The online grocery platforms from Amazon, which include Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, are powered by a very sophisticated artificial intelligence system. This AI is not just there to process your order. It is also constantly analyzing the contents of your cart to identify certain patterns and to send you targeted messages. In some cases, the system will “flag” an item in your cart. It will then give you a special warning or a piece of information about it. Here are eight of the foods that the Amazon system is most likely to flag.
1. High-Allergen Products
If you are a new customer and you place a product that contains a major allergen, like peanuts or shellfish, in your cart, the system may flag it. It might then show you a pop-up message that asks you to confirm your choice. This is a safety feature that is designed to prevent a customer from accidentally ordering an item that could cause a serious allergic reaction.
2. Alcohol
When you add an alcoholic beverage to your cart, the Amazon system will immediately flag it. It will then prompt you to confirm that you are of legal drinking age. It will also inform you that a valid, government-issued ID will be required upon delivery. This is a legal requirement that is built directly into the online checkout process.
3. Items That Are Not Eligible for EBT
For customers who are using the SNAP EBT program to pay for their groceries, the Amazon system will flag any ineligible items. When you add a non-food item, like a paper towel, or a hot, prepared food to your cart, the system will give you a notification. It will tell you that this specific item cannot be purchased with your EBT benefits.
4. Products with a Recurring “Subscribe & Save” Option
Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save” program is a major priority for the company. When you place a consumable item that you are likely to buy again, like coffee or diapers, in your cart, the system will flag it. It will then show you a prominent message that asks you if you would like to “subscribe” to the item for a small discount. This is a powerful upselling tool for the company.
5. Items with a High Return Rate
The Amazon AI keeps track of the return rate for every single product it sells. If you place an item in your cart that has a very high return rate, the system will sometimes flag it. It may then show you a small warning that says “frequently returned item.” This is a new and very helpful feature that is designed to protect you from buying a low-quality or problematic product.
6. Products with a New, Lower Price
If you have an item that has been sitting in your “save for later” list for a while, the Amazon system will be tracking its price. When the price of that item drops, the system will flag it. It will then send you an email or a push notification to let you know about the new, lower price. This is a smart way to trigger an immediate purchase.
7. An Item You Have Bought Before
The system’s memory is very long. When you add an item to your cart that you have purchased in the past, the system will flag it. It will then show you a small message at the top of the page that says, “You purchased this item on…” This is a helpful reminder. It is also a subtle way to reinforce your brand loyalty.
8. A Product That Is Almost Out of Stock
To create a sense of urgency, the Amazon system will flag any item that has a very low inventory level. When you add one of these items to your cart, you will see a message that says, “Only 3 left in stock – order soon.” This is a classic marketing trick that is designed to make you complete your purchase immediately, before the item is gone.
The Smart Cart
The Amazon online shopping cart is more than just a virtual basket; it is an active and intelligent assistant. The system is constantly analyzing your choices and your behavior in real-time. It is using this data to try and make your shopping experience more convenient, more personalized, and, of course, more profitable for the company. The “flags” that it shows you are a direct and very visible sign of this powerful AI at work.
What is the most helpful or the most annoying “flag” that you have ever seen when shopping for groceries on Amazon? Let us know your experience!
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