Amazon wants you to schedule regular purchases of household items

There are some things that you buy once every few years like a computer. (Yeah, we know, if you're reading Download Squad odds are you've already purchased 3 computers this year, but work with us, OK?) Some things you need every week or month like groceries, toilet paper, or diapers.

Amazon has launched a new "Subscribe & Save" service that lets you schedule regular purchases. Here's how it works. Say there's a particular brand of rice, beef jerky, or paper towels that you buy on a regular basis at the store. Why trek out to the supermarket every week to buy those items when Amazon can ship them to your door before you run out?

For the most part, Amazon sells its grocery items in bulk. So if you order rice, for example, you'll need to get 9 pounds. That comes in handy (if you have enough room in your cupboard or pantry) because it drives the purchase price high enough for Amazon to offer free shipping. On top of that, you get a 15% discount if you "subscribe" to an item.

On the other hand, there's no guarantee that Amazon will actually have the items you're looking for or that you won't be able to find those items cheaper at a local store.

[via Lifehacker]

Tags: amazon, subscribe-and-save