We reported a few weeks back that Twitter was debating a move into commerce by allowing users to buy products straight through tweets. Today the microblogging service confirmed these plans. Initially only a small percentage of users based in the U.S. will see the “Buy” button in tweets but the feature will be gradually expanded to more users in the country. Twitter hasn’t said when this will go international.
In order to encourage users to buy products, Twitter will make sure that they get offers on merchandise that “they can’t get anywhere else,” and have the ability to make a purchase straight through the Android and iOS apps. Twitter has built this platform in collaboration with Fancy, Musictoday, Stripe and Gumroad.
Users will be able to complete the purchase within the app in just a few taps. They’ll see additional product details once they tap Buy and will then be asked to enter the shipping and payment information. Once the order has been confirmed it is relayed to the merchant so that its shipped.
Twitter ensures users that their payment and shipping information will be encrypted and “safely stored” after the first transaction so that they don’t have to punch in all that information again for a future purchase. There will be the option to remove shipping and payment information at any time from the Twitter account. Credit cards will be processed securely.
Twitter is starting off this new feature with products from a select group of nonprofit organizations, artists and brands. The entire list is available on its blog.