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Amazon.com just launched "TextBuyIt", a system through which mobile users can use text messaging through their phone to purchase products from Amazon.com. Is this a great stride forward for Amazon or simply a company trying to be "hip" in the mobile scene? Amazon continues to try and be the one-stop-shop for anything and everything, and this is their latest push.
Pros:
- The claim: according to Amazon, the system is "simple and convenient"
- It lets you price compare on the go... no need to go back home and check the deals on Amazon.com to see if you can get a better price.
- You can purchase Jimmy Buffet's latest CD from your spot on the lawn, in the middle of the concert, in less than a minute, on your phone (ok, for some this may not be a "pro" - pick your favorite band and insert in place of JB then).
Cons:
- The reality: the process involves several text messages and an automated phone call from amazon (still "simple"? debatable...) - What if you don't have an account already set up with Amazon?
- What if you don't own an iPhone?
- What happens if you want to buy multiple products (and not several of one item)?
- This service doesn't allow you to tap into your gold box savings.
Amazon claims that they will continue to expand on the accessibility of this service into "regular" cell phones. But will this service be a springboard for success or will it remain a limited, price comparison-only tool?
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1 comments:
I think, that as we continue to witness retail environments converging with digital marketing and commerce, that this sort of mobile internet application is indeed the wave of the future. combine this with the one-click ordering and collaborative filtering engine already in place at amazon.com, and you have a really compelling model. i expect to se this level of mobile shopping capability becoming more and more ubiquitous, especially in bricks and mortar stores. Imagine how best-buy could use an app like this. endless opportunities to sell or upsell.
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