Are there any insights or discussions about Amazon Payments and about what Amazon does with the customer and transaction data they receive from e-commerce sites that have implemented their payment method? I'm unable to find any info about this.
Marshall
1:37 pm on Jan 30, 2017 (gmt 0)
I recall a post on WebmasterWorld years ago that stated Amazon tracked sales so they would know what was popular and, in turn, what to sell. While I know having it may be convenient, I personally do not trust them. Just my opinion.
not2easy
3:58 pm on Jan 31, 2017 (gmt 0)
Amazon already "owns" the customers that are likely to use Amazon Payments. Amazon Payments is an additional method of payment and if shoppers have an Amazon Prime account and/or an Amazon branded credit card it makes the checkout process simpler. They don't share their customer data with merchants using their payments service, but any notification, order tracking and some customer service is also handled on their end. The Order Confirmation has a link to contact the merchant via the merchant's Amazon Payment account. It is common for Amazon Payments merchants to request feedback and include a way to contact them directly. It works much as if you were selling on Amazon.
As a shopper I prefer to use Amazon Payments rather than scattering more "Accounts" around (and hoping they never are compromised) and stepping through pages of forms for a checkout. I realize I may be a minority but many shopping carts are poorly configured for my use, so for me it makes sense. (And I get 5% back.)
All savvy merchants track sales so they know what might interest their customers. I manage my cookie preferences so I'll only see those "suggestions" while visiting Amazon, where they can be dismissed.
