If you are an Amazon Prime member, you may have noticed something different during the COVID pandemic.
Packages take longer to arrive, and some deliveries are no longer free.
That has some Prime members asking: Why are we still paying $120 a year for this service?
Longer wait times, less free shipping
We noticed once the pandemic hit, that two-day shipping became three days, five days, even longer.
I ordered something for my mother-in-law, who lives in South Carolina and she received her product in 10 days.
Other items, from some third-party Amazon merchants, do not even qualify for free shipping these days.
Actually, it says it is not eligible for Amazon Prime.
The problem is that “I can’t have any guarantee it will be here. Before, I knew if I need it this Friday, I can order it Wednesday.”
Amazon hasn’t offered any Prime refunds at this point, but you can clearly understand why some people are asking for one.
Amazon unprepared for surge in orders this Spring
A report on CNBC — about Amazon’s “unpredictable” shipping during this crisis — quotes the company’s CFO, who says they were “overwhelmed” by demand for essentials.
And unlike Christmas, he explains, they had no time for preparation, to ramp up and hire extra workers months in advance.
While being patient and an understanding person – we like to think we’re frugal. Alot of people wondered out loud – Why am I paying for something that I am not getting?!?!?
Amazon says it limited sales of nonessential items, such as toys and electronics, so it can concentrate on items like food, medical supplies, diapers, and baby wipes.
But as more retail stores reopen, Amazon hopes to get back to normal, so you don’t have to wait weeks for an order, and so you don’t waste your money.