Dive Brief:
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On Oct. 29, Amazon unveiled the Dash Smart Shelf, a weight-sensing, Wi-Fi-connected auto-replenishment system that alerts users when they’re running low on supplies. The device allows consumers and small businesses to reorder inventory through their personal or business Amazon accounts using the Amazon Shopping app, per the company announcement.
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The Dash Smart Shelf device is 1-inch tall, costs $19.99 and comes in three sizes: small (7"x 7"), medium (12"x 10") and large (18" x 13"). The company is offering consumers up to 25% off their first reorder of select products such as printer paper from Hammermill or paper towels from Kimberly Clark, the company said.
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The Dash Smart Shelf either sends users a notification when supplies are running low or reorders them automatically. Its reordering technology prevents accidental restocks if users temporarily remove or move items on the device, according to the company press release.
Dive Insight:
Amazon first released the Dash Smart Shelf last year for businesses. But, this time around the retailer is presenting the technology as potentially useful for consumers seeking to make fewer store trips for frequently-purchased items.
The company created the technology after small and mid-sized businesses reported friction with inventory replenishment including inflexible restrictions based on minimum orders or service areas. Amazon said many available inventory management services are made for larger, industrialized use and are expensive to roll out.
Besides the Dash Smart Shelf release, Amazon has also been releasing more consumer-centric technology this fall. In late September, the company debuted Amazon One, a bioauthentication tool which allows users to pay for purchases or enter spaces using their palm prints. The e-commerce giant also introduced a new collection of Echo and Fire TV Stick devices with improved speech recognition capabilities.
Amazon pulled its Dash Buttons last year to concentrate on its other Dash Replenishment devices.
