Amazon Explore offers a new opportunity to sell cultural products and experiences.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re going it’s about the journey.”
This is bad news after a year full of travel restrictions and limited group sizes; and those pesky social distancing rules aren’t exactly going away any time soon.
So what? We have the internet, remember?!
Enter Amazon Explore. “HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS?” you might scream-ask us.
Well, it’s new, and it’s actually still at the beta testing stage. So chill, man.
With a few clicks, consumers can go wine tasting in Argentina, go on a walking tour of London, or learn how to cook meat without directions like “pierce film and microwave for 2 minutes.”
Being able to rickshaw through Tokyo for $10 is undeniably reasonable, but Amazon Explore is also a victory for the providers of the offered experiences. If this sounds familiar, on the surface it’s a whole lot like airbnb experiences, but it enables small business owners to amplify their exposure and make direct connections with consumers.
Local guides, chefs, stylists, artisans, and more can sell their services around the world AND they can sell products or capitalize on the Amazon Affiliate program, and increase their earnings.
Amazon Explore has tons of potential, but we’ve already found some white space that could be filled by various amazon sellers.
- Challenge: Many of the cooking classes and tastings include a list of necessary items but don’t automatically include them in your basket. It’s a whole “batteries sold separately” situation.
Opportunity: Have partnered brands provide the required products, which can be automatically added to your basket with the purchase of an experience. No extra searching or shopping necessary! - Challenge: Some people are lacking “staycation” inspiration.
Opportunity: Build a “Royalty for a Day” experience with the option to purchase a self-care bundle full of face masks and bath bombs. No need to interact with anyone but yourself. - Challenge: Some offerings are currently limited to a one-on-one interaction, which enhances the feeling that you are just passively participating.
Opportunity: Find ways to monetize group participation, like tiering ticket prices or providing incentives to unlock an “Amazon Explore Party.” It’d be like a tupperware party but virtual and less sketchy! Bonus: no tupperware!
