You'll Soon Be Able to 'Buy With Prime' on Websites That Aren't Amazon

[SteveG]

You'll Soon Be Able to 'Buy With Prime' on Websites That Aren't Amazon
https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-is-taki...n-website/

Amazon on Thursday revealed a new way that Prime members in US will be able to take advantage of fast shipping and free returns, even beyond the retail giant's own site.

Amazon's new service lets merchants add a "Buy with Prime" button to their own online stores. For shoppers with a Prime subscription, Amazon says choosing this option will let them use shipping and payment information already stored in their Amazon account. They'll also get free Prime delivery and free returns on eligible products, the same options that customers get when buying items on Amazon's site.

"With the introduction of Buy with Prime, we're expanding where members can enjoy trusted and convenient Prime shopping benefits beyond Amazon, adding even more value to their membership," said Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime, in a release. "Members will have the flexibility to shop from merchants directly, all while enjoying the fast, free delivery, seamless checkout, and easy returns they've come to know and love from Amazon."

Amazon said the service roll out through 2022, starting with sellers that use its Fulfillment by Amazon service. It will eventually open to merchants not selling on Amazon or using its fulfillment service, the company said.

Amazon in February increased the cost of a Prime membership from $119 to $139 a year, and from $13 to $15 for monthly subscribers. As of December 2021, about 172 million people subscribe to Amazon Prime, according to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.

[GGD]

I wonder how this works behind the scenes. Is it actually filled with identical stock already in Amazon's warehouse and some sort of financial transaction occurs between Amazon and the 3rd party. Or does the 3rd party need to get the package to Amazon? Or does Amazon pick up the package from the 3rd party.

[Acer]

Amazon functions as a drop-shipper.
People already do (I am told) sell merchandise on other platforms (eBay, Craigslist, etc) that arrives shipped from Amazon. This just brings it into the light, promoting Amazon and probably giving Amazon an additional seller fee to collect.

[macphanatic]

Amazon is reportedly doing 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) for other online retailers. Retailer hosts their own web presence. They pay Amazon to warehouse and distribute their product.

[RAMd®d]

This seems merely like going to the vendor's own website and using Amazon Prime there, instead of at Amazon's store front.

I've seen a few sites over the last several weeks, maybe more, that have a Buy with Amazon button.

I don't know if it had anything to do with handling shipping or just Amazon handling the money, inducing a sense of security in a prospective customer.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

I have ordered items from Newegg and they showed up in an Bez-azon box.