Could Amazon's 'Buy for Me' redefine the future of online shopping?
Amazon is taking artificial intelligence to the next-level with its newly announced “Buy for me” feature. This innovative functionality allows users to purchase items from third-party retailers without leaving the Amazon app
The shopping-giant has revealed that the feature uses agentic AI, based on Amazon’s Nova AI system, and aims to streamline the purchasing process by navigating to various retailer sites to complete transactions on behalf of users.
When searching for products to users in the Amazon Shopping app, users can tap the “Buy for me” option on an item in the results. The app will present an estimated total that includes the item price, shipping, and applicable taxes. Importantly, the product information is sourced directly from the retailers' websites and refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy. Once a purchase is initiated, Amazon utilizes the user's pre-configured contact, payment, and shipping details, effectively keeping the transaction within the familiar framework of the Amazon app. The company has highlighted that all personal data is encrypted, and that it does not have access to previous orders made on the brand's websites.
Despite this seamless experience, it’s critical to note that purchases made through this feature are not classified as transactions by Amazon. Consequently, the company's established policies regarding returns and terms of service do not apply to these third-party purchases, which could pose some challenges for consumers who may be unsatisfied with their purchase. It is unclear whether third-part stores can opt out of the feature, or whether Amazon takes a cut from these purchases.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, Amazon's foray into agentic AI shopping may set a precedent that could influence how other retailers approach their online services. It's still in testing, available to some iOS and Android users. This development could potentially position Amazon as a comprehensive shopping application.
Source: The Verge
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Sounds like a concierge service scam.
Hi there,
The introduction of Amazon’s “Buy for me” feature certainly seems like a game-changer for the future of online shopping. By integrating agentic AI to facilitate purchases across multiple platforms without leaving the Amazon app, it appears Amazon is setting a new standard for convenience in the e-commerce space.
However, the point you raised about the transactions not being classified as Amazon purchases, hence not covered under Amazon’s customer service policies, brings up significant consumer concerns. Given the lack of Amazon’s oversight on these third-party transactions, how will Amazon ensure customer satisfaction and handle disputes or returns? This could be a major consideration for users accustomed to Amazon’s usually robust support system.
Additionally, with Amazon acting as a go-between for other retailers, do you think this could lead to tensions with other e-commerce platforms? Could this possibly force a shift in how online marketplaces operate or enhance collaborations?
Thank you for shedding light on this intriguing development. It’s fascinating to consider how such innovations could reshape not just consumer behavior but also the broader e-commerce ecosystem.
This is a big no for me, letting AI purchase for me seems to add up to only benefiting Amazon.
Imagine this …
You get home from a holiday and there are more than 100 boxes on your doorstep which were ordered for you. ?
If you live where I live, there would be zero packages. They would all be stolen as soon as people realize that nobody is home.
I don’t know why is the law like this in USA here in my country most people live in apartments, not houses and even if they did, if the courier rings and nobody answers, they return the package and you have to go to the office to claim it.
And this is coming from a “uncivlized 2nd world country”. Of course there are ways to steal too, but the point is it’s not as stupid as to leave packages on the porch and that’s it.
What could possibly go wrong
I suggest not using Amazon for anything, especially during a time of increasing tariffs imposed by the US.
This tool will also be taking a cut from traditional retailers.
Unfortunately, Amazon is the cocaine of shopping for MANY people. Try to get them un-hooked.
You’d have better luck training a polar bear to play chess.
Amazon and to a lesser degree Walmart are very convenient. You have satisfaction guarantee. And if you can block promoted products and investigate reviews, it is probably the best way to shop online. If they can provide a satisfaction guarantee on outside purchases, I will use it. However, I will not use their internal AI to make purchases for me. I always investigate product reviews from few resources before biuying.