Amazon’s New Auto Buy Feature
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Amazon has introduced an “Auto Buy” feature which is available for Prime members only. This tool automates the purchasing process based on price fluctuations. By setting a specific target price, you can instruct the platform to monitor an item and execute a transaction the moment the cost drops to or below your threshold.
To use this Auto Buy feature, you must have a default payment method and shipping address saved to your account. The process is managed through Rufus in the Amazon app—by selecting “Set price alert” on a product page—or via Alexa+ using voice commands such as “Alexa, buy it when the price drops by 20%.”
The system currently only supports items Fulfilled by Amazon and is limited to one unit per item. While you can have up to 200 active requests at once, you cannot apply promotional discounts or coupons to these automated purchases. You can update your target price or cancel an active request at any time before the order is placed by asking Rufus or Alexa to manage your Auto Buy settings.
While the automation is convenient and can potentially yield good savings on your favorite items, there are also risks and limitations that users should consider. Because an order is placed automatically the moment the price drops, a large charge could hit your credit card or bank account at an inconvenient time without a final manual approval.
There’s also the downside of you possibly buying items that you no longer need. If you change your mind, you do have a 24-hour window after the automated order is placed to cancel it via “Your Orders.”
Guru’s Wrap-up
The new Amazon Auto Buy feature could be helpful, but I would only use it for a handful of items at most.
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