Do you remember Staples' EASY button commercials? You know, the big red button we then saw pop up on site staff's desk that when pushed said, "That was easy!".

 Well easy, has gotten easier.

Usually at conferences each session or presentation is pretty unique. And while there were different topics at this year's AIM conference I saw the same picture come up 3 different times and it was mentioned more.

What is the Amazon Dash Button?

Amazon Dash Button is a Wi-Fi connected device that reorders certain products with the press of a button. Yes, you have to have a Prime account and yes, there is a "cost" of $4.99 to purchase each button. However, when you push each button for that first order, you get a credit of $4.99 rendering the button free. Also, if you are involved with affordable housing, Amazon just announced on Tuesday 6/6/17, that people who have a valid electronic benefits transfer card that is  used for programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs, or food stamps will pay just $5.99 per month for a year of Prime.

There are over 300 brands with products for purchase like laundry soap, pet food, snacks, and even Play-Doh!

How will this affect us?

One of the trends to watch that was talked about in the AI (Artificial Intelligence) session and in Rohit Bhargava's keynote speech is the idea that people want seamless or invisible technology. While the Dash button is not invisible, it is seamless. To steal from Field of Dreams - Push it, and it will come.

Packages
More packages more problems? How many of you already have a no package acceptance policy in your office or package box services? If you don’t, you may want to think about either of these options because package deliveries are going to increase.

Office Help
I know that getting out of the office is sometimes a joy, but sometimes it’s hard to get away! Tape, refreshments, and trash bags are available already available. But here’s where it may get even crazier. Amazon is introducing the DASH Replenishment Program. Example - inside your printer there would be low ink/toner intelligence that will be able to detect the level of your ink/toner and order it when it’s low. That’s invisible technology.

Maintenance
Are big box stores going to hop on this? With most maintenance vendors, we have next day delivery already. To me, it seems like it may be a next logical step. Imagine when your setting up your maintenance shop or your maintenance vendor is providing you with boxes to help you organize the shop that these buttons are on them. What if the Dash Replenish worked for automatic orders on dog poop station bags? That would be helpful! 

Resident Engagement
Daniel Rausch, one of Dash’s creators and its current leader for Amazon told Fortune Magazine that “The goal is to make shopping disappear.” If people aren't going out to much to shop, they will be home. This will give us an amazing opportunity, and a challenge. If our residents are home more there will be more time to engage with them. Possibly making events and target demographic research easier. The challenge it may pose is that with people home more, will our amenity packages need to be more robust? Will they use the extra time at the pool or fitness center? Can we use this to leverage a better customer experience by asking prospective residents if they are Prime members? Could Dash Buttons be move in gifts?

Final Thoughts
We live in an instant gratification society with a *believability crisis. (*Bhargava) I mean, there is an Amazon Dash Button for Amazon gift cards (Move in or renewal gifts?) and according to Fortune.com Dash buttons  are pushed 4 times every minute.

When the biggest lead source according to our customers is word of mouth, and things like diapers, Nerf darts, and my personal favorite - coffee are all the push of a button away we need to rely on our customer experience more than ever. Seamless and invisible technology is out there. Are we getting the basics done? USB  wall plugs, smart phone door locks, and learning thermostats are the basics. It's all becoming important and we should be dashing to meet the needs and expectations of our future residents.