4 ms·

for a small business that has $500k in gross revenue through credit cards, this promotion saves them $5k - all of which goes straight to their bottom line. in

for a small business that has $500k in gross revenue through credit cards, this promotion saves them $5k - all of which goes straight to their bottom line. in most instances, this will probably be compelling enough to convince a switch. amazon's willingness to hemorrhage money as they move into a new market is ruthless.

ch4s3 12y ago
Seems like a Faustian deal. 5K now so that amazon can use the data to put you out of business later.
- patrickaljord 12y ago
  I've seen these FUD conspiracy comments posted everywhere today. Not a fan of amazon in particular myself but I mean, come on, having some data is not enough to replace whole profitable businesses. Not to mentions all the restaurants and food trucks that will use this, I don't think amazon will start opening food trucks everywhere.
  - ch4s3 12y ago
    I am of course being a bit hyperbolic. Clearly food trucks, corner stores, and the like really only have upside here. However, boutique stores that cater upper-middle class customers may be giving up more than they bargain for by using Amazon's payment system. Perhaps they should be a bit skeptical.
- msoad 12y ago
  A business that can go out of business, will go out of business no matter what
- jcampbell1 12y ago
  My last experiences with Square, were a charity event, a farmer's market, and kiteboarding lessons. In my experience, the Square's hardware is total shit, and I can't imagine these vendors care about anything but processing fees. The stupid square reader that spins when you swipe is reason enough not to use them. This is just another $5000 reasons.
- MBCook 12y ago
  If all you do is sell the same generic boxed goods as everyone else then you may be right. But there are plenty of businesses that this would work well for such as service businesses. Amazon won't spring up a tree trimming business overnight. Or what about small gyms, kids play places, bakeries, etc? Amazon can't turn those into 'showrooms' for things you can order from Amazon.com.

ch4s3 12y ago

Seems like a Faustian deal. 5K now so that amazon can use the data to put you out of business later.

patrickaljord 12y ago
I've seen these FUD conspiracy comments posted everywhere today. Not a fan of amazon in particular myself but I mean, come on, having some data is not enough to replace whole profitable businesses. Not to mentions all the restaurants and food trucks that will use this, I don't think amazon will start opening food trucks everywhere.
- ch4s3 12y ago
  I am of course being a bit hyperbolic. Clearly food trucks, corner stores, and the like really only have upside here. However, boutique stores that cater upper-middle class customers may be giving up more than they bargain for by using Amazon's payment system. Perhaps they should be a bit skeptical.
msoad 12y ago
A business that can go out of business, will go out of business no matter what
jcampbell1 12y ago
My last experiences with Square, were a charity event, a farmer's market, and kiteboarding lessons. In my experience, the Square's hardware is total shit, and I can't imagine these vendors care about anything but processing fees. The stupid square reader that spins when you swipe is reason enough not to use them. This is just another $5000 reasons.
MBCook 12y ago
If all you do is sell the same generic boxed goods as everyone else then you may be right. But there are plenty of businesses that this would work well for such as service businesses. Amazon won't spring up a tree trimming business overnight. Or what about small gyms, kids play places, bakeries, etc? Amazon can't turn those into 'showrooms' for things you can order from Amazon.com.