Amazon Raises Free Delivery Threshold Leaving Shoppers Frustrated
- Amazon increases minimum spend for free delivery from £25 to £35
- Customers express disappointment, calling the move "sneaky"
- Prime members unaffected except for certain premium services
- Non-Prime members can avoid fees with Pickup Location collections
Amazon has increased its minimum spend for free deliveries from £25 to £35, leading to widespread frustration among customers. This 40% hike means shoppers will need to spend significantly more to avoid delivery charges for home deliveries.
The change appears to have been implemented this week, as indicated by updates to Amazon's website. Many customers were unaware of the increase, sparking accusations of underhanded tactics. One user on social media remarked, "I just noticed that AmazonUK has increased the minimum spend for free delivery to £35… That’s a lot for a lot of people in these reduced times." Another commented, "That’s way too high!! Also, you didn’t exactly publicise it, very sneaky!"
While Amazon Prime members continue to benefit from free delivery on most orders, exceptions include superfast "Same Day & Overnight Delivery" services, which cost £1.99 if the order is under £20. Non-Prime members can avoid delivery fees by opting for collection from an Amazon locker or Pickup Location, though not all items qualify for this service.
An Amazon spokesperson explained, “There are a number of external factors influencing shipping costs right now. We are constantly innovating and working to bring more value to our customers, and customers who are not Prime members will receive free shipping on all orders above £35.”
Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, “In times when budgets are already tight, such changes can feel like a blow to loyal customers. It’s always a good idea to explore alternative delivery options or even consider the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership.”
I will have no choice but to join Amazon Prime for one month only. Years ago, Amazon was the only online retailer for me.
On lots of items there is a "pickup" option. I use this a lot when my order is under the minimum. Also subscribe and save options are free delivery. Hope this helps.
I mainly use Amazon Warehouse which is typically free click and collect depending on size. Amazon are trying to push more people to prime where they make the most money. I've never subscribed to prime and never will but it hardly matters as most things are cheaper away from Amazon anyway. I've seen prime deals which are utter garbage but other prime deals which are great value. For Amazon its all about extracting the most money from its customer base. I personally think £35 is fair threshold for free postage. For small items often local shopping or Aliexpress is better anyway and for larger items you would be over the £35 limit. I've seen DIY stuff on Amazon for 2-3x the price of what I can buy locally at a shop called 'Proper Job'.
I just looked at hole spades on Amazon and the only seller for the one I bought is £19.99 with free postage from a marketplace seller and I can buy it locally for £10.99 and in fact not long ago it was £8.99. The only offerings from Amazon themselves are weaker looking and about £26 so I guess £31 for non prime members to get delivery. Too large for click and collect. Basically 3x as much to buy from Amazon for an inferior product. Amazon would only be an option here for really moronic consumers.
I must admit though I've just ordered some pringles for £1.25 for collection on sunday when I go to collect another order and do my weekly coop offers at the same time. So I can't see much profit in packing a single tube of pringles and posting it for £1.25.