Friday, July 1, 2016

Amazon Dash Button - How to Set It Up & My Review

Pic by Lauren Hamilton

Amazon Dash Buttons came out last year in 2015. They are small, plastic pods that allow you to order your home food, drink, health, and beauty essentials with the click of a button. So basically, if you run out of laundry detergent and you have a Tide button above your dryer, simply press it and more detergent will be delivered to your doorstep. No device needed! There are currently over 100 brands that have an Amazon Dash Button, and that list is growing fast! 
I just purchased my first Amazon Dash Button, and got it in the mail. My first impression: cute, small, and great packaging. When I took it out of the box, I pressed the button a few times (not on purpose) and proceeded to panic. Note: If you press the button, don't worry; you have to set up your Amazon Dash Button first! I then grabbed the directions at the bottom of the box. Make sure you don't miss them because they are easy to miss. I didn't see them the first time! 

Setting Up Your Amazon Dash Button

  1. Download the latest version of the Amazon shopping app on your iPhone, Android, or Fire phone.
  2. Launch the Amazon Shopping app on your phone and then click "Menu" on the top left (it's the icon that looks like three bars). Scroll down and click on, "Your Account." Then, under "Dash Devices" press, "Set Up A New Device." From there you simply have to follow the directions. A few things to keep in mind: You must have a WiFi connection, and you must have an Amazon Prime Account to order/use the button. TIP: Have your WiFi password on hand as you will need it in order to set up your Amazon Dash Button.
  3. Once you've successfully set up your button, you just have to figure out where to put it. I would suggest a place that allows you to easily see the button so you can use it as a reminder. However, it's up to you. Place the button wherever you'd like!
  4. When you're ready to reorder, all you have to do is press the button. Red means it didn't go through, and green means you've successfully made the reorder! I will be pressing my button again soon; Violet loves her dog treats!
photo by Lauren Hamilton

Here are some things to keep in mind:
  1. Turn ON notifications. When you're setting up your Amazon Dash Button, you have the option of being notified after you've made a reorder. This is great because if you accidentally press it, you'll get a notification on your phone and be able to cancel it before it's shipped.
  2. Use the adhesive. This ensures that it will stay in one place and not move around. You don't want to lose your button! 
  3. Make sure the details are correct. When you're setting up your dash button, double check that your name & address are correct. It never hurts to take another look.
Let's get into the pros and cons of the Amazon Dash Button:

THE CONS

  • You have to pay $4.99 for each button. So, if you're a Prime Member, you get a $4.99 credit AFTER your first "click" of the button. And, you can do this for each button you purchase. However, if you don't make that first "click" you will not get the $4.99 credit. I still think the price is too high even though you have a chance to get the $4.99 credit. At the end of the day, the money still comes out of your pocket and into Amazon's. Why not reduce the cost?
  • The button could be smaller. Yes, it’s already small. But, imagine if you have one in each room. They start to stick out. And if it’s something that goes on a small appliance like a coffee maker, it’s not cute boo. My suggestion is that they make different sizes.
  • Need more brand selection. Since buttons just came out in 2015, there’s not a huge selection.  
  • Put a magnet in it. The first thing I did when I got my button is try to put it on my fridge. It fell. I get that Amazon wants you to put the button near the item you’ll be reordering, but I want it in a place I often go to so I don’t forget. 
  •  Lastly, I'm still mad about these buttons being $4.99!

THE PROS

  • Makes life easier and saves time. Press a button and BAM! You get your package without even getting out a device. Now, that's love!
  • It’s a great reminder. Seeing one of these is a great reminder to reorder whatever I need.
  • It’s easy to set up and use. It took me under 10 minutes to set up my button.
Overall, I think the Amazon Dash Button is worth it ESPECIALLY if you live a busy and active life. However, Amazon needs to figure out a way to make them cheaper. If I wanted 10 of them, there's no way I would spend $50. After all, each time I press the button, I'm spending money. Hopefully, the price will go down to $2 each or less.

Ready to get your first Dash Button? Press the image below to get started!


If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Also, I made a video that details the set up process here:


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