As of this month Amazon will now be raising it’s free shipping prices for certain customers. Prior to the inflation of the prices, Amazon’s free shipping required non-Primer members to make an order of $25 or more. Now, as prices elevate, non-Prime members need to order $35 or more in order to qualify for free shipping.
Additionally, in 2013 Amazon had already raised it free shipping prices to $35. However, before this attempt the shipment price was initially of $25 and has been since 2017. Despite this, Amazon still attempted to increased their prices once again in 2016 to $49. However, that price did not last long and Amazon once again started to lower its shipping prices. To the original minimum price of $25, even though Amazon is now attempting to raise there prices up again in 2023.
Moreover, the information above can be extremely confusing as prices raised and declined throughout the years. Despite this, we are able to see that Amazon had already attempted to raise and change it’s shipping price multiple times before.
Prime Subscribers
Furthermore, the constant change of prices from low to high started to push people to subscribe to Amazons per-year Prime membership of $140. Where Amazon consumers do not need to worry about minimum order amounts and are able to qualify for a two-day shipping or less. They also have access to the streaming services and additional benefits.
In fact, Amazon’s intentions with the rising of the free shipping requirements Is to get more costumers around different regions to start their Prime-membership plan and pay the $140 required to join. Rather than to struggle in trying to meat the required amount for free shipping every time they log into their account and attempt to purchase their items.
Overview of the Membership
Amazon shared in a statement that they have more than 200 million individuals subscribed to their Prime membership in order to lower the cost of their orders. The millions of people subscribed to Amazon Prime come from 25 different countries around the world. With more people subscribing as prices rise.
In fact, the company has notices that the individuals experiencing the benefits of the Prime-membership have as stated, “Prime members continue to enjoy free delivery on over 300 million items, with tens of millions of items available for free same or one-day delivery.”
The testing of the new elevated prices is being carried out to different regions by zip codes. Meaning that if someone is not part of the Prime-membership they will unfortunately see the elevation of prices as they try to carry out there order.
Amazon also went out to say that the increased of free shipping, unfolded after the company announced that its first Prime day, which took place on July 11, 2023. Was as quoted “the single largest sales day in company history.” After this announcement was made is the event had taken place is when the prices started to get elevated.
Reasoning
As of right now Amazon claims their actions and intentions for rising up the free shipping costs are justify. Since, we now live in a time period (2023) where things are getting pricier and also getting highly elevated. For this reason it should not be a surprise for anyone if Amazon decided to keep their new price range.
Finally, Amazon also stated that they are not the first online store to elevate their free shipping for certain consumers. Amazon’s competitors like Walmart, also elevated their shipping requirement to $35. Meaning that from their point of view their actions and prices are valid and well justify.
Written By Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
The Verge: Amazon raises free shipping minimum to $35 for some users
CNN BUISNESS: Amazon raises free shipping minimum for some non-Prime members
CNBC: Amazon hikes free shipping minimum to $35 for some customers who don’t have prime
Featured Image Courtesy of Tim Reckmann Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Images Courtesy of Stock Catalog Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
