Amazon is trying its hand at a new restaurant-delivery service, according to a new report in GeekWire.
While the retailer launched a meal-ordering system through its existing Amazon Local platform in December, restaurants themselves were responsible for handling delivery and many participated in a takeout-only capacity. Amazon’s latest tack indicates the company’s first full foray into third-party restaurant delivery, as delivery is tied to the company’s expanding Prime Now service, which drops off customer orders in less than one hour. The test is quietly underway in Seattle, where Amazon is based.
Several new Prime Now drivers told GeekWire that they’re the ones handling restaurant deliveries, and a sign observed by the media outlet in Amazon’s Prime Now distribution warehouse provided Seattle drivers with instructions on how to make restaurant pickups.
Amazon’s shift into third-party restaurant delivery would pit the e-commerce giant against companies such as Postmates and GrubHub, as well as meal-delivery newcomers Groupon To Go and UberEATS.
An unnamed restaurant participating in the test told GeekWire that the service was currently available to Amazon employees only but could be introduced to other customers in the future.
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