Amazon Offers Same-Day Shipping…Select Cities Only

Amazon is already the go-to source to purchase just about anything while eating a sandwich in the comfort of your own living room. And now, if you live in a select handful of cities, it can further replace physical shopping by offering consumers same-day delivery. So if you need something right away, you can replace the frantic run to the store with quick, painless navigation through Amazon. The new same-day service is called Local Express Delivery and Amazon announced today that it will be available in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Seattle on thousands of products. Pricing for the service will vary based upon the specific product ordered, but generally runs between $15 and $19 per shipment or $5.99 for Amazon Prime members. Amazon also plans to offer the service in other cities such as Chicago and Phoenix in the months to come.

Don’t expect to order something at 4:59 p.m. and have it at your door hours later, however. The Local Express Delivery Service includes built-in cut-off times for same-day delivery. The specific times vary by city; for instance, New York’s cutoff is 10 a.m. while Seattle’s is 1 p.m. (both local time). Additionally, Amazon will expand its Saturday shipping options. Those that select 2-day shipping or overnight by the cut-off time will be able to get shipments on Saturday. The Saturday options will be available to all customers, regardless of location. While the new shipping options are expected to benefit Prime members the most, they should also provide significant help to the busy, lazy and forgetful. [via CNET]