Amazon introduced 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options to over 2,000 cities and towns in the US. The delivery option is available on more than 90,000 everyday essential products like pantry items, cleaning supplies, health and beauty products, OTC medications, electronics, toys, and clothing.
The new faster delivery options come with an increased price:
- 1-hour delivery is $9.99 extra for Prime members and $19.99 for non-members
- 3-hour delivery is $4.99 for Prime members and $14.99 for non-members
Do I get my money back if my order is not delivered within the promised time frame?
Yes, as Amazon's delivery guarantee states, “If we provide a guaranteed delivery date and a delivery attempt isn't made by this date, we'll refund any shipping fees associated with that order.” The help documentation doesn't specifically mention the new 1-hour or 3-hour delivery option, however, Amazon's AI assistant Rufus confirmed that the policy applies to new faster shipping options. (And AI assistants never get the answers wrong…)
Amazon's Senior VP of Worldwide Operations, Udit Madan, said:
“Our customers are busier than ever and are looking for new ways to save time while keeping their households running. 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. We’re excited to say that two decades after Prime first launched, we’re still innovating to make delivery even faster, while maintaining the same everyday low prices and vast selection Amazon is known for.”
He forgot to mention, “as well as unlocking new profit for Amazon!”
I predict that in a year from now (or sooner), customers will slowly start to see fewer ‘same-day shipping' options on products and be presented instead with ‘Free 2-Day Delivery' versus the new 1-hour or 3-hour options. For most people who work, same-day delivery is essentially the same thing as 1-hour or 3-hour delivery, as the package will likely arrive while they're at work or shortly after anyway. Amazon's going to need a way to funnel customers who need their items fast toward its new upsell shipping options, and the best way to do that is to remove same-day shipping from the equation.
