Love thy neighbor as thy deliveryman. Confused?
It seems like only yesterday that Amazon made waves with its research into drone delivery. Now it’s delving into an entirely new territory: the boy next door – literally. A fancy new On My Way app will enable the average Joe to deliver goods to neighbors, cutting out couriers.
To find out how this could affect you, as a seller, continue reading.
Amazon Takes the Plunge
Much like the Postmates, TaskRabbit and Uber apps before it, On My Way would connect Amazon customers to their delivery drivers; who are participating members of the public. Development is under way, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Though, it’s not yet clear if delivery drivers will be paid for their services in Amazon store credit, or tangible currency.
In conjunction with Amazon’s locker service, and its deals with national postal services for Sunday deliveries, the new app could make life easier for millions of customers. This venture could take doorstep delivery service to a whole new level, provided Amazon irons out issues like theft prevention and liability.
The FBA Conundrum
The greatest concerns third-party sellers should have at this point are whether or not this could apply to FBA inventory; and if so, whether or not they have a say in the matter. If FBA inventory will be included in the program, then sellers need to be aware of any possible changes. The most important points to consider will most likely be:
- If FBA inventory makes it out to customers in unmarked vehicles, how would Amazon guarantee that the delivery drivers are vetted and reliable? How can Amazon be sure that their customers’ safety and privacy are protected?
- Would Amazon maintain its same fees throughout the transition to the new delivery service, and beyond?
- Will freelancers be ‘independent contractors’; covering their own fuel, car maintenance, and other expenses, and controlling their schedules themselves?
- Regardless of fees, will FBA sellers be allowed to choose between professional courier services and the new doorstep delivery people?
- To what extent will Amazon accept liability for losses and damages?
- Will Amazon equip delivery drivers with tracking devices, proof-of-delivery scanning solutions, and all the necessary paperwork?
- Lastly, will Amazon undertake training for the delivery men and women to ensure that there are no mishaps? Will regular performance assessments be carried out?
Hope for the Best and Prepare
As exciting as this alternative may be to customers, a recent development in a Fedex lawsuit may put a damper on Amazon’s plans. Hopefully, the program will be fair to all the parties involved, and the app will change the face of doorstep delivery as we know it.
At this point, all FBA sellers can do is keep a look out for the ‘On My Way’ app, download it when it’s released, and try it for themselves. As for customers, they may want to look into being a bit more neighborly, considering their future orders could be delivered, in the blink of an eye, courtesy of their next door neighbor.