Random Amazon Bot
- Write a script that purchases random items (mostly cd/dvd/book/toys/games) off of Amazon once per month based on a monthly stipend.
- Like a book of the month club, except instead of curated trendy books, you get a truly random piece of obscure media you otherwise may never have encountered or known to look for.
- Could be set up to only purchase things relevant to the user's interests, or within a few degrees of recommendations based on past amazon viewing history
- Have filters for toggling type of acceptable media (ps3, VHS, Vinyl)
- Have filters for vetoing specific types of items (romance books, death metal, batteries)
- Filters for how much of the pre-paid budget can be spent each month.
- Meant to be a set-it-and-forget-it surprise every month, a mysterious present
- The window for purchasing and shipping is also slightly randomized so you can't fall into a habit of expecting when it'll come. It will always be a surprise.
- Something exciting and new.
- Script should lean away from popular items, and be weighted towards well reviewed but esoteric products and creative media.
- Things of this nature: http://randomshopper.tumblr.com/
I mean hey, people spend their money worse ways. At least this would be exciting and adventurous. You never know what you'll get! (not porn)
I know that if I received an album in the mail one day from my little automated friend that I never would have known to look for, I'm going to take a little extra time to check it out. Even if I don't like it, it would be an interesting exploration of a new sound that benefits an indie creator. In a world of Spotify and Apple music, I don't give the time of day to a track that doesn't hook me in the first few seconds... but this service would put something new in my hands and encourage me to engage with it.
Hypothetically this could be scaled up into a larger service as well.
- Like a monthly loot crate, except the user can set their budget and the bot will find goodies at any price point.
- Create a curated list of things that turned out really well on previous orders
- Each customer can create their own custom filter list and taste profile.
Monetization:
- Subscription model, covers the cost of what's being purchased.
- Take a small % over each purchase.
- Leftover cash rolled over to next pay period to buy potentially nicer items without the user even realizing.