Analyse the homepage for 2 E-commerce websites: including comparisons and features improvement

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Evaluation of two E-commerce websites


iHerb and Amazon are two of the biggest online stores for health and beauty products right now, with each site claiming a huge customer base, a broad collection of products, and quick shipping times. Choosing which website to shop at is challenging due to these variables. Here, we evaluate the selections, prices, shipping, and customer support of both companies side by side in order to determine which site finally outranks the other.


(iHerb,2023)

 




(Amazon,2023)









  • Selection:
  • Amazon: Amazon has an impressive selection with thousands upon thousands of products that one can choose from. Sadly, because of its marketplace-style design, products are not curated, and duplicate listings, unclear information, and even fake products are all issues that come from not shopping on Amazon with caution. It is important for the consumer to take it upon themselves to check seller ratings, reviews, and to shop responsibly. 


           iHerb: iHerb products are certified authentic and site listings are clear and specific. But overall,          iHerb does have a smaller selection of products than Amazon, though iHerb does boast more unique items like algae and bee propolis supplements. 

Pricing:

  • Amazon: Amazon’s prices fluctuate quickly. Because Amazon is composed of many individual sellers, as inventory fluctuates and new sellers enter the market, Amazon’s prices are somewhat inconsistent. In addition, this model means that Amazon cannot have sitewide sales, though Amazon does have sales for specific items. However, Amazon has overall very competitive prices, especially for general and popular items. Amazon’s own brand Solimo often undercuts competitors because of their incredibly low prices, though this does raise other concerns regarding the ethicality of Amazon’s business model.

  • iHerb: iHerb prices are generally quite competitive, usually around or slightly lower than market price. iHerb also has sales from time to time, with a recent sale being 20% for International Women’s Day, with these sales usually being according to holidays.

Shipping

  • Amazon: Amazon has a $25 minimum for free shipping, though shipping speeds differ. Prime members enjoy faster shipping than non-Prime members, but while Prime members do enjoy such perks, the cost of membership may make this an unwise investment, especially for those who do not plan on using Amazon much. Overall, shipping speeds are fast and tracking is available. If shipped by Amazon, Amazon does not use the public shipping system (USPS), though international goods go through a different process. When ordering goods internationally, shipping takes significantly longer and usually is delivered through USPS.

  • iHerb: iHerb has a $20 minimum fee for free shipping and has very speedy delivery. Orders are quick both domestically and internationally, with domestic orders taking as little as two days to be delivered, without having to pay the Prime fee. 

Customer Service:

  • Amazon: Typically, defective or otherwise damaged products can be replaced or returned, though communication is typically conducted directly to the seller and not through Amazon. Some items are guaranteed by Amazon, which makes this process smoother, especially when dealing with a stubborn seller. There is also the option to directly talk to Amazon customer service.

  • iHerb: iHerb offers chat and email options and regularly emails updates on order and package status. Generally, iHerb customer service is prompt and responds quickly and directly.


  • Refernce: 
  • - Li, A. (no date) IHerb vs. Amazon, The Caldron. Available at: https://jchscaldron.com/5562/arts-reviews/iherb-vs-amazon/ (Accessed: January 28, 2023). 

  • - Kindle Store (no date) Amazon.co.uk | Kindle Store. Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-store-ebooks-newspapers-blogs/b?node=341677031 (Accessed: January 30, 2023).

    • - Vitamins, supplements & Natural Health Products (no date) iHerb.com. Available at: https://uk.iherb.com/ (Accessed: January 30, 2023).

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