Amazon has launched extra fast delivery, just in case Prime’s 2-day delivery isn’t fast enough for you. It’s designed to compete with big retailers like Walmart and Target, which offer same-day delivery on platforms like DoorDash and Instacart. Like all super convenient things, though, Amazon’s new delivery options are going to cost you, even if you are already a Prime member. Here’s how it works.
How Does Amazon 1-Hour Delivery Work?
About 90,000 products sold on Amazon will be available for the new superfast shipping, according to a press release. That mostly includes the types of items you’d find at a superstore, including paper products, health and beauty items, over-the-counter medications, pantry items, electronics, toys, clothing and accessories, and garden supplies.
There are two options for this new fast delivery: 1-hour, and 3-hour. So if you find yourself out of newborn diapers, you’ll probably go for the 1-hour delivery option to avoid disaster. But if you just need another box of Kleenex and some canned chicken soup when you’ve got a terrible cold, 3-hour delivery will probably do.
Items that are available for 1- or 3-hour delivery will be labeled as such, similar to the way items are already marked as Prime eligible. You’re able to filter search results for both 1- and 3-hour delivery as well.
Where Is It Available?
The fastest delivery option is available in hundreds of cities and towns across the U.S. right now. That includes Los Angeles, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Houston, Washington, D.C., Des Moines, Boise, and American Fork, Utah, according to Amazon.
Three-hour delivery is available in more locations — about 2,000 cities and towns, including small towns. Areas include Cornwall, Pennsylvania; Harrah, Oklahoma; and Arabi, Louisiana. Plus, it’s a good bet that anywhere that has 1-hour delivery also offers 3-hour.
To check whether either option is available in your area, go to amazon.com/getitfast. If it is, you’ll see a dedicated storefront of products available for expedited delivery. If it’s not, you’ll get a “3 hour delivery is currently unavailable” message like we do in a midsize Midwestern city. Womp womp.
How Much Does Amazon 1-Hour Delivery Cost?
Naturally, Amazon isn’t going to give you this ultra convenience for free, even if you’re already paying for an Amazon Prime membership — though you will get a discount if you have Prime. Here’s how much it’ll cost you.
3-hour Amazon Delivery Fees
- $4.99 for Prime members
- $14.99 for shoppers without Prime
1-hour Amazon Delivery Fees
- $9.99 for Prime members
- $19.99 for shoppers without Prime
That’s not great, but that’s the price you pay for convenience. We’ll stick to Prime’s free same-day delivery items if we really need something ASAP, thanks.
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