Amazon tests fee-free grocery delivery in three cities

Amazon is once again adjusting its delivery fee for grocery orders, piloting a new add-on service which allows Amazon Prime members in select markets to receive unlimited fee-free deliveries for $9.99 per month. 

The pilot program, which is being tested in Denver, Colo.; Columbus, Ohio; and Sacramento, Calif., entitles Prime members to the no-fee perk for orders over $35 from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, the online retail giant announced Thursday.

The service also includes unlimited 30-minute pickup on grocery orders of any size. 

“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,” said Tony Hoggett, senior vice president of worldwide grocery stores for Amazon, in a statement.

Hoggett added that Amazon will collect feedback from those who use the service as it determines when and where to expand the new program. 

The company’s test run of the new service is Amazon’s most recent effort to adjust the fees it charges to members of its Amazon Prime service, which costs members $14.99 per month or $139 a year. 

In February, the company raised the purchase threshold from $35 to $150 for free delivery for Amazon Prime members, and in October, the company reduced that amount to $100.

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In November, Amazon opened up delivery from Amazon Fresh stores to non-Prime members and said it plans to expand the delivery service to its 500-plus Whole Foods stores next. 

Prior to the change, only subscribers to Amazon Prime could receive delivery on Amazon Fresh orders.