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.
Amazon
Multinational technology and e-commerce company providing retail, cloud computing, and digital services.
Convenience seekers, digital shoppers, households using multiple Prime services, fast delivery users, those valuing product selection over bulk savings
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
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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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
178 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 | — | — |
| 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)(billion USD) | $575 billion | — | — |
| Global Physical Store Locations(stores) | 0 stores | — | — |
| Product SKU Count(products) | 300+ million | — | — |
| Average Standard Delivery Time(days) | 2 days (Prime) / 5-7 days (standard) | — | — |
| 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(percent) | 32% | — | — |
| Employees(count) | 1.5 million | — | — |
| Package/Service Ecosystem(count) | 200+ AWS services | — | — |
| Market Capitalization(USD) | 2.1 trillion | — | — |
| Total Product Selection(number of 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 | — | — |
| Physical Store Locations (US)(locations) | 0 | — | — |
| Average Product Price Index(% difference from market average) | -12% | — | — |
| Product Selection(items) | 2,000,000+ | — | — |
| Standard Shipping Time(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) | 30-60 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)(relative price) | 100 | — | — |
| Product Description Accuracy Rate(%) | 96% | — | — |
| Active Global Users(millions) | 150M | — | — |
| Non-Delivery/Lost Package Rate(%) | 0.3% | — | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $575 billion (2024) | — | — |
| Standard Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| US Grocery Market Share(%) | 2.1% | — | — |
| Estimated Active Users(millions) | 310M | — | — |
| Available Product SKUs(millions) | 300M+ | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points) | 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 | — | — |
| 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 | — | — |
| Total Annual Revenue(USD (billions)) | $575 billion | — | — |
| US E-commerce Market Share(%) | 41% | — | — |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 600+ | — | — |
| Annual Membership Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) | $139 (Prime) | — | — |
| Cloud/Tech Services Revenue(USD (billions)) | $88 billion (AWS) | — | — |
| Estimated Available Products(millions) | 300+ million | — | — |
| Average Delivery Time (Standard)(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members) | — | — |
| Monthly Active Users(millions) | 2,100 million | — | — |
| Average Product Price(USD) | $25-75 | — | — |
| 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(products) | 500,000,000+ | — | — |
| 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 | — | — |
| Total Active Product Listings(millions) | 350+ million | — | — |
| Average Shipping Time (Standard)(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Prime/Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) | $139/year | — | — |
| Seller Commission/Fees(percent) | Up to 45% (varies by category) | — | — |
| Return Window (Standard Policy)(days) | 30 days standard | — | — |
| Customer Trust Rating(percent) | 91% trust Amazon (2024) | — | — |
| Percentage of Small/Independent Sellers(percent) | 65% third-party sellers (mostly resellers/aggregators) | — | — |
| Pet Category Market Share (U.S. Online)(%) | 18% | — | — |
| Same-Day Delivery Cities(cities) | 3,500 cities (Prime 2-hour) | — | — |
| Free Shipping Threshold(USD) | $35 | — | — |
| Auto-Delivery Maximum Discount(%) | 20% | — | — |
| Customer Service Response Time(hours) | 24-48 hours average | — | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $575B | $252.6 billion | |
| Total Product Selection(millions) | 300+ million | — | — |
| Physical Store Locations (US)(stores) | ~600 (Whole Foods only) | — | — |
| Prime/Membership Annual Cost(USD) | $139 | — | — |
| Standard Delivery Speed (Prime)(days) | 1-2 days | — | — |
| Same-Day Service Availability(metro areas) | 100+ metro areas (Prime) | — | — |
| 2024 Annual Revenue (US)(billions USD) | $575.5 | — | — |
| Market Valuation (2024)(billions USD) | $2,100+ | — | — |
| Total Product SKUs (Pet Category)(SKUs) | ~50,000 pet products | — | — |
| Auto-Ship Discount Maximum(percent off) | 5-20% Subscribe & Save | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(stars (out of 5.0)) | 89% (J.D. Power 2024) | — | — |
| Market Share (US Pet E-commerce)(percent) | 12% (includes pet products) | — | — |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 0 pet stores | — | — |
| Online Product Selection(SKUs) | 50,000+ pet listings | — | — |
| Standard Shipping Speed(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members) | — | — |
| Average Price Premium(%) | Baseline (lowest) | — | — |
| Loyalty Program Cash Back(%) | 5% with Prime Visa | — | — |
| Subscribe & Save Discount(%) | Up to 20% discount | — | — |
| Average Customer Review Rating(stars) | 4.2/5 stars | — | — |
| Average Delivery Time (US Standard)(days) | 2-3 days (Prime) | — | — |
| Price Premium vs Temu(%) | 100-150% higher (standard retail markup) | — | — |
| Buyer Protection Success Rate(%) | 94% disputes resolved in buyer favor | — | — |
| Average Customer Review Rating(stars) | 4.2/5 (verified reviews with photo proof) | — | — |
| Product Return/Defect Rate(%) | ~8-12% average return rate | — | — |
| Prime/Membership Cost(USD/year) | 139/year or 14.99/month | — | — |
| Refund Processing Time (if approved)(days) | 5-10 business days | — | — |
| 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
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap(USD) | $1.8 Trillion | — |
| Global User Base(millions) | 240+ Prime members + broader reach | — |
| Mobile App Downloads (All-Time)(millions) | 500+ 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(percent) | 32% | — |
| US Grocery Market Share(%) | 2.1% | — |
| US E-commerce Market Share(%) | 41% | — |
Show 1 more attributePet Category Market Share (U.S. Online)(%) 18% — | ||
| 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 (US)(stores) | ~600 (Whole Foods 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) | 30-60 days (Prime) | — |
| Product Return Window(days) | 30 days | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(stars (out of 5.0)) | 89% (J.D. Power 2024) | — |
Show 2 more attributesRefund Processing Time (if approved)(days) 5-10 business 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 22 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 — Average Product Price Index(% difference from market average) -12% — Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)(relative price) 100 — Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) $139 (Prime basic tier) $65 (Gold Star basic tier) Annual Membership Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) $139 (Prime) — Average Product Price(USD) $25-75 — Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)(USD) $39 — Auto-Delivery Maximum Discount(%) 20% — Prime/Membership Annual Cost(USD) $139 — Auto-Ship Discount Maximum(percent off) 5-20% Subscribe & Save — Average Price Premium(%) Baseline (lowest) — Price Premium vs Temu(%) 100-150% higher (standard retail markup) — Prime/Membership Cost(USD/year) 139/year or 14.99/month — Annual Membership Cost(USD) $65-$130 — Price Premium vs Competitors(percent) -20-30% — Average Transaction Value(USD) $150-200 — 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 3 more attributesTotal Annual Revenue(USD (billions)) $575 billion — Global Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) $575 billion — Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) $575B $252.6 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 Shipping Speed(days) | 2-3 days (Prime) | — |
| Standard Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Same-Day Delivery Cities(cities) | 3,500 cities (Prime 2-hour) | — |
| 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(items) | 2,000,000+ | — |
| Total Product SKUs (Pet Category)(SKUs) | ~50,000 pet products | — |
| 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(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Standard Shipping Speed(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members) | — |
| Product Categories(count) | 30+ main categories | — |
| Product SKU Count(products) | 300+ million | — |
| Available Product SKUs(millions) | 300M+ | — |
| Number of Beauty Brands(brands) | 500+ brands | — |
| Total Product Categories(categories) | 40+ categories | — |
Show 11 more attributesEstimated Available Products(millions) 300+ million — Total Products Available(millions) 500+ million — Total Product SKUs(products) 500,000,000+ — Number of Home Brands(brands) 500+ furniture brands available — Number of Beauty Brands Available(brands) 500+ — Total Active Product Listings(millions) 350+ million — Online Product Selection(SKUs) 50,000+ pet listings — 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 | — |
| 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)(billion USD) | $575 billion | — |
| Average Standard Delivery Time(days) | 2 days (Prime) / 5-7 days (standard) | — |
| 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) | — |
| Prime/Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) | $139/year | — |
| 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 billion) | $575 billion (2025) | — |
| Employees(count) | 1.5 million | — |
| Package/Service Ecosystem(count) | 200+ AWS services | — |
| Licensing Model | Proprietary (freemium model) | — |
| Market Capitalization(USD) | 2.1 trillion | — |
| Market Share (US Pet E-commerce)(percent) | 12% (includes pet products) | — |
| Total Product Selection(number of SKUs) | 500,000+ | — |
| 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 6 more attributesInterior Design Service(cost) Not available — In-Store Beauty Consultation Available No — Pharmacy Services Limited (no pet Rx) — Grooming & Veterinary Services(availability) Not offered — 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 | — |
| Average Customer Review Rating(stars) | 4.2/5 stars | — |
| Product Description Accuracy Rate(%) | 96% | — |
| Non-Delivery/Lost Package Rate(%) | 0.3% | — |
| Data Privacy Compliance(text) | GDPR/CCPA Compliant | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $575 billion (2024) | — |
| 2024 Annual Revenue (US)(billions USD) | $575.5 | — |
| Market Valuation (2024)(billions USD) | $2,100+ | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points) | 68/100 | 82/100(winner) |
| Product Catalog Size(SKUs) | 798 million(winner) | 3,700 |
| Operating Margin(%) | 7.2%(winner) | 4.1% |
| Median Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas) | Immediate (in-warehouse purchase)(winner) |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 600+ | — |
| 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 | — |
| Standard Free Shipping Threshold(USD) | $0 with Prime / $25 without | — |
| 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 | — |
Show 3 more attributesFree Shipping Threshold(USD) $35 — Standard Delivery Speed (Prime)(days) 1-2 days — Same-Day Service Availability(metro areas) 100+ metro areas (Prime) — | ||
| Loyalty Rewards Earn Rate(% cash back) | Varies; typically 1-5% with Prime | — |
| Cloud/Tech Services Revenue(USD (billions)) | $88 billion (AWS) | — |
| Average Delivery Time (Standard)(days) | 1-2 days (Prime members) | — |
| Average Delivery Time (US Standard)(days) | 2-3 days (Prime) | — |
| Monthly Active Users(millions) | 2,100 million | — |
| Buyer Protection Duration(days) | 180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee) | — |
| Standard Return Window(days) | 30 days | — |
| Return Window (Standard Policy)(days) | 30 days standard | — |
| Buyer Protection Success Rate(%) | 94% disputes resolved in buyer favor | — |
| Data Privacy/Regulatory Status | US-regulated, transparent data policies | — |
| Return Window for Members(days) | 30 days | — |
| Average Shipping Time (Standard)(days) | 1-2 days (Prime) | — |
| Seller Commission/Fees(percent) | Up to 45% (varies by category) | — |
| Customer Trust Rating(percent) | 91% trust Amazon (2024) | — |
| Percentage of Small/Independent Sellers(percent) | 65% third-party sellers (mostly resellers/aggregators) | — |
| Customer Service Response Time(hours) | 24-48 hours average | — |
| Total Product Selection(millions) | 300+ million | — |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 0 pet stores | — |
| Loyalty Program Cash Back(%) | 5% with Prime Visa | — |
| Executive Membership Cash Back(percent) | 2% | — |
| Subscribe & Save Discount(%) | Up to 20% discount | — |
| Average Customer Review Rating(stars) | 4.2/5 (verified reviews with photo proof) | — |
| Product Return/Defect Rate(%) | ~8-12% average return rate | — |
| Counterfeit/Knockoff Risk(relative risk level) | Low (seller suspension policy enforced) | — |
| 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 | — |
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Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Amazon
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
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
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Wikipedia
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