Amazon is currently conducting a trial for an additional grocery subscription service exclusively available to Prime members in three select cities.
At a monthly cost of $9.99, Prime members availing themselves of this service will enjoy unrestricted grocery delivery for orders exceeding $35 from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market. Additionally, they will benefit from limitless 30-minute pickup for orders of any size, as communicated by an Amazon spokesperson via email.
The monthly charge of $9.99 is separate from the Prime membership, which is priced at $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
The initiative is currently undergoing testing in Columbus, Ohio; Sacramento, California, and Denver. Amazon has not provided information on whether or when it intends to extend the program to additional markets.
Presently, Prime members enjoy complimentary delivery for Amazon Fresh orders exceeding $100 and free pickups for all standard orders at both Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods (where available).
On other orders, Prime members face distinct fees. Specifically, for Amazon Fresh, there is a $6.95 delivery fee for orders ranging from $50 to $100 and a $9.95 delivery fee for orders under $50. Whole Foods applies a flat $9.95 delivery fee to all orders. Moreover, both Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market introduce a $4.95 fee for rush pick-up orders, ensuring a swift delivery within 30 minutes from order to pickup.
“We’re always experimenting with features to make shopping easier, faster and more affordable, and we look forward to hearing how members who take advantage of this offer respond,” Tony Hoggett, senior vice president of worldwide grocery stores at Amazon, said in a statement.
The pilot initiative is just one of several modifications Amazon has implemented in its grocery delivery services this year. In the previous month, Amazon extended its grocery delivery and complimentary pickup services to all customers, irrespective of Prime membership, in areas where Amazon Fresh stores and online services are accessible. This program, initially introduced as a pilot project in 12 cities earlier this year, is now accessible nationwide.
During August, Amazon made Whole Foods 365 private-label products available for nationwide delivery, and in January, Amazon Fresh increased its minimum spend requirement for free shipping.
Amazon has announced its commitment to supporting Feeding America during the holiday season. Between November 9 and December 25, Amazon Fresh will match customer donations, with a cap set at $250,000. According to Amazon, every $1 donated will contribute to providing 10 meals for those facing food insecurity.
