Voice Shopping Tips

Setup — Amazon Alexa

1. Open Alexa app → Settings → Voice Purchasing.
2. Add a 4-digit confirmation PIN. (Critical — keeps grandkids from ordering toys.)
3. Verify shipping address.
4. Pick a default payment method (credit card, NOT debit).
5. Test: "Alexa, order paper towels." Should say price and ask for PIN.

Setup — Google Home

1. Open Google Home app → Settings → Payments.
2. Add credit card.
3. Add shipping address.
4. Voice Match ON — only your voice can buy.
5. Test: "Hey Google, order toothpaste."

What works well by voice

• Repeat orders — "order more paper towels" reorders your usual brand.
• Quick groceries via Whole Foods (Alexa) or Walmart (Google).
• Adding things to a list — "add milk to my shopping list".
• Reordering prescriptions — many pharmacies have Alexa skills.
• Re-ordering Amazon Subscribe & Save items.

What NOT to buy by voice

• Anything over $50 — go online, see photos and reviews first.
• First-time purchases of new products.
• Clothing or anything with size, color, etc.
• Tech (laptops, phones) — too easy to pick wrong model.
• Gifts — you can't verify what gets sent.

Safety must-haves

• Confirmation PIN ON — required for every voice purchase.
• Voice Match ON — only your voice can buy.
• Use credit card, not debit — easier to dispute.
• Email alerts ON — get email of every order.
• Spending limit — Alexa lets you cap voice purchases at $25/$50/etc.
• Check Amazon Orders weekly for surprise charges.