Amazon Tests New Function Allowing Users to Buy From External Websites

Amazon Tests New Function Allowing Users to Buy From External Websites

Amazon Tests New Function Allowing Users to Buy From External Websites

Amazon’s “Buy for Me” AI: The Future of Effortless Shopping Across the Web

Find it in one location and let Amazon’s AI purchase it for you from elsewhere.

Amazon is once again redefining online shopping with its newest creation: the “Buy for Me” AI. This innovative feature, currently undergoing limited trials in the United States, enables users to locate products on Amazon and have its AI agent acquire them directly from third-party brand websites—never leaving the Amazon app. It represents a daring progression toward a more integrated and seamless shopping experience, driven by artificial intelligence.

What is “Buy for Me”?

“Buy for Me” is Amazon’s latest AI-driven shopping solution, aimed at simplifying the buying process for items not directly available on Amazon. Instead of sending users to external sites, Amazon’s AI manages the entire transaction on the user’s behalf. This includes:

  • Finding the product on a third-party brand’s site
  • Entering your name, shipping address, and payment information
  • Automatically finishing the checkout process

The feature is presently being trialed with a limited group of customers in the U.S. utilizing the Amazon Shopping app on Android and iOS. It appears when users search for items in the “Shop brand site directly” category. Once a product is chosen, a “Buy for Me” button becomes accessible, allowing Amazon’s AI to handle the purchasing process.

How It Works

Amazon’s “Buy for Me” utilizes its Bedrock AI software, which offers what Amazon refers to as “agentic capabilities.” This indicates that the AI can function as an independent agent, managing complex tasks from beginning to end without further user interaction.

After the user clicks “Buy for Me,” the AI securely inputs the user’s personal information—such as name, address, and payment method—into the brand’s website. Amazon states that it does not access or retain any historical purchase data from these third-party sites, ensuring a level of privacy and security.

AI Connects Discovery with Purchase

Historically, if a product was unavailable on Amazon, users needed to manually visit the brand’s website, re-enter their details, and finalize the purchase. “Buy for Me” removes these additional steps, establishing a cohesive shopping experience that keeps users within the Amazon environment while still facilitating purchases from outside retailers.

Once a transaction is finalized, customers receive a confirmation email from the brand’s website. They can also monitor the order directly within the Amazon Shopping app under the “Buy for Me” section. If any issues arise—such as needing to return a product—users are directed to the brand’s customer service for assistance.

Why It Matters

Amazon’s initiative to incorporate AI in this manner indicates a transformation in how e-commerce platforms may function in the future. Rather than merely serving as a marketplace, Amazon is positioning itself as a consolidated shopping assistant—capable of overseeing transactions across the internet at large. This could significantly affect both shoppers and retailers:

  • For shoppers: It enhances the purchasing experience, minimizes friction, and conserves time.
  • For brands: It introduces a new sales channel without necessitating extensive integration with Amazon’s marketplace.

What’s Next?

At present, the “Buy for Me” feature is available to a small group of users and brands, but Amazon has expressed its desire to broaden the program. As more brands join and the AI advances, we might witness a future where Amazon becomes the primary interface for all online shopping—irrespective of where the product is ultimately sourced.

This innovation is part of Amazon’s wider initiative towards AI-enhanced shopping environments. Previously, the company launched Rufus, a generative AI assistant that aids users in finding and comparing products using natural language inquiries. Collectively, these tools embody Amazon’s vision of a more intelligent, user-friendly shopping experience.

Final Thoughts

“Buy for Me” is not merely a handy feature—it offers a glimpse into the future of AI-enhanced commerce. By closing the gap between product discovery and purchase, it represents a significant evolution in the online shopping landscape.