Amazon announced this week that it has launched its very own self-service subscription marketplace. Named “Subscribe with Amazon“, it makes it possible for digital subscription providers to reach millions of Amazon customers. Businesses will benefit from targeted customer exposure through its discovery features such as search and recommendations. Amazon wants Subscribe with Amazon to be the place to discover, purchase and manage digital subscriptions.
Though unadvertised, the service has been live for some time now, with the Wall Street Journal, the New Yorker or the Los Angeles Times being already on the platform. It is available for all types of digital subscriptions, from streaming services to subscription based apps, meal planning services or fitness apps.
Simplicity is key for Amazon
The platform is set up in 3 steps and is completely self-serviced. After a confirmed application, the publisher creates a detailed page and manages product portfolio and pricing. An API then connects this with the Amazon subscription server. For the initial year, Amazon takes a 30 percent cut on the generated income; reduced to 15 percent for the subsequent years. Though Subscribe with Amazon is currently only available in the US, a rollout in other countries expected in the coming months.
Its customers also benefit from Amazon’s marketing widgets à la “Customers who bought this item also bought”.
Drink responsibly
One interesting partner for Amazon’s subscription service is cocktail startup Hooch which offers a free drink a day in bars and clubs in many US cities. Amazon will thus also have to integrate age-verification of subscribers as part of its sign-up process.
Subscriptions to physical products are currently not supported, but with the large network of Amazon, it is only a matter of time until you can order food from restaurants, subscribe to a book club or lease a car.
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