Maintaining Shopping Lists in Amazon Dash

I got a note from Amazon yesterday, indicating that one of my Amazon Dash items had been discontinued.  And offered me a long list of substitutions.  Have now been a 'subscriber' to Dash items almost from their beginning.  The idea works well.   In fact, recall talking the idea at our innovation center before they were announced.  Which reminds me of the need to maintain lists and preferences.   Also permits the constructor of the list some power in inserting their own choices.   Not clear if there are any statements in the EULA to that effect, but will investigate.

Amazon Shifts to Subscription for Prime Pantry

Seems more practically useful,  to larger and more systematic users.

Amazon shifts to a subscription model for Prime Pantry
by Tom Ryan in Retailwire with further comments.

Amazon’s Prime Pantry service is shifting to a $5 monthly subscription model from the $6 it currently charges per box.

Prime Pantry, launched in 2014, offers “low-priced, every-day essentials in everyday sizes.” Items include non-perishable goods such as detergent, paper towels, canned foods, breakfast foods, beverages and beauty and personal care items.

The programs selling points include offering savings without the need to buy in bulk and eliminating the need to visit stores for regularly-purchased items. Products arrive in one to four days. The Prime Pantry’s micro-website states, “Skip the trip to the grocery store and let us do the heavy lifting.” ... ' 

Procter Buys Online Startup

Just deoderants, or a broader look at online, replenishment?  Likely

P&G acquires startup that specializes in online sales
By Barrett J. Brunsman  –  Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

Procter & Gamble revealed today the company has acquired Native, a startup competitor that specializes in direct-to-consumer personal care products that are devoid of what some people consider to be harmful chemicals.

The Cincinnati-based maker of consumer goods such as Secret antiperspirant (NYSE: PG) described Native as one of the fastest-growing deodorant brands in North America. .... "

Cautions for Voice Replenishment Shopping

A reasonable warning of course, in our discussions several of us have mentioned that they are concerned about consumers paying less attention to price.

Voice Shopping with Amazon and Google Could Cost You  In CIO Today.

In the name of convenience, Amazon and Walmart are pushing people to shop by just talking to a digital assistant. Shopping by voice means giving orders to the Alexa assistant on Amazon's Echo speaker and other devices, even if your hands are tied up with dinner or dirty diapers. And next month, Walmart will start offering voice shopping , too, with the Google Assistant on the rival Home speaker.

Such voice shopping hasn't really caught on yet, but if it does, look out -- you might never know if it's offering you the best deal. Because these devices can't say much without tiring your ears, voice shopping precludes some of the savvy shopping practices you may have relied on to find the best bargains -- in particular, researching products and comparing prices.  .... " 

More Replenishment

More looks at the retail replenishment angle,  with discussion,  also see Amazon's use of this idea:

Will the ‘SmartStockUp’ program drive replenishment sales for Boxed?   by Matthew Stern

Consumers buy staple products in bulk to avoid running out, but it still invariably happens. E-tailer Boxed, whose business model is often said to resemble an e-commerce take on wholesale clubs like Costco, is trying a new method to remind customers to replenish.

Boxed has piloted a new program called SmartStockUp with about a quarter of its user base and is now expanding it to all its B2C customers, according to TechCrunch. SmartStockUp uses information it has about customer habits, such as purchase data, along with broader restocking trends to anticipate when customers will need to replenish a particular item. Boxed then displays a “Need this Now” or “Need this Soon” recommendation when the customer visits the website. .... " 

Wal-Mart IOT Patent for Replenishment

Noted this before,  worth taking another look.  Note the implication of inclusion within the product.  Via CBInsights: 

Walmart’s IoT Patent Application Takes Aim At Amazon Dash

" ... The system is reminiscent of Amazon Dash — the connected buttons offered by Amazon that let users quickly re-order products. Launched over two years ago, Amazon Dash buttons now cover over 300 products. However, as we’ll describe below, Walmart’s system would require even less effort than Amazon’s. While Dash buttons still require users to press a physical button separate from the product (easy though that may be), Walmart aims to integrate IoT into the products themselves for automatic re-ordering with no user input at all. ... " 

Related smart home reordering efforts by Procter & Gamble.

Getting Direct to Consumer Right

From CustomerThink, detailed piece on how Gillette is doing direct to consumer, followiing un a number of moves to deliver quality razor blades with new pricing and replenishment models.
Gillette Shows How to Get It Right When Going Direct to Consumer (DTC).  Will continue to see new approaches  like this.

Procter Uses Simple Text for Razor Reorder

Addressing  the Razor blade club competition.  Procter's Gillette is using a simple text for order and replenishment.  How does this compare with approaches like Amazon Dash?  Other automated replenishment methods?

In Bizjournals:
Procter & Gamble Co. revealed today that it has launched Gillette on Demand, which will enable consumers to order razor blades with a one-word text message.

The Cincinnati-based company (NYSE: PG) said Gillette On Demand is the brand’s first direct-to-consumer service. Orders are shipped straight from Gillette facilities to men’s doorsteps in about two to three business days  .... " 

Wal-Mart Aims to Ease the Re-Order

Note that this is about a patent, so its speculative.  Not unexpected that Wal-Mart would also push this.  Even implies there is an automatic replenishment element.  Which we note Amazon is already trying to federalize.  In Reuters:

Wal-Mart files patent for Amazon Dash rival
" ... Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) has applied for a patent to compete with Amazon.com Inc's (AMZN.O) wifi-connected, one-button ordering device, Amazon Dash, according to data provider CB Insights. ....

The patent, filed in October, would be the first of Wal-Mart's more than 800 patents and applications to focus on Internet of Things (IoT) and branches into shoppers' homes, CB Insights said. ... "

Virtual Dash Buttons for Replenishment

Now there are also   Virtual Dash Buttons, software shortcuts that work the same as physical buttons, can work on devices like tablets and phones.   Allow for quick replenishment decisions, wherever you may be.  Another example of making things easier to buy.  With a merchandising fee charged to the manufacturer?  Where dash buttons were available for only participating products, these can be requested for millions (all?) products.  Buttons are free.
More: 

Exclusively for Prime members, Dash Buttons are shortcuts to quickly find and reorder your favorite products on Amazon’s mobile app and website. Dash Buttons are available for tens of millions of products that ship with Prime. And Dash Buttons are free, so you can add as many as you want. ... 

Always Accessible
Find Dash Buttons on the Amazon home page, or at Your Dash Buttons, where you can sort, label, or delete your buttons. If you've purchased a product on Amazon that is typically reordered, we will automatically create a Dash Button for you. You can add new Dash Buttons from the product details page of any product available with Prime shipping ...  "

Amazon Wants to Handle Your Subscription Replenishment

Pushing the subscription model used to be one of the biggest futurist conversations in CPG enterprise, I am sure the conversation continues.  Assure your sales volume with quality product, and automatic replenishment.  You can make this happen by setting up automatic subscription.  And making it very easy to place that order.  Everything is in place to make this happen.   Amazon holds the reigns.  Seen Amazon Dash?   For most everything we need.  It used to be we were not used to having many kinds of goods shipped to us, but the consumer view of that is rapidly changing.    In Engadget: 

Amazon is trying to be your one-stop subscription shop
'Subscribe with Amazon' is the retailer's latest move to own your shopping. .... "
Timothy J. Seppala, @timseppala  .... 

(Update)   And more in TechCrunch.

Amazon Dash

We tested the Amazon at-home instant replenishment system called the 'Dash Button'.  I have a half dozen on my refrigerator.   The idea implemented the common desire of any CPG company, put the ability to buy right next to where it is used.   It shows up in a few hours.  Makes it very easy to buy. Guessing that the idea has been successful, they are now offering to pay you to take a button.  The one-product button is available for hundreds of products.  The same order capability is also available via Echo voice order, but pushing a button is yet easier.

Measuring Conversions

In InternetRetailer: Been a bit out of marketing measurement lately, but its something we were keen on.  Here suggesting we look closer at conversion cycles rather than rates.   " ... The issue here is fundamental: how do we define the concept of “conversion?” I believe we need to start thinking of conversion as a process and not as an action. We need to stop talking about conversion rates, and start talking about conversion cycles.  ... ".  Useful thoughts.

Amazon Dash Moves Ahead, Usage Data

Adage reports data on the share of Amazon Dash button pushes, via 1010Data.  Article has other interesting data.

(Updated) And more on the increasing number of Dash Button options.
(Updated)  In Retailwire, and a conversation on Dash Buttons.

" ... In reporting that consumer packaged goods e-commerce sales had soared 42% last year, 1010data credited Dash for some of the outsized success by some brands, including Procter & Gamble Co.'s Tide and Kimberly-Clark Corp.'s Huggies. .... 

In a later report covering the period through Jan. 2016, 1010data reported that P&G led all CPGs, accounting for 31% of Dash button sales behind brands that also include Bounty. Kimberly-Clark, with entries from Huggies and Cottonelle, was number two at 14%, and Clorox Co., led by disinfecting wipes, was No. 3 at 11.7%.   ... " 

Amazon Continues to Work at Automatic Replenishment

Printer ink, detergent, other essentials for the smart home.  As they continue to make headway in making the home smarter. From shopping list updates to direct push button reorder to smart devices that reorder their own needs.  This has always been of interest to CPG companies.   Further in Retailwire.

Whirlpool Builds in the Dash Buy Button

The general idea has been around for more than a decade .  I have been testing the Amazon Dash button since last year.    Finally it is being integrated for replenishment directly in appliances:

In The Verge:
Whirlpool's new smart appliances have Amazon Dash built in
Washer and dryer will tell you to buy more detergent

Last October, Amazon partnered with a host of companies to incorporate its Dash order functionality directly into some of their products. Where previously you could only make Dash orders via dedicated Wi-Fi-enabled buttons, the integration with Amazon's Dash Replenishment Service meant you were able to buy printer ink, pet food, and detergent right from your appliances. Now Whirlpool — one of the first companies to commit to the service — has explained how its new connected appliances will work with Amazon's, integrating its Dash Replenishment Service directly into its mobile Smart Kitchen Suite app.    ..... " 

More Amazon Dash

Is Amazon Dash a part of the IOT?  Just one small connection between ordering people and the system.   A sensor to determine lack of a product.  But consider also the data being connected.

Amazon Dash Buttons as IOT: Challenging the Brick Retailer?

Have started a test and analysis of the Amazon Dash Button system.  With an attempt to get a significant number of consumers involved.   As I have mentioned before, this is an 'Internet of Things' style idea for the smart home. A dozen brands are participating.  You have a button, hopefully ideally very close to the product point of use, and you can reorder an item with a single push.  The button acts as a 'replenish now' order, and Amazon fulfills it reliably in a couple of days.  Not instantly, until their drone fleet launches.

You choose the type and size of the item via the Amazon App. The whole setup is easy, well directed, and takes only a minute or two. It does require accessible home Wifi.  You do need a separate button for each brand.  It has a reasonable protection against a child ordering multiple times.  Pic at right shows two buttons on a frig.

Of course you are not going to have a button for each potential item on your shopping list.  Which is a common reaction when this is presented.    In CPG I do recall in brainstorming sessions that came up with ideas like:  'If only we had a buy button at the point of use!'.  This is a direct solution to this, the buy button.  There is a market here, and some people have reacted with interest. Especially those that also like the idea of a smarter home.  It is unclear how big the market is.

Further,  with this device,  interesting connections can be being made with the consumer.  It is an internet of things interaction that includes order frequency, could include new product offers,  even provide related advisory information like that which is provided in the Stain Detective (See tag below).   New styles of engagement.    More to follow.   Pass along your thoughts.

Here is the info I received after installation.

Amazon Dash Buy Button Available to Prime Members

In Silicon Angle: The  Long awaited Amazon Dash Buy Button is now available from Amazon.    " ... Amazon.com is now officially selling its Dash Button for $4.99. For now, the Dash Buttons are in limited stocks and are only available to Amazon Prime members.  ....  If you’re not familiar with Dash Button, it is a device that has a single button that allows consumers to order their favorite product with a push of a button.  ... "     Setup instructions gives an idea how they work.  Clever reordering scheme for staples in the home.  See my previous piece on these as a consumer IOT idea.

According to the article these items are available at this time.  I have several in test.

Tide
Bounty
Cottonelle
Glad Bags
Gatorade
Huggies
Smartwater
Larabar
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Amazon Elements Baby Wipes
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Wellness Petfood
Izze
Maxwell House Coffee
Olay
Gerber Formula
L’Oreal Youth Code
Gillette

(Updated)  See also, related:  Amazon Prime Pantry.

Sensors for Amazon Dash Replenishment

And yet more.  This points out that the idea goes beyond the push button for replenishment idea.  It also includes sensor based product replenishment:

" .. Dash Replenishment Service can be integrated with devices in two ways. Device makers can either build a physical button into their hardware to reorder consumables or they can measure consumable usage so that reordering happens automatically.

For example, an automatic pet food dispenser made with built-in sensors can measure the amount of pet food remaining in its container and place an order before running out. Device makers can start using DRS with as few as 10 lines of code. .. "