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It’s fascinating to think about how the most familiar parts of our lives began. For many of us, Amazon is a weekly, if not daily, stop for everything from groceries to gadgets. But this global giant had a surprisingly humble start in a very specific place and time. Knowing its origin story gives us a wonderful glimpse into how a simple idea, executed with focus, can grow into something world-changing.

The Humble Beginnings in a Bellevue Garage

Amazon was officially founded on July 5, 1994, by Jeff Bezos. The initial operations, however, began in the garage of a rented home in Bellevue, Washington. Bezos, who had left a lucrative vice president role at a Wall Street firm, started the company with a few employees and a clear, initial goal. The famous doors used as desks in that garage have become a symbol of the company’s bootstrapped and resourceful early days.

What Was Amazon’s Original Purpose?

It might surprise you, but Amazon did not start as the “everything store.” Its original, singular focus was on selling books. Bezos chose books for a specific reason: the sheer number of titles in print meant no physical bookstore could ever hold them all. The internet provided the perfect platform to offer a massive, centralized catalog that was impossible for any brick-and-mortar store to match. This focus on a single, deep category allowed the company to perfect its online retail model.

The Significance of the Name “Cadabra”

Before it was Amazon, Bezos originally incorporated the company as “Cadabra, Inc.” The name was a reference to the magician’s phrase “abracadabra.” However, he quickly changed it after his lawyer misheard the name as “cadaver.” Realizing a name that could be so easily misunderstood was a major problem, Bezos began looking for a new one. He settled on “Amazon” as a reference to the Earth’s largest river, symbolizing his vision for the company to become the planet’s largest bookstore.

Key Lessons from Amazon’s Founding Story

There are a few powerful takeaways from Amazon’s early days that still resonate. First, it shows the power of starting with a narrow focus before expanding. By mastering one category, they built a reliable system. Second, it highlights the importance of a scalable idea. The internet’s potential for limitless “shelf space” was the core insight that made the business model work. Finally, the name change reminds us to be flexible and willing to pivot when an initial idea isn’t working as planned.

From its quiet beginning on a summer day in 1994, Amazon has reshaped how we shop and live. Its story is a powerful reminder that even the largest journeys start with a single, focused step.

Turning your unused items into cash or building a full-time business from home is more possible than ever, and Amazon is a fantastic place to start. With millions of customers visiting every day, you have access to a massive audience ready to buy. Whether you’re clearing out your garage or launching a new brand, learning how to sell on Amazon opens up a world of opportunity.

It might seem a little complex at first, but the process is quite straightforward once you break it down. You can be up and running in just a few hours. Let’s walk through the simple steps to get your first item listed and sold.

Choosing Your Selling Path on Amazon

Your first decision is how you want to sell. Amazon offers two main options. Individual plans are perfect if you plan to sell fewer than 40 items a month. You pay a small fee per item sold, with no monthly subscription. If you’re more serious and plan to sell more, the Professional plan is a flat monthly fee that allows for unlimited listings and access to advanced selling tools.

Finding the Right Products to Sell

Before you list anything, you need to know what to sell. For many beginners, the easiest route is to start with items you already own. Look around your home for books, electronics, or brand-name clothing in good condition. If you’re interested in selling new products, you can source items from retail stores or wholesale suppliers. The key is to find products that are in demand but not overly saturated with competition.

Creating Your First Product Listing

Listing an item is like creating a digital storefront. If the product is already on Amazon, you can simply match your item to the existing page using its barcode (like an ISBN or UPC). If it’s a unique product, you’ll create a brand-new listing. Be sure to take clear, bright photos from multiple angles and write a detailed, honest description that highlights the item’s condition and key features. This builds trust with potential buyers.

Pricing Your Items Competitively

Setting the right price is crucial for a quick sale. Take a moment to see what other sellers are charging for the same or a similar item. You can choose to price your item slightly lower to attract buyers, or you can price it competitively if it’s in excellent condition. Amazon also provides a handy pricing tool that can automatically adjust your prices to match the market.

Fulfilling Your Customer’s Order

Once your item sells, you need to get it to the customer. You have two choices. With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you send your products to an Amazon warehouse, and they handle all the storage, packing, shipping, and customer service. With Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM), you store, pack, and ship the items yourself. FBA is often easier for beginners as it saves a lot of time and effort.

Starting your selling journey on Amazon is an exciting step. By taking it one stage at a time, you can quickly go from a first-time seller to a confident small business owner. Your first sale is just a few clicks away.

You just received a Visa gift card, and your mind is already buzzing with possibilities on Amazon. It feels like free money to spend on anything from the latest tech gadget to a new book. But then a question pops up: how do you actually use this plastic rectangle in a digital shopping cart? It’s a common hurdle, but a very easy one to clear.

The process is straightforward once you know the steps. It involves treating your gift card like any other credit or debit card in Amazon’s system, with just one extra, crucial verification step. Let’s walk through how to get your shopping spree started.

Adding Your Visa Gift Card to Your Wallet

First, you’ll need to log in to your Amazon account and navigate to Your Account. From there, find the “Your Payments” section. This is where you manage all your payment methods. Click the option to “Add a payment method.” You will enter the 16-digit card number, the expiration date, and the cardholder name. For the name, you can often just use “Your Name” or “Gift Card Recipient.” The most important step is to register your card with a billing address.

The Crucial Step: Registering Your Card

Prepaid Visa gift cards require a billing address to work for online purchases. This is a security measure. You must visit the website or phone number listed on the back of the card or its packaging to register it. During this quick process, you will link a postal address to the card. Once that’s done, use that exact same address as the billing address in your Amazon payment profile. This step ensures the transaction is approved.

Making a Purchase and Managing Your Balance

Now you’re ready to shop! When you check out, simply select your registered Visa gift card as the payment method. It’s important to remember that Amazon will only charge the card for the amount you have available. If your cart total is more than your gift card balance, the transaction will be declined. To avoid this, know your exact balance beforehand, which you can usually check on the card’s website. For larger purchases, you can use your gift card for part of the payment and then use a second payment method, like a credit card, to cover the remainder.

What to Do If Your Card Gets Declined

If your Visa gift card isn’t working, don’t worry. The issue is almost always one of two things. First, double-check that you successfully registered the card with a billing address and that the address on Amazon matches perfectly. Second, confirm that your cart total does not exceed your available gift card balance, including any sales tax. Those two checks will solve the vast majority of problems.

Using a Visa gift card on Amazon is a simple and convenient way to treat yourself. By taking that one extra minute to register your card with a billing address, you can smoothly turn that plastic card into the items you’ve been wanting. Happy shopping!

That moment of instant shopping gratification on Amazon is a wonderful feeling. But what happens when you almost immediately have a change of heart, spot a better deal, or realize you ordered the wrong size or color? A wave of panic might set in, but there’s no need to worry. Canceling an Amazon order is a straightforward process, and in many cases, you can do it with just a few clicks.

The key to a smooth cancellation is speed. The sooner you act after placing your order, the higher the chance you can stop it before it enters the shipping process. Let’s walk through the simple steps to cancel your order and get that quick refund.

Your Quick Guide to Canceling an Order

To start the cancellation process, first go to the Amazon website or open the app and navigate to ‘Your Orders’. You can usually find this in the account menu. Here, you’ll see a list of your recent purchases. Locate the order you wish to cancel. If the order is still in its very early stages and hasn’t yet entered the ‘Shipping Soon’ phase, you should see a ‘Cancel items’ button right next to it.

Click that button, and you’ll be able to select the specific items you want to cancel from your order. After you confirm your selection, Amazon will process the cancellation. You’ll receive an email confirmation shortly, and any payment you made will be refunded. This refund typically goes back to your original payment method and can take a few days to appear on your statement.

What If the Cancel Button Is Gone?

Sometimes, you might look at your order and the cancellation option is no longer available. This usually means your package has already been prepared for shipment and is too far along in the fulfillment process to be stopped. Don’t be discouraged; you still have a great alternative.

In this case, your best option is to refuse the delivery when it arrives or, if you miss the delivery person, you can initiate a return. Amazon’s return policy is generally very customer-friendly. You can often print a return label directly from the ‘Your Orders’ section on the website, and in many cases, the return shipping is free. Once the warehouse receives your returned item, your refund will be processed.

A Few Helpful Tips for a Smooth Process

To make your online shopping experience even smoother, it helps to double-check your cart before clicking the final ‘Place your order’ button. Take an extra moment to verify the item, size, color, quantity, and shipping address. This simple habit can save you the hassle of a cancellation or return later on.

Remember, acting quickly is your greatest advantage when you need to cancel. But even if you miss the short cancellation window, the return process is designed to be simple and get your money back to you promptly.

Finding an Amazon gift card in your wallet or email inbox is always a nice surprise. It’s like getting a key to a world of possibilities, from the latest tech gadget to that book you’ve been meaning to read. But if you’re new to Amazon or just haven’t done it before, you might be wondering how to actually add that balance to your account. The process is straightforward, and we’re here to walk you through it step by step.

Redeeming your gift card is the first step to putting those funds to good use. Once the balance is in your account, it will be automatically applied to your next purchase, making checkout a breeze.

Step-by-Step Guide to Redeeming Your Code

Whether you have a physical card or a digital code, the redemption process is very similar. Start by going to the Amazon website and logging into your account. In the top right corner, hover over the Accounts & Lists menu. From the dropdown, click on Your Account. On your account page, look for the section called Gift cards and click on Redeem a Gift Card. This will take you directly to the redemption page. Now, simply enter the claim code from your gift card. You can type it in manually or, if you’re using your phone’s camera, you can scan the QR code on a physical card. Click Apply to Your Balance, and you’re all set! The funds will be available immediately.

What to Do If Your Code Isn’t Working

It can be frustrating when a code doesn’t go through. First, double-check that you’ve entered it correctly. Gift card codes are often long and can be easy to mistype. Confusing characters like the number ‘0’ and the letter ‘O’ are common culprits. If it’s a physical card, also make sure you’ve fully scratched off the coating to reveal the entire code. If you’re certain the code is correct but it’s still not working, the best course of action is to contact Amazon Customer Service directly for assistance.

Managing Your Amazon Balance

After you’ve successfully added your gift card, it’s helpful to know how to keep track of your balance. You can always check how much you have available by visiting the Gift cards section of Your Account. Your gift card balance acts as a primary payment method. When you make a purchase, Amazon will automatically use your gift card funds first before charging any other payment method you have on file, like a credit or debit card. This makes it a seamless way to shop.

Adding a gift card to your Amazon account is a simple process that unlocks the full value of your present. In just a few clicks, you can turn that code into a new favorite item heading your way.

As we get older, finding value and convenience in our everyday purchases becomes even more important. Many seniors rely on online shopping for its ease and accessibility, and an Amazon Prime membership is often at the center of that experience. You might be wondering if there’s a special price for those in their golden years, and it’s a very common question.

Let’s clear up the main question right away. Amazon does not offer a universal, age-based senior discount for Prime. The standard Prime benefits come at the same monthly or annual rate for most adults. However, there is a fantastic, official program that provides a significant discount for a specific group, and it’s definitely worth looking into.

The Amazon Prime Discount for Eligible Individuals

The key to securing a reduced-price Prime membership lies in the Amazon Prime Access program. This initiative is designed for individuals who receive qualifying government assistance. While not exclusively for seniors, many older adults on fixed incomes may already be part of these programs and can benefit greatly.

Prime Access offers all the core benefits of a regular Prime membership at nearly 50% off the monthly price. This includes fast, free shipping, access to Prime Video for movies and shows, and exclusive deals. It’s the same great service at a much more budget-friendly rate.

Do You Qualify for Prime Access?

Eligibility for Prime Access is based on enrollment in a qualifying program. This includes receiving benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you have an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a state Medicaid card, you can use it to verify your eligibility during the sign-up process on Amazon’s website.

The verification is quick and secure, designed to protect your personal information. Once confirmed, your discounted rate will be applied immediately.

Comparing the Prime Membership Costs

To put the savings into perspective, let’s look at the numbers. A standard Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. The Prime Access membership, however, is only $6.99 per month. There is no annual payment option for this plan, but the low monthly fee provides flexibility and significant savings over the course of a year.

Other Ways to Save on Amazon

Even if a government assistance discount doesn’t apply to your situation, there are still ways to maximize value. Sharing a Prime Household with one other adult in your home can split the cost and the benefits. Additionally, always be sure to check for any limited-time promotions or free trials that Amazon may be offering.

While a blanket senior discount isn’t available, the Prime Access program is a wonderful option for those who qualify. It’s a simple process to check your eligibility, and the potential savings make the renowned convenience of Amazon Prime accessible to more people.

Have you ever ordered something on Amazon that you’d rather not see every time you check your order history? Perhaps it was a gift for a family member or an item you’d prefer to keep private. Luckily, Amazon provides a handy feature that lets you tidy up your main orders list without permanently deleting your purchase records.

This feature is called archiving, and it’s a simple way to manage your digital shopping cart’s appearance. Let’s walk through how to find these archived orders when you need to check the details, track a past purchase, or even leave a review.

Finding Your Archived Orders on the Website

If you’re using a computer, the process is straightforward. Start by going to Amazon.com and hovering over ‘Account & Lists’ in the top right corner. Click on ‘Your Orders.’ On the ‘Your Orders’ page, look just below the main search bar for a tab labeled ‘Archived Orders.’ Clicking this tab will instantly show you every order you’ve chosen to archive. From here, you can view any order’s details just as you would in your active list.

Locating Archived Orders on the Mobile App

Accessing your archived items from your phone is just as easy. Open the Amazon app and tap the three-line menu icon. Select ‘Your Orders.’ You might notice that the ‘Archived Orders’ tab isn’t immediately visible. Don’t worry—it’s there. Simply tap the dropdown menu that usually says ‘Last 3 months’ or another time frame. From the list of filter options, select ‘Archived Orders.’ Your complete list of archived purchases will then appear.

What You Can Do With Archived Orders

Archiving an order doesn’t limit your ability to manage it. You can still view the order summary, track the shipment (for recent orders), and see the product details. One of the most useful things you can do is leave a product review for an archived item. If you find an old archived purchase you want to buy again, you can easily reorder it directly from the archived list. You can also unarchive an item at any time by selecting the ‘Unarchive Order’ button, which will send it back to your default ‘Your Orders’ page.

Why Archiving Orders is So Useful

Think of archiving as a digital organization tool for your shopping history. It’s perfect for keeping surprise gifts hidden from family members who might glance at your account. It also helps reduce clutter, making it easier to find your recent, active orders without sifting through years of past purchases. It’s about customizing your view to see what’s most relevant to you right now.

Managing your Amazon order history is a simple way to keep your account organized and personalized. Whether you’re hiding a gift or just doing some digital spring cleaning, the archive feature puts you in control of what you see.

It happens to the best of us. You signed up for Amazon Prime for a specific purchase or to get that free two-day shipping, and now you find the monthly or annual fee quietly ticking away. Maybe you’re not shopping online as much, or perhaps you want to trim your subscription budget. Whatever the reason, deciding to cancel your Prime membership is a common and completely reasonable choice.

The good news is that the process to leave Amazon Prime is straightforward, but it does have a few important steps you’ll want to know about to ensure a smooth exit. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to do.

Finding the Path to Cancel Your Membership

First, you’ll need to log in to your Amazon account on a desktop browser or through the mobile app. Once you’re in, navigate to your account settings. Look for the section labeled “Prime Membership”. Click on that, and you should see an option to “Manage Membership”. This is your gateway to making changes, including cancellation.

Navigating the Cancellation Process

When you click to cancel, Amazon will likely present you with a page asking if you’re sure. They may also offer to pause your membership or remind you of the benefits you’ll be losing. This is a standard part of their process. To proceed, you’ll need to confirm that you still want to cancel. Be sure to read the information on this page carefully, as it will tell you exactly when your access to Prime benefits will end.

What Happens After You Cancel

This is a crucial point many people wonder about. If you cancel mid-way through a billing period, you don’t get to keep Prime until that period is over. Instead, Amazon typically provides a pro-rated refund for any unused portion of your membership fee, as long as you haven’t used any Prime benefits during that billing cycle. Your Prime shipping and video access will usually stop immediately. However, if you’ve just paid for an annual membership, you might continue to have access until the end of the year you paid for, but you will receive a refund for the remaining full months.

A Quick Double-Check for Your Wallet

Before you finalize everything, it’s a great idea to take one last look at your membership details. Make sure the cancellation has been processed correctly. You should receive a confirmation email from Amazon. It’s also wise to check your bank or credit card statement after a few days to ensure the recurring charges have officially stopped.

And that’s all there is to it. Freeing up that monthly or annual fee is just a few clicks away. Taking control of your subscriptions is a smart way to manage your finances, and now you have the know-how to easily handle this one.

Have you ever seen something perfect for a friend’s birthday but weren’t sure about their size or color preference? Or maybe you struggle to come up with gift ideas when your own birthday rolls around. An Amazon Wish List is the simple solution you’ve been looking for. It’s a free, personal space to save items from the millions available on Amazon, making gift-giving and receiving a much smoother experience for everyone involved.

Creating Your First Wish List

Getting started is incredibly easy. First, make sure you’re signed into your Amazon account. Then, hover over the Accounts & Lists section in the top right corner of any Amazon page. From the dropdown menu, click on Create a List. You’ll be prompted to give your list a name, like “My Birthday Wishes” or “Kitchen Upgrade Ideas.” You can also choose your default privacy settings here, deciding if it’s just for you, shared with the public, or private but shareable with a link. Click Create List, and you’re all set!

Adding Items to Your Collection

Now for the fun part—filling your list! As you browse Amazon, look for the Add to List button on any product page. It’s usually located near the “Add to Cart” button. When you click it, a small window will pop up allowing you to select which of your lists you’d like to add the item to. You can even add a note, like “I’d love this in blue” or a priority level, to give your gift-givers helpful hints.

Sharing Your List with Friends and Family

The real magic happens when you share your list. To do this, go to your Wish List page and look for the Send list to others button. You’ll get options to share via email, social media, or by copying a direct link. This link is perfect for sending in a group chat or adding to a party invitation. When someone uses your link, they can see the items you’ve saved and even check off what they’ve purchased so others don’t buy the same thing.

Making Your List Work for You

For the best experience, keep your list updated. Remove items you no longer want and add new finds regularly. Take advantage of the notes and priority features to guide people. You can also create multiple lists for different purposes, like one for holidays, one for home projects, and another just for books you want to read.

An Amazon Wish List takes the stress out of gifts. It ensures you get things you truly want and gives your loved ones the confidence that their gift will be a perfect fit. Start your list today and make your next celebration easier for everyone.

Keeping your online accounts secure is more important than ever, and your Amazon account is a prime target because it contains so much personal and financial information. Changing your password regularly is a simple yet powerful habit that can protect you from unauthorized access. If you’ve noticed any suspicious activity or simply want to follow good security practices, updating your password is a quick and easy process.

Steps to Update Your Password on the Amazon Website

If you have access to your account, changing your password is straightforward. Start by going to Amazon.com and logging in. Hover over Account & Lists in the top right corner and click on Your Account. From there, look for the Login & security section. Click on that, and you’ll be prompted to sign in again for security. Next to the Password field, click Edit. You’ll enter your current password and then type your new, strong password twice to confirm it. Finally, click Save changes.

How to Change Your Password in the Amazon App

You can also manage your security directly from your phone. Open the Amazon shopping app and tap the profile icon or the three-line menu. Go to Your Account, then select Login & security. You may need to authenticate with your device’s biometrics or a PIN. Tap on Password and follow the same steps as on the website: enter your current password, create your new one, and save your changes.

What to Do If You Can’t Remember Your Current Password

If you’ve been locked out of your account, don’t worry. On the Amazon sign-in page, click on Forgot your password? You’ll be asked to enter the email address or mobile number associated with your account. Amazon will send you a one-time code via email or text. Enter that code to verify your identity, and you’ll then be able to create a brand new password and regain access.

Creating a Strong and Secure Password

When you create a new password, make it a good one. Avoid using simple words or personal information that could be easily guessed. A strong password is long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a passphrase—a series of random words that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. For the best protection, use a unique password for Amazon that you don’t use anywhere else.

Taking a few minutes to update your Amazon password is a small effort that pays off in significant peace of mind. It helps ensure that your purchase history, payment methods, and personal data remain safe and secure, allowing you to shop with confidence.