How Will Amazon Prime Air Shape The Future of Shopping?
For a number of years, we have all become accustomed to using Amazon Prime and having the ability to order something with the expectation of next day delivery. In essence consumers are now impatient, expect instant delivery and won’t settle for anything less.
So, in 2016, when Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that Amazon had plans for Amazon Prime Air, many people thought this was not possible. However, in the same year Amazon successfully delivered a package using Prime Air, which can be seen here.
So, what has this done to change the future of shopping?
The society we live in now is very ‘consumer driven’, where everything a retailer does through social media, online targeted advertising, enticing online offers/sales and instant delivery is geared to make the customers retail experience better.
Amazon Prime Air is no different with it effectively being the next step in the ‘online retail evolution’ we have seen in the last 15 years and how it can shape the future of shopping can be seen as follows:
It will lead to a greater drive in online shopping
Although online shopping is hugely popular, going to the shops is still something many of us do. However, with the prospect of 30-minute deliveries, could this be a thing of the past?
Consumer mindsets will shift more towards instant gratification
Currently we live in a society where we all expect everything now, but with Amazon Prime Air, that can truly become a reality. The result is that this can lead to the same level of expectations with other services. For example, as accountants we see this regularly, where clients have a query and expect instant responses. With accounting and tax advice this isn’t always possible as there are various considerations to be made, but what can be seen is the shift in mindset from consumers wanting instant delivery.
A more competitive and innovative supplier market
Suppliers of products will now have the incentive of selling to consumers instantly via Amazon, which is the equivalent of having someone walking into a shop and buying something. This will lead to more suppliers wanting to sell their products via Amazon Prime Air (leading to a more crowded market place). However, it will also lead to product innovation as more companies try to stand out from their competitors. In addition to this, it can possibly lead to rise a in poorer quality products and below par sellers on Amazon wanting to get their slice of the pie.
A better consumer experience
For consumers, the evolution in online retail is only going to benefit them. They will be able to choose from a wider range of better-quality products at more competitive prices that can be delivered to them within the hour!
The next few years will be an intriguing time in online retail, especially now that Alphabet Wing and UPS are also developing their own drone delivery services. Ultimately, it will lead us to the new age in shopping, where the shift to online and instant gratification are truly seen.
If you would like to find out more, or to get in touch with one of our advisors then please click here.