Amazon has partnered with an unlikely entity - Comcast - and has quietly launched a new section of its website dedicated to selling Xfinity products and bundles.
The pairing seems like an odd fit given the conflict of interest with Amazon's streaming video service and Comcast's cable television offering but there are some benefits to shopping for Comcast services through Amazon.
On the Amazon Cable Store, the e-commerce giant says it has taken Xfinity's best online offers and added exclusive promotions such as free Amazon gift cards when ordering select bundles. Buyers are also given the option to purchase and use their own modem to save on monthly leasing fees.
Still not convinced to go through Amazon?
Perhaps the biggest lure is the promise that Comcast customers that sign up through Amazon will have their own dedicated customer service department. Amazon said its goal is to answer calls in 60 seconds or less which, if you've ever had to call and wait on hold for Comcast, sounds like a pipe dream. What's more, Amazon's agents don't earn commission so they won't be trying to upsell you on more expensive services every time you call.
Amazon says buyers can cancel within 30 days or if a no-term contract is selected when ordering, one can downgrade or cancel service at any time. It's also worth noting that wording on the Amazon Cable Store suggests other providers may be added at a later date.
By partnering with Amazon, Comcast puts itself in a position to expose its services to more potential customers. While not confirmed or publicized, one would think that Amazon is getting some sort of fee or other kickback for each customer it sends to Comcast.
Update: Comcast provided us with this press release which states that a dedicated team of Comcast customer service agents based in its new call centers in Spokane, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona, will handle all customer service interactions from services purchased through Amazon.