How to Use Amazon: A Senior's Complete Shopping Guide

Amazon is the largest online shop in the world, and millions of people use it every day to buy everything from books and groceries to electronics and clothing. If you have never used it, or if you have tried but found it confusing, this guide will walk you through every step in plain, simple English. By the end, you will feel confident enough to search for products, place an order, and get it delivered right to your front door.

What Is Amazon?

Think of Amazon as an enormous department store that exists entirely on the internet. Instead of walking through aisles, you type what you want into a search bar and browse the results on your screen. Amazon sells its own products, but it also lets thousands of other shops and sellers list their products on the same website. That means you can find almost anything you could ever need in one place.

You can use Amazon on your computer by visiting amazon.com (in the United States) or amazon.co.uk (in the United Kingdom). You can also use the Amazon app on a phone or tablet, which we will talk about later in this guide.

Creating an Amazon Account

Before you can buy anything, you need to create a free account. Here is how to do it.

1. Go to the Amazon website. Open your web browser (such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge) and type amazon.com or amazon.co.uk into the address bar at the top of the screen. Press Enter.

1. Find the sign-in area. In the top right corner of the page, you will see the words "Hello, Sign in" or "Account & Lists." Click on that.

1. Click "Create your Amazon account." You will see a small box asking you to sign in. Below the sign-in button, there is a link that says "Create your Amazon account." Click it.

1. Fill in your details. You will need to enter your name, your email address, and a password. Choose a strong password that is hard for others to guess. For tips on this, see our guide on how to create strong passwords.

1. Verify your email. Amazon will send a short code to your email address. Check your inbox, find the email from Amazon, and type the code into the box on screen. That is it. Your account is ready.

A quick note about passwords: Never use the same password for Amazon that you use for your email or your bank. If someone gets hold of one password, you do not want them to have access to everything.

Searching for Products

Once you are signed in, you will see a large search bar at the top of the page. This is how you find what you want.

• Type what you are looking for. For example, type "large print puzzle books" or "warm fleece blanket" and press Enter or click the magnifying glass icon.
• Browse the results. Amazon will show you a list of products that match your search. Each result shows a picture, the product name, the price, the star rating, and how many reviews it has.
• Use filters. On the left side of the screen (or at the top on a phone), you can narrow your results by price, star rating, brand, and more. This is very helpful if you get hundreds of results and want to find exactly the right item.
• Sort the results. You can sort by "Price: Low to High," "Price: High to Low," "Average Customer Review," or "Newest Arrivals." Click the "Sort by" dropdown near the top of the results.

Tip: If you are not sure exactly what you want, try typing a general description. Amazon is very good at understanding everyday language. For example, typing "birthday present for 10 year old boy" will give you lots of gift ideas.

Reading Reviews and Spotting Fake Ones

One of the best things about Amazon is that other customers leave reviews. These tell you what real people thought about the product. Here is how to use them wisely.

• Look at the star rating. Products are rated from one to five stars. Generally, anything with four stars or above and at least 50 reviews is a safe bet.
• Read a mix of reviews. Do not just read the glowing five-star reviews. Click on some three-star and even one-star reviews to see if there are common complaints, such as poor quality or slow delivery.
• Check for "Verified Purchase." This label means the reviewer actually bought the product on Amazon. Reviews without this label could come from anyone and may be less trustworthy.

How to Spot Fake Reviews

Unfortunately, some sellers try to boost their ratings with fake reviews. Here are some warning signs.

• Vague language. If a review says things like "Great product! Love it! Five stars!" without giving any specific details, it may not be genuine.
• Many reviews posted on the same date. If a product suddenly received 50 glowing reviews all on one day, that is suspicious.
• The reviewer only reviews products from one brand. Click on the reviewer's name. If all their reviews are for the same brand, they may be connected to the seller.
• Too good to be true. If a very cheap product has thousands of five-star reviews and no negative ones, be cautious.

When in doubt, stick with products that say "Ships from and sold by Amazon" or that come from well-known brands.

Adding Items to Your Basket

When you find a product you want to buy, here is what to do.

1. Click on the product to open its full page. Here you can see more pictures, read the full description, and check the reviews.
2. Choose your options. Some products let you pick a size, colour, or quantity. Make your selections using the dropdown menus.
3. Click "Add to Basket" (or "Add to Cart" in the US). The item is now saved in your basket. You have not bought it yet. You can keep shopping and add more items if you like.
4. View your basket. Click the basket icon in the top right corner of the screen at any time to see everything you have added. You can remove items or change quantities here.

Good to know: Items in your basket are not reserved. If you wait too long, popular products could sell out. But there is no rush for most items.

Checkout and Payment

When you are ready to buy, it is time to check out.

1. Click the basket icon and then click "Proceed to Checkout."
2. Enter your delivery address. The first time you order, you will need to type in your full address. Amazon will save it for next time.
3. Choose your delivery speed. You will see options like standard delivery (free or low cost, takes a few days) and faster options (which may cost extra unless you have Amazon Prime).
4. Enter your payment method. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or an Amazon gift card. Type in your card number, expiry date, and the three-digit security code on the back of your card. Amazon will save your card details securely so you do not have to enter them every time.
5. Review your order. Before you click the final button, double-check your items, delivery address, and total cost.
6. Click "Place Your Order." That is it. You have just made a purchase on Amazon.

Is it safe to enter my card details? Yes. Amazon uses strong encryption to protect your payment information. For more on staying safe when shopping online, read our guide on how to shop online safely.

Delivery Options

Amazon offers several delivery choices.

• Standard delivery. Usually arrives within three to five working days. Often free on orders above a certain amount (such as 25 dollars in the US or 25 pounds in the UK).
• Next-day or two-day delivery. Available on many items, especially if you have Amazon Prime. There may be a charge if you are not a Prime member.
• Same-day delivery. Available in some areas for certain products. Requires Amazon Prime in most cases.
• Amazon Locker. If you are not home during the day, you can have your parcel delivered to a secure locker at a nearby shop or petrol station. You pick it up at your convenience using a code sent to your email.

Tracking Your Order

After you place an order, you can follow its journey to your door.

1. Go to "Your Orders." Click "Account & Lists" at the top of the page, then click "Your Orders." You can also go directly to this page by clicking "Returns & Orders."
2. Find your order. You will see a list of everything you have ordered. Click on the one you want to track.
3. Check the status. Amazon will show you whether your order has been dispatched, where it is, and when it is expected to arrive. On delivery day, you can often see a live map showing exactly where the driver is.

Amazon will also send you email updates at each stage, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Returns and Refunds

One of the best things about Amazon is how easy it is to return something. If an item is not what you expected, does not fit, or arrives damaged, you can usually send it back within 30 days for a full refund.

1. Go to "Your Orders" and find the item you want to return.
2. Click "Return or Replace Items."
3. Choose a reason from the dropdown menu (for example, "Item not as described" or "No longer needed").
4. Choose your return method. Amazon will give you options. You may be able to drop the item at a post office, a parcel shop, or an Amazon Locker. In some cases, a courier will come to your home to collect it.
5. Print the return label (or show the QR code on your phone at the drop-off point). Amazon will email you the label.
6. Post or drop off the item. Once Amazon receives it, your refund will usually appear in your account within a few days.

Tip: You do not need the original packaging. Just pack the item securely in any box or padded envelope.

Amazon Prime: Is It Worth It for Seniors?

Amazon Prime is a paid membership that costs around 15 dollars a month (or 139 dollars a year) in the US, or about 9 pounds a month (or 96 pounds a year) in the UK. Here is what you get.

• Free next-day or two-day delivery on millions of items, with no minimum order.
• Prime Video. A streaming service with thousands of films and TV shows, similar to Netflix. Read our guide on how to use Netflix for beginners if streaming is new to you.
• Prime Reading. Free access to a selection of ebooks and magazines.
• Prime Day deals. Access to special sales events with big discounts.
• Amazon Photos. Unlimited photo storage in the cloud.

Is it worth it?

If you order from Amazon at least once or twice a month, Prime often pays for itself in saved delivery charges alone. The free streaming and reading are a nice bonus. Amazon offers a 30-day free trial, so you can try it without risk. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you decide it is not for you, or you will be charged.

Important: If you signed up for a free trial and forgot about it, you can go to "Account & Lists," then "Prime Membership," and cancel there. If you were charged but never used it, Amazon will usually refund you.

Amazon App vs. the Website

You can use Amazon in two ways: through the website on your computer, or through the Amazon app on your phone or tablet.

The Website (Computer)

• Bigger screen makes it easier to see product pictures and read reviews.
• Easier to compare multiple products side by side.
• Good if you prefer using a keyboard and mouse.

The App (Phone or Tablet)

• Convenient for quick purchases when you are away from your computer.
• Lets you scan barcodes in shops to compare prices.
• Sends you notifications about delivery updates.
• You can use your phone's camera to take a picture of something and Amazon will try to find it for you.

Both work the same way. Use whichever you find more comfortable. If you are new to downloading apps, our guide on how to download apps safely can help.

Voice Shopping with Alexa

If you have an Amazon Echo or another Alexa-enabled device, you can shop using just your voice. This can be very convenient, especially if you have difficulty using a screen.

• Say "Alexa, order [product name]." For example, "Alexa, order dishwasher tablets." Alexa will find a product, tell you the price, and ask if you want to buy it.
• Say "Alexa, add [item] to my basket." This adds the item to your Amazon basket without buying it straight away. You can review your basket later on the website or app.
• Say "Alexa, where is my order?" Alexa will give you an update on your most recent delivery.

To use voice shopping, you need to have a payment method and delivery address saved in your Amazon account. You can also set up a voice PIN code so that nobody else in your household can accidentally place orders.

If you do not have Alexa yet, our guide on how to set up Alexa for seniors will walk you through the whole process.

Amazon Subscribe and Save

If you buy certain items regularly, such as coffee, toilet paper, washing-up liquid, or pet food, Amazon's Subscribe & Save feature can save you time and money.

Here is how it works.

1. Find a product that has the "Subscribe & Save" option (you will see it on the product page).
2. Choose how often you want it delivered: every month, every two months, every three months, and so on.
3. Save money. Subscribers typically get 5 to 15 percent off the regular price. If you subscribe to five or more products in the same delivery, you save even more.
4. Manage your subscriptions. You can skip a delivery, change the quantity, swap products, or cancel at any time. Go to "Account & Lists" and then "Subscribe & Save" to manage everything.

This is a great option for household essentials. You never run out of the things you need, and the savings add up over time.

Staying Safe on Amazon

While Amazon itself is a safe and trustworthy website, there are a few things to watch out for.

Avoiding Scam Sellers

Not every seller on Amazon is Amazon itself. Third-party sellers list products on the site too, and most of them are perfectly legitimate. But here are some red flags.

• Prices that are too low. If a product is dramatically cheaper than the same item from other sellers, be cautious.
• New sellers with no reviews. A seller with zero feedback and very low prices may not deliver what they promise.
• Check the seller name. On the product page, look for "Ships from and sold by Amazon" for maximum peace of mind. If a third-party seller is listed, click on their name to check their rating.

Never Click Suspicious Emails

Scammers sometimes send emails that look like they come from Amazon. These emails might say there is a problem with your account or that you need to confirm a payment. They are designed to trick you into clicking a link and entering your personal details.

How to protect yourself:

• Never click links in unexpected emails claiming to be from Amazon. Instead, open your browser and go to amazon.com or amazon.co.uk directly.
• Check the sender's email address. Real Amazon emails come from addresses ending in @amazon.com or @amazon.co.uk. Anything else is likely a scam.
• Amazon will never ask for your password by email. If an email asks you to "verify" your password, it is fake.
• When in doubt, log in to your account directly and check "Your Orders" or "Message Centre" to see if Amazon actually sent you anything.

For more on recognising scam emails, read our detailed guide on how to spot scam emails.

Protect Your Account

• Use a strong, unique password for your Amazon account.
• Turn on two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication) in your account security settings. This means that even if someone gets your password, they cannot log in without a code sent to your phone.
• Never share your Amazon password with anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use my debit or credit card on Amazon?

Yes. Amazon uses industry-standard encryption to protect your payment information. Your card details are stored securely and are never visible to sellers. For added peace of mind, you can also pay using Amazon gift cards, which you can buy in many supermarkets and newsagents. If you ever see a charge you do not recognise, contact Amazon customer service right away.

What if my order arrives damaged or is not what I expected?

Amazon makes returns very easy. Go to "Your Orders," click "Return or Replace Items" next to the product, choose a reason, and follow the instructions. You will usually get a full refund within a few days of Amazon receiving the item back. In many cases, Amazon will even arrange for a courier to pick up the return from your home at no extra charge.

Can I use Amazon without Amazon Prime?

Absolutely. Amazon Prime is completely optional. Without Prime, you can still browse, buy, and return products just like any other customer. The main differences are that you will not get free next-day delivery (standard delivery is still available, often free on larger orders) and you will not have access to Prime Video or other Prime perks. Many people use Amazon happily for years without ever signing up for Prime.

---

Amazon can feel overwhelming at first, but once you have placed your first order, you will see how straightforward it really is. Start with something small, perhaps a book or a household item, and follow the steps in this guide. Before long, shopping on Amazon will feel as natural as visiting your local high street. And if you ever get stuck, Amazon's customer service is available by phone, chat, and email to help you every step of the way.