Amazon is the world’s biggest online business and in recent years has really worked hard to make sure its delivery services are as straightforward and prompt as possible. Its efforts have impressed a large majority of people, especially with the introduction of Prime, its premium subscription service, which allows for premium one-day delivery (for eligible products).
In the US, Amazon has also introduced Prime Now, where it guarantees delivery of your order within one hour (note that the order must be for essential daily items). With the company now even trialling drone delivery, as well as delivery outside of normal postal hours, including evenings and Sundays, it should, perhaps, come as no surprise to hear that Amazon is also stepping up its efforts to improve its ordering processes.
With the introduction of its new device, the Dash Button, the tech giant seems particularly focused on increasing the number of household-goods customers that it has. The new device is called the Dash Button and is designed to be stuck on to various household appliances or worktops. Then, when a shopper needs to replenish a household item such as dishwasher tablets, shower gel or hoover bags; a replenishment order can automatically be placed by just the push of a button.
The introduction of the Dash Button at the end March/ beginning April was considered so odd that many people actually thought it was part of an elaborate April Fool’s. However, be assured the Dash Button is no joke.
Opinion does seem much divided at the moment with some classifying the button as a stroke of genius whilst others define it as utterly ridiculous and just a gimmick.
How does it work?
1. Consumers receive a button which relates to a specific product, such as washing power, coffee or razor blades. An initial set up is then required so that consumers can indicate exactly what their replenishment order should be, i.e. specifying sizes and/or quantities that should be delivered each time they place an order.
2. The button is then placed near to, or on, the relevant machine or area where the consumer will easily be reminded of a low supply.
3. When supplies of a specific item are low, the consumer presses the relevant button and an order is put through to Amazon.
4. An order alert is sent through to the consumer’s phone and they are given the chance to cancel the order if needed.
5. The item is delivered with 1-3 days.
Some may believe this latest service from Amazon to be nothing more than a gimmick yet certain experts see real genius in the idea. Such as Aidan Bocci, Chief Executive of the Commercial Advantage Consultancy, who believes that the service gives Amazon a distinct advantage over its offline competitors, i.e. grocery stores, stating:
“People typically write a shopping list and then go to the supermarket, but this gives Amazon a way to break in before any of that happens. And it’s exactly what the firm should be doing if it wants to have a different approach in the grocery sector.”
Available in the UK?
Only those who are Prime customers (in the US) are currently able to make use of the Dash Button. However, whilst there is not yet any indication when (or if) the service will be introduced in the UK, if the trials go well in the US, one can only assume a UK launch will not be far away.