How to Get Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery on Amazon
In today's fast-paced world, receiving your purchases quickly has become increasingly important. Among the various advantages of e-commerce in general is fast shipping. In this respect, Amazon’s two-day shipping option has revolutionized e-commerce and set a higher standard for delivery speed.
However, this expectation has created an even more sense of urgency among customers, prompting people to want next-day delivery or even same-day delivery with Amazon.
This article will help you explore and understand how to get same-day or next day delivery with Amazon.
How to Get Amazon Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery
Amazon’s same-day delivery option is available to Amazon Prime members in select areas. With this service, customers can place an order and receive it on the same day, provided the order meets the eligibility criteria and is placed within the cut-off time.
Here are some broad criteria for eligibility:
- Be an Amazon Prime member
- Order $25 or more
- Order before the cut-off time (typically 9AM-12PM, depending on location)
- Be in an eligible location (typically urban areas)
- Order a same-day eligible item (typically ‘standard size items' and excluding bulkier items)
It used to be that Amazon would only have same-day delivery on weekdays but generally this is now available 7 days a week.
Typically, you need to order before noon but Amazon provides an “order within” countdown timer for delivery dates, indicating the time window in which an order must be placed to receive delivery by a specific date.
General Delivery Timeframes
There are several shipping options available for Amazon customers, and the delivery timeframes vary, depending on the method selected. Here are the most common shipping options:
- Standard shipping. Amazon's standard shipping typically takes 4 to 5 business days for delivery. This option is free for Prime members on eligible items and available to non-Prime members for a fee.
- Expedited shipping. This shipping method reduces the delivery time to 2 to 3 business days. It is available for an additional cost, but Prime members often receive a discount on expedited shipping fees.
Important Things to Note for Amazon Next-Day or Same-Day Delivery
The requirements for same-day and next-day delivery on Amazon are largely similar, but there are a few differences. Here's a comparison of the requirements for both delivery options:
- Customer eligibility. For both same-day and next-day delivery, you must be an Amazon Prime member, and your delivery address should be within the eligible delivery area. The eligible areas might differ between the two options, so always check your zip code using the Amazon Prime delivery options tool on their website.
- Product eligibility. Items eligible for same-day delivery will have the “Prime FREE Same-Day” label, while those eligible for next-day delivery will have the “Prime FREE One-Day” label. The specific products eligible for each delivery option may vary.
- Minimum order. The minimum order value required for same-day and next-day delivery might differ. Be sure to check the applicable minimum value for your chosen delivery option.
- Cut-off times. The cut-off time for placing orders is different for each delivery option. Generally, the cut-off time for same-day delivery is around noon, while for next-day delivery, it is usually around midnight.
While the general requirements for both delivery options are similar, the specific details such as eligible areas, products, and cut-off times may vary. Always double-check the eligibility of your address and desired products before placing an order.
Amazon Late Night Deliveries
To take it up a notch, Amazon also offers late-night deliveries in some areas. Typically, Amazon deliveries are done between 8 AM and 8 PM. However, there are Amazon drivers who can deliver late into the night, i.e., past 10 PM. Depending on which area they're on, Prime members can set their late delivery preference to 10 PM on weekdays.
This delivery option has received mixed reviews, and safety concerns were raised for the drivers who may be mistaken for burglars.
How to Get Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery on Amazon
If you're an Amazon Prime member and you want to get your orders delivered to you quickly, you have access to exclusive same-day or next-day delivery options. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Sign up for Amazon Prime
Only Amazon Prime members are eligible for free same-day or next-day delivery on eligible items. You can sign up for a free trial or a paid membership to get access to this benefit.
2. Look for eligible items
Not all items on Amazon are eligible for same-day or next-day delivery. To find eligible items, look for the “Prime” logo next to the product name or filter your search results by selecting “Prime” under “Delivery Speed” on the left-hand side of the page.
3. Check your delivery options
Once you find an eligible item, check the delivery options available. If same-day or next-day delivery is available, you'll see it listed as an option at checkout.
4. Choose the delivery speed
If same-day or next-day delivery is available, select it as your preferred delivery speed at checkout.
5. Confirm your order
Before confirming your order, double-check the delivery speed and any associated costs (if applicable). If everything looks good, confirm your order and wait for your package to arrive!
Some same-day and next-day delivery options may come with additional costs, so be sure to read the fine print before checking out.
Is Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery on Amazon Available in My Area?
Same-day and next-day delivery options are not available in all areas or for all products. This is why you need to check before placing your order.
Amazon same-day or next-day delivery is available in more than 110 US metro areas and in select places in other countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil.
If you're ordering from Amazon.com and want to be sure that the products are eligible for same-day delivery, you can go to amazon.com/sameday. You can also verify this because when 1) you see an “order within” countdown timer showing you how much time you have to place the order in order to receive it the same day and 2) your order summary will show the estimated delivery time, or the time that your pickup order will be ready.
Amazon also warns you if your zip code is not eligible for same-day delivery.
In 2023, CEO Andy Jassy explained how Amazon is able to manage same-day deliveries. He said the company's US fulfillment network from a “flat regional network” to regional hubs. They also use “sub same-day facilities” to get the products closer to customers.
Amazon has not released its algorithm for determining which areas can avail its same-day or next-day delivery options. It uses machine learning algorithms to predict the products customers are most likely to order and where they will be delivered so they can prepare. So areas with more people will be top priority, e.g., the 110+ US metro areas.
Conclusion
Fast delivery has become an essential component of the modern shopping experience, as consumers increasingly value convenience and efficiency. Amazon’s same-day and next-day delivery are just a few examples of how online retailers are able to meet this demand.
By offering a range of expedited delivery options, Amazon continues to enhance its appeal to customers, ensuring that their needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.
