Amazon appear to want to get into the installation and consultation side of retail with their new Smart Home Consultation and Installation services in the US.
This is an interesting development, but one that’s becoming routine for both on and offline retailers. Buy a new Smart TV and Currys PCWorld will set it up, connect it to the Internet and give you a demo of how it works. Buy at new washing machine and AO.com will install it and take away the packaging… Additional services have become an integral part of purchasing so we shouldn’t really be surprised to see Amazon offering similar products.
There are two reasons that Amazon will be interested in offering services with products – Consultations will undoubtedly increase sales as you’ll end up with a personalized shopping list for you based off your needs and interests. Installation services by licensed electricians who can handle the complicated integration work and configure products to fit your needs takes way the worry of buying a product and not being able to get it to work.
“Our experts are Amazon employees, not contractors. They have been handpicked for their technology experience, passion for customer service, and strong track record. All experts have been background-checked and are licensed and certified where applicable. Think of them like your technology-savvy best friend – they listen to your needs and customize solutions that work for you.”
– Amazon
Currently anyone in the US can book a consultation, but the in-home installation services are only available in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose and Orange County, California.
This is definitely one to watch – if it’s successful one might imagine it being rolled out across the States and then into new markets such as the UK. It also isn’t inconceivable that Amazon would start offering services on a wider range of products – potentially just about anything that they sell that needs an installation.
The interesting question is whether Amazon will only offer services on products that they themselves supply through Amazon retail, or would they be tempted to start offering installations on any products shipped through FBA?
