Amazon Flex has seen several changes in the past few weeks. Drivers are a-buzz with speculation, theories, and concern.
First a slowed refresh rate, claiming to “provide a better experience for drivers to view and accept offers”. Then package size and type details for each stop within the Flex app, which we love.
Swipe to Accept has cause quite the stir. Hashtag #stoptheswipe is catching on as driver’s show disapproval. Amazon has slowly rolled out Swipe to Accept. Some driver’s have it while others don’t. Causing claims of an unfair advantage for those who are still on click to accept.
(Credit: Driver from Facebook Group)
Amazon Mobile Delivery
The latest and most mysterious change with the Amazon Flex app is that it’s now titled “Amazon Mobile Delivery” instead of the usual Amazon Flex.
This is perhaps the most major change out of them all. Developers do not simply change the title of an app for no particular reason. It looks like Amazon Flex may be getting a make-over.
Mobile delivery is nothing new. Many retail competitors of Amazon have been utilizing it to compete. Mobile gives retailers a competitive edge over Amazon. Essentially turning a brick-and-mortar store into a distribution center. With the power of mobile maps, navigation, bar-code scanning, and inventory management. Retailers can keep track of orders, locate them in their stores, and deliver locally faster than Amazon ever could.
Until now.
It appears Amazon may be taking over the mobile delivery game. With the acquisition of Whole Foods and physical stores such as Amazon Go it makes sense for Amazon to utilize the mobile delivery strategy. Luckily that means more work for us. Hopefully at the same (or increased pay).
It looks like we might be seeing some more changes to Flex in the near future. Amazon is taking over every aspect of retail and logistics. Becoming a self-sufficient machine with unstoppable momentum. Jeff, how much is enough?
For my fellow Flex drivers out there. Don’t panic.
