Twitter and Ama­zon are teaming up to provide something called Now Commerce, where shopping and social media are brought closer to consumers. The idea is supposed to allow users to link both their Twitter and Amazon accounts and obtain savings on their online purchases. To do this, users should reply to any Tweet that has an Amazon link and write the #AmazonCart hashtag.

The popular microblogging service in San Francisco is using customer demand to expand its scope with "Now Commerce", according to CEO Dick Costolo of Twitter.

According to nowcommerce.com, "Now Commerce is a unique web-based order entry software designed specifically to help manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors automate sales order processing and customer support. Separate portals for sales reps and customers, and smooth 3PL integration streamline processes. Learn more about our pricing for each portal."

He added that #AmazonCart transactions will not give Twitter any direct sales income. Responding to the tweet and writing #AmazonCart does not mean the user is purchasing the product either. It is still necessary for Amazon members to sign in and go through the usual process; that is, put their orders in their shopping carts and approve the purchase.

There is only a slim chance that those who will see the Amazon-related tweets will add the item to their carts immediately, said Debra Aho Williamson, eMarketer principle social media analyst. However, she said that Twitter will have a big participation in real-time commerce because of its actual marketing time. This service will ultimately help Amazon to better understand the interests of their customers. She also stated that the partnership is similar to the Twitter-American Express tie in, where cardholders are offered special deals by linking their Twitter and credit card accounts.

By using the microblogging service, Twitter aims to give its members a more efficient way to learn about new products. The Twitter-Amazon partnership is very timely, as investors who have noticed the low record of the company's stocks are concerned by its declining numbers in membership.