Over the past 30 years, Amazon has developed from a small seller working from a garage in Seattle to a global company with millions of active customer accounts worldwide. Since its introduction to the market in 1994, Amazon has become an e-commerce giant. Today, it’s one of the first places shoppers go to find everything they need. This success has been built over the years and is partly due to a strategic approach to development. Any e-commerce business can learn from Amazon how to grow, attract, and retain more customers.
So, how does Amazon work in Germany? Let’s see!
An innovative approach
Amazon.de is the No. 1 marketplace in the Ecommerce & Shopping > Marketplace category in Germany. It gained 604.36 million visits in July 2024. In August 2024, each session lasted nearly 09:32 minutes on average, which indicates a robust engagement. Amazon.de’s highest website traffic comes from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – the DACH region. This makes sense, considering the geographical proximity and cultural similarities. In terms of non-European traffic, the United States and Denmark round out the top five sources of visitors to amazon.de.
German consumers visit amazon.de mostly on their mobiles (61.21%). Desktops drive 38.79% of visits, but that number is shrinking. It’s clear that German shoppers are embracing the convenience of mobile shopping, and Amazon fits perfectly into this trend, as its app and websites are responsive and mobile-friendly.
The key to Amazon’s success is its innovative technologies and customer-focused approach – not only in Germany. The company popularized free shipping and returns and reduced consumer concerns about shopping online. Additionally, the store offers next-day delivery for a reasonable price. It’s one of the first online stores that used such an option. This tactic solved the problem of online shopping, where you have to wait for the product to arrive. As a result of offering reasonably priced shipping, Amazon could attract customers who would have otherwise bought from a physical retailer. In addition, as part of its commitment to excellent customer service, Amazon has developed several tools that users can use to track packages and quickly return or replace orders.
The brand’s goal of becoming the world’s most customer-focused company has paid off so far. Shopping at amazon.de is getting easier and more convenient, which is translating into a growing number of new sellers.
Top 10 online stores in Germany
Germany’s e-commerce industry is thriving and gathering more and more followers. How does Amazon look against its background? Well, it is constantly leading the way.
When asked respondents about “Most popular online shops,” they indicated Amazon first. But how is the rest of the list?
Here are the updated results for August 2024:
As you see, Germany’s online retail landscape is dominated by global giants and local favorites. Amazon and eBay, two of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, regularly rank among the most visited retail websites in Germany.
Payments
In June 2024, the most common online payment option in Germany was online payment services like PayPal and GooglePay. 66% of online customers prefer that option. In the second place are invoices with 52%, and the third place belongs to direct debits – they account for 46%.
However, many customers also prefer credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards. Or even cash in advance. The full list of top online payments in Germany looks as follows:
The best employer in Germany
Amazon became a Top Employer 2024 in Europe – for the second consecutive year! This certification is a testament to Amazon’s efforts to create a better work environment through excellent HR policies and people practices. The company’s attention to employee development, well-being, diversity, and inclusion were major factors in receiving this honor.
Moreover, Amazon’s commitment to its employees is evident in its efforts to provide:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Advanced workplaces and safe working conditions
- Opportunities for career development and growth
- A diverse and inclusive workplace culture
Furthermore, Amazon announced plans to invest €10 billion in Germany to drive innovation and expand its logistics network and cloud infrastructure. The company is also creating 4,000 new jobs this year, so the number of permanent employees in Germany will rise to more than 40,000 by the end of 2024!
But there’s more. As part of its development in Germany, only by 2026, Amazon will invest €8.8 billion to build and maintain its cloud infrastructure for the AWS Europe (Frankfurt) region. In addition, they announced AWS’ plans to invest €7.8 billion in AWS European Sovereign Cloud by 2040.
Trust in Amazon
Personal data protection on the internet is a hot topic in Germany, and many Germans distrust online services. Internet users are concerned that companies collect too much of their personal information. At the same time, many are online, and almost one in two try to share as little information as possible.
Fortunately, Amazon is perceived as an innovative and trusted brand. Among these recognitions, the Axios Harris Poll places Amazon among the top brands for its trustworthiness. This highlights Amazon’s strong reputation among consumers and indicates that it is indeed a trusted online brand in Germany and beyond.
For environment
Amazon is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility through various initiatives. These include the Climate Pledge Fund, which is Amazon’s promise to reach net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. Amazon also invests in renewable energy projects, aims to make all shipments net-zero carbon under the Shipment Zero project, and works on improving packaging efficiency to reduce waste.
The top 10 highlights from this year’s Amazon Sustainability Report include:
- Scaling carbon-free energy through investments in wind and solar.
- Lowering Amazon’s total footprint and carbon intensity amid a year of business growth.
- Launching the Amazon Sustainability Exchange, providing free resources to suppliers.
- Eliminating waste and single-use plastic in customer deliveries.
- Delivering packages to customers faster and with greater operational efficiency.
- Designing data center infrastructure to increase efficiency.
- Offering more sustainable product selection for customers.
- Making each generation of Amazon devices more carbon and energy-efficient than the last.
- Embracing water stewardship across global operations.
- Promoting safe and fair working conditions throughout Amazon’s value chain.
These are not just empty words. They reflect Amazon’s broader strategy to minimize its environmental footprint and promote sustainability.
Over to you
The German economy is one of the strongest and most stable in the European Union. However, it is also one of the most demanding. When selling in this country, online retailers must deal with prominent delivery, payments, and various offers, but above all – with customers who tend to return orders.
Nevertheless, Amazon does very well here. Availability, speed, punctuality, sustainability – these are what set Amazon apart from the competition.
FAQs
How can I get unlimited access to products from Germany and ship them worldwide?
To enjoy unlimited access to a wide range of products from Germany and have them shipped worldwide, consider using a fulfillment center that offers international shipping services. These centers manage the details of your purchase, from the initial search and shop process to handling customs and delivery to your specified address. This service ensures that you can buy products from Germany regardless of your country or location.
Can I use my account to manage purchases and track shipping for items bought in Europe, including Germany?
Yes, with an account on a platform that offers services in Europe, including Germany, you can easily manage your purchases, track shipping, and handle payments. These platforms often provide detailed pages on how to pay, ship, and even return items if necessary. They make shopping convenient across Europe and ensure your items are delivered to your chosen address.
How do machine translations enhance the shopping experience for customers outside Germany?
Machine translations can break down language barriers and allow customers worldwide to access, search, and shop on websites from Germany and other European countries. This technology translates pages, product details, and service information. It makes it easier for international customers to understand and make informed purchase decisions.
What are the benefits of using a Fire TV to access shopping and advertising services in Germany?
Using a Fire TV to access shopping and advertising services in Germany can give many benefits. It allows users to browse through various services, watch advertising content related to their interests, and even make purchases directly from their TVs. This integration of technology enhances the shopping experience by providing a user-friendly platform for discovering new products and deals.
How do fulfillment centers in Germany handle international shipping and customs for my purchases?
Fulfillment centers in Germany are equipped to handle all aspects of international shipping, including customs clearance. When you make a purchase, the center prepares your order, manages the shipping details, and ensures that all necessary customs documentation is completed. This service simplifies the process of buying items from Germany and ensures they are delivered to your delivery address without hassle.
What options do I have to pay for my purchases and shipping when buying from Germany?
When purchasing items from Germany, you typically have multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, online payment services, credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes even cash on delivery. These platforms also provide clear details on shipping costs, allow you to manage your money effectively, and let you choose the most convenient payment method for your needs.
How can I research and find the best services for selling, shipping, and advertising products in Germany to a great place like Europe?
To find the best services for selling, shipping, and advertising products in Germany across Europe, start by conducting good research online. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive details on their services, including shipping rates, advertising options, and selling tools. Reading reviews and testimonials can also provide insights into the quality of service and customer satisfaction. Additionally, consider the culture and customs of your target market to tailor your approach for a more effective strategy. After reading this article, you will know why Amazon is among the best choices.
