Retailers Beware: Amazon Launches SMS Buying Service

Amazon (AMZN) has launched Amazon TextBuyIt, a service that allows Amazon customers to purchase items via mobile phone text message.

To use the service, customers text the name of a product, its description, or its UPC or ISBN number to Amazon (262966). If Amazon stocks the item, the user will get the first two results sent to them. To purchase an item, users reply with "1" or "2" and are prompted for their email address and zip code. The service then calls the user and completes the checkout process using an automated voice system. Like regular Amazon orders, users can later track the item from Amazon.com.

The service is free to use, however items that are available as “Deal of the Day” or have a “Gold Box Discount” will not be discounted when purchased through Amazon TextBuyIt.

The obvious application for the service is price comparisons from within a physical store; customers in Borders for example could SMS a book title to see whether Amazon stocks it for less. Expect to see people texting Amazon from a store near you in the coming months.

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Comments

[jeff a:]

I'm not sure if it will help Amazon but the wireless providers that charge for every text message will love it.

2008 Apr 02 08:20 AM

[ZMaNFaRLee:]

A great example of where are technology is leading us. One of the reasons I bought GOOG at 515 last ear was because I thought this was right around the corner for them..... I just wish goog didn't implode after exploding above $700. Whoa back on target. The newer generations will fully embrace this concept I believe.

2008 Apr 02 09:49 AM

[okomoto:]

One of the reasons for shopping Amazon is to save the cost of going to the store (time and travel expense)

2008 Apr 02 12:08 PM

[Michael57:]

What a non-story.

2008 Apr 02 01:11 PM

[John Inman:]

they need software to use the cell phone camera as a bar code scanner. then no description would be necessary and you wouldn't mistype the isbn.

2008 Apr 02 08:15 PM