The US-based eCommerce giant Amazon is reportedly experimenting with a premium service that lets customers opt to have furniture or appliances assembled as soon the orders arrive at their homes.
According to people familiar with the matter, Amazon is planning to roll out the service in Virginia, the US and two other markets. The move, if adopted widely would help the world’s largest online retailer to compete more effectively with Wayfair, Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowe’s, which all offer similar options. Amazon declined to comment.
Amazon currently offers scheduled delivery of big items under ‘Amazon Home Services’, through which customers can hire contractors to assemble furniture or other products like grills and treadmills.
The new service requires drivers to unpack and assemble the items, remove the packaging and take the item back on the spot if the customer isn’t satisfied. They could also install washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances, sources said.
The new offering simplifies the existing Amazon Home Services, which is available in a limited number of cities and lets customers hire contractors through the website to assemble furniture or install appliances. The new service is designed to make delivery more convenient, cheaper and easier for Amazon to manage.
A training video shows the delivery of a bed and mattress set, as well as a sofa and ottoman, which are fairly simple to assemble. But it seems not everyone is thrilled about the new service, including drivers. Some worry there isn’t sufficient training to complete these tasks, while others say the assembly service could slow down deliveries.
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