Stratechery Amazon, Friction, and the FTC
Jun 26, 2023
Explore Amazon's lightning-fast delivery evolution through a personal story showcasing its perks. Dive into the FTC's lawsuit accusing Amazon of misleading Prime subscribers with dark patterns in their signup process. The podcast also unpacks the notorious 'Iliad flow,' a convoluted cancellation route designed to discourage opt-outs. Lastly, it scrutinizes the complexities of consumer rights and education in navigating Amazon's services, raising thought-provoking questions about user interface friction and corporate ethics.
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Amazon's Speed
- Ben Thompson needed new sunglasses urgently before a fishing trip.
- Amazon's same-day delivery had them to him in four hours, outperforming Walmart.
Amazon's Same-Day Investment
- Amazon is investing heavily in same-day delivery infrastructure.
- This includes smaller "same-day sites" focused on fast delivery of popular items.
FTC Lawsuit
- The FTC is suing Amazon, alleging deceptive Prime enrollment and difficult cancellation.
- Ben Thompson finds the complaint strange, valuing Prime's overall benefits.