We all have that moment where we forget something essential from our grocery list. The items are common...toilet paper, laundry detergent, dog food... You know, the kinds of things you have to make a second trip to the store for if you forget them.
As Amazon.com launches further into the grocery business with services like "Prime Pantry" they've just changed the game with regard to items forgotten by shoppers by introducing Dash Buttons. Amazon's Dash Buttons are physical buttons for products with an adhesive backing that allows you to attach them near where the item is stored. For home use, they are convenient for ordering things we commonly forget at the store, but are important not to run out of. (Like diapers). But Dash Buttons can be a huge benefit to churches because it puts the power of ordering with the people who are actually using the supplies--the ones who see when they get low. This can apply to cleaning supplies such as trashbags and cleaners, nursery items such as diapers and wipes, and hospitality items such as coffee and cups.
The buttons are ordered through Amazon and are configured via the Amazon app on your smart phone and linked via Wi-Fi. There are different buttons for different brands and cover everything from household supplies, to baby items to beverages. During the set up process , the password for your Wi-Fi is entered (which can be remembered for the addition of subsequent buttons), then you activate the Dash Button following the prompts on your phone. During the set up process you select what the button orders and the amount via the options on Amazon.com. Then it is simply a matter of hanging the button near where the supplies are kept, so that whenever a supply runs low, you simply push the button and the order arrives.
Depending on where you live, you can qualify for free same day delivery if the purchase is over $35. Amazon Dash Buttons are $5 each, but at the moment, most brands are offering a $5 discount on the first order making them pay for themselves.
Now you might be wondering if a Dash button could result in thousands of rolls of toilet paper being delivered because multiple people noticed a supply was low and pushed the button. You can only use the button only once between deliveries, so you don't have to worry about over-ordering.
While Dash buttons might be most applicable for smaller churches who don't have the scale to reap the benefits of ordering through a volume supplier, they can also be effective for larger churches for certain products and applications.
As for me, I'm pretty sure my dogs are happy that I no longer have to make them wait for breakfast with an early morning dash for kibble. (And I'm happy they can't program the button. Amazon also has a dash button for dog treats.)
