Amazon is expanding its 30-minute delivery service to dozens of U.S. cities, after first piloting the option in December.
The Amazon Now service will be available to “millions” of customers by the end of the year, according to Amazon. The tech giant first tested Amazon Now in Seattle and Philadelphia. Next, it will be widely available in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.
Amazon said the option will also be available in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City and Orlando, though it may be rolled out in parts of the cities first. The company will add additional areas to reach “tens of millions of customers” by the end of the year. Customers can check availability at www.amazon.com/now.
Amazon’s new 30-minute delivery builds on the retailer’s existing 1-hour and 3-hour delivery and same-day delivery services.
What Is Amazon Now?
Where available, Amazon Now will offer 30-minute delivery. Prime members pay $3.99 per order and customers without Prime will pay $13.99 per order. For orders below $15, a small-order fee of $1.99 for Prime members and $3.99 for non-Prime members will be charged.
In most areas where it’s available, Amazon Now will be offered 24 hours a day. Customers can buy groceries and everyday household essentials. In some locations, alcohol can be delivered.
How Does Amazon’s 30-Minute Delivery Work?
Customers can check through Amazon’s app or website whether Amazon Now is available in their area.
Amazon said it uses a network of smaller locations to store products “designed for efficient order fulfillment, strategically placed close to where customers live and work.”
Amazon also offers Prime Air delivery, which provides under 60-minute delivery in nine U.S. locations, including Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio and Waco, Texas. Separately, the company offers 1-hour and 3-hour delivery for more than 90,000 items and same-day delivery for millions of items in more than 10,000 cities.
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