Amazon's Limits One-Hour Delivery Service Due To Storm

As a big storm approaches the northeastern coast of the US, companies that provide same-day delivery are informing customers of service limitations. Amazon has announced its' Prime Now service will be on a "limited schedule" due to the massive storm headed towards New York and other nearby states. Prime Now is Amazon's new one-hour delivery service that just rolled out last month in Manhattan. The storm is being stated by the National Weather Service to be historic and government officials are admonishing residents to stay home.

“We are seeing a great response from customers who want to stay inside during the wintry conditions and get the items they need delivered right to their door,” stated Amazon spokeswoman Kelly Cheeseman. She went on to say, “We’re watching the storm also, and will be operating on a limited schedule. Customers can get updates through the Prime Now app on delivery availability.” Airports are being shut down as well.

Prime Now program covers shipments of tens of thousands of household goods, including shampoo and paper towels. It is available to Amazon Prime members who pay $99 annually for fast delivery and they pay an additional $7.99 for one-hour service. This is the fastest delivery option Amazon has deployed since it began its' steady implementation of same-day delivery throughout the US. Last year before the holiday shopping season began, Amazon launched it in 7 major US cities along with New York City, including Baltimore, Dallas, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington DC, and Atlanta.

Other competitors offer fast last-minute deliveries, like Google Express, which charges $4.99 per order or customers can pay $10 per month and $95 per year. Same-day delivery newcomer Macy's has fees of $5 for orders over $99 and shoppers with smaller orders pay standard shipping rates plus $5. Macy's has it's landmark store right in the heart of New York and will be affected by the storm also. Wal-Mart offers same-day delivery in multiple US cities, even in Canada. Walmart To Go is a flat $10 fee, regardless of the customer's order size.

Amazon opened its very first physical store location in Manhattan, New York. The store was said to serve as a small hub for same-day delivery from its' inventory, and at the same time, a location for customers to pick up online orders. With the blizzard in affect, it will no doubt have an impact on Amazon's physical store and online retail.

With Amazon not being in action, customers may have to resort to another viable option for same-day delivery after the storm. A same-day courier like A-1 Express could be operating in various areas with a wide range of vehicle fleets to perform deliveries. The blizzard could affect the New York courier as well, however, service may not be as limited and/or will begin providing deliveries sooner than Amazon. A number of businesses and corporations may be at a stand still, yet A-1 Express may be a plan B alternative.

Reference: 1.26.15, Internet Retailer, Bloomberg News, Amazon.com limits one-hour delivery in New York as big storm approaches