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Amazon to launch a furniture assembly service, report says

The offering would allow the e-commerce giant to better compete with retailers like Wayfair and Best Buy, Bloomberg says.

Abrar Al-Heeti Technology Reporter
Abrar Al-Heeti is a technology reporter for CNET, with an interest in phones, streaming, internet trends, entertainment, pop culture and digital accessibility. She's also worked for CNET's video, culture and news teams. She graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Though Illinois is home, she now loves San Francisco -- steep inclines and all.
Expertise Abrar has spent her career at CNET analyzing tech trends while also writing news, reviews and commentaries across mobile, streaming and online culture. Credentials
  • Named a Tech Media Trailblazer by the Consumer Technology Association in 2019, a winner of SPJ NorCal's Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2022 and has three times been a finalist in the LA Press Club's National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.
Abrar Al-Heeti
Amazon shopping app

Amazon's drivers may be tapped to assemble big purchases.

James Martin/CNET

Amazon could soon offer a service that assembles customers' furniture and appliances once orders arrive at people's homes, according to a Friday report by Bloomberg. The e-commerce giant will roll out the service in Virginia and two other markets, people familiar with the matter reportedly told Bloomberg.

The service would allow Amazon to compete with other retailers that already have similar offerings, such as Wayfair, Best Buy and Home Depot, the publication notes. Amazon declined to comment.

See also: Prime Day 2021: Dates, deals and a new rumor for the big Amazon event

Drivers would reportedly unpack and assemble purchased items and take them back if customers aren't happy. They could also install washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances, people familiar with the matter reportedly said. 

Amazon currently offers Amazon Home Services in some cities, through which customers can hire contractors to assemble furniture or other products like grills and treadmills. This new offering would reportedly make delivery cheaper and simpler for the company to manage. 

It seems not everyone is thrilled about the prospect, including drivers. Some worry there isn't sufficient training to complete these tasks, while others say the assembly service could slow down deliveries, according to Bloomberg.