Photos: Kwik
Promising to be a viable alternative for consumers to Amazon Dash, Tel Aviv-based Kwik is launching a “one-tap” smart button and delivery service in the U.S.
Launched in 2015, Kwik provides one-tap delivery for Domino’s Pizza, Huggies Diapers, and Eden Springs Water in Israel. Kwik also won a pilot program with Anheuser-Busch during the AB InBev & ZX Ventures Startup Pitch Competition at SxSW.
Customers register for a button, connect it to their home Wi-Fi, choose their default product(s), and push the button to place their order. In seconds, a text message arrives for confirmation, and the product arrives shortly thereafter. Kwik earns a cut from each purchase.
Among the touted advantages are Kwik's open ecosystem that enables brands to choose their delivery and payment partners.
“As the very first open ‘click and deliver’ service, we can work with any brand, retailer, payments processor, or delivery service, making it possible for all brands to better understand the needs of and develop deeper direct relationships with their consumers,” said Ofer Klein, CEO and co-founder, Kwik, in a statement.
The buttons are free to consumers. Amazon’s cost $4.99, although fees are later credited based on purchases. Launched in April 2015, Amazon Dash has more than 100 buttons available across a wide variety of CPG categories.
Mr. Klein told TechCrunch that while smartphone apps are offering similar one-tap ordering, physical buttons are just easier overall. Mr. Klein asserts “people would like to just not think” and see pizza, beer and other recurring orders arrive.
Kwik has recently closed a $3 million round of seed funding led by Norwest Venture Partners to accelerate its U.S. expansion.