Amazon introduces 1-hour and 3-hour delivery in U.S.
Same day delivery not fast enough for you? Amazon is improving its delivery service by offering one- and three-hour options in cities across the United States, the e-commerce giant announced Tuesday.
The move better positions Amazon to compete with big box stores, local pharmacies and other retailers that have responded to the growth of online shopping by relying on faster delivery in recent years, GlobalData analyst Neil Saunders told CBS News.
“This is bad news for pharmacies in particular,” he said, noting that Amazon prices are often higher for basic necessities like toothpaste or toilet paper.
Where is 1 hour and 3 hour delivery available?
Amazon’s 1-Hour Delivery Now Available in Parts of Chicago; Houston; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tenn.; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Washington, D.C., as well as smaller cities including Des Moines, Iowa; Boise, Idaho; and American Fork, Utah.
Three-hour delivery is available in more than 2,000 large, medium and small cities, as well as suburbs like Cornwall, Pennsylvania; Harrah, Oklahoma; and Arabi, Louisiana, according to Amazon. The company plans to begin offering expedited delivery to other cities in the coming months (see here if the new delivery options are available where you live.)
What can I have delivered in less than 3 hours?
A range of different products are eligible for expedited delivery, according to Amazon. They include household items like paper towels and toilet paper; health and beauty articles; over-the-counter medications; electronic; toys; and clothes.
How much does it cost?
For members of Amazon’s Prime shopping club, 1-hour delivery costs $9.99, while the 3-hour option costs $4.99. For non-Prime customers, 1-hour delivery costs $19.99 and 3-hour delivery costs $14.99. Prime members can still get their goods delivered the same day for free with their annual membership.
