Sprint this week began offering its subsribers Amazon Prime membership on a monthly basis. The $10.99 monthly charge to their Sprint bills adds up to more than the $99 annual fee that Amazon charges, but the option promises to spur trial for the premier service plan and gives Sprint users flexibility to add or drop the service.
“It’s an interesting opportunity for Sprint and its customers. Without the long-term commitment, Amazon could attract new consumers like binge shoppers or 20-somethings,” saysTom Caporaso, CEO of Clarus Commerce, operators of FreeShipping.com.
Amazon is hoping the deal might spur more mobile transactions. “We know customers love shopping on their mobile devices…so we’re excited to team up with Sprint to introduce this special Prime office,” Amazon SVP Jeff Blackburn said in a statement announcing the partnership.
In a highly competitive wireless marketplace, Sprint aims to gain an advantage with Amazon’s extensive music playlists. The company claims that 73% of its subscribers listen to streaming music on their phones daily compared to only 66% of Verizon users.
Caporaso added that he wouldn’t be surprised if Amazon worked out exclusive offers for Prime members on Sprint.
