Amazon Fresh is a very interesting subsidiary of Amazon that is providing consumers in select markets with the ability to order fresh produce and groceries online. This interesting new service from Amazon was introduced to a few invitation-only beta testers in a Seattle suburb in 2007 and has expanded into a number of other markets in California. Amazon is still experimenting with their online delivery service and is currently seeing if it will take off. So, we are going to talk about five things that you should know about this service.
5. All your food and grocery needs are purchased via a computer, smartphone, or tablet
This should come as no surprise, but one will place their order of Amazon Fresh goods off of their website via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You will never have to set foot into a grocery store again with Amazon Fresh. I actually looked at some of the products available on Amazon Fresh and I was able to make my entire grocery list, at a cheaper price than my local supermarket. But I am not able to purchase my groceries through Amazon Fresh because…
4. It is only available in select markets in Northern California, Southern California, and Seattle.
Amazon is still in the process of testing out Amazon Fresh so if you don’t happen to live in a major city in California (or its suburbs) or Seattle, then unfortunately you cannot take advantage of this relatively new service. The service is very appealing to people all over the country, yet it still has not evolved out of its test markets.
3. Amazon promises “free same-day and early morning deliveries of orders over $35”
Amazon exclaims that if you place your Fresh order of over $35 dollars by 10 a.m., it will get to your house before dinner time. Anytime you place a Fresh order after, Amazon ensures that it will be on your doorstep the next morning. This delivery time is in fact faster than Amazon’s 2-day Prime service, making it very appealing to consumers. A grocery list can easily be over $35 dollars (I just spent $110 dollars on groceries yesterday), so most deliveries will be available at your door either same-day or the morning of the next day.
2. It costs $299 dollars a year to use
In addition to the cost of groceries, you need a “Amazon Prime Fresh” account to use the service. The first month of Amazon Fresh is free, but after that you will have to pay $299 dollars a year to access this service. So right there you are looking at $299 initially and then the added costs of your groceries. But if you purchase all of your groceries of Amazon, that $299 dollar fee could be worth it as you would never leave your house to go grocery shopping again. The “Amazon Prime Fresh Account” also includes a normal Amazon Prime account, so it seems like a worthwhile endeavor, if you choose to use this service.
1. You can get food from participating restaurants and vendors
In addition to getting fresh produce and groceries from Amazon Fresh, you can also get food from participating food vendors and restaurants. Say you want a doughnut from your favorite mom and pop doughnut store, or some 100% organic, free-trade coffee beans from that local hipster coffee shop. Well, with Amazon Fresh you can do just that. Amazon has a list of participating vendors on their website who also provide their services to Amazon Fresh.
Photo by Kevork Djansezian
