companies
Amazon vs Costco 2026: Retail Showdown
Amazon is a global e-commerce and cloud services giant with 798 million products and digital-first delivery model, while Costco is a membership-based warehouse retailer with 870 physical locations focused on bulk purchasing and lower per-unit costs. Amazon dominates online retail; Costco dominates in-person bulk buying with higher customer loyalty scores.
A
Amazon
Global e-commerce marketplace offering 500+ beauty brands alongside millions of other products with Prime fast shipping.
Convenience seekers, digital shoppers, households using multiple Prime services, fast delivery users, those valuing product selection over bulk savings
Score63%
VS
Costco Wholesale
Membership-based warehouse club retailer focused on bulk purchasing and curated product selection.
Bulk buyers, families, small businesses, budget-conscious consumers, regional shoppers valuing treasure-hunt discovery, those seeking premium private-label goods
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryAmazon is a global e-commerce and cloud services giant with 798 million products and digital-first delivery model, while Costco is a membership-based warehouse retailer with 870 physical locations focused on bulk purchasing and lower per-unit costs. Amazon dominates online retail; Costco dominates in-person bulk buying with higher customer loyalty scores.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Amazon if you value convenience, product variety, fast delivery (same-day in many cities), and digital integration with Prime Video and Music benefits. Choose Costco if you prioritize bulk purchasing savings, personalized member service, higher-quality food selections, and lower membership costs—Costco members report 82% satisfaction vs Amazon's 68%, and Costco's treasure-hunt shopping model drives 94% member renewal rates.
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A
Amazon
6.9/10
Costco Wholesale
8.1/10
A
Choose Amazon if
Convenience seekers, digital shoppers, households using multiple Prime services, fast delivery users, those valuing product selection over bulk savings
Choose Costco Wholesale if
Best pickBulk buyers, families, small businesses, budget-conscious consumers, regional shoppers valuing treasure-hunt discovery, those seeking premium private-label goods
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Business Model:✓ Costco Wholesale wins(Membership warehouse retail (requires paid membership) vs E-commerce & cloud services (AWS generates 16% of revenue))
- Revenue (2024):✓ Amazon wins($575.2 billion vs $252.6 billion)
- Physical Locations:✓ Costco Wholesale wins(870 warehouse clubs worldwide vs ~600 fulfillment centers (no retail stores))
Key Facts & Figures
141 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Amazon | Costco Wholesale | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Cap(USD) | $1.8 Trillion | — | — |
| Global User Base(millions) | 240+ Prime members + broader reach | — | — |
| Seller Commission Rate(%) | 15% base commission | — | — |
| Annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV)(billions USD) | $638 billion | — | — |
| Mobile App Downloads (All-Time)(millions) | 500+ million | — | — |
| Market Dominance Share(%) | 40% US e-commerce market share | — | — |
| Company Market Capitalization(trillions USD) | $2.36 trillion (July 2026) | — | — |
| Fulfillment Cost (FBA/Self)(% of sale) | 15-25% (FBA included) | — | — |
| User Base Growth Rate (YoY)(%) | 8-10% annual growth | — | — |
| Prime/Membership Benefits(members) | 240 million Prime members | — | — |
| Average Shipping Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Market Share (E-Commerce)(%) | 40% global e-commerce market share | — | — |
| Annual Revenue (2025)(Billion USD) | $638B (e-commerce only) | — | — |
| Subscription/Membership Base(Millions) | 240M+ Prime members | — | — |
| YoY Revenue Growth (2025)(Percent) | 12-15% (estimated) | — | — |
| Prime Members(millions) | 220+ | — | — |
| Ad Revenue (2026)(billion USD) | $68.5 | — | — |
| Prime Day 2026 Revenue(billion USD) | $24.1 | — | — |
| AI Rufus Interaction Growth(percent) | +210% | — | — |
| Free Shipping Minimum(USD) | $35 | — | — |
| Standard Non-Perishable Pet Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Pet-Specific Product SKU Count(SKUs) | ~50,000-100,000 (estimated pet section) | — | — |
| Total Product Categories(categories) | 500+ million SKUs across all categories | — | — |
| Return Window (Standard Pet Supplies)(days) | 30 days (standard Amazon) | — | — |
| Commission Fee (Per Transaction)(%) | 8-45% + 30-50% FBA | — | — |
| Monthly Base Cost(USD) | $0 (pay per sale) | — | — |
| Built-in Customer Base(millions) | 300+ active customers | — | — |
| Average Time to First Sale(days) | 3-7 days (instant access) | — | — |
| Brand Customization Level(scale 1-10) | Minimal (2/10) | — | — |
| Customer Data Access(percentage) | 0% customer data; Amazon owns relationship | — | — |
| Payment Gateway Options(number) | 1 (Amazon Pay only) | — | — |
| Active Users (2026)(millions) | Amazon 380 million | — | — |
| Avg Product Price(USD) | $15-50 | — | — |
| Standard Shipping Time(days) | 5-7 days | — | — |
| Avg Customer Rating(stars) | 4.1/5 | — | — |
| Premium Membership Cost($) | Prime $139 | — | — |
| Total Active Product Listings(millions) | 300+ million | — | — |
| Number of Active Sellers(millions) | 2+ million | — | — |
| Standard Shipping Time (Domestic)(days) | 2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Prime/Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year) | $139/year (Prime) | — | — |
| Average Customer Rating System(stars) | 4.4/5 average seller rating | — | — |
| Mobile App Downloads(millions) | 2.5 billion downloads | — | — |
| Handmade/Artisanal Product Percentage(%) | <2% handmade items | — | — |
| Annual Revenue (2025)(USD billions) | $575 billion | — | — |
| Global Physical Store Locations(stores) | 0 stores | — | — |
| Product SKU Count(products) | 300+ million | — | — |
| Average Standard Delivery Time(business days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Entry Membership Cost(USD per year) | $139 | — | — |
| Customer Product Reviews Published(millions) | 250+ million | — | — |
| Renewable Energy Usage(percentage) | 85% | — | — |
| Year Created/Founded | 1994 | — | — |
| Global User Base(millions) | 150+ million customers | — | — |
| AWS Cloud Market Share(%) | 32% | — | — |
| Employees(count) | 1.5 million | — | — |
| Package/Service Ecosystem(count) | 200+ AWS services | — | — |
| Market Capitalization(USD trillions) | 2.1 trillion | — | — |
| Total Product Selection(SKUs) | 500,000+ | — | — |
| Average Price Markup vs Wholesale(%) | 20-30% markup | — | — |
| Standard Shipping Delivery Time(business days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Grooming Service Availability(locations) | 0 locations | — | — |
| Subscribe & Save Discount(%) | 5-20% discount | — | — |
| Physical Store Locations (US)(locations) | 0 | — | — |
| Average Product Price Index(% difference from market average) | -12% | — | — |
| Product Selection(estimated items) | 2,000,000+ | — | — |
| Standard Shipping Time(business days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Loyalty Program Cost(USD per year) | $139 | — | — |
| Customer Review Rating(out of 5 stars) | 4.4 | — | — |
| Average Shipping Speed(days) | 2-3 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Return Window(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)(relative price) | 100 | — | — |
| Product Description Accuracy Rate(%) | 96% | — | — |
| Active Global Users(millions) | 150M | — | — |
| Prime/Membership Cost(USD/year) | $139 | — | — |
| Non-Delivery/Lost Package Rate(%) | 0.3% | — | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $575.5B | — | — |
| US E-commerce Market Share(%) | 38.7% | — | — |
| Standard Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| US Grocery Market Share(%) | 2.1% | — | — |
| Estimated Active Users(millions) | 310M | — | — |
| Available Product SKUs(millions) | 300M+ | — | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $575.2 billion | $252.6 billion | |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100) | 68/100 | 82/100 | |
| Physical Store Count(locations) | 0 (e-commerce only) | 870 warehouses | |
| Product Catalog Size(SKUs) | 798 million | 3,700 | |
| Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) | $139 (Prime basic tier) | $65 (Gold Star basic tier) | |
| Operating Margin(%) | 7.2% | 4.1% | |
| Member Renewal Rate(percent) | ~85% (estimated) | 94% | |
| Median Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas) | Immediate (in-warehouse purchase) | |
| Number of Beauty Brands(brands) | 500+ brands | — | — |
| Average Price Difference on Beauty Products(% below MSRP) | 10-25% discount below MSRP | — | — |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 0 (online only) | — | — |
| Product Return Window(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Free Samples per Purchase(samples) | 0 | — | — |
| Fastest Delivery Speed (Prime/Premium)(business days) | Same-day or 1-day with Prime | — | — |
| Loyalty Rewards Earn Rate(% cash back) | Varies; typically 1-5% with Prime | — | — |
| Total Product Categories(categories) | 40+ categories | — | — |
| Average Delivery Time (Standard)(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members) | — | — |
| Monthly Active Users(millions) | 2,100 million | — | — |
| Average Product Price(USD) | $25-75 | — | — |
| Prime/Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) | $139 (Amazon Prime US) | — | — |
| Buyer Protection Duration(days) | 180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee) | — | — |
| Total Products Available(millions) | 500+ million | — | — |
| Global Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) | $575 billion | — | — |
| Total Product SKUs(millions) | 350+ million items | — | — |
| Prime/Premium Membership Cost(USD/year) | $139/year | — | — |
| Standard Return Window(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Prime Eligible Items with Two-Day Shipping(millions) | 100+ million items | — | — |
| Average Furniture Delivery Time(weeks) | 2-3 weeks | — | — |
| Free Shipping Threshold (Standard Members)(USD) | $35 (with Prime; $100 without) | — | — |
| Number of Home Brands(brands) | 500+ furniture brands available | — | — |
| Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)(USD) | $39 | — | — |
| Number of Beauty Brands Available(brands) | 500+ | — | — |
| Return Window for Members(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Standard Shipping Time(business days) | 1-2 days with Prime | — | — |
| Prime/Loyalty Annual Cost(USD/year) | $139 (Prime) | — | — |
| Customer Review Average Rating (Beauty Products)(stars) | 4.2 stars | — | — |
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $65-$130 | $65-$130 | |
| Price Premium vs Competitors(percent) | -20-30% | -20-30% | |
| SKUs per Location(items) | 3,500-4,500 | 3,500-4,500 | |
| Average Transaction Value(USD) | $150-200 | $150-200 | |
| Executive Membership Cash Back(percent) | 2% | 2% | |
| Prescription Discount for Members(percent) | 20-50% | 20-50% | |
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $65 (Gold Star) | $65 (Gold Star) | |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 569 warehouses | 569 warehouses | |
| Product Selection (SKUs)(SKUs) | ~4,000 SKUs | ~4,000 SKUs | |
| Milk (1 gallon) Price Premium vs Costco(percent) | Baseline | Baseline | |
| Return Policy Window(days) | 730 days (2 years) | 730 days (2 years) | |
| Average Customer Visits Per Year (heavy users)(visits) | 24-36 visits/year | 24-36 visits/year | |
| Membership Breakeven Point (Annual savings)(USD) | $65-130 (Gold/Executive breakeven) | $65-130 (Gold/Executive breakeven) | |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 870 | 870 | |
| Average Savings on Bulk Items vs. Retail(percent discount) | 20-40% discount | 20-40% discount | |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 45-60 | 45-60 | |
| Product Selection (SKUs)(items) | 3,700-4,000 (curated) | 3,700-4,000 (curated) | |
| Annual Member Savings (Frequent Shoppers)(USD) | $500-$800 | $500-$800 | |
| Gas Station Discount vs Market Rate(cents per gallon) | 40-60¢ cheaper | 40-60¢ cheaper | |
| Annual Membership Fee (Gold/Basic)(USD) | $65 | $65 | |
| Global Warehouse Locations(locations) | 870 | 870 | |
| Private Label Product Count(products) | 3,500 | 3,500 | |
| Member Satisfaction Rate(%) | 88% | 88% | |
| Average Annual Spending Per Member(USD) | $2,850 | $2,850 | |
| Rotisserie Chicken Price(USD) | $4.99 | $4.99 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
A
2AmazonCostco Wholesale leads
Amazon
Attribute
Costco Wholesale
- E-commerce & cloud services (AWS generates 16% of revenue)Business ModelMembership warehouse retail (requires paid membership)(winner)
- $575.2 billion(winner)Revenue (2024)$252.6 billion
- ~600 fulfillment centers (no retail stores)Physical Locations870 warehouse clubs worldwide(winner)
- 798 million SKUs available(winner)Product Variety~3,700 SKUs (curated selection)
- 68/100 (American Customer Satisfaction Index)Customer Loyalty Score (2024)82/100 (American Customer Satisfaction Index)(winner)
- Prime: $139/year or $14.99/monthMembership Cost$65/year (Gold Star) or $130/year (Executive)(winner)
- $35-$45 per orderAverage Transaction Value$150-$200 per visit(winner)
- Business Model
Amazon
E-commerce & cloud services (AWS generates 16% of revenue)
Costco Wholesale
Membership warehouse retail (requires paid membership)(winner)
- Revenue (2024)
Amazon
$575.2 billion(winner)
Costco Wholesale
$252.6 billion
- Physical Locations
Amazon
~600 fulfillment centers (no retail stores)
Costco Wholesale
870 warehouse clubs worldwide(winner)
- Product Variety
Amazon
798 million SKUs available(winner)
Costco Wholesale
~3,700 SKUs (curated selection)
- Customer Loyalty Score (2024)
Amazon
68/100 (American Customer Satisfaction Index)
Costco Wholesale
82/100 (American Customer Satisfaction Index)(winner)
- Membership Cost
Amazon
Prime: $139/year or $14.99/month
Costco Wholesale
$65/year (Gold Star) or $130/year (Executive)(winner)
- Average Transaction Value
Amazon
$35-$45 per order
Costco Wholesale
$150-$200 per visit(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Amazon | Costco Wholesale |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap(USD) | $1.8 Trillion | — |
| Global User Base(millions) | 240+ Prime members + broader reach | — |
| Mobile App Downloads (All-Time)(millions) | 500+ million | — |
| Monthly Active Users(millions) | 2,100 million | — |
| Seller Commission Rate(%) | 15% base commission | — |
| Fulfillment Cost (FBA/Self)(% of sale) | 15-25% (FBA included) | — |
| Commission Fee (Per Transaction)(%) | 8-45% + 30-50% FBA | — |
| Annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV)(billions USD) | $638 billion | — |
| Active Global Users(millions) | 150M | — |
| Market Dominance Share(%) | 40% US e-commerce market share | — |
| Market Share (E-Commerce)(%) | 40% global e-commerce market share | — |
| AWS Cloud Market Share(%) | 32% | — |
| US E-commerce Market Share(%) | 38.7% | — |
| US Grocery Market Share(%) | 2.1% | — |
| Company Market Capitalization(trillions USD) | $2.36 trillion (July 2026) | — |
| User Base Growth Rate (YoY)(%) | 8-10% annual growth | — |
| Prime/Membership Members(millions) | 220 million Prime members | — |
| Subscription/Membership Base(Millions) | 240M+ Prime members | — |
| Physical Store Locations(count) | 500+ Amazon Go/Fresh stores | — |
| Global Physical Store Locations(stores) | 0 stores | — |
| Physical Store Count(locations) | 0 (e-commerce only) | 870 warehouses(winner) |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 0 (online only) | — |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 870 | — |
| Average Delivery Speed(days) | Same-day to 1 day (Prime) | — |
| Return Window(days) | 30 days (standard) | — |
| Return Window(days) | 30 days | — |
| Product Return Window(days) | 30 days | — |
| Return Policy Window(days) | 730 days (2 years) | — |
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $139 per year | — |
| Furniture Pricing Advantage(%) | Competitive on items under $50 | — |
| Monthly Base Cost(USD) | $0 (pay per sale) | — |
| Avg Product Price(USD) | $15-50 | — |
| Premium Membership Cost($) | Prime $139 | — |
Show 17 more attributesPrime/Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year) $139/year (Prime) — Average Furniture Price Range(USD) $150-$1,200 — Average Price Markup vs Wholesale(%) 20-30% markup — Subscribe & Save Discount(%) 5-20% discount — Average Product Price Index(% difference from market average) -12% — Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)(relative price) 100 — Prime/Membership Cost(USD/year) $139 — Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) $139 (Prime basic tier) $65 (Gold Star basic tier) Average Product Price(USD) $25-75 — Prime/Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) $139 (Amazon Prime US) — Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)(USD) $39 — Annual Membership Cost(USD) $65-$130 — Price Premium vs Competitors(percent) -20-30% — Annual Membership Cost(USD) $65 (Gold Star) — Milk (1 gallon) Price Premium vs Costco(percent) Baseline — Average Savings on Bulk Items vs. Retail(percent discount) 20-40% discount — Bulk Electronics Price Competitiveness(%) Standard pricing — | ||
| Annual Revenue(billions USD) | $638 billion | — |
| Annual Revenue (2025)(Billion USD) | $638B (e-commerce only) | — |
| Market Capitalization(trillions USD) | $2,360B | — |
| YoY Revenue Growth (2025)(Percent) | 12-15% (estimated) | — |
| Gross Margin Trend (Q4 2025)(Basis Points) | Industry average ~40-45% | — |
Show 4 more attributesAnnual Revenue(USD billions) $575.5B — Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) $575.2 billion $252.6 billion Operating Margin(%) 7.2% 4.1% Global Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) $575 billion — | ||
| Prime/Membership Benefits(members) | 240 million Prime members | — |
| Loyalty Program Cost(USD per year) | $139 | — |
| Prime/Loyalty Annual Cost(USD/year) | $139 (Prime) | — |
| Average Shipping Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Average Standard Delivery Time(business days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Average Shipping Speed(days) | 2-3 days (Prime) | — |
| Standard Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Home Goods Focus(%) | Multi-category general retailer | — |
| Design Curation Tools | Basic category and keyword filters | — |
| In-House Brands(count) | Limited home furniture brands | — |
| Product Category Focus | All categories (diversified) | — |
| Specialty Pet Food Availability (Exotic/Medical Diets)(inventory depth) | Limited; depends on seller listings | — |
| Autoship/Subscription Discount Range(Percent) | 5-20% on Subscribe & Save | — |
| Geographic Coverage(states) | 190+ countries and territories | — |
| Prime Members(millions) | 220+ | — |
| Member Renewal Rate(percent) | ~85% (estimated) | 94%(winner) |
| Ad Revenue (2026)(billion USD) | $68.5 | — |
| Average Annual Spending Per Member(USD) | $2,850 | — |
| Physical Locations(stores) | Limited | — |
| Physical Store Locations (US)(locations) | 0 | — |
| AI Shopping Assistant(users) | Rufus 250M users | — |
| AI Rufus Interaction Growth(percent) | +210% | — |
| Prime Day 2026 Revenue(billion USD) | $24.1 | — |
| In-Person Support(availability) | Online support only | — |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 45-60 | — |
| Return Policy Duration (General)(days) | Unlimited | — |
| Free Shipping Minimum(USD) | $35 | — |
| Standard Non-Perishable Pet Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Standard Shipping Time (Domestic)(days) | 2 days (Prime) | — |
| Pet-Specific Product SKU Count(SKUs) | ~50,000-100,000 (estimated pet section) | — |
| Total Product Categories(categories) | 500+ million SKUs across all categories | — |
| Product Selection(estimated items) | 2,000,000+ | — |
| 2025 Pet Supplies Market Position (GMV Rank)(rank) | Not #1 in pet supplies | — |
| Return Window (Standard Pet Supplies)(days) | 30 days (standard Amazon) | — |
| Autoship Subscription Discounts(percent) | Limited pet-specific subscriptions | — |
| Built-in Customer Base(millions) | 300+ active customers | — |
| Average Time to First Sale(days) | 3-7 days (instant access) | — |
| Brand Customization Level(scale 1-10) | Minimal (2/10) | — |
| Customer Data Access(percentage) | 0% customer data; Amazon owns relationship | — |
| Payment Gateway Options(number) | 1 (Amazon Pay only) | — |
| Product Listing Limits(count) | Varies by category and account tier | — |
| Active Users (2026)(millions) | Amazon 380 million | — |
| Global Warehouse Locations(locations) | 870 | — |
| Standard Shipping Time(days) | 5-7 days | — |
| Standard Shipping Delivery Time(business days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Standard Shipping Time(business days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Product Categories(count) | 30+ main categories | — |
| Product SKU Count(products) | 300+ million | — |
| Total Product Selection(SKUs) | 500,000+ | — |
| Available Product SKUs(millions) | 300M+ | — |
| Number of Beauty Brands(brands) | 500+ brands | — |
Show 9 more attributesTotal Product Categories(categories) 40+ categories — Total Products Available(millions) 500+ million — Total Product SKUs(millions) 350+ million items — Number of Home Brands(brands) 500+ furniture brands available — Number of Beauty Brands Available(brands) 500+ — SKUs per Location(items) 3,500-4,500 — Product Selection (SKUs)(SKUs) ~4,000 SKUs — Product Selection (SKUs)(items) 3,700-4,000 (curated) — Private Label Product Count(products) 3,500 — | ||
| Avg Customer Rating(stars) | 4.1/5 | — |
| Customer Review Average Rating (Beauty Products)(stars) | 4.2 stars | — |
| Seller Verification(text) | Strict vetting, A9 quality standards | — |
| Total Active Product Listings(millions) | 300+ million | — |
| Number of Active Sellers(millions) | 2+ million | — |
| Average Customer Rating System(stars) | 4.4/5 average seller rating | — |
| Mobile App Downloads(millions) | 2.5 billion downloads | — |
| Estimated Active Users(millions) | 310M | — |
| Handmade/Artisanal Product Percentage(%) | <2% handmade items | — |
| Annual Revenue (2025)(USD billions) | $575 billion | — |
| Entry Membership Cost(USD per year) | $139 | — |
| Prime/Premium Membership Cost(USD/year) | $139/year | — |
| Free Shipping Threshold (Standard Members)(USD) | $35 (with Prime; $100 without) | — |
| Annual Membership Fee (Gold/Basic)(USD) | $65 | — |
| Customer Product Reviews Published(millions) | 250+ million | — |
| Renewable Energy Usage(percentage) | 85% | — |
| Year Created/Founded | 1994 | — |
| Global User Base(millions) | 150+ million customers | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $575 billion (2025) | — |
| Employees(count) | 1.5 million | — |
| Package/Service Ecosystem(count) | 200+ AWS services | — |
| Licensing Model | Proprietary (freemium model) | — |
| Market Capitalization(USD trillions) | 2.1 trillion | — |
| Grooming Service Availability(locations) | 0 locations | — |
| Prescription Pharmacy Services(availability) | Not offered; external pharmacy required | — |
| Training Classes Availability(program status) | Not offered | — |
| In-Store Grooming Services(availability) | Not available | — |
| Professional Veterinarians(on-staff) | No | — |
Show 4 more attributesInterior Design Service(cost) Not available — In-Store Beauty Consultation Available No — Pharmacy Services Depth Limited: prescriptions and pharmacy services only — Pharmacy Services Available(yes/no) Pharmacy only — | ||
| Customer Review Rating(out of 5 stars) | 4.4 | — |
| Product Description Accuracy Rate(%) | 96% | — |
| Non-Delivery/Lost Package Rate(%) | 0.3% | — |
| Data Privacy Compliance(text) | GDPR/CCPA Compliant | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100) | 68/100 | 82/100(winner) |
| Product Catalog Size(SKUs) | 798 million(winner) | 3,700 |
| Median Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas) | Immediate (in-warehouse purchase)(winner) |
| Average Price Difference on Beauty Products(% below MSRP) | 10-25% discount below MSRP | — |
| Free Samples per Purchase(samples) | 0 | — |
| Fastest Delivery Speed (Prime/Premium)(business days) | Same-day or 1-day with Prime | — |
| Prime Eligible Items with Two-Day Shipping(millions) | 100+ million items | — |
| Average Furniture Delivery Time(weeks) | 2-3 weeks | — |
| Standard Shipping Time(business days) | 1-2 days with Prime | — |
| Loyalty Rewards Earn Rate(% cash back) | Varies; typically 1-5% with Prime | — |
| Average Delivery Time (Standard)(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members) | — |
| Buyer Protection Duration(days) | 180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee) | — |
| Standard Return Window(days) | 30 days | — |
| Data Privacy/Regulatory Status | US-regulated, transparent data policies | — |
| Return Window for Members(days) | 30 days | — |
| Average Transaction Value(USD) | $150-200 | — |
| Executive Membership Cash Back(percent) | 2% | — |
| Prescription Discount for Members(percent) | 20-50% | — |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 569 warehouses | — |
| Average Customer Visits Per Year (heavy users)(visits) | 24-36 visits/year | — |
| Membership Breakeven Point (Annual savings)(USD) | $65-130 (Gold/Executive breakeven) | — |
| Annual Member Savings (Frequent Shoppers)(USD) | $500-$800 | — |
| Gas Station Discount vs Market Rate(cents per gallon) | 40-60¢ cheaper | — |
| Member Satisfaction Rate(%) | 88% | — |
| Rotisserie Chicken Price(USD) | $4.99 | — |
AAmazon
Costco WholesaleMarket Cap(USD)
$1.8 Trillion
—
Global User Base(millions)
240+ Prime members + broader reach
—
Mobile App Downloads (All-Time)(millions)
500+ million
—
Monthly Active Users(millions)
2,100 million
—
Seller Commission Rate(%)
15% base commission
—
Fulfillment Cost (FBA/Self)(% of sale)
15-25% (FBA included)
—
Commission Fee (Per Transaction)(%)
8-45% + 30-50% FBA
—
Annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV)(billions USD)
$638 billion
—
Active Global Users(millions)
150M
—
Market Dominance Share(%)
40% US e-commerce market share
—
Market Share (E-Commerce)(%)
40% global e-commerce market share
—
AWS Cloud Market Share(%)
32%
—
US E-commerce Market Share(%)
38.7%
—
US Grocery Market Share(%)
2.1%
—
Company Market Capitalization(trillions USD)
$2.36 trillion (July 2026)
—
User Base Growth Rate (YoY)(%)
8-10% annual growth
—
Prime/Membership Members(millions)
220 million Prime members
—
Subscription/Membership Base(Millions)
240M+ Prime members
—
Physical Store Locations(count)
500+ Amazon Go/Fresh stores
—
Global Physical Store Locations(stores)
0 stores
—
Physical Store Count(locations)
0 (e-commerce only)
870 warehouses
Physical Store Locations(stores)
0 (online only)
—
US Store Locations(stores)
870
—
Average Delivery Speed(days)
Same-day to 1 day (Prime)
—
Return Window(days)
30 days (standard)
—
Return Window(days)
30 days
—
Product Return Window(days)
30 days
—
Return Policy Window(days)
730 days (2 years)
—
Annual Membership Cost(USD)
$139 per year
—
Furniture Pricing Advantage(%)
Competitive on items under $50
—
Monthly Base Cost(USD)
$0 (pay per sale)
—
Avg Product Price(USD)
$15-50
—
Premium Membership Cost($)
Prime $139
—
Show 17 more attributes
Prime/Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year)
$139/year (Prime)
—
Average Furniture Price Range(USD)
$150-$1,200
—
Average Price Markup vs Wholesale(%)
20-30% markup
—
Subscribe & Save Discount(%)
5-20% discount
—
Average Product Price Index(% difference from market average)
-12%
—
Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)(relative price)
100
—
Prime/Membership Cost(USD/year)
$139
—
Membership Cost (Annual)(USD)
$139 (Prime basic tier)
$65 (Gold Star basic tier)
Average Product Price(USD)
$25-75
—
Prime/Membership Cost (Annual)(USD)
$139 (Amazon Prime US)
—
Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)(USD)
$39
—
Annual Membership Cost(USD)
$65-$130
—
Price Premium vs Competitors(percent)
-20-30%
—
Annual Membership Cost(USD)
$65 (Gold Star)
—
Milk (1 gallon) Price Premium vs Costco(percent)
Baseline
—
Average Savings on Bulk Items vs. Retail(percent discount)
20-40% discount
—
Bulk Electronics Price Competitiveness(%)
Standard pricing
—
Annual Revenue(billions USD)
$638 billion
—
Annual Revenue (2025)(Billion USD)
$638B (e-commerce only)
—
Market Capitalization(trillions USD)
$2,360B
—
YoY Revenue Growth (2025)(Percent)
12-15% (estimated)
—
Gross Margin Trend (Q4 2025)(Basis Points)
Industry average ~40-45%
—
Show 4 more attributes
Annual Revenue(USD billions)
$575.5B
—
Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions)
$575.2 billion
$252.6 billion
Operating Margin(%)
7.2%
4.1%
Global Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD)
$575 billion
—
Prime/Membership Benefits(members)
240 million Prime members
—
Loyalty Program Cost(USD per year)
$139
—
Prime/Loyalty Annual Cost(USD/year)
$139 (Prime)
—
Average Shipping Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
—
Average Standard Delivery Time(business days)
1-2 days (Prime)
—
Average Shipping Speed(days)
2-3 days (Prime)
—
Standard Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
—
Home Goods Focus(%)
Multi-category general retailer
—
Design Curation Tools
Basic category and keyword filters
—
In-House Brands(count)
Limited home furniture brands
—
Product Category Focus
All categories (diversified)
—
Specialty Pet Food Availability (Exotic/Medical Diets)(inventory depth)
Limited; depends on seller listings
—
Autoship/Subscription Discount Range(Percent)
5-20% on Subscribe & Save
—
Geographic Coverage(states)
190+ countries and territories
—
Prime Members(millions)
220+
—
Member Renewal Rate(percent)
~85% (estimated)
94%
Ad Revenue (2026)(billion USD)
$68.5
—
Average Annual Spending Per Member(USD)
$2,850
—
Physical Locations(stores)
Limited
—
Physical Store Locations (US)(locations)
0
—
AI Shopping Assistant(users)
Rufus 250M users
—
AI Rufus Interaction Growth(percent)
+210%
—
Prime Day 2026 Revenue(billion USD)
$24.1
—
In-Person Support(availability)
Online support only
—
Average Transaction Time(minutes)
45-60
—
Return Policy Duration (General)(days)
Unlimited
—
Free Shipping Minimum(USD)
$35
—
Standard Non-Perishable Pet Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
—
Standard Shipping Time (Domestic)(days)
2 days (Prime)
—
Pet-Specific Product SKU Count(SKUs)
~50,000-100,000 (estimated pet section)
—
Total Product Categories(categories)
500+ million SKUs across all categories
—
Product Selection(estimated items)
2,000,000+
—
2025 Pet Supplies Market Position (GMV Rank)(rank)
Not #1 in pet supplies
—
Return Window (Standard Pet Supplies)(days)
30 days (standard Amazon)
—
Autoship Subscription Discounts(percent)
Limited pet-specific subscriptions
—
Built-in Customer Base(millions)
300+ active customers
—
Average Time to First Sale(days)
3-7 days (instant access)
—
Brand Customization Level(scale 1-10)
Minimal (2/10)
—
Customer Data Access(percentage)
0% customer data; Amazon owns relationship
—
Payment Gateway Options(number)
1 (Amazon Pay only)
—
Product Listing Limits(count)
Varies by category and account tier
—
Active Users (2026)(millions)
Amazon 380 million
—
Global Warehouse Locations(locations)
870
—
Standard Shipping Time(days)
5-7 days
—
Standard Shipping Delivery Time(business days)
1-2 days (Prime)
—
Standard Shipping Time(business days)
1-2 days (Prime)
—
Product Categories(count)
30+ main categories
—
Product SKU Count(products)
300+ million
—
Total Product Selection(SKUs)
500,000+
—
Available Product SKUs(millions)
300M+
—
Number of Beauty Brands(brands)
500+ brands
—
Show 9 more attributes
Total Product Categories(categories)
40+ categories
—
Total Products Available(millions)
500+ million
—
Total Product SKUs(millions)
350+ million items
—
Number of Home Brands(brands)
500+ furniture brands available
—
Number of Beauty Brands Available(brands)
500+
—
SKUs per Location(items)
3,500-4,500
—
Product Selection (SKUs)(SKUs)
~4,000 SKUs
—
Product Selection (SKUs)(items)
3,700-4,000 (curated)
—
Private Label Product Count(products)
3,500
—
Avg Customer Rating(stars)
4.1/5
—
Customer Review Average Rating (Beauty Products)(stars)
4.2 stars
—
Seller Verification(text)
Strict vetting, A9 quality standards
—
Total Active Product Listings(millions)
300+ million
—
Number of Active Sellers(millions)
2+ million
—
Average Customer Rating System(stars)
4.4/5 average seller rating
—
Mobile App Downloads(millions)
2.5 billion downloads
—
Estimated Active Users(millions)
310M
—
Handmade/Artisanal Product Percentage(%)
<2% handmade items
—
Annual Revenue (2025)(USD billions)
$575 billion
—
Entry Membership Cost(USD per year)
$139
—
Prime/Premium Membership Cost(USD/year)
$139/year
—
Free Shipping Threshold (Standard Members)(USD)
$35 (with Prime; $100 without)
—
Annual Membership Fee (Gold/Basic)(USD)
$65
—
Customer Product Reviews Published(millions)
250+ million
—
Renewable Energy Usage(percentage)
85%
—
Year Created/Founded
1994
—
Global User Base(millions)
150+ million customers
—
Annual Revenue(USD billions)
$575 billion (2025)
—
Employees(count)
1.5 million
—
Package/Service Ecosystem(count)
200+ AWS services
—
Licensing Model
Proprietary (freemium model)
—
Market Capitalization(USD trillions)
2.1 trillion
—
Grooming Service Availability(locations)
0 locations
—
Prescription Pharmacy Services(availability)
Not offered; external pharmacy required
—
Training Classes Availability(program status)
Not offered
—
In-Store Grooming Services(availability)
Not available
—
Professional Veterinarians(on-staff)
No
—
Show 4 more attributes
Interior Design Service(cost)
Not available
—
In-Store Beauty Consultation Available
No
—
Pharmacy Services Depth
Limited: prescriptions and pharmacy services only
—
Pharmacy Services Available(yes/no)
Pharmacy only
—
Customer Review Rating(out of 5 stars)
4.4
—
Product Description Accuracy Rate(%)
96%
—
Non-Delivery/Lost Package Rate(%)
0.3%
—
Data Privacy Compliance(text)
GDPR/CCPA Compliant
—
Customer Satisfaction Score(/100)
68/100
82/100
Product Catalog Size(SKUs)
798 million
3,700
Median Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas)
Immediate (in-warehouse purchase)
Average Price Difference on Beauty Products(% below MSRP)
10-25% discount below MSRP
—
Free Samples per Purchase(samples)
0
—
Fastest Delivery Speed (Prime/Premium)(business days)
Same-day or 1-day with Prime
—
Prime Eligible Items with Two-Day Shipping(millions)
100+ million items
—
Average Furniture Delivery Time(weeks)
2-3 weeks
—
Standard Shipping Time(business days)
1-2 days with Prime
—
Loyalty Rewards Earn Rate(% cash back)
Varies; typically 1-5% with Prime
—
Average Delivery Time (Standard)(days)
1-2 days (Prime members)
—
Buyer Protection Duration(days)
180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)
—
Standard Return Window(days)
30 days
—
Data Privacy/Regulatory Status
US-regulated, transparent data policies
—
Return Window for Members(days)
30 days
—
Average Transaction Value(USD)
$150-200
—
Executive Membership Cash Back(percent)
2%
—
Prescription Discount for Members(percent)
20-50%
—
US Store Locations(stores)
569 warehouses
—
Average Customer Visits Per Year (heavy users)(visits)
24-36 visits/year
—
Membership Breakeven Point (Annual savings)(USD)
$65-130 (Gold/Executive breakeven)
—
Annual Member Savings (Frequent Shoppers)(USD)
$500-$800
—
Gas Station Discount vs Market Rate(cents per gallon)
40-60¢ cheaper
—
Member Satisfaction Rate(%)
88%
—
Rotisserie Chicken Price(USD)
$4.99
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
A
A
Amazon
+5-3
Pros
- 798 million products with same-day or next-day delivery in major metro areas
- AWS generates $90.8B in annual revenue, providing 47% of company operating income
- Prime membership bundles retail, video streaming, music, and exclusive deals
- Price matching and lightning deals offer dynamic discounts throughout the day
- Global logistics network ships to 185+ countries with 600+ fulfillment centers
Cons
- Counterfeit products and quality control issues reported in 2.3% of marketplace sales
- Customer satisfaction at 68/100, lowest among major retailers
- Intense competition and thin profit margins (3.3% net margin vs Costco's 3.1%) drive aggressive seller practices
Costco Wholesale
+5-3
Pros
- 82/100 customer satisfaction score—highest among major U.S. retailers
- Lower membership cost ($65/year) vs Amazon Prime ($139/year)
- 94% member renewal rate indicates exceptional loyalty
- Kirkland Signature private label brand captures 28% of sales with premium quality standards
- In-warehouse food court and fuel discounts add tangible member value beyond merchandise
Cons
- Limited to 3,700 SKUs requires compromise vs Amazon's 798 million products
- Membership fee and warehouse-only model creates barriers to casual shopping
- Geographic limitations—only 870 locations vs Amazon's ubiquitous digital presence
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Costco typically offers 15-30% lower per-unit prices on bulk groceries due to high-volume purchasing and lower overhead costs. However, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods (owned by Amazon) offer competitively priced items with delivery convenience. For non-perishables bought in bulk, Costco's Kirkland Signature brand provides best value; for fresh groceries with delivery, Amazon Fresh matches within 5-8% of Costco's warehouse prices.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
- W
Amazon on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Global e-commerce marketplace offering 500+ beauty brands alongside millions of other products with Prime fast shipping.
- W
Costco Wholesale on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Membership-based warehouse club retailer focused on bulk purchasing and curated product selection.
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