Amazon Prime#Availability
{{Short description|Paid subscription service offered by Amazon}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Amazon Prime
| logo = Amazon Prime logo (2024).svg
| logo_size = 150px
| logo_alt = Amazon Prime Logo
| url = {{URL|https://amazonprime.com}}
| type = Subscription service
| registration = Required
| num_users = {{increase}} 220 million{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/amazon-prime-200-million-jeff-bezos-1234952188/|title=Amazon Prime Tops 200 Million Members, Jeff Bezos Says|date=April 15, 2021|first=Todd|last=Spangler|website=Variety|access-date=April 15, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415124656/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/amazon-prime-200-million-jeff-bezos-1234952188/|url-status=live}}
| owner = Amazon
| founded = {{start date and age|2005|02|02}}
| area_served = International
| revenue = {{increase}} $19.21 billion {{small|(2019)}}{{cite magazine|title=Amazon Prime reveals revenues for first time|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/2017/02/16/amazon-prime-revenues/|access-date=August 7, 2017|magazine=Marketing Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807075031/https://www.marketingweek.com/2017/02/16/amazon-prime-revenues/|archive-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}
| industry = Internet
| current_status = Active
| headquarters = Seattle, Washington, U.S.
}}
Amazon Prime (styled as prime) is a paid subscription service of Amazon which is available in many countries and gives users access to additional services otherwise unavailable or available at a premium to other Amazon customers. Services include logistics through same, one- or two-day delivery of goods, healthcare through the optional perk of One Medical primary care services, entertainment through streaming music, video, e-books, gaming, and grocery shopping services. In April 2021, Amazon reported that Prime had 200 million subscribers worldwide.{{Cite web|title=Amazon Prime now has 200 million members, jumping 50 million in one year|url=https://news.yahoo.com/amazon-prime-has-200-million-members-142910961.html|access-date=February 14, 2022|website=news.yahoo.com|date=April 15, 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122002252/https://news.yahoo.com/amazon-prime-has-220-million-members-142910961.html|url-status=live}}
History
=Early history=
File: Amazon Prime electric delivery vans in East Barnet Road.jpg
In 2005, Amazon announced Amazon Prime as a membership service offering free two-day shipping within the contiguous United States on all eligible purchases for an annual fee of $79 ({{Inflation|US|79|2005|fmt=eq}}){{cite web |url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2014/03/13/amazon_prime_price_increase_still_inexpensive.html |title=Amazon Is Jacking Up the Cost of Prime, and It's Still Cheap |last1=Weissmann |first1=Jordan |date=March 13, 2014 |website=Slate.com |publisher=The Slate Group |access-date=May 9, 2014 |archive-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514201522/http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2014/03/13/amazon_prime_price_increase_still_inexpensive.html |url-status=live }} and discounted one-day shipping rates.{{cite web|title=Amazon Prime|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/prime|publisher=amazon.com|access-date=September 6, 2012|archive-date=September 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902071956/http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime|url-status=live}} Amazon launched the program in Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom in 2007; in France in 2008, in Italy in 2011, in Canada in 2013,{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/amazon-prime-canada-no-instant-video/ |title=Amazon Prime arrives in Canada: Free two-day shipping, no Instant Video |last1=Smith |first1=Mat |date=January 8, 2013 |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |access-date=May 9, 2014 |archive-date=May 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512231535/http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/amazon-prime-canada-no-instant-video/ |url-status=live }} in India in July 2016,{{cite news|last1=Dua|first1=Kunal|title=Amazon Prime Launched in India, Amazon Video 'Is Coming|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/news/amazon-prime-launched-in-india-amazon-video-is-coming-865290|date=July 26, 2016|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=July 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727103732/http://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/news/amazon-prime-launched-in-india-amazon-video-is-coming-865290|url-status=live}} in Mexico in March 2016,{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/07/amazon-prime-launches-in-mexico/|title=Amazon Prime launches in Mexico|last=Perez|first=Sarah|website=TechCrunch|date=March 7, 2017 |access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307225818/https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/07/amazon-prime-launches-in-mexico/|url-status=live}} in Australia in June 2018,{{cite web | url=https://amazonau.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-launches-prime-australia-offering-free-delivery-fast-two | title= Amazon Launches Prime in Australia Offering Free Delivery in as Fast as Two Days for Nearly 90 Per Cent of Australians | date=June 19, 2018 }} in Turkey in September 2020,{{cite web|date=September 15, 2020|title=Amazon Prime Türkiye açıldı|url=https://webrazzi.com/2020/09/15/amazon-prime-turkiye-acildi/|access-date=December 1, 2020|website=Webrazzi|language=tr-TR|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918183656/https://webrazzi.com/2020/09/15/amazon-prime-turkiye-acildi/|url-status=live}} in Sweden in September 2021,{{Cite web|date=September 21, 2021|title=Amazon Prime is now in Sweden|url=https://blog.aboutamazon.eu/amazon-prime/amazon-prime-is-now-in-sweden|access-date=October 22, 2021|website=EU Day One Blog|language=en|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022084128/https://blog.aboutamazon.eu/amazon-prime/amazon-prime-is-now-in-sweden|url-status=live}} in Poland in October 2021,{{Cite web|date=October 12, 2021|title=Amazon Prime is now in Poland|url=https://www.aboutamazon.eu/press-release/amazon-prime-is-now-in-poland|access-date=October 22, 2021|website=EU About Amazon|language=en|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019093221/https://www.aboutamazon.eu/press-release/amazon-prime-is-now-in-poland|url-status=live}} and in Egypt in July 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/6/116797/Amazon-Prime-Arrives-In-Egypt-Shopping-Savings-And-Entertainment-Bundled | title=Amazon Prime Arrives in Egypt: Shopping, Savings, and Entertainment Bundled Together in One Membership Program | date=June 14, 2022 }} Amazon Prime is also available in Ireland, with a new fulfillment center having opened in Dublin in 2022.[https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/operations/amazon-opens-its-first-fulfilment-centre-in-ireland] As of October 2021, there are Prime members in 22 countries in North America, Europe and Asia–Pacific.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Day/b?ie=UTF8&node=13887280011|title=Prime Day 2018|website=Amazon|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=January 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125082912/https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Day/b?ie=UTF8&node=13887280011|url-status=live}}
=2012–2016=
Amazon Prime membership in Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States includes Amazon Video,{{cite web |url=https://thenextweb.com/media/2014/02/21/amazon-lovefilm/ |title=Amazon Launches Prime Instant Video in UK & Germany |last1=Sawers |first1=Paul |date=February 21, 2014 |website=The Next Web |access-date=May 9, 2014 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221150244/https://thenextweb.com/media/2014/02/21/amazon-lovefilm/ |url-status=live }} the instant streaming of selected films and TV programs at no additional cost.{{cite web|title=Amazon Adds Instant Videos to Amazon Prime|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1531234|date=February 22, 2011|publisher=phx.corporate.ir.net|access-date=September 6, 2012|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306173555/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1531234|url-status=live}} In November 2011, it was announced that Prime members had access to the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, which allows users to borrow up to one a month of specified popular Kindle e-books.{{cite news|url= http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/kindle-owners-lending-library-opens_b41463|title= Kindle Owners' Lending Library Unveiled|work= GalleyCat|author= Boog, Jason|date= November 3, 2011|access-date= January 6, 2017|archive-date= November 3, 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111103171232/http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/kindle-owners-lending-library-opens_b41463|url-status= live}}
People with an email address at an academic domain such as .edu or .ac.uk, typically students, are eligible for Prime Student privileges, including discounts on Prime membership.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201895520|title=Amazon.com Help: Join Prime Student|website=www.amazon.com|access-date=February 8, 2018|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314080325/https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201895520|url-status=live}}
In March 2014, Amazon increased the annual US membership fee for Amazon Prime from $79 to $99.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-03-13/as-it-warned-amazon-boosts-the-price-of-prime |title=As It Warned, Amazon Boosts the Price of Prime |last1=Stone |first1=Brad |last2=Brustein |first2=Joshua |date=March 13, 2014 |website=Bloomberg Businessweek |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |access-date=May 9, 2014 |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328162241/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-03-13/as-it-warned-amazon-boosts-the-price-of-prime |url-status=dead }} Shortly after this change, Amazon announced Prime Music, providing unlimited, ad-free music streaming.{{cite web| url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dmm_prm_st_bb_cp_lm?docId=1002557791&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-left-2&pf_rd_r=0AAHSSGNXJ382NKFCRKS&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1869061022&pf_rd_i=8335758011 |title=Learn More About Amazon Prime|website=Amazon.com|access-date=July 23, 2014}} In November 2014, Amazon added Prime Photos, adding unlimited storage of files deemed to be photographs in the users' Amazon Drive.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/11/4/7154107/amazon-prime-customers-now-get-unlimited-cloud-storage-for-photos|title=Amazon Prime customers now get unlimited cloud storage for photos|work=The Verge|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=August 29, 2017|archive-date=November 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104201710/https://www.theverge.com/2014/11/4/7154107/amazon-prime-customers-now-get-unlimited-cloud-storage-for-photos|url-status=live}}[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201649930 About RAW Photo Files] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915143558/https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201649930 |date=September 15, 2016 }}, Amazon. Accessed September 2, 2016.[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201634590 Amazon Drive: Photo, Video, and File Requirements] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915151153/https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201634590 |date=September 15, 2016 }}, Amazon. Accessed September 2, 2016. Amazon began offering free same-day delivery to Prime members in 14 United States metropolitan areas in May 2015.{{cite magazine|url = https://www.wired.com/2015/05/free-day-delivery-amazons-gambit-retail/|title = Wired.com|magazine = Wired|date = May 28, 2015|archive-date = December 22, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161222232854/https://www.wired.com/2015/05/free-day-delivery-amazons-gambit-retail/|url-status = live}} In April 2015, Amazon started a trial partnership with Audi and DHL in order to deliver directly into the trunks of Audi cars, available in the Munich, Germany, area to some Audi-connected car users.{{cite web|url = http://www.maismotores.net/2015/04/carros-da-audi-recebem-entregas-da-amazon-diretamente-na-bagageira/|title = Maismotores.net|date = April 23, 2015|archive-date = August 20, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160820222650/http://www.maismotores.net/2015/04/carros-da-audi-recebem-entregas-da-amazon-diretamente-na-bagageira/|url-status = live}}
In December 2015, Amazon stated that "tens of millions" of people were Amazon Prime members.{{cite web|last1=Shaffer|first1=Leslie|title=Amazon lifts the veil on Prime|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/12/28/amazon-lifts-the-veil-on-prime.html|website=cnbc.com|date=December 28, 2015|publisher=CNBC|access-date=December 28, 2015|archive-date=December 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228121926/https://www.cnbc.com/2015/12/28/amazon-lifts-the-veil-on-prime.html|url-status=live}} Amazon Prime added 3 million members during the third week of December 2015.{{cite web|last1=Molina|first1=Brett|title=Amazon: Prime members in 'tens of millions'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2015/12/28/amazon-prime-members-tens-millions/77965312/|website=usatoday.com|publisher=USA Today|access-date=December 28, 2015|archive-date=December 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228140613/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2015/12/28/amazon-prime-members-tens-millions/77965312/|url-status=live}} That month Amazon announced the creation of the Streaming Partners Program,{{cite web|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2121003|title=Amazon Media Room: Press Releases|publisher=Amazon|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330131930/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2121003|url-status=live}} a subscription service that provides Amazon Prime subscribers with additional streaming video services. Among the programming providers involved in the program are Showtime, Starz. Lifetime Movie Club (containing recent original movie titles from Lifetime and LMN), Smithsonian Earth, and Qello Concerts.
=2016–present=
In January 2016, Amazon Prime reached 54 million members according to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.{{cite web|title=Amazon Prime now reaches nearly half of U.S. households|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/01/26/technology/amazon-prime-memberships/|website=cnn.com|date=January 26, 2016|publisher=CNN|access-date=January 26, 2016|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127093628/http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/26/technology/amazon-prime-memberships/|url-status=live}} Several reports in January 2016 said that nearly half of all U.S. households were members of Amazon Prime at that time.[https://money.cnn.com/2016/01/26/technology/amazon-prime-memberships/ Amazon Prime Memberships] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127093628/http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/26/technology/amazon-prime-memberships/ |date=January 27, 2016 }} CNN, January 26, 2016. In April 2016, Amazon announced same-day delivery would be expanded to include the areas of Charlotte, Cincinnati, Fresno, Louisville, Milwaukee, Nashville, Central New Jersey, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Stockton, and Tucson, bringing total coverage to 27 metro areas.{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160406005382/en/|title=Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery Expands to 11 New Metro Areas {{!}} Business Wire|website=www.businesswire.com|date=April 6, 2016|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410065237/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160406005382/en|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/b?node=8729023011|title=Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery|website=Amazon|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303161701/http://www.amazon.com/b?node=8729023011|url-status=live}} In September 2016, Amazon launched a restaurant delivery service for Prime members in London, England, with free delivery on all orders over £15.{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/10/seagate/ |title=Amazon launches restaurant delivery for Prime members in London |author=Steve O'Hear |work=TechCrunch |date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=September 9, 2016 |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910133943/https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/10/seagate/ |url-status=live }}
In September 2016, Amazon subsidiary Twitch announced features available to users with an Amazon Prime subscription (Twitch Prime), including monthly offers of video games and add-on content, and the ability to purchase a free subscription to a user's channel once per-month.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/20/17761760/twitch-prime-turbo-ad-free-benefit-end-over-september-14|title=Twitch Prime members will lose ad-free viewing next month|work=The Verge|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820213141/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/20/17761760/twitch-prime-turbo-ad-free-benefit-end-over-september-14|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/30/13125824/twitch-prime-amazon-ad-free-game-discounts | title = Twitch will be ad-free for all Amazon Prime subscribers | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = September 30, 2016 | access-date = September 30, 2016 | work = The Verge | archive-date = October 1, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161001042339/https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/30/13125824/twitch-prime-amazon-ad-free-game-discounts | url-status = live }} Amazon then partnered with different game developers offering in-game loots as rewards to subscribers. Games included with the loot rewards were Apex Legends, Legends of Runeterra, Ultimate Team, Teamfight Tactics, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Doom Eternal, and more.{{Cite news|last=Cyre|first=Clayton|date=May 28, 2020|title=TWITCH PRIME GETTING MORE GAMES AND LOOT IN JUNE|work=COGconnected|url=https://cogconnected.com/2020/05/twitch-prime-games-loot-june/|url-status=live|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607135623/https://cogconnected.com/2020/05/twitch-prime-games-loot-june/}} In December 2016, Amazon began offering Prime membership for an alternative monthly, instead of yearly fee, of $10.99 per month,{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/04/17/media/amazon-prime-video-new-pricing/index.html|title=Amazon Prime goes monthly in new challenge to Netflix|last=Stelter|first=Brian|work=CNNMoney|access-date=October 20, 2017|archive-date=October 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020135429/http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/17/media/amazon-prime-video-new-pricing/index.html|url-status=live}} increased to $12.99 in February 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-boosts-monthly-prime-fee-by-almost-20-percent/|title=Amazon boosts monthly Prime fee by almost 20 percent|last=Fox Rubin|first=Ben|date=January 19, 2018|work=CNET|access-date=January 21, 2018|publisher=CBS Interactive|via=CBS News|archive-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121075158/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-boosts-monthly-prime-fee-by-almost-20-percent/|url-status=live}} Amazon also announced Wickedly Prime, an own-brand line of food and beverages available to Prime members.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/23/amazon-launches-its-newest-private-label-wickedly-prime/|title=Amazon launches its newest private label, Wickedly Prime|last=Perez|first=Sarah|website=TechCrunch|date=December 23, 2016 |access-date=December 23, 2016|archive-date=December 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224073252/https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/23/amazon-launches-its-newest-private-label-wickedly-prime/|url-status=live}}
Amazon announced Prime Wardrobe, a service that lets customers try on clothes before they pay, in June 2017.{{Cite news |last1=Wingfield |first1=Nick |title=Amazon Will Let Customers Try On Clothes Before Buying |work=The New York Times |date=June 20, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/20/business/amazon-shopping-retail-fashion.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 21, 2017 |archive-date=June 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621173233/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/20/business/amazon-shopping-retail-fashion.html |url-status=live }} Also in 2017, Amazon announced the Prime Exclusive Phone program, which offers some smartphones displaying Amazon ads on the lock screen from companies including LG, Motorola and Nokia at a discount.[https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/26/16552414/lg-amazon-prime-phone-discount-ads-g6 Amazon will now sell you high-end LG phones for less, if you'll put up with ads] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026160859/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/26/16552414/lg-amazon-prime-phone-discount-ads-g6 |date=October 26, 2017 }} The Verge Retrieved October 26, 2017
In May 2018, Amazon increased the annual US Prime membership fee from $99 to $119.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/04/amazon-to-raise-annual-membership-price-of-prime-to-119/|title=Amazon will raise the price of Prime by $20 in a few weeks|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427154351/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/04/amazon-to-raise-annual-membership-price-of-prime-to-119/|url-status=live}} In June 2019, Amazon expanded its one-day delivery with Amazon Prime, stating that Prime Free One Day was available to U.S. members on more than 10 million products with no minimum purchase.{{cite web|url=https://blog.aboutamazon.com/amazon-prime/prime-free-one-day|title=Prime Free One Day|website=US Day One Blog|language=en|access-date=June 4, 2019|archive-date=June 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603204619/https://blog.aboutamazon.com/amazon-prime/prime-free-one-day|url-status=live}}
In June 2018, Amazon launched Prime Australia, with a 2-business-day delivery promise, free delivery of international orders, and Amazon Video.
On March 3, 2020, Amazon announced it installed "mini-fulfillment centers" in select U.S. cities, including Dallas, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Phoenix to reduce same-day delivery times.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/03/amazon-makes-its-same-day-delivery-service-faster-in-select-u-s-cities/|title=Amazon makes its same-day delivery service faster in select US cities|website=TechCrunch|date=March 3, 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=March 5, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113192543/https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/03/amazon-makes-its-same-day-delivery-service-faster-in-select-u-s-cities/|url-status=live}} Later the same month, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime express delivery dates for various in-stock items reached delays of up to a month in the US instead of the usual 1–2 days, as Amazon struggled to meet exceptional demand and announced it would prioritize the most essential items.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/3/22/21190372/amazon-prime-delivery-delays-april-21-coronavirus-covid-19|title=Amazon Prime delivery delays are now as long as a month|last=Rey|first=Jason Del|date=March 22, 2020|website=Vox|language=en|access-date=March 25, 2020|archive-date=March 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323021042/https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/3/22/21190372/amazon-prime-delivery-delays-april-21-coronavirus-covid-19|url-status=live}} By the end of 2020, Amazon Prime Pantry had been discontinued in all locations.{{Cite web|url=https://storebrands.com/amazon-ends-prime-pantry|title=Amazon ends Prime Pantry|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=August 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815191711/https://storebrands.com/amazon-ends-prime-pantry|url-status=live}}
In February 2022, Amazon announced its first increase in almost four years for the annual US Prime membership fee from $119 to $139. The increase was due to higher labor and shipping costs.{{Cite news|title=Amazon raises prices for Prime members|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/02/03/amazon-prime-price-increase/|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203212913/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/02/03/amazon-prime-price-increase/|url-status=live}}
In April 2022, Amazon launched "Buy with Prime", a new service for Prime members that allows them to purchase goods from partnered merchants and take advantage of Amazon's logistics, return and exchange services.{{Cite web |last=Thorbecke |first=Catherine |date=2022-04-21 |title=Amazon to let other online retailers offer Prime delivery service directly on their sites {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/21/tech/amazon-buy-with-prime/index.html |access-date=2022-12-04 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206115821/https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/21/tech/amazon-buy-with-prime/index.html |url-status=live }}
On August 1, 2022, Amazon Prime was available for the first time in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. Its presence aims to develop local and international content for users in Indonesia, the most considerable economic in Southeast Asia. Later, users can access Prime Video through the official website through various platforms, such as mobile devices, tablets, and laptops.{{cite news|title=Amazon Prime Video launches localized services for top three markets in Southeast Asia|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/01/amazon-prime-video-launches-localized-services-for-top-three-markets-in-southeast-asia/|last=Forristal|first=Lauren|publisher=TechCrunch|date=August 1, 2022|access-date=December 3, 2022|archive-date=December 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203072319/https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/01/amazon-prime-video-launches-localized-services-for-top-three-markets-in-southeast-asia/|url-status=live}}
In January 2023, Amazon announced the launch of RXPass, a prescription drug delivery service. It allows US Amazon Prime members to pay a $5 monthly fee for access to 60 medications. The service was launched immediately after the announcement except in states with specific prescription delivery requirements. Beneficiaries of government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid will not be able to sign up for RXPass.{{Cite web |last=Meyersohn |first=Nathaniel |date=2023-01-24 |title=Amazon launches $5-a-month unlimited prescription plan {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/24/business/amazon-prescription-drugs-rxpass/index.html |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209110020/https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/24/business/amazon-prescription-drugs-rxpass/index.html |url-status=live }}
In June 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued Amazon for its "years-long effort to enroll consumers into its Prime program without their consent while knowingly making it difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions".{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Annie |date=2023-06-21 |title=FTC sues Amazon over 'deceptive' Prime sign-up and cancellation process |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/21/ftc-sues-amazon-over-deceptive-prime-sign-up-and-cancellation-process.html |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629222243/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/21/ftc-sues-amazon-over-deceptive-prime-sign-up-and-cancellation-process.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=FTC Takes Action Against Amazon for Enrolling Consumers in Amazon Prime Without Consent and Sabotaging Their Attempts to Cancel |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Federal Trade Commission |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629230957/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2021-01-14 |title=FTC Complaint: Ending an Amazon Prime Membership Is a Deceptive, Unlawful Ordeal |url=https://www.citizen.org/news/ftc-complaint-ending-an-amazon-prime-membership-is-a-deceptive-unlawful-ordeal/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Public Citizen |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629222244/https://www.citizen.org/news/ftc-complaint-ending-an-amazon-prime-membership-is-a-deceptive-unlawful-ordeal/ |url-status=live }}
In April 2024, Amazon announced the launch of a new delivery service for groceries for Prime customers and those receiving government assistance for food. Regular Prime subscribers would be charged $9.99 per month on orders $35 and higher from Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh, along with other prominent chains like Save Mart, Bartell Drugs, Rite Aid, and Pet Food Express and local grocery and specialty retail stores on the platform. Individuals on government assistance would be charged a reduced fee of $4.99 and would not need to be a Prime member. Amazon said it would be available in more than 3,500 locations around the country when announcing. Prior to the announcement, it was given a successful trial run in several cities in the US. It came at a time when competitors like Target and Walmart were expanding their fresh food operations.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=Amazon launches low-cost grocery delivery subscription plan in US |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-launches-low-cost-grocery-100312048.html |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Ivan |date=2024-04-23 |title=Amazon launches a new grocery delivery subscription in the US |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/23/amazon-launches-a-new-grocery-delivery-subscription-in-the-u-s/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}
In the United States and in the United Kingdom, Amazon Prime has an Amazon Household program where members of a family can share Amazon Prime delivery benefits and access to Prime Video.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=How to use Amazon Household to share Prime benefits with your whole family |url=https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/amazon-prime/amazon-household-prime-benefits |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=UK About Amazon |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Connie |date=2023-03-14 |title=How to use Amazon Household to share Prime benefits with your whole family |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/amazon-prime/how-does-amazon-household-work |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.aboutamazon.com |language=en}} In other countries such as Germany, users can only share delivery benefits.{{Cite web |title=Share Your Amazon Prime Benefits - Amazon Customer Service |url=https://www.amazon.de/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GWZ7QXD2X8WL8YE8 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241209131748/https://www.amazon.de/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GWZ7QXD2X8WL8YE8 |archive-date=2024-12-09 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.amazon.de |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-12 |title=Wie kannst du Prime-Vorteile teilen? |url=https://www.aboutamazon.de/news/amazon-prime-und-shopping/amazon-prime-vorteile-teilen |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=DE About Amazon |language=de}}
Sub-brands
= Prime Music =
Prime Music is an ad-free music streaming service that is included in the cost of the standard Amazon Prime membership.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ashley |date=2022-11-10 |title=Amazon Subscribers Don't Like the Latest Changes to Prime Music |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2022/11/10/amazon-prime-music-changes-arent-popular-online-comments/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Digital Music News |language=en-US |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111193204/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2022/11/10/amazon-prime-music-changes-arent-popular-online-comments/ |url-status=live }} It began in 2007. In November 2022, the music catalog was significantly expanded, and the style was changed to be similar to Pandora or listening to a Radio broadcasting.{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Robert |date=2022-11-08 |title=Amazon Prime Members Can Now Listen to 98 Million More Songs: Just Not In The Order They Might Desire |url=https://www.ecoustics.com/news/amazon-prime-music-2022/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=ecoustics.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130114041/https://www.ecoustics.com/news/amazon-prime-music-2022/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Mok |first=Aaron |title=Prime members complain that Amazon Music is 'unusable' and in 'shambles' after the ability to select individual songs was removed unless they pay $9 a month |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-prime-music-users-lose-ability-select-songs-paid-upgrade-2022-11 |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123035919/https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-prime-music-users-lose-ability-select-songs-paid-upgrade-2022-11 |url-status=live }} This means that when users choose a song, Prime Music plays something similar, rather than the specific song that was selected. When users dislike the song substituted by Prime Music, they can skip a limited number of songs per hour. This change was introduced as part of an effort to bolster Amazon against rival offerings from Walmart.{{Cite web |last=Breen |first=Amanda |date=2022-11-07 |title=Amazon Rolls Out New Perk for Prime Subscription Members |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/amazon-rolls-out-new-perk-for-prime-subscription-members/438632 |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Entrepreneur |language=en |quote=Walmart has also attempted to sweeten the bargain, throwing in a Paramount+ subscription earlier this year. It appears Amazon is hitting back by expanding its Prime members' music catalogs. |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206142632/https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/amazon-rolls-out-new-perk-for-prime-subscription-members/438632 |url-status=live }}
Amazon offers a separate subscription service called Amazon Music, which costs $8.99 per month for Prime members and $9.99 per month for others.{{cite web|last=Pocket-lint|date=April 8, 2020|title=Amazon Prime Music: What is it and how does it differ from Music Unlimited?|url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/amazon/134741-amazon-prime-music-what-is-it-and-why-should-apple-and-spotify-be-worried|access-date=July 12, 2020|website=Pocket-lint|language=en-gb|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630022123/https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/amazon/134741-amazon-prime-music-what-is-it-and-why-should-apple-and-spotify-be-worried|url-status=live}} Subscribers to Music Unlimited can choose which songs they want to listen to without being redirected to similar songs or similar artists.
Amazon's music streaming services represent 10% of the market, making it far less popular than Spotify and Apple Music.
=Prime Video=
{{main|Amazon Prime Video}}
The service debuted on September 7, 2006, as Amazon Unbox in the United States. On September 4, 2008, the service was renamed Amazon Video on Demand. The Unbox name still refers to the local program, which {{as of|2014|August|lc=y}} is no longer available for downloading purchased instant videos. On February 22, 2011, the service rebranded as Amazon Instant Video.
The services grew and in 2011 Amazon bought UK based streaming and by mail DVD rental service named Lovefilm in 2011 and now the combined services were relaunched as Prime Video.
=Prime Gaming=
Amazon re-branded its Twitch Prime to Amazon Prime Gaming in 2020.{{cite web|last=Dohare|first=Utkarsh|title=Amazon Prime Gaming: Rebranded but available in India?|url=https://gamzo.in/amazon-prime-gaming-second-attempt-by-amazon/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916125302/https://gamzo.in/amazon-prime-gaming-second-attempt-by-amazon/|archive-date=September 16, 2020|access-date=August 16, 2020|website=Gamzo|language=en-US}}{{cite web|last1=Peters|first1=Jay|date=August 10, 2020|title=Amazon rebrands Twitch Prime as Prime Gaming|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/10/21358463/amazon-twitch-prime-gaming-rebrand|access-date=August 10, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810191518/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/10/21358463/amazon-twitch-prime-gaming-rebrand|url-status=live}} Amazon Prime subscribers also get Prime Gaming at no additional cost.{{cite news|last=Krol|first=Jacob|date=August 13, 2020|title=Prime Gaming: Here's what you need to know|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/10/cnn-underscored/prime-gaming-guide-amazon/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916171007/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/10/cnn-underscored/prime-gaming-guide-amazon/index.html|archive-date=September 16, 2020|access-date=August 16, 2020|website=CNN Underscored|language=en}} The main difference is that "to access Prime Gaming, customers don't need to have a Twitch account (as they did for Twitch Prime)".{{Cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=August 10, 2020|title=Amazon Kills Off Twitch Prime Name, Replaces It With 'Prime Gaming' Perk With Free Games and Content|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/amazon-twitch-prime-gaming-replaced-free-games-1234730422/|url-status=live|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007205557/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/amazon-twitch-prime-gaming-replaced-free-games-1234730422/}}
Prime Gaming subscribers can redeem free video games, as well as various rewards in external video games such as digital loot, currency or cosmetics that would typically cost money or are exclusive. The selection of games and rewards on offer changes over time, but redeemed games and rewards can be kept even after one’s Prime Gaming subscription ends. Additionally, Prime Gaming allows for a free paid subscription to one Twitch affiliate or partner per month.{{cite web |last1=Ramirez |first1=Louis |title=15 best Prime member benefits to get the most out of your subscription |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/deals/best-prime-member-benefits |website=Tom's Guide |access-date=16 July 2023 |language=en |date=6 October 2022}}{{Cite news|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=August 20, 2018|title=Twitch Prime members will lose ad-free viewing next month|work=The Verge|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/20/17761760/twitch-prime-turbo-ad-free-benefit-end-over-september-14|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820213141/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/20/17761760/twitch-prime-turbo-ad-free-benefit-end-over-september-14|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=August 10, 2020|title=Amazon renames Twitch Prime to Prime Gaming|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/10/21361946/amazon-twitch-prime-gaming-new-name-benefits|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=Polygon|language=en-US|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007205556/https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/10/21361946/amazon-twitch-prime-gaming-new-name-benefits|url-status=live}}
=Prime Reading=
Beginning in October 2016, Prime members in the U.S. receive access to a rotating set of Kindle e-books through Prime Reading.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/348480/amazon-bulks-up-prime-with-free-ebooks|title=Amazon Bulks Up Prime With Unlimited 'Reading'|last=Moscaritolo|first=Angela|date=October 5, 2016|work=PC Magazine|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103133757/https://www.pcmag.com/news/348480/amazon-bulks-up-prime-with-free-ebooks|url-status=live}} Some magazines and travel guides are also available through the service.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4519370/amazon-prime-reading/|title=Amazon's Latest Prime Perk Is Great for Readers|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Alex|date=October 5, 2016|magazine=Time|access-date=January 2, 2018|publisher=Time Inc.|archive-date=January 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102010556/http://time.com/4519370/amazon-prime-reading/|url-status=live}} Prime Reading is unrelated to Kindle Unlimited and Kindle First, both of which continue to be available or the Kindle Owners Lending Library, which was discontinued in January 2021.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/10/06/amazon-introduces-prime-reading-subscribers/91664356/|title=Amazon introduces Prime Reading for subscribers|last=Molina|first=Brett|date=October 6, 2016|work=USA Today|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007093118/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/10/06/amazon-introduces-prime-reading-subscribers/91664356/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=January 17, 2021|title=Kindle Owners' Lending Library|url=https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201392160?tdr|access-date=November 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117165210/https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201392160?tdr|archive-date=January 17, 2021}}
=Prime Pantry=
Amazon Prime Pantry was a service of Amazon available only to Prime members that packaged everyday (non-bulk) food preservation grocery store items into a single box for delivery for a flat fee. The service was available in the United States, Austria, France, Germany, India,{{cite web|url=http://www.medianama.com/2017/05/223-amazon-pantry-expansion-2/|title=Amazon Pantry Expansion|website=medianama.com|date=May 2017|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=December 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203134725/https://www.medianama.com/2017/05/223-amazon-pantry-expansion-2/|url-status=live}} Italy, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Amazon discontinued the program in different locations on different dates, making the items formerly found exclusively in Prime Pantry available for purchase in the main store. An ever-changing but limited variety of products was offered, but the range actually decreased from when the service was first launched. While selecting items within the Prime Pantry program, each item listed the percentage of space it will take up inside the delivery box. A running total showed how full this box is. The delivery fee remained the same regardless of the filling percentage.{{cite web|last=Walpole|first=Jennifer|title=Amazon Prime Pantry: Order discounted groceries online|url=http://agbeat.com/business-news/amazon-prime-pantry-order-discounted-groceries-online/|website=The American Genius|date=April 28, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2014|archive-date=June 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630065542/http://agbeat.com/business-news/amazon-prime-pantry-order-discounted-groceries-online/|url-status=live}} By the end of 2020 the service had been discontinued in all locations.{{cite web |author=Vicki Fowler |url=https://tamebay.com/2021/01/amazon-discontinue-prime-pantry-in-the-us.html |title=Amazon discontinue Prime Pantry in the US |publisher=Tamebay |date=January 10, 2021 |accessdate=March 15, 2021 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125173909/https://tamebay.com/2021/01/amazon-discontinue-prime-pantry-in-the-us.html |url-status=live }}
=Prime Now=
{{main|Prime Now}}
In December 2014, Amazon announced that as a benefit to Prime members located in parts of Manhattan and New York City the capability to get products delivered to them within one hour for a fee of $7.99, or within two hours for no additional fee. As of 2014, 25,000 daily essential products were available with this delivery service.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/12/prime-now/|title=Prime Now|magazine=Wired|access-date=December 22, 2014|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723193232/https://www.wired.com/2014/12/prime-now/|url-status=live}} In February 2015, the service was extended to include all of Manhattan.{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/02/17/amazon-prime-now-one-hour-delivery-goes-live-across-manhattan/?ncid=rss#8dw0GT:n1G|title=Amazon's One-Hour Delivery Service Goes Live Across Manhattan|access-date=February 17, 2015|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219134111/https://techcrunch.com/2015/02/17/amazon-prime-now-one-hour-delivery-goes-live-across-manhattan/?ncid=rss#8dw0GT:n1G|url-status=live}} By mid-2016, it had been expanded in the United States to include parts of Chicago, Miami, Baltimore,{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-amazon-now-20150319-story.html|title=Amazon launches one-hour delivery service in Baltimore|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=March 19, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2015|first1=Colin|last1=Campbell|first2=Kevin|last2=Rector|first3=Jessica|last3=Anderson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319190538/http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-amazon-now-20150319-story.html|archive-date=March 19, 2015}} Seattle, Dallas, Atlanta, Austin, Nashville, Portland, San Antonio, and Tampa.[https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=10481056011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301153626/https://primenow.amazon.com/onboard?sourceUrl=%2F|date=March 1, 2018}}. Retrieved March 19, 2015{{cite web | url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/amazon-nyc-subway-deliveries/#ixzz3aalLarja | title=Amazon takes the NYC subway to shorten delivery times | work=Digital Trends | date=May 18, 2015 | access-date=May 19, 2015 | author=Andre Revilla | archive-date=July 8, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708102443/https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/amazon-nyc-subway-deliveries/#ixzz3aalLarja | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/amazon-launches-prime-now-two-hour-delivery-service-in-tampa-bay/2274812/|title=Amazon launches Prime Now two-hour delivery service in Tampa Bay|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-date=May 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503014846/https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/amazon-launches-prime-now-two-hour-delivery-service-in-tampa-bay/2274812/|url-status=live}} Outside of the United States, it has expanded to parts of the United Kingdom,{{cite web|title = Amazon Prime Now expands across UK (so you can have shopping delivered in less than an hour)|url = http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/29/amazon-prime-now-expands-across-uk-so-you-can-have-shopping-delivered-in-less-than-an-hour-5589938/|publisher = Metro.co.uk|access-date = December 31, 2015|first = Nicole|last = Morley|date = December 29, 2015|archive-date = December 23, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191223044208/https://metro.co.uk/2015/12/29/amazon-prime-now-expands-across-uk-so-you-can-have-shopping-delivered-in-less-than-an-hour-5589938/|url-status = live}} Italy,{{cite web|title = Amazon launches Amazon Prime Now in Italy|url = http://ecommercenews.eu/amazon-launches-amazon-prime-now-in-italy/|website = Ecommerce News|date = November 6, 2015|access-date = December 13, 2015|language = en-US|archive-date = June 23, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200623111217/https://ecommercenews.eu/amazon-launches-amazon-prime-now-in-italy/|url-status = live}} Germany,{{cite web|url=http://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-News-Internet-Amazon-Prime-Now-13200047.html|title=Berlin: Amazon startet Lieferung binnen einer Stunde|website=computerbild.de|date=May 11, 2016|language=de-DE|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305063255/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-News-Internet-Amazon-Prime-Now-13200047.html|url-status=live}} France,{{cite journal|url=http://www.lsa-conso.fr/amazon-prime-now-debarque-a-paris-avec-sa-livraison-en-une-heure,240138|title=Amazon Prime Now débarque à Paris, avec sa livraison en une heure|website=lsa-conso.fr|date=June 15, 2016 |language=fr-FR|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=October 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021051731/http://www.lsa-conso.fr/amazon-prime-now-debarque-a-paris-avec-sa-livraison-en-une-heure,240138|url-status=live|last1=Conso |first1=L. S. A. }} Spain,{{cite web|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20161005/41784897722/amazon-estrena-centro-reparto-barcelona.html|title=Amazon estrena hoy en Barcelona un centro de reparto y las entregas en una hora|website=lsa-conso.fr|language=fr-FR|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223044211/https://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20161005/41784897722/amazon-estrena-centro-reparto-barcelona.html|url-status=live}} Japan,{{cite web|title = Amazon Prime Now comes to Tokyo « Post & Parcel|url = http://postandparcel.info/69532/news/amazon-prime-now-comes-to-tokyo/|website = postandparcel.info| date=November 20, 2015 |access-date = December 13, 2015|archive-date = May 29, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170529122230/http://postandparcel.info/69532/news/amazon-prime-now-comes-to-tokyo/|url-status = live}} and Singapore.{{cite news|title=Amazon Prime Now lands in Singapore app stores|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/amazon-prime-now-lands-in-singapore-app-stores-9066916|access-date=July 29, 2017|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=July 26, 2017|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723173546/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/amazon-prime-now-lands-in-singapore-app-stores-9066916|url-status=live}} To meet the on-demand needs of Prime Now, Amazon further launched Amazon Flex, a platform for independent contractors to provide delivery services.{{cite web|url=http://www.amazonflexinfo.com/what-is-amazon-flex/|title=What is Amazon Flex? {{!}} Amazon Flex Info|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223044204/http://www.amazonflexinfo.com/what-is-amazon-flex/|url-status=live}}
=Amazon Key=
In-Home
In October 2017, Amazon.com added an option for Prime members to get in-home deliveries by its Amazon Flex contractors, who gain entry using a one-time code.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2017/10/25/amazon-key-is-silicon-valley-at-its-most-out-of-touch/|title=Amazon Key is Silicon Valley at its most out-of-touch|last=Emba|first=Christine|date=October 25, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 26, 2017|archive-date=October 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026030342/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2017/10/25/amazon-key-is-silicon-valley-at-its-most-out-of-touch/|url-status=live}} The service, Amazon Key, became available for customers residing in 37 United States metro areas in April 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/25/560002583/amazons-newest-service-would-let-couriers-unlock-front-doors-monitored-by-camera|title=Amazon's Newest Service Would Let Couriers Unlock Front Doors, Monitored By Cameras|last=Domonoske|first=Camila|date=October 25, 2017|work=National Public Radio|access-date=October 26, 2017|archive-date=October 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025165932/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/25/560002583/amazons-newest-service-would-let-couriers-unlock-front-doors-monitored-by-camera|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_ODSBRLS_md1_w?nodeId=202177430&sa-no-redirect=1&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=ADV3Q6MHPK0E1G6TW5P0&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=74125de3-c3d6-42d5-a243-287544afe9f2&pf_rd_i=17285120011|title=Supported Cities and Surrounding Areas for Amazon Key In-Home Delivery|website=Amazon Help & Customer Service Center|access-date=April 29, 2018|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723191734/https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_ODSBRLS_md1_w?nodeId=202177430&sa-no-redirect=1&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=ADV3Q6MHPK0E1G6TW5P0&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=74125de3-c3d6-42d5-a243-287544afe9f2&pf_rd_i=17285120011|url-status=live}} {{As of|2018}}, the service required a Kwikset or Yale smart lock and a special version of Amazon's Cloud Cam security camera.{{Cite news|url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/10/25/amazon-launches-smart-lock-and-security-cam-system-to-take-in-home-deliveries-for-prime-members-with-iphone-app-alerts/|title=Amazon launches smart lock and security cam system to take in-home deliveries for Prime members, with iPhone app alerts|date=October 25, 2017|work=9to5Mac|access-date=November 9, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723170258/https://9to5mac.com/2017/10/25/amazon-launches-smart-lock-and-security-cam-system-to-take-in-home-deliveries-for-prime-members-with-iphone-app-alerts/|url-status=live}}
Customers are given a time window of four hours for the package to be delivered. Once the courier opens the door, the Cloud Cam records a clip until the door is locked, which is sent to the customer's smartphone.{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/how-amazons-in-home-delivery-works-2017-10|title=Amazon can soon put packages in your home when you're not there — here's how it works|work=Business Insider|date=October 25, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217072523/http://www.businessinsider.com/how-amazons-in-home-delivery-works-2017-10/|url-status=live}} Participants in the service can also use the Amazon Key companion app for iOS and Android to lock and unlock the door, monitor the camera, and issue virtual keys.{{cite web|url=http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/142667-what-is-amazon-key-how-does-it-work-and-where-is-it-available|title=What is Amazon Key, how does it work, and where is it available?|website=Pocket-lint|date=October 25, 2017 |language=en|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109191453/http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/142667-what-is-amazon-key-how-does-it-work-and-where-is-it-available|url-status=live}}
A month after the service was launched, a security expert found a flaw in the system which would freeze the camera and stop image transmission; this issue has since been patched.{{cite news |title=Flaw in Amazon Key delivery tech could leave your home vulnerable to thieves |author1=Jeff Rossen |author2=Lindsey Bomnin |date=December 19, 2017 |publisher=National Broadcasting Company |url=https://www.today.com/money/flaw-amazon-key-could-leave-your-home-vulnerable-thieves-t120118 |access-date=December 19, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220093335/https://www.today.com/money/flaw-amazon-key-could-leave-your-home-vulnerable-thieves-t120118 |url-status=live }}
In-Car
Amazon Key In-Car is a service allowing owners of vehicles with OnStar (that are 2015+ models) or Volvo on Call, to get packages delivered in their vehicle's trunk.{{Cite news|url=https://mashable.com/2018/04/24/amazon-key-in-car-launch/|title=Amazon can now deliver packages to the trunk of your car|last=Kraus|first=Rachel|date=April 24, 2018|work=Mashable|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424183947/https://mashable.com/2018/04/24/amazon-key-in-car-launch/|url-status=live}} The service is available in the same areas as Amazon Key's In-Home delivery, but requires no additional hardware.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-car-delivery-amazon-key-announcement-today-2018-04-24/|title=Amazon car delivery now available for some Prime members|date=April 24, 2018|work=CBS News|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424183051/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-car-delivery-amazon-key-announcement-today-2018-04-24/|url-status=live}} Customers are provided with a four-hour delivery window.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-key-in-car-delivers-right-to-your-cars-trunk/|title=Amazon Key Delivery Expands to the Trunk of Your Car|last=Reisinger|first=Don|date=April 24, 2018|work=Fortune|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424134159/https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-key-in-car-delivers-right-to-your-cars-trunk/|url-status=live}} During that time, their vehicle must be located in a publicly accessible area.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-key-in-car-delivers-right-to-your-cars-trunk/|title=Amazon Key In-Car delivers packages right to your car's trunk|last=Fox Rubin|first=Ben|date=April 24, 2018|work=CNET|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424134159/https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-key-in-car-delivers-right-to-your-cars-trunk/|url-status=live}}
In-Garage
At CES 2019, Amazon announced a partnership with the Chamberlain Group, allowing packages to be placed in customers' garages with myQ-enabled openers, as part of the Key service.{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/01/amazon-attempts-less-creepy-delivery-by-placing-packages-in-your-garage/|title=Amazon attempts less-creepy delivery by placing packages in your garage|last=Palladino|first=Valentina|date=January 8, 2019|work=Ars Technica|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=January 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108153354/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/01/amazon-attempts-less-creepy-delivery-by-placing-packages-in-your-garage/|url-status=live}}
=Prime Air=
{{main|Amazon Prime Air (drone delivery service)}}
60 Minutes reported on December 1, 2013, that Amazon Prime Air was a possible future delivery service expected to be in development for several more years. In concept, the process would use drones to deliver small packages (less than five pounds) within 30 minutes by flying short distances (10–20 km) from local Amazon Fulfillment Centers.{{cite web|last=Strange|first=Adario|title=Amazon Unveils Flying Delivery Drones on '60 Minutes'|url=http://mashable.com/2013/12/01/amazon-unveils-flying-robot-delivery-drones/|work=Mashable|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=May 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528091328/https://mashable.com/2013/12/01/amazon-unveils-flying-robot-delivery-drones/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Hickey|first=Matt|title=Meet Amazon Prime Air, A Delivery-By-Aerial-Drone Project|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthickey/2013/12/01/meet-amazon-prime-air-amazons-delivery-by-aerial-drone-project/|work=Forbes|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202134102/https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthickey/2013/12/01/meet-amazon-prime-air-amazons-delivery-by-aerial-drone-project/|url-status=live}} In the United States, the project will require the Federal Aviation Administration to approve commercial use of unmanned drones.{{cite web|last=Pierce|first=David|title=Delivery drones are coming: Jeff Bezos promises half-hour shipping with Amazon Prime Air|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/1/5164340/delivery-drones-are-coming-jeff-bezos-previews-half-hour-shipping|work=The Verge|date=December 2013|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=December 1, 2013|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202052055/https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/1/5164340/delivery-drones-are-coming-jeff-bezos-previews-half-hour-shipping|url-status=live}}
In July 2014, it was revealed the company was developing its 8th and 9th drone prototypes, some that could fly 50 miles an hour and carry 5-pound packages, and had applied to the FAA to test them.{{cite news|title=E-commerce giant Amazon seeks FAA nod for testing drones|url=http://www.seattlebulletin.com/index.php/sid/223727243/scat/9d7afd9766a94f28/ht/E-commerce-giant-Amazon-seeks-FAA-nod-for-testing-drones|access-date=July 11, 2014|publisher=Seattle Bulletin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152133/http://www.seattlebulletin.com/index.php/sid/223727243/scat/9d7afd9766a94f28/ht/E-commerce-giant-Amazon-seeks-FAA-nod-for-testing-drones|archive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=dead}} The project is not yet in flight as of January 2021, though Amazon did receive FAA approval in the US in August 2020.{{cite web|last=Palmer|first=Annie|date=August 31, 2020|title=Amazon wins FAA approval for Prime Air drone delivery fleet|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/31/amazon-prime-now-drone-delivery-fleet-gets-faa-approval.html|access-date=January 30, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129091031/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/31/amazon-prime-now-drone-delivery-fleet-gets-faa-approval.html|url-status=live}}
On June 13, 2022, Amazon announced that they will be delivering products using Prime Air drones to customers residing in the small town of Lockeford, California. At the time of announcement, there is no exact launch date other than "later this year", as Amazon awaits permission from the FAA and Lockeford officials.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-13 |title=Amazon Prime Air prepares for drone deliveries |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-prime-air-prepares-for-drone-deliveries |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=US About Amazon |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214073109/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-prime-air-prepares-for-drone-deliveries |url-status=live }}
Prime Day
On July 15, 2015, to commemorate the website's 20th anniversary, Amazon held its first Prime Day. The event is characterized by a number of sales and promotions exclusive to Amazon Prime subscribers, with Amazon initially promoting that it would feature "more deals than Black Friday".{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/6/8899669/amazon-prime-day-bigger-than-black-friday-20th-birthday|title=Amazon says 20th birthday celebration will be bigger than Black Friday|last1=McCormick|first1=Rich|website=The Verge|date=July 6, 2015|access-date=November 21, 2015|archive-date=July 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707000533/https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/6/8899669/amazon-prime-day-bigger-than-black-friday-20th-birthday|url-status=live}} The inaugural Prime Day faced criticism over the quality of the discounts offered, with many of them being tied to items not in high demand. Some users jokingly described the event as a "yard sale", and Walmart also countered the event with a promotional blog post arguing that customers "shouldn't have to pay $100 to find great deals". Amazon defended criticism of the event, stating that order volume on the website had "surpassed" Black Friday sales in 2014.{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/15/news/amazon-walmart-sales/index.html|title=Amazon 'Prime Day' shattered global sales records|last=Garcia|first=Ahiza|date=July 15, 2015|website=CNNMoney|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717231743/https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/15/news/amazon-walmart-sales/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/07/16/amazon-says-prime-day-was-bigger-than-black-friday-and-will-be-held-again/|title=Amazon Says Prime Day Was Bigger Than Black Friday And Will Be Held Again|website=TechCrunch |date=July 16, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715170429/https://techcrunch.com/2015/07/16/amazon-says-prime-day-was-bigger-than-black-friday-and-will-be-held-again/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/07/06/amazon-prime-day/|title=Amazon Marks 20th Anniversary With "Prime Day," Its Answer To Black Friday|website=TechCrunch |date=July 6, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715170414/https://techcrunch.com/2015/07/06/amazon-prime-day/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/15/news/amazon-walmart-prime-day-customers/index.html|title=Angry Amazon customers vent over sale fail|last=Garcia|first=Ahiza|date=July 15, 2015|website=CNNMoney|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716045835/https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/15/news/amazon-walmart-prime-day-customers/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/amazon-prime-day-less-mega-sale-crappy-yard-sale-customers-say-165889/|title=Amazon Prime Day Is Less of a Mega-Sale Than a Crappy Yard Sale, Customers Say|last=Ciambriell|first=Roo|website=Adweek |date=July 15, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624031943/https://www.adweek.com/digital/amazon-prime-day-less-mega-sale-crappy-yard-sale-customers-say-165889/|url-status=live}} That same month, Amazon Prime announced{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AmazonVideoUK/status/626692145475403777|title=AmazonVideoUK Twitter Account: We've got a brand new ride.|date=July 30, 2015|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=November 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104231617/https://twitter.com/AmazonVideoUK/status/626692145475403777|url-status=live}} that it had signed Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, formerly of BBC's Top Gear, to begin working on The Grand Tour for Amazon Prime Video, which was released in 2016.
On July 13, 2016, Amazon Prime said customers placed 60 percent more orders worldwide on "Prime Day".{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/amazon-says-prime-day-orders-jump-60-percent-141432191--finance.html|title=Amazon Says Prime Day Orders Jump 60 Percent over Last Year|date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=July 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714183020/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/amazon-says-prime-day-orders-jump-60-percent-141432191--finance.html|url-status=live}} The 2018 edition was preceded by a concert event headlined by Ariana Grande, and streamed on Amazon Video and Twitch.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/ariana-grande-to-headline-amazon-music-prime-day-concert-1202869429/|title=Ariana Grande to Headline Amazon Music Prime Day Concert|website=Variety|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712184554/https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/ariana-grande-to-headline-amazon-music-prime-day-concert-1202869429/|url-status=live}} The 2019 concert was held on July 10 ahead of Prime Day starting on July 15, and streamed exclusively for Prime subscribers, featuring Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Becky G, and SZA.{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|title=Taylor Swift Sings 'Shake It Off,' 'Blank Space' & More at Amazon Prime Day Concert: Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8519517/taylor-swift-performs-shake-it-off-amazon-prime-day-concert|date=July 11, 2019|last=Brandle |first=Lars|access-date=July 12, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712114938/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8519517/taylor-swift-performs-shake-it-off-amazon-prime-day-concert|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|date=July 11, 2019|author=Weatherby, Taylor & Ginsberg, Gab |title=Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, SZA and Becky G Serve Up Girl Power at Amazon Prime Day Concert: Recap}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/inside-taylor-swift-headlined-amazon-prime-day-concert-1223804|title=Inside Taylor Swift-Headlined Amazon Prime Day Concert With Gigi Hadid, 'Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Star and More|date=July 11, 2019|author=Schaffstall, Katherine|access-date=July 12, 2019|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711212642/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/inside-taylor-swift-headlined-amazon-prime-day-concert-1223804|url-status=live}}
In 2018, Prime Day first became tied to protests of Amazon and employee strikes due to the Criticism of Amazon. Supporters of these actions have urged boycotts of Amazon during Prime Day as solidarity, covering all services provided by the company and its subsidiaries.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jul/15/prime-day-activists-plan-protests-in-us-cities-and-a-boycott-of-e-commerce-giant|title=Prime Day: activists plan protests in US cities and a boycott of e-commerce giant|last=Paul|first=Kari|date=July 15, 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 15, 2019 |issn=0261-3077|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715063452/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jul/15/prime-day-activists-plan-protests-in-us-cities-and-a-boycott-of-e-commerce-giant|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/strikes-boycotts-and-outages-mar-amazon-prime-day/|title=Strikes, Boycotts, and Outages Mar Amazon Prime Day|last=Tiku|first=Nitasha|date=July 16, 2018|magazine=Wired|access-date=July 15, 2019|issn=1059-1028|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501211130/https://www.wired.com/story/strikes-boycotts-and-outages-mar-amazon-prime-day/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2019/07/08/amazon-prime-day-2019-strike/|title=Amazon Warehouse Workers Plan Strike During Prime Day 2019|website=Fortune |access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709020022/https://fortune.com/2019/07/08/amazon-prime-day-2019-strike/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/14/20692187/amazon-strike-protest-workers-warehouse-employees-conditions-prime-day-2019|title=Should you boycott Amazon Prime Day?|last=Brandom|first=Russell|date=July 14, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714153301/https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/14/20692187/amazon-strike-protest-workers-warehouse-employees-conditions-prime-day-2019|url-status=live}}
In 2020, Prime Day was postponed in the US and Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was held from October 13–14. Prime Day was held in India on August 6–7.{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Dalvin | title=Amazon Prime Day is Coming to the U.S. This Year, but 'Later than Usual' | website=USA TODAY | date=July 21, 2020 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/07/21/amazon-prime-day-delayed-due-pandemic-but-its-still-coming/5477575002/ | access-date=July 21, 2020 | archive-date=July 21, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721125104/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/07/21/amazon-prime-day-delayed-due-pandemic-but-its-still-coming/5477575002/ | url-status=live }}
In May 2021, Prime Day was postponed indefinitely in Canada due to COVID-19.{{Cite web|date=May 7, 2021|title=Amazon postpones Prime Day in Canada due to COVID-19 outbreaks|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/amazon-prime-day-canada-1.6018520|url-status=live|access-date=June 4, 2021|publisher=Canadian Press|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517140153/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/amazon-prime-day-canada-1.6018520}}
In 2022, building on the delayed October 2020 version, Amazon launched a second annual Prime-exclusive sales event in October, initially called the Prime Early Access Sale, and then renamed Prime Big Deal Days in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/money/amazon-prime-big-deal-days-2023/|title=What to Know About Amazon’s Second Prime Day, Prime Big Deal Days 2023|first=Kaitlin|last=Mahar|work=Wirecutter|publisher=The New York Times Company|date=September 21, 2023|access-date=October 7, 2024}} The fall event is also referred to as "Prime Day", or as "October Prime Day", by some publications.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/money/best-early-amazon-prime-big-deal-days-deals-2024-1007/|title=Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Starts Tomorrow. But Here Are the 80+ Best Deals You Can Shop Now.|work=Wirecutter|publisher=The New York Times Company|date=October 7, 2024|access-date=October 7, 2024}}
In 2023, Prime Day was held from July 11–12, and Prime Big Deal Days was held from October 10–11.{{Cite web |title=When is Amazon Prime Day 2024 and other key eCommerce dates. |url=https://www.huboo.com/ecommerce/when-is-amazon-prime-day-2024-and-other-key-ecommerce-dates-this-year/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=eCommerce Order Fulfilment & Storage |language=en-GB}}
In 2024, Prime Day was held from July 16–17{{Cite web |last=Schulz |first=Gabe Hauari and Bailey |title=When is Amazon Prime Day 2024? Dates, deals and what to know about summer sales event |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2024/07/15/amazon-prime-day-2024/74382648007/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} and was available in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the UK.{{Cite web |title=Amazon Prime Day 2024: How to get deals July 16-17 |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/when-is-prime-day-2024 |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=www.aboutamazon.com |language=en}} The 2024 edition of Prime Big Deal Days was held from October 8–9.{{Cite web |title=Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days 2024 event is October 8-9. Here are 5 tips to save big during the event. |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-announces-prime-big-deal-days-2024-dates |date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=www.aboutamazon.com |language=en}}
Availability
{{As of|2021|10|post=,}} Prime memberships are available in 27 countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, and the US.{{cite web |url=https://www.emarketer.com/content/amazon-around-the-world |title=Amazon Around the World - Insider Intelligence Trends, Forecasts & Statistics |website=EMarketer.com |date= |accessdate=March 15, 2021 |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412005958/https://www.emarketer.com/content/amazon-around-the-world |url-status=live }}{{fix|text=new countries not added}}
{{As of|2023|post=,}} while a valid debit or credit card is required to be provided as a backup payment method, it is possible to pay for Amazon Prime subscription fees with Amazon gift card balance in the following countries:{{cite web |url=https://milestomemories.com/use-amazon-gift-cards-for-prime-membership/ |title= You Can Now Use Amazon Gift Cards for Prime Membership and Video Subscriptions|date= December 18, 2020}} Japan,{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201910200 |title=The Amazon Prime Membership Fee - Amazon Customer Service }} Italy,{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.it/b?ie=UTF8&node=56922885031 |title=Amazon.it: Buoni Regalo Prime: Buoni regalo |website=Amazon.it }} Spain,{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.es/b?ie=UTF8&node=56935322031 |title=Amazon.es: Tarjetas Regalo Amazon Prime: Cheques regalo |website=Amazon.es }} Mexico,{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com.mx/b?ie=UTF8&node=23483337011 |title=Amazon.com.mx: Paga Prime Con Tarjeta de Regalo - FAQs }} Canada, France,{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.fr/b?ie=UTF8&node=56187355031 |title=Amazon.fr : Cartes Cadeaux Prime : Boutique cartes cadeaux |website=Amazon.fr }} the United Kingdom,{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?node=56336462031 |title=Amazon.co.uk: Prime Gift Cards: Gift Cards |website=Amazon UK }} the United States, Netherlands (since November 2023),{{cite web |url=https://www.primevideo.com/help?nodeId=TtmpPpt4SHTjHQsAEX |title=Prime Video Accepted Payment Methods }} Saudi Arabia (since November 2023),{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/b?ie=UTF8&node=27155493031 |title=Amazon.sa: Prime - Gift Cards }} Germany (since November 2023), India (annual plan only, non-auto renewing due to digital payment regulations by Reserve Bank of India).
In Saudi Arabia and Mexico, users can pay for a Prime membership using only Amazon Gift Cards, without having to provide a credit or debit card beforehand. A free trial is not provided if there is no credit or debit card added to a user's account.
See also
References
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External links
- {{commons category-inline|Amazon Prime}}
{{Amazon}}
Category:Subscription services