Amazon has started rolling out text messaging for Alexa for Shopping to a small group of customers in the United States. The invitation-only feature lets them send shopping requests by text, then receive product suggestions, manage a cart and check delivery updates.
Alexa for Shopping is already available in the Amazon Shopping app and on Amazon’s website. Amazon says the text option brings those shopping actions into a message conversation. A customer can send several requests at once, such as asking for dog food, paper towels and a gift, and receive suggestions as Alexa finds them.
Customers can order groceries and send recipe photos
The service can help with grocery orders, too. According to Amazon, customers can set up a weekly order or text a photo of a recipe to add its ingredients to a cart. They can also ask to change an order or get dinner ideas based on recent purchases.
For repeat purchases, a customer can ask Alexa for Shopping to find an item bought previously and reorder it with their approval. Customers can tell it preferences such as showing only organic products or adding items to a cart automatically. Sending a photo of a product can prompt it to find similar items on Amazon.
Amazon says the assistant can alert customers to price drops and new product releases, compare products using details, reviews and prices, and show up to a year of price history for an item. It can also manage shopping lists and answer order status questions. Through Shop Direct, it can surface products from stores elsewhere on the web.
Amazon will expand access over coming weeks
Texting with Alexa for Shopping is rolling out by invitation to the initial United States group now. Amazon says the option will expand to more customers over the coming weeks, and customers can sign up to hear when more invitations are sent.
