One characteristic that local shopping has over e-commerce is the idea that I can have the desired item today. Amazon is trying to remove that as an obstacle with same day delivery:
Amazon.com, Inc. today announced the launch of “Local Express Delivery,” a new shipping option giving customers same-day delivery in seven major cities including New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Seattle and Washington D.C. The service will be extended to Chicago, Indianapolis and Phoenix in the coming months.
Thousands of items are now available for Local Express Delivery. Amazon Prime* members pay just $5.99 per item for the service. Full details, including the rate card for all other customers, are available atwww.amazon.com/help/shipping.
Items ordered before the following local cut-off times will be delivered the same day:
- New York City – Order as late as 10 a.m.
- Philadelphia – Order as late as 10 a.m.
- Boston – Order as late as 10:30 a.m.
- Washington D.C. – Order as late as 10:30 a.m.
- Baltimore – Order as late as 10:30 a.m.
- Las Vegas – Order as late as 11 a.m.
- Seattle – Order as late as 1 p.m.
Customers will find delivery cut-off times on each product’s detail page.
Another barrier for e-commerce is shipping costs, which this doesn’t address. But it’s a move to level the playing field with local shopping. Here’s some additional information from the NY Times.
Would you use this service? Does this affect your opinion of Amazon or e-commerce more generally?
October 16, 2009 at 7:55 am |
Next day shipping has been a reality in the UK for a long time from Amazon and a wide variety of e-tailers, thanks to a very good postal service and smaller distances (and great customer service). It’s not same day but if the options are order online and get it the next morning or trudge out and hunt for it in the shops I’d pick online every time.
Whether someone will be happy to pay a premium for same day delivery probably depends on how they stack up in the cash rich/time poor scales. it’s certainly worth it if you’ve forgotten someone’s birthday or need an item urgently. If the option is same day or 5 days from placing the order I can definitely see myself paying for express delivery.
October 16, 2009 at 10:31 am |
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October 16, 2009 at 4:06 pm |
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October 17, 2009 at 4:22 am |
Not only would I, I did. Today. Field Spaniel puppy arrives Monday. No books in the stores. Amazon sends the top rated book on the breed to my doorstep. Next day + prices probably lower than buying local, even after you add in the expediting fee, makes it even easier to go with Amazon.
October 18, 2009 at 8:11 am |
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