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You're transported back in time to 1994. How do you outcompete Amazon? (alien.top)

submitted 1 year ago by IndolentInsolent@alien.top to c/entrepreneur@indiehackers.space

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You're transported back to 1994 with all your current knowledge and $50,000. Your goal is to create the world's biggest online shopping company.

How do you go about it?

As a further thought experiment, if you travelled back to 1960 with all your current knowledge and the goal of becoming the richest person on earth, what businesses would you start?

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[–] bubalina@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

In around 1995 around the time Bezos moved from garage to warehouse I’d approach Bezos to suggest a partnership expanding Amazon beyond books, entering into other product categories. I’d have prenegotiated shipping agreements with FedEx CEO Fred Smith and USPS CEO Marvin Runyon for 2-day shipping, laying the foundation for “Amazon Prime” from the start.

In 1996, I’d recommend Amazon delve into DVD and movie rentals as a subscription service, setting the stage for “Prime Video.” To facilitate this, I’d involve Anthony Wood, Roku’s founder, to create hardware for internet-connected TVs.

In 1997, we would file patents for internet-connected TVs, anticipating the future of streaming technology.

In 1998, I’d present Benjamin Black and Chris Pinkham’s 2003 AWS proposal to Bezos, accelerating Amazon’s journey into cloud computing and the inception of AWS.

1998-1999: With the Prime membership concept already in motion, AWS would provide the necessary infrastructure to rapidly scale the businesses. Amazon could approach Samsung for an early licensing deal, leveraging the newly filed patents for internet-connected TVs. This partnership could expedite the development and market introduction of TV streaming capabilities.

2000: AWS launched before the dot-com bubble, could've drastically cut operating costs for many online businesses. By offering scalable cloud infrastructure, AWS would provide a cost-effective solution, potentially easing the financial strains that fueled the bubble's burst.

2001: I'd arrange a meeting between Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos. During this meeting, we would conceptualize the iPod's evolution into an iPhone, integrating AWS for iCloud storage. This innovative device would also feature Amazon Prime books through an integrated Kindle app and include the Amazon shopping app, creating a multifaceted platform for music, reading, and e-commerce.