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brooklynite

(93,847 posts)
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 01:44 PM Jun 2017

Amazon has a patent to keep you from comparison shopping while youre in its stores

Washington Post:

As grocery shoppers work to digest Amazon’s massive acquisition of Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, the digital storefront recently scored a victory that aims to reinforce the company’s growing investments in brick-and-mortar retail.

Amazon was awarded a patent May 30 that could help it choke off a common issue faced by many physical stores: Customers’ use of smartphones to compare prices even as they walk around a shop. The phenomenon, often known as mobile “window shopping,” has contributed to a worrisome decline for traditional retailers.

But Amazon now has the technology to prevent that type of behavior when customers enter any of its physical stores and log onto the WiFi networks there. Titled “Physical Store Online Shopping Control,” Amazon’s patent describes a system that can identify a customer’s Internet traffic and sense when the smartphone user is trying to access a competitor’s website. (Amazon chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos is also the owner of The Washington Post.)

When that happens, Amazon may take one of several actions. It may block access to the competitor’s site, preventing customers from viewing comparable products from rivals. It might redirect the customer to Amazon’s own site or to other, Amazon-approved sites. It might notify an Amazon salesperson to approach the customer. Or it might send the customer’s smartphone a text message, coupon or other information designed to lure the person back into Amazon’s orbit.

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I wonder if they have a patent to stop you from walking out.
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Egnever

(21,506 posts)
10. Right?
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 03:05 PM
Jun 2017

Several stores I visit offer free WiFi that ends up being completely useless. My fix every time is to turn off WiFi and see my mobile connection.

My guess is despite the conspiracy theory what they are actually trying to do is advertise directly to you when you are on their WiFi.

 

Bradical79

(4,490 posts)
13. Though even a small percentage could make it worth it
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 03:22 PM
Jun 2017

Depending on how many custoners go through their stores, even getting something like 5% of comparison shoppers to purchase from Amazon who weren't going to might translate to millions of dollars.

Initech

(99,912 posts)
3. Just goes to reinforce my ever-growing hatred of the marketing and advertising industry.
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 01:53 PM
Jun 2017

All they're doing is just aggravating the "consumer" at this point. What do they need all our information for? Why are they doing this crap? It's just to make us more annoyed.

GoneRonin

(25 posts)
4. It may be just a placeholder
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 01:54 PM
Jun 2017

This seems like a patent that is filed to prevent others/other stores from putting something like this in place....

 

Lee-Lee

(6,324 posts)
7. So don't use their wifi
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 02:27 PM
Jun 2017

Pretty simple to evade.

And I don't really have a problem with a company who is giving you free wifi not wanting you to use that to buy from their competitors. That would be like meeting the salesman from the Ford dealer at the Toyota dealership and using their waiting room and drinking their coffee while sealing a deal.

Worktodo

(288 posts)
9. Likely it's a defensive patent
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 02:58 PM
Jun 2017

This means that Amazon can sue any retailer that blocks access to Amazon's site.

From what little I know it should have been rejected for being obvious and not novel. Web filters have existed forever for objectionable content. This is just applying the same concept to a different content type.

dembotoz

(16,737 posts)
11. comparison shopping? like whole paycheck has competitive prices? lol
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 03:14 PM
Jun 2017

if you are at whole foods you are paying too much....there you go....no internet needed

ananda

(28,782 posts)
15. Screw Amazon!
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 03:26 PM
Jun 2017

My hate for Amazon knows no bounds ever since
they started using Pantry for Prime members.

Now it's even stronger, if that's possible!

crazycatlady

(4,492 posts)
17. Funny thing is that Amazon benefits from this
Fri Jun 16, 2017, 05:45 PM
Jun 2017

I don't know how many times I've been in stores only to find an item cheaper on Amazon (sometimes not the same exact item, and sometimes it is substantially cheaper).

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