Amazon Launches Invite-Based Ordering Experience for High-Demand, Low-Supply Products
Preventing Inventory Shortages and Price Gouging on Amazon
In a bid to prevent inventory shortages and price gouging caused by robot traffic for high-demand items with limited quantities, Amazon is launching a new invite-based ordering experience. The company aims to ensure that genuine customers are able to purchase these sorts of products without being outbid by bad actors.
The Purpose Behind the New Option
According to TechCrunch, the purpose of the new option is to help prevent inventory shortages and price gouging caused by robot traffic for high-demand items with limited quantities. Amazon’s goal is to ensure that genuine customers are able to purchase these sorts of products without being outbid by bad actors.
The Vice President of Consumer Engagement at Amazon
"We work hard every day to provide customers with low prices, vast selection, and fast delivery," said Llew Mason, the vice president of consumer engagement at Amazon. "This includes developing a shopping experience where customers can purchase the items they’re interested in without having to worry about bad actors buying and reselling them at a much higher price."
How the New Ordering Option Works
The new ordering option will allow customers to request an invitation to buy high-demand items from the product detail page, at no additional cost. Any customer with an Amazon account can request an invitation to purchase the item, which means that you don’t need a Prime account to send in a request.
Items Eligible for Invitation
Items that are part of the program will have a notice indicating that they’re ‘available by invitation.’ The product page will also note that it’s a ‘high-demand item with limited quantities’ and that Amazon ‘won’t be able to grant all requests.’
Ensuring Genuine Customers Receive Invitations
Amazon will remove bot-like submissions and send invitations to remaining customers. To verify genuine customers, the company will look at a number of factors, including:
- The account’s prior purchase history
- When the account was created
If the customer’s invitation to purchase is granted, they will receive an email with instructions on how to purchase the item.
The Email Invitation and Purchase Process
The email will detail how long you have to complete the purchase. It will also include a link to the item so you can place the order. Once you’re taken to the product page, you can add the item to your cart or select ‘Buy now.’ The product page will also show you how many hours and minutes you have before your invitation expires.
Amazon’s Goal
Amazon’s goal is to eliminate bad actors who buy products and then resell them at higher prices. This has been happening with gaming consoles over the past years, and Amazon aims to put an end to it.
Expansion Plans
The new ordering option is available starting today for the PlayStation 5 in the United States, and will be available for the Xbox Series X in the next few days. Amazon plans to expand the program to other countries and products in the future.
Conclusion
Amazon’s invite-based ordering experience aims to provide genuine customers with a better chance at getting their hands on high-demand products with limited quantities. By eliminating bad actors who buy products and then resell them at higher prices, Amazon is committed to preventing inventory shortages and price gouging on its platform.
