Heavily discounted shipping (media mail) also supported Amazon's initial rise. Funny how cheap shipping is coming full circle. By starting with books (and then

Heavily discounted shipping (media mail) also supported Amazon's initial rise. Funny how cheap shipping is coming full circle. By starting with books (and then CDs/DVDs), Jeff picked a good target: inventory that doesn't depreciate too fast, subsidized shipping, not needing to collect sales taxes up-front, high costs at b&m level, high value per weight/volume, popularity of carrying large inventory (books aren't too fungible) Much better than pets.com selling cat and dog food.