Amazon began as an online bookseller in 1994 and has since expanded to sell a wide variety of products online. It pioneered the long tail business model by offering many niche products and has no storage costs by directly connecting buyers and sellers. Amazon uses fulfillment centers to pick, pack, and ship orders for both its own products and those sold by third-party sellers using their Fulfillment by Amazon program. It maintains high customer value through a wide selection, availability of products, competitive pricing, and a positive customer experience supported by services like returns.