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is this better?
Since all of the services cost the same, what's the carrot for people to sign up via Amazon?
mpouraryan
3/21/2016 4:21:17 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: is this better?
As I read thru this, my only question is this: how much is enough? This is as I am listening to CBSN on my Amazon FireStick awaiting a speech by Donald Trump for @DailyOutsider. I also do question the value per se.
mhhf1ve
3/21/2016 8:57:07 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: is this better?
Better for whom? The end customer.. not so much, but I'm sure Comcast doesn't mind getting another channel for sales leads that possibly comes with a sales history of items purchased via Amazon. This could be a way for Comcast and other cablecos to compete with OTT services by gathering more marketing/demographic data on their customers. Perhaps future ads on Xfinity will be served based on Amazon user data?
mpouraryan
3/21/2016 9:21:45 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: is this better?
No question the reach and the savvy nature of Amazon will add Comcast immensely. I will be keen to see how transformational this with the delivery and whether in fact it will somehow be bundled in with Amazon's own Hardware, for instance. I note this because as an FYI, I've noticed that some of Amazon Prime's Movies are already outsourced to "Starz"....
mhhf1ve
3/21/2016 9:37:16 PM
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Re: is this better?
I seriously doubt that AmazonPrime's Instant Videos will be enhanced at all by this limited partbership. Comcast has little incentive to make Amazon's OTT video services any better.
ICYMI, Amazon Prime also offers content from HBO and Showtime, as well as some stuff from several other studios like AMC, in addition to "Starz" -- and Netflix has similar deals to license content that come and go all the time. It's why there are some sites dediated to tellling movie fans "what to watch" before it disappears on Netflix/Amazon/Hulu.
I wonder what the fate of Hulu will be in all of this telco transformation...
mpouraryan
3/21/2016 9:38:53 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: is this better?
I am aware of the breath of offerings thru Amazon direct--so it will quite an interesting "slugfest" to see who comes out on top during this interesting collaboration. Amazon is trying to be a "virtual distributor"--but whether customers see a value in it is an open question--no doubt.
mhhf1ve
3/21/2016 9:40:21 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: is this better?
Hmm. One carrot for Amazon customers to sign up.. might be if Amazon can ship you all the home gateway stuff you need to get started with Comcast with its Amazon Prime speedy shipping...? The Amazon One-click convenience might be enough to get a new subscriber to sign up for Comcast. (Though, I don't know how much of an impulse purchase Comcast cable really is..?)
afwriter
3/21/2016 10:42:36 PM
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Re: is this better?
Maybe people are hoping that ordering through Amazon will somehow help Amazon's customer service rub off on Comacast LOL. I do think that there is a certain amount of convenience involved through doing it this way, especially if you can pay with Amazon gift cards. Returns when you cancel your service may be another benefit, because returning equipment to Comcast is a pain in the you know what.
Re: is this better?
Comcast and other cable operators have gotten on board with home install kits. Good for them because they reduce truck rolls, bad if the customer becomes frustrated with installing them. There seems to be a large number of people that can't manage getting their devices on WiFi, so they might be challenged with home installs.
Ariella
3/22/2016 1:14:17 PM
User Rank Author
Re: is this better?
@Mike you mean that they won't offer people a way to get the installation done as a service even if they're willing to pay for it. I know so many people who would definitely fall into that category.
Re: is this better?
They can schedule an install as part of the Amazon ordering process. One thing I didn't notice yesterday is this is only avaiable to new subscribers, but it will be offered to all at a later date.
Ariella
3/22/2016 2:02:36 PM
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Re: is this better?
@Mike got it. That makes sense.
mhhf1ve
3/22/2016 7:02:47 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: is this better?
That's interesting that this is only for new subscribers -- that lends weight to the idea that this is to build up a demographic profile on subscribers and to start fresh with marketing data on new users makes sense.
dlr5288
3/23/2016 8:42:08 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: is this better?
Yes, I was thinking the same thing.
I think maybe they're trying to appeal to a whole new audience. I think this pairing is interesting. I know that Amazon customers find Amazon to be reliable. I don't know if that's the same case with Comcast. It will be interesting to see the consumer turn out.
Re: is this better?
@afwriter:
Good points - Amzon gift card payment and convenience way of return in case of cancellations. I also have similar thoughts about customer service as you stated.
mhhf1ve
3/21/2016 8:59:44 PM
User Rank Platinum
Interesting name... Cable store...
I wonder why they went with "Cable" store.. I guess there's no future in telco stores or MSO stores..?
It'll be interesting to see what other cable providers join Comcast... (if any?)
afwriter
3/21/2016 10:45:20 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Interesting name... Cable store...
My best bet is that "Cable" rings better to the average consumer than Telco.
elizabethv
3/22/2016 6:40:57 AM
User Rank Platinum
Save a sinking ship
I doubt that even Amazon can save Comcast from their horrible customer service reputation. There's a meme floating around suggesting something to the affect that Comcast customer service would reduce the drug problem we have in this country. You can't treat customers the way Comcast has for decades now and think just be throwing your ring in with Amazon is going to boost the mess you created. To be honest, I'm a little surprised Amazon agreed to partner up, though lately it seems like Amazon is willing to partner up with anything for some more traffic through the site.
Do you think this is a good route for Comcast, or a bad route for Amazon?
Re: Save a sinking ship
Elizabeth--I agree with you, it's doubtful that the good rep of Amazon can help save Comcast's horrible rep with customers (it would take a miracle...)...
and Mike, like you said, the installs are going to be problematic for the average person. When most people can't purchase and install a router, I'm not sure how this complete how set up will work...
But we'll see...
vnewman
3/27/2016 10:23:06 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Save a sinking ship
Oh dear, can you imagine what the "Amazon Reviews for Comcast Cable" are going to look like? i shudder to even think about it.
elizabethv
3/28/2016 8:44:34 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Save a sinking ship
Actually, this is a really valid point. If customers are leaving negative comments on Amazon's review boards (fingers crossed for entertaining, colorful reviews) combined with their recommendations of "customers also viewed this product" leading some customers to see the bad reviews, and then see positive reviews for say "Roku" this might just lead to more customers leaving cable behind and giving other alternatives a try. Which might just spell and even bigger disaster for ComCast.
vnewman
3/29/2016 1:28:17 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Save a sinking ship
@elizabethv - talk about unintended consequences! Maybe retailers like Amazon are not the proper forum for selling services like this.
Re: Save a sinking ship
The reviews come from a vocal minority, I suspect. They are highly visible -- but people can see Comcast criticism online anywhere. Time will tell -- and I suspect it won't hurt Comcast in the long run, but instead will help.
Re: Save a sinking ship
@vnewman: Sure enough, 553 reviews -- 94% of which are 1 star.
vnewman
3/28/2016 12:04:39 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Save a sinking ship
@Joe - I went to check last night but got distracted - it's worse than I thought!
So far, this is my favorite: "IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER REASONABLE CHOICE, DO THAT INSTEAD"
Re: Save a sinking ship
@Joe, @vnewman:
Very interesting to know about these reviews.
This one statement "IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER REASONABLE CHOICE, DO THAT INSTEAD" speaks volumes.
vnewman
3/29/2016 11:26:08 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Save a sinking ship
Surely someone from Amazon let someone from Comcast know about the very public review process they have going there, right? It really doesn't seem that way from the looks of things though!
freehe
3/31/2016 8:58:16 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Save a sinking ship
vnewman, I was thinking the same thing. Everyone looks at the customer reviews on Amazon. Maybe this will help Comcast provide better service... I doubt it. I am a Comcast customer and the only thing that gets better is the monthly bills are easier to read.
Maybe this will force companies to actually listen to input from customers and apply it.
Re: Save a sinking ship
@elizabethv:
I would say the first option - good for Comcast, may be.
clrmoney
3/22/2016 3:32:12 PM
User Rank Platinum
comcast added to amazon
They can add it to amazon which I think is more meida related to offer a variety of services and opportunities.
Interesting Combo
This combo Amazon and Comcast sure is interesting. But little unsure and not able to come up with any kind of prediction for outcome. We just need to wait and see how this plays out. This could be a new strategy by Comcast to change their customer service perspective in consumer market.
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