What is Amazon's 'Shop Direct' feature?

Amazon's 'Shop Direct' is a testing feature allowing an AI agent to purchase items from other websites for shoppers.

Why are retailers angry about Amazon's AI agent?

Retailers are angry because Amazon is listing their products and facilitating sales through its AI agent without their consent.

Can Amazon's AI agent sell items a business doesn't offer?

Yes, some retailers have reported Amazon's AI agent selling products they do not stock or offer.

Home / Business and Economy / Amazon's 'Buy for Me' Feature Sparks Outrage

Amazon's 'Buy for Me' Feature Sparks Outrage

7 Jan

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Summary

Amazon's AI agent purchases products from other websites without consent.
Retailers report receiving orders for items they do not sell.
Businesses feel exploited by Amazon's unapproved marketplace listing.

Amazon's 'Buy for Me' Feature Sparks Outrage

Amazon's "Shop Direct" initiative, which allows an AI agent to purchase items from external websites on behalf of shoppers, is causing significant friction with online retailers. This feature, currently in testing for some U.S. users, enables consumers to "buy for me" from other brands' sites, including products not sold on Amazon's own platform.

Several businesses have voiced strong objections, reporting that their products are being scraped and listed on Amazon without explicit consent. These retailers are experiencing issues such as receiving orders for items they don't stock or have available, as highlighted by Hitchcock Paper in a December Instagram post. This has led to confusion and a feeling of being exploited.

Retailers like Bobo Design Studio have expressed distress over being involuntarily included in this model, effectively becoming dropshippers for Amazon. While Amazon claims the feature aims to help shoppers find any product, the unapproved inclusion of third-party merchandise has left many businesses feeling violated and concerned about their brand's integrity on the e-commerce giant's platform.