Amazon.com Offers Own Branded Cables, Media Products

By Scott Campbell, CRN
September 21, 2009 9:44 AM ET

Amazon.com has launched its own line of electronics cables and blank CD and DVD media.

"We saw an opportunity to create a line of consumer electronics basics that combine quality and low prices for an overall focus on value," said Paul Ryder, vice president of consumer electronics for Amazon.

Amazon is targeting the items against low-cost offerings from competitors. For example, a 50-foot RJ45 Cat5E Ethernet cable costs $9.91. A similar cable from Belkin is now available through Amazon for $12.39, 30 percent off the regular price of $19.99.

Additionally, Amazon is offering a 100-pack of 16x DVD-Rs for $18.39. The retailer also offers similar bundles from Maxell, Memorex and TDK ranging from $26 to almost $32.

Other items include HDMI, DVI, USB and FireWire cables. The AmazonBasics line will add additional accessories in the coming months, according to the Seattle-based company.

"We will continue to gather input from customers and evaluate opportunities for new products under the AmazonBasics brand. We aim to offer our customers as wide a selection as possible, and we think AmazonBasics makes a great addition to the brands we already carry," Ryder said in the statement.

All AmazonBasics items will ship in the company's Frustration-Free packaging, which it created to make it easier for purchasers to open. The packaging includes recyclable cardboard and does not include plastic clamshells and wire ties.

The items are currently available in the United States, and Amazon intends to sell them internationally in coming months.

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