Amazon Prime Shipping Delays Frustrate Customers, Leading Some to Consider Alternatives like Walmart
Since its inception in the late '90s, Amazon has been synonymous with convenience in online shopping. However, many customers are now voicing their disappointment with the company's famous two-day delivery program, Amazon Prime. Social media platforms are brimming with customers complaining about delivery delays and suggesting that they may switch to competitors such as Walmart.
Amazon Prime's Decline in Delivery Service
Priced at $14.99 per month, Amazon Prime offers a range of benefits including access to Amazon Fresh grocery delivery, Prime Reading e-books, and the extensive entertainment catalog. The most coveted perk, though, has always been the same-day, one-day, and two-day delivery on most items. Sadly, several shoppers have noticed a significant decline in the quality of Prime shipping lately.
A frustrated customer took to social media expressing their concerns about the diminishing reliability of Amazon Prime shipping: "How long before people notice that Amazon Prime shipping is rarely two days anymore and that you're basically lucky to even receive your package at this point? The decline is everywhere and in all things."
Another Prime member added, "I am seriously wondering why I am paying the outrageous price for Amazon Prime. Rather than the next-day delivery, which was supposed to become same-day delivery, it now seems to become three-day delivery and often slips to four or more days."
Walmart+ Attracts Disenchanted Amazon Prime Users
In response to Amazon's shipping woes, some patrons are turning to Walmart+ as a more favorable alternative. Walmart's subscription service guarantees delivery of everyday items, including groceries and household essentials, in two hours or less through its Express Delivery service.
Expressing their dissatisfaction with Amazon Prime shipping, one user announced, "Why is Amazon shipping Prime delivery in 5 days (instead of 2 days)? It takes 5 days, and things are no longer discounted when compared to competitors. I am switching to Walmart."
An enthusiastic Walmart shopper shared their positive experience with the Express Delivery service: "Man, I ordered Walmart express delivery & I swear it only took 30 minutes from the time I ordered to get here. I loveeee it."
Another user praised Walmart's Express Delivery for its convenience, especially during times when leaving the house is challenging: "Walmart express delivery is top tier. I ordered all my self-care pms package at the top of the hour & it's already out for delivery. Thankful cause I'm laid up on a heating pad staring at the ceiling."
Comparing Walmart+ to Amazon Prime
Similar to Amazon Prime, Walmart+ offers a membership for $12.95 per month, providing free shipping and delivery from a local store. While Walmart's Express Delivery service incurs express and standard delivery fees and item restrictions, Walmart+ members enjoy broader shopping options without additional charges.
However, not all Walmart+ customers are thrilled with their experience, mainly due to incomplete orders. Dissatisfied with the service, one shopper vowed never to return: "Walmart can count their days & never have to worry about me again. Definitely boycotting!! How'd I order $120 worth of items and got about $22 worth delivered along with cat food and cat litter that I didn't order."
Another user shared their frustration about missing items and canceled their Walmart+ membership: "My grocery delivery is missing so much stuff I'm canceling Walmart+."
In reflecting the sentiments of disgruntled customers, one person declared, "Walmart, I came back after 13 months, and your delivery services have not only not improved, they've gotten WORSE. Never again."
As customer dissatisfaction mounts, it remains to be seen how Amazon and Walmart will respond to these issues in order to retain their customer bases.
Analyst comment
Negative news. Many customers are disappointed with Amazon Prime’s decline in delivery speed, considering abandoning the service for competitors like Walmart. The market may see a decrease in Amazon Prime subscriptions and an increase in Walmart+ memberships as customers seek faster and more reliable home delivery options.
