04/07/2021
7 Unusual Facts about Amazon
Let us dilute our information content with some exciting facts about Amazon:
1. “Cadabra” instead of “Amazon”
Amazon was almost called “Cadabra” as in “Abracadabra”. This idea was struck down because Jeff Bezos’ lawyer misheard the word as “cadaver”.
2. The first purchase
The first book Amazon ever sold was from Bezos‘ garage in July 1995. The book was Fluid Concepts & Creative Analogies: Computer Models of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Thought.
3. Amazon sells tiny houses
Amazon offers home kits for around $26,000 that feature a 20-foot by 40-foot living space, including a kitchen and a bathroom. If you want to turn it from a novelty into a livable location, however, that price isn't all-inclusive. You'll need to spring for plumbing, electrical work, and other necessities before it becomes a permanent address you can have Amazon packages delivered to.
4. Critical error
In the very early days of Amazon, the site contained a serious programming error that permitted users to trick the website into crediting money onto their credit cards. You just could order a negative quantity of books, and the value of these books would be automatically credited onto your card. Once it was discovered, it was quickly shut down by the company.
5. It pays to quit
Amazon has a program that literally offers to pay employees to quit. The program, which is aptly titled “Pay to Quit,” offers employees a sum of money to quit their job once a year, every year they work for Amazon. In their first year, an employee is offered $2,000 to quit, with that offer increasing by $1,000 ever year before maxing out at $5,000.
6. One-click owners
Amazon’s “One Click” button that allows consumers to purchase items with only a single click of the mouse is actually a patented and trademarked operation. Apple, who also offers “One Click” purchases to its customers, is doing so through a licensing agreement with Amazon. So, this means that even while customers are using Apple products, Amazon is getting paid.
7. Tough boss
Bezos is notorious for being extremely “direct” with his Amazon employees. The following is a sample of Bezos’ statements to employees over the years:
“Are you lazy or just incompetent?”
“I’m sorry, did I take my stupid pills today?”
(After an engineer’s presentation) “Why are you wasting my life?”
Did you know any fact mentioned? Or can you add the list with some more?
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Amzwatch team