Amazon continues to ramp up its delivery speeds with the introduction of new 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options in the U.S. These rapid deliveries will come at an extra cost to Prime members, but they offer the convenience of getting 90,000 products “typically available in local supercenters” to doorsteps in record time, according to the announcement.
The new service is a clear bid to take a bite out of those supercenters’ (in particular Walmart’s) advantage in the delivery wars — namely, their vast network of physical stores, which act as thousands of distribution points for local delivery and pickup services. But Amazon is now able to offer more same- and next-day deliveries than ever following years of investment in its own physical infrastructure, including the regionalization of its U.S. delivery network. Last year, Amazon zeroed in specifically on improving and expanding delivery to rural areas and of perishable items, and also began a two-city pilot of the Amazon Now ultra-fast delivery option, offering delivery in 30 minutes or less.
“Our customers are busier than ever and are looking for new ways to save time while keeping their households running,” said Udit Madan, SVP of Worldwide Operations at Amazon in a statement. “We saw an opportunity to use our unique operational expertise and delivery network to help make customers’ lives a little easier while unlocking even more value for Prime members.”
1-Hour Amazon Delivery Now Available in Hundreds of Cities
Image courtesy Amazon
Amazon 1-hour delivery is now available to customers in hundreds of cities and towns across the U.S., including parts of major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C., as well as smaller cities such as Des Moines, Iowa; Boise, Idaho; and American Fork, Utah. Three-hour delivery is available in more than 2,000 cities and towns, including large, mid-size and small cities as well as surrounding suburbs like Cornwall, Pa.; Harrah, Okla.; and Arabi, La. Both services are available seven days a week, with expansion planned to other areas in the coming months.
Customers will see items eligible for 1-hour and 3-hour delivery throughout their regular Same-Day shopping experience, with new messaging next to product names. New “in 1 hour” or “in 3 hours” search filters also have been added, as well as a dedicated storefront shopping page in areas where these options are available. Customers can check if their area has 1-hour and/or 3-hour delivery at Amazon.com/getitfast.
Among the 90,000 products available for the service are everyday essentials like pantry items, cleaning supplies, health and beauty items and over-the-counter medications, as well as other popular categories including electronics, toys, clothing and accessories, and home and garden.
Prime members will pay $9.99 for 1-hour delivery and $4.99 for 3-hour delivery, while customers without a Prime membership pay $19.99 for 1-hour delivery and $14.99 for 3-hour delivery.
