. It allowed third party vendors to sell their products on its website. The case outlines the customer-centric philosophies of Amazon and discusses the various customer programs undertaken by Amazon. The case discusses the importance of customer experience at Amazon and describes the focus of the company on three aspects - price, selection, and convenience. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, invested heavily in building advanced technological infrastructure to serve his customers. He spent huge sums of money on customer service programs, even though this affected the operating margins of the company. The case points out certain issues related to Amazon’s customer service and whether it would continue to disrupt the retail sector with its innovations and customer service. The case concludes by discussing how Amazon had to further improve its customer service as competition had intensified and customers whose support was important were demanding more attention, better quality, and greater value for their money.