Amazon VP Daniel Rausch helped develop the Dash programme from its beginning in early 2015. He said there were far fewer options then for connected home gadgets. Amazon workers were trying to figure out a way "to make shopping disappear" for grocery list items like paper towels and printer ink and items in general that were not fun to shop for. The button was also useful for reinforcing customer brand loyalty. Dash buttons could be had for USD 5 each, with the money paid back after the first purchase.
Now, Amazon has integrated its Dash Replenishment Service into smart connected appliances from major manufacturers like Whirlpool and Samsung worldwide. DRS lets appliances automatically reorder what they need, like a printer purchasing new ink, with no need to even push a button. The company has created virtual Dash buttons on its website and developed voice shopping through its Alexa voice assistant, which have both grown in popularity, the company said.
