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>The core problem lies in latency and information bandwidth

I actually think the core problem is that Amazon just isn't competent at deriving insights from consumer behaviour data.

If I buy a vacuum cleaner on Amazon, based on the Amazon web store recommendations I fully and without a shred of sarcasm expect Alexa to think that I've developed a vacuum collecting habit and recommend a vacuum conference if I ask it for events.

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The problem with that this is that this is the objectively "correct" recommendation. Some who just bought one obviously had an interest in one and people do return products to get different/better ones.

If it looks stupid but it works.... (Amazon has all the data to check that it indeed works)

For soft goods, maybe. But for durable goods it is objectively the wrong decision. They ought to know if you have initiated a return, and act on it, but they don't.

What percentage of Amazon shoppers make repeated, back-to-back purchases of washing machines or kitchenaid mixers? I'm certain it's vanishingly small.

What percentage of people who just bought a kitchenaid mixer would be interested in baking pans, or whatever? Probably more. But if you buy a kitchenaid mixer, tHe AlGoRiThM just sends you ads for more kitchenaid mixers.

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