Amazon Laundpad service helps startups get started

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Amazon has introduced its new "Amazon Launchpad" service, a program for startups that allows new companies to distribute and market their products. Amazon's global fulfillment network is one of the perks for startups, as well as custom pages for one's products and a "streamlined onboarding experience" and marketing package. The startups that join will be featured in Amazon's new Launchpad store, which currently features many products in a few categories, including a bunch that were funded through the crowdfunding website Indiegogo.

Amazon says it is working with in excess of 25 crowdfunding platforms, venture capital firms, and more as part of its Launchpad program. The service aims to provide startups with a way to market and provide their product, and includes as part of that Amazon's fulfillment network and an option for future global expansions.

There are marketing tools like inclusion in Amazon Vine customer reviews, personalized recommendations, and merchandize placements, among others. Startups are also able to create product pages with images and videos, and provide things like Q&As for customers to read.

Those who are interested must apply to Launchpad as a vendor, and then ship an initial order of the product to Amazon's fulfillment centers. After that, startups must provide all the details on their products for use on the product pages. Existing Amazon sellers can also register and start using Launchpad.