When most consumers think about getting an express delivery from a website, it's overnight. Amazon.com is in the process of changing that, at least in seven major cities, with the launch of its same-day "Local Express Delivery" service.
Consumers in Baltimore, Boston, Las
Vegas, New
York, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington
D.C. can now get same-day service with Chicago, Indianapolis
and Phoenix to be added in future months. Amazon Prime members
can receive orders the same day for a fee of $5.99 per item.
"We want to make online shopping as convenient as possible," said Girish Lakshman, vice president of transportation at Amazon, in a press release. "We're continuously working to speed up delivery times and customers receiving items on the same day as ordered is an exciting step. Now, if a customer needs a last-minute present for a birthday or wants a copy of their book club book before the weekend starts, they can order from Amazon instead of the hassle of a last-minute trip to the mall."
Amazon has also upgraded other delivery options. Shoppers who order items on Thursday and request two-day delivery will now receive items on Saturday instead of Monday.
Discussion Questions: What will same-day delivery do for the consumer perception of Amazon.com? What will it mean for actual sales in the markets where it is offered?