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Amazon Local Register

localregister.amazon.com

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Re: Amazon Local Register

#42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> If Amazon wanted to start pushing more into local markets (or different kinds of products), they can make a fortune off this data, and that's why they can afford to undercut companies like Square. It's a long term play. Possibly. Alternatively, Amazon seems to operate under a business model something like: 1) enter an existing market with a product offering that is at best the same as the competition 2) undercut sa…

Does it? In what market have they done (3)?

They haven't really reached (2) in any market besides books. As dominant as Amazon is, Wal-Mart still towers over them for just about every product category that isn't printed on paper.

I'd argue (3) shouldn't read raise prices - that isn't really Amazon's MO, (3) should read "leverage their de facto monopoly to squeeze suppliers for all they've got, Wal-Mart style". This is certainly happening in books.

Re: Amazon Local Register

#43
Wow, talk about doing a deal with the devil. Amazon will just apply their standard rule book to the situation and choke the market, and use the data to make it easier to determine what markets are worth investing in for hyperlocal sales tools.

It honestly seems like no good can come of this, it looks like a wonderful tool, but the risks? Eeesh.

Re: Amazon Local Register

#44

Looks like this is just for the US. Do any of you have cashback credit cards that offer >1.75% ?

I'm in Canada, not the US, but I have one that gives 4% cash back on gas and groceries and 2% at pharmacies and for bill payments.

http://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/0,,86,00.html

Re: Amazon Local Register

#45

Think of Amazon's role as an online merchant: they've built a 3rd party merchant system where other folks can use Amazon's retail and distribution. Then, they gathered centralized data of what sells, at what prices. They stepped in and started carrying more profitable items themselves. Now, look at their role here: if this takes off, they'll have data on what merchants are selling, for how much, and to whom. These ar…

> If Amazon wanted to start pushing more into local markets (or different kinds of products), they can make a fortune off this data, and that's why they can afford to undercut companies like Square. It's a long term play. Possibly. Alternatively, Amazon seems to operate under a business model something like: 1) enter an existing market with a product offering that is at best the same as the competition 2) undercut sa…

That isn't a new strategy. Starbucks did it all throughout the 1990s, opening locations sometimes literally on every block of major cities, many of them money-losing. They waited for the existing coffee shops to be driven out of business and then thinned out their locations to a more sustainable density.

Re: Amazon Local Register

#46

It's a trap. You, owner of a shop, don't do this. Amazon will first analyze all your sales data, they will than attach reviews to your shop and finally they will oblige you to play by their rules or die (banned or killed by bad reviews) and either way they will grow thanks to your hard work. I'm not joking, this is exactly what they have done (and keep doing) with "partners". Amazon is all but transparent and it has…

I get your comment and agree with it, but... It's funny how us (the HN/startup/pro disruptive audience) is very pro change (let's get rid off the middle man because we can create software that can do this cheaper and more efficient) and now we are 'rooting' for the brick and mortar business. There is a sociological take away somewhere here.

Re: Amazon Local Register

#47
What is it with swipe cards in the US? A lot of businesses in the EU don't take them due to security risks and only accept chip-and-pin payments,yet US parties like it's 1991?

Re: Amazon Local Register

#49
post #46

It's a trap. You, owner of a shop, don't do this. Amazon will first analyze all your sales data, they will than attach reviews to your shop and finally they will oblige you to play by their rules or die (banned or killed by bad reviews) and either way they will grow thanks to your hard work. I'm not joking, this is exactly what they have done (and keep doing) with "partners". Amazon is all but transparent and it has…

I get your comment and agree with it, but... It's funny how us (the HN/startup/pro disruptive audience) is very pro change (let's get rid off the middle man because we can create software that can do this cheaper and more efficient) and now we are 'rooting' for the brick and mortar business. There is a sociological take away somewhere here.

Change can be good, but it also matters who is "running" the change.
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