How Amazon exercises power with 1-click "Buy Now" button

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

Timer reminder - the patent goes away, September 2019, or 11 years and 3 months (or so). Use well the days, Amazon.

But, if we stop buying from Amazon and instead for every item we would have purchased, send them a message saying why, they might eventually get the idea that what they are doing is blackmail and we won't stand for it.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But, if we stop buying from Amazon and instead for every item we would have purchased, send them a message saying why, they might eventually get the idea that what they are doing is blackmail and we won't stand for it.

Why is it Amazon's fault that the patent office is lame? Shouldn't you focus your energies on that?

BOb

[Greg Anos]

It could have been Jeff Bezos' life + 70 years .....

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

I think everyone should focus their energy on whether Amazon's using unfair strong-arm tactics on authors and publishers, and whether we should be shopping (and, for some of us, selling) elsewhere in protest of that.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Steve Jordan

I think everyone should focus their energy on whether Amazon's using unfair strong-arm tactics on authors and publishers, and whether we should be shopping (and, for some of us, selling) elsewhere in protest of that.

The sad fact is that 'some of us' won't make a dent in Amazon's business.

BOb

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

The sad fact is that 'some of us' won't make a dent in Amazon's business.

Then don't concentrate on Amazon's business... concentrate on the buzz in your head. If Amazon's actions only make that buzz louder... you know what to do.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Why is it Amazon's fault that the patent office is lame? Shouldn't you focus your energies on that?

BOb

I'm not taking issue with their one click system. I'm taking issue with them deciding not to sell books from some publishers unless they get these publishers to lower their prices to Amazon's satisfaction. What would you call "if you don't lower your prices, we will remove the options to purchase your products via our website"? I call it blackmail plain and simple.

Originally Posted by cstross

It's not just about small publishers.

I am informed that Amazon.co.uk have been leaning hard on Hachette Group -- owners of Little, Brown and Orbit, among other major brands: they're one of the six major multinational publishing groups -- to increase their discount margin, which is already over 50% and larger than the discount Hachette give any other retailer. Their lever of choice is allegedly to remove the "buy" button from selected Orbit and Little, Brown authors' books. The books are still available via Amazon affiliates, but this directly pressures the author, and through them, the publisher.

I'm extremely surprised not to have heard about lawsuits and complaints to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on this subject, if it can be clearly proven.

Amazon is increasingly becoming a toxic enemy of authors and publishers, to say nothing of their alleged union-busting tactics, and I'd seriously advise everyone to try and use a local speciality store first before lining Jeff Bezos' pockets.

[=X=]

I'm trying to see why this is such an issue. Personally I think it's business as usual.

For me the buy now is conceptually no different from corner isle in the super market. Who ever has a corner increases their sales, but it's not free. Business have to pay extra or have a hot selling time to get a corner isle.

Here it is no different. If a producer does not want to give Amazon a bigger share then the buy now button is simply removed. From the article it does not seem like amazon has refused caring their product.

BTW I've disabled the Buy Now feature on my account. It makes it way too easy to buy books.

=X=

[Patricia]

I have long wondered about US patents being granted for simple and obvious things.

Did you know that someone has successfully patented cross stitch grids in needlework? The stitch has been done for thousands of years. The grids have been available since Berlin Woolwork was popular in Victorian times. Yet someone was granted a patent:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4483265.html

I'd like to that tested in court. Patently silly.

[TheJohnNewton]

I think I'm with =X= here. It is Amazon's private store. They don't have to sell or promote anything they don't want to do they? They are free to make deals with any publisher or not. Likewise the publshers can make deals with other retailers. Mabye Amazon is the current leader but that doesn't mean there aren't other retailers or that they will be number one forever. If they alienate all the publishers were will they be? For ebooks publishers don't even need retailers if they don't want them. Or they could give better deals to Amazon's competition. There are options besides just Amazon.

[JSWolf]

I for one will not be purchasing from Amazon since they feel it's ok to use strong-arm tactics to get what they want.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I for one will not be purchasing from Amazon since they feel it's ok to use strong-arm tactics to get what they want.

That's your choice. Just as it is their choice to decide to sell, or not sell something. Isn't America great?

BOb

[JSWolf]

Not all the time. Amazon is getting away with things that border (IMHO) close to illegal.

[axel77]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Not all the time. Amazon is getting away with things that border (IMHO) close to illegal.

Isn't this what capitalism is about? The one who makes more earnings by going closest to the legal line will out perform others who stay on the clear side?

[Daithi]

I LOVE Amazon!!!

As a consumer I shop for the lowest price and Amazon provides low prices. As a consumer I look for a retailer that has a large selection and Amazon provides a HUGE selection. As a consumer I want convenience and Amazon provides convience in spades -- one button click, online shopping, and prompt delivery to my home. As a consumer I demand good customer services and I have NEVER had a problem with Amazon. As a consumer I also want innovation and Amazon provides innovation -- the Kindle and over 100,000 ebooks.

I am also going to be an author. I am writing a book that I plan to publish on the Kindle and also through their BookSurge service. As a fledgling, unproven, new author I am looking for someone willing to publish my book and provide a distribution channel. Once again Amazon delivers. I LOVE Amazon!

From a business perspective, if I plan to buy something and resell it then I am going to have to negotiate with various suppliers. This is exactly what Amazon is doing (same with Walmart and Home Depot). Quite frankly, I don't see why these companies are demonized. They are doing exactly what they should be doing to provide customers with great services and low prices.