Amazon No Longer Offers 2-Day Prime Shipping (Here’s What To Do About It)
Have you noticed that Amazon doesn’t deliver on their 2-day Prime Shipping anymore? It’s actually not even close for my address and I’ve had to return stuff to Amazon as I don’t need it by the time the package shows up. Anything that I want to buy today (a Monday) won’t be delivered until Sunday at the earliest. I tested this on a bunch of different shopping categories and made sure it was all products sold and shipped directly by Amazon, and none could be delivered before Sunday, 6 days from NOW. But alas, not all hope is lost, here’s what you should do to hold Amazon’s feet to the fire. It’ll only take a few minutes and put an extra $10 or $20 in your pocket.
Call Them Up and Ask For a 1-Month Refund
When I have a problem with Amazon I usually start a live chat session as it’s easier to say exactly what I want to say.
BUT…for the first time ever, I recommend actually calling them at 1-(888) 280-4331 and say, “Why don’t I get 2-day Prime shipping anymore?”
I tried doing this via Live Chat and it just went in circles due to what I’m guessing was a language barrier.
At this point, give them your zip code and ask them to run it through their system to find out for sure whether your address qualifies for 2-day shipping.
Most addresses do indeed qualify for 2-day Prime shipping.
See Also: 5 Reasons Why Amazon Prime Is a Terrible Buy
If your address does qualify, then you probably already know the EXACT reason why you’re not getting your packages within 2 days.
It’s because Amazon can’t hold up their end of the bargain and they should pay for it.
This is when you politely ask for a 1-month refund on your Prime membership (approximately $10) because Amazon can’t hold up their end of the bargain.
I did this recently via a phone call to their customer service department and it took me all of about 5 minutes to score the $10 refund.
There was ZERO hesitation from the rep I talked with and I think they are trained to hand out this refund for those who politely ask for it.
Note: My family orders from Amazon at least 1-2 times per week and I’m not sure if that played a role in getting the 1-month refund, but in either case, it’s definitely worth a shot.
PRO TIP: AIM HIGH & ASK FOR EVEN MORE
From the comments section, several Amazon Prime members were actually given a $20 “inconvenience credit”. Since we we know that a $20 credit is on the table, you might as well ask for it. You stand a decent chance of them giving it to you, and if they don’t just try again later with a different CSR.
Hold Amazon’s Feet to the Fire
I realize Amazon’s been hit by unprecedented demand in recent months, but let’s not forget they are one of the richest companies in the world.
Now that the economy and stores have opened back up in most of the country, the demand for online shopping has been greatly reduced.
Yet Amazon still can’t figure it out and solve their order backlog issues.
What ticks me off the most is Amazon wants to blame it on the pandemic and increased demand in online shopping.
I’d have no problem buying that argument back in March, April or May of 2020…BUT NOT NOW.
It’s my opinion that Amazon was losing money on the 2-day shipping guarantee and is using the current situation as a handy way to get rid of the fast shipping guarantee altogether.
See Also: Not Getting Amazon Delivery on Sunday? Here’s Why
I’d be SHOCKED if 2-Day Prime shipping ever came back at this point.
So the bottom line is get your $10 refund NOW before they aren’t so generous.
The customer service rep also told me that MANY people are calling to cancel Prime, she said she had already cancelled over 50 memberships in the past couple days.
Here’s what a chat rep told me when I asked him if Prime members were complaining about the issue:
PRO TIP: TRY AN AMAZON BUSINESS ACCOUNT
Thanks to reader Joseph, who commented recently letting us know that his Amazon Business account has been delivering in 2-days since last September. The interesting part is that his “regular Prime account” is stuck at 4-7 days for delivery. Since an Amazon business account is FREE to join, and also gives you quantity discounts, setting up an account could be worth a shot. Also, in case you were wondering, he said his business is not COVID related in the slightest.
Prime 2-Day Shipping Has Turned Into 5-Day Delivery
The reason that 2-day Prime shipping has turned into 5, 6, or even 7-day shipping has nothing to do with UPS or the USPS.
It falls 100% on Amazon as they now say that the “2-day shipping guarantee” is from when they actually process your order and get it in the mail.
So if it takes them a couple days to box it up and ship it out, then you’ll get it delivered to your home in about 5 days on average.
See Also: Amazon Package Arriving Late? Here’s How to Score a Refund
If you’re like me, the main reason you joined Prime and paid $139/year was for the 2-day shipping, so this is KIND OF A BIG DEAL.
Ask the Reader: Are you a Prime member? If so, when was the last time Amazon delivered something to you in 2 days?
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
I tried this, and they told me that, if they refund me, they’ll have to cancel my membership.
That would be illegal. If they promised you a service and are not delivering it, it’s their obligation to compensate you.
I just noticed this issue today. I just spent 45 minutes on the phone with an Amazon rep who initially told me I’d have to cancel my membership for a refund. I politely but firmly told them I don’t wish to cancel, but if they could offer me a partial refund I’d be happy. They ended up refunding me the whole year’s amount but allowed me to keep the remainder of my Prime membership, which I use for TV and music in addition to shipping. I’m happy with the way they handled it, but I’m disappointed I can’t get my item before I leave on my trip and that the service was discontinued (hopefully temporarily?).
To those saying USPS is not to blame at all; they certainly are in my area. Every single thing I’ve ordered in the past year from Amazon that goes through USPS looks like the attached photo.
Historically, over the past decade of being a Prime member, almost everything was shipped via UPS or (to a lesser extent) FedEx. Those items ALWAYS arrived on time. The rare time they are sent out by either of those, they still arrive on time (maybe not two days anymore, but rather quickly). Unfortunately, almost every single thing is shipped via USPS. I told Amazon if they don’t stop using USPS, I will be canceling Prime. My subscription normally renews in January and it will be canceled.
Holy crap, I have this same issue. I was begging to believe I was the only one with this issue. Unless you also happen to live in Bismarck ND, then I deff understand why you’re having this issue. I also vented to Amazon about this, explaining that there’s an issue when they drop off the package at USPS. For some reason there is a really long turn around time. I seriously wish they would go back to UPS or Fedex. Hell I wouldn’t mind dropping a couple more bucks at check out just to upgrade to it. Especially on items I need on time. Glad to hear you got a refund though, I my self am on a month to month so getting 10$ back isn’t worth the hassle for me. Although I am going to try and get to the bottom of this USPS crap. I think I will make a phone call to my facility and try and see what’s going on, on their end. Because this is crazy!!!
USPS may be part of the problem but in my case it is because Amazon waits 2 or 3 days after I place my order to even start the shipping process.
This is my problem here too. I used to get things shipped 3 to 4 days with my prime account. Now I have to wait nearly 2 weeks to get an item. Some items get cancelled all together because they don’t start the process on time.
When you get the tracking #, compare Amazon’s tracking info with what USPS provides via their site.
Locally amazon is notorious for blaming other parties, but when you dig into all the tracking… they typically are getting the order to USPS AFTER the postal carriers have loaded their truck and have gone out for delivery.
Then there’s the shyte like this… these, orders that just disappeared… (That TBA denotes it’s Amazon Delivery)
Tracking ID: TBA058816295Tuesday, September 20
7:00 PM
Package delayed in transit
3:00 PM
Package delayed in transit
8:17 AM
Possible delay in delivery.
Round Rock, US
Tracking ID: TBA303522100Sunday, October 30
10:18 AM
Package is out for delivery.
Houston, US
6:11 AM
Package being processed at carrier facility.
Houston, US
5:59 AM
Package arrived at a carrier facility.
Houston, US
FedEx has lost my packages more than once now in our area and has even dropped packages at an abandoned house when ordering from somewhere that isn’t Amazon or Walmart.
It’s not just us either; FedEx has dropped packages at my house that should go to somebody else in the neighborhood and we’ve had to go looking to put the box where it belongs.
It’s a mess no matter what company you go through.
I understand that. In my area though Amazon delivers the majority of our packages and it’s the fulfillment centers that are currently sitting on the packages for a couple of days before shipping.
I went to chat to vent and let them know that I had canceled my subscription come January when it was set to renew. The operator misunderstood and instead offered me a refund to cancel now. I got $59 back with only two months left (I was still on the $120 rate). I’ll take it since most Amazon goods have free shipping anyways without Prime.
funny thing is that for me anyway, it would arrive to my house a day earlier without prime membership lol.
Check your zipcode via the 2-day shipping thing. If you live in an area with 1 to 2 day shipping, you’re guaranteed, if you’re not in that area, you’re not.
I have a friends and family who fall into guaranteed zones and they get things the day I order them (if I order in the morning) I’ve learned to look for “If you order by this time” during the week to know if I’m guaranteed a delivery or not. Anything ordered over the weekend is a long shot.
Yeah, I just went round and round with customer service to no avail. I literally JUST received 2 day delivery a couple of weeks ago on some items. We order quite a bit from Amazon normally but i guess no longer. Every single item I’ve tried to order in the last week has said that it will take a week to get to me. However, I did notice that if I signed out of my PRIME account, it actually said it would arrive a day earlier without prime – go figure. Also beware if you switch to a business account, I was told you would lose your streaming services if that’s a matter to you.
my last 3 orders have all been late and I order a lot from Amazon ( at least once a week). At this point, they are just false advertising, if I try to rebuy an item I know won’t be here in 2 days ( I usually order on Fridays and get my items on Monday) it still says, “FREE delivery Tomorrow, October 24. Order within 1 hr 31 mins” I am canceling my Prime.
If they cannot honor the two day shipping, why aren’t they reducing the annual prime membership?
If you try to call the 888 number now it says “we’re currently working on our customer service systems, if you need help with an account or order, please call back later………..” are you kidding me Amazon?? The only reason I’m hesitating to cancel is because of prime video and music… I guess they’re banking on that for most people rrrrrgh! They need to lower the membership fees if they’re not bringing back 2-day..
But at least with amazon prime if it is sold by amazon you do get FREE shipping. may not be in 2 days but it is FREE!!
Their policy is also you can order for $25+ and get free shipping still. If you’re ordering things that often, you might as well as cancel prime save up a list of things you need and place the order for $25+ if you don’t have a prime account.
Back when the 2 day shipping was guaranteed the prime account was worth it.
For those uncertain about Prime music, check to see if you’d save more by cancelling your Prime membership and getting music unlimited and/or Kindle unlimited if using those services.
Chances are good they’ll eventually realize how many members had it specifically for the shipping and either lower the price again, or they’ll come up with a method to pay for streaming via non-prime members.
Don’t be obtuse. Your “free” shipping is built into the cost of the item you’re ordering. Plus the $139 they’re taking every year from you is usually far more than most people would ever spend on shipping in a year. It’s a scam. You’re their favorite type of person, you soak up all their b.s. and think you’re getting a deal. Think again. This time harder.
I joined years ago because of FREE SHIPPING. And that’s still the case today.
It was a nice perk when they introduced 2-day and amazingly 1 day shipping but alas all that is gone.
$139 will get me free shipping and as many cheesey videos I can watch (the 6 headed shark, etc). It’s less than 12 dollars a month.
I still think it’s a good deal 🙂
Your “free” shipping us built into the cost of all that crap you’re ordering from them. Don’t be obtuse. You’re getting suckered.
It’s upsetting they don’t offer the two-day shipping any more, but granted, that will save me more money as I will be ordering way less from Amazon as a result. I loved the convenience and speed of it. At this point, it really does not matter any more. I might as well go and shop locally or at other online stores.
I am keeping the Prime though as I do a good deal of shopping at Whole Foods and get pretty good discounts with my Prime membership.
Amazon is just upselling us. Amazon now offers overnight shipping and even same day shipping in my city (Providence, RI), but to qualify for it I need a minimum order of $25. The same $12 item Amazon is saying will arrive in 5 days with Prime shipping, is also available for same day *delivery* IF I add another $13 worth of items to my cart or if pay Amazon $2.99 for delivery. So, it isn’t a matter or product availability or shipping distance. Amazon is just upselling Prime customers. You either buy $25 worth of goods per order, pay a delivery fee, or you get slow shipping. Incidentally, this is what Amazon always did. Slow shipping has always been free to non-Prime users if they ordered a minimum of $25.
My problem is the delivery date keeps changing, I ordered a few things next day and as soon as I hit order the delivery time jumped a week then went back to one day after which all the items suddenly got separate delivery days over the next 2 weeks then 2 items became the same shipment again and the date changed to 3 days from original.
I contacted Amazon on the app and the delivery changed again while I was talking to them.
How can a person possibly set aside time to take a delivery if the date keeps changing 5 times a day?
The fact that I work 12 hour overnights plus travel time means to get a delivery during the day I have to go with out sleep, which is impossible for me to do for 2 weeks straight just because they can’t get their shit together.
Without naming the warehouse and region of the nation… Our son was one of 4 shift managers at an Amazon warehouse in the US for nearly 2 years. His shift was SECOND in the region for production. One day this last summer new people came in above him, unwisely & arbitrarily changed his shift to one medically dangerous for him (by doctor’s letter). They refused to let him stay with the shift that he had successfully lead to a celebrated level of excellence. They disregarded “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. You can’t fix stupid but you can certainly see the consequences of a nationwide firm allowing stupid decisions.
I called today to raise a little hell. I mean I paid $139 and the contract said 2 day delivery on readily available items. the items I ordered were readily available and the best they could do was 5 days. So I complained and got a 20% refund on my prime fee.
I ordered from walmart.com and got next day delivery at no extra cost and no prime membership. Go figure.
Wondering if enough complaints to BBB would make a difference?