Amazon used to be the most convenient, efficient way to shop online for everything from toys to groceries. Now, it seems like there are more shipping delays, frustrating price peaks, and confusion over what’s “essential.” I get it, and understand that frustration, because I’m an Amazon shopper, too. Luckily, there are some great tips I can share with you to better fit your Amazon shopping experience with this Coronavirus pandemic!
Stay informed with daily updates about Amazon’s efforts
regarding Coronavirus on the Amazon blog!
Sharky’s Favorite Tip: Score $10 off 3 household essentials for a limited time! Shop this page and your total will be automatically adjusted.
Shipping & Deliveries
Amazon offers FREE delivery for Prime Members, otherwise shipping is free on $25+ orders. Normally, Prime membership also snags you free 2-day shipping, but right now, those time tables have delays. They’ve prioritized essentials to meet the crazy demand right now. Those essentials (groceries, household goods and cleaners, etc.) may be available for purchase right now, but won’t ship for at least 2 weeks. Read more about the shipping & delivery efforts from Amazon HERE.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- If you notice stock beginning to run out now, it might be worth ordering for later delivery. By the time you run out, your order should be delivered.
- Pick no-rush shipping at checkout, and receive a $1-$3 incentive like a digital reward you can use toward future purchases.
- If you’re ordering from Whole Foods, use Prime Now. This is free for Prime Members. Watch for delivery time slots, and check back frequently throughout the day for new ones to open up.
- NOW is the time to take advantage of that FREE 30-day Amazon Prime Membership trial if you don’t already have a membership!
Restocking
Because of the new essential items priority, we see annoying delays in shipping and delivery. These items all fall into these categories: baby, grocery, health & household, beauty & personal care, pet supplies, and industrial & scientific. By prioritizing necessities, this lets Amazon spend time on restocking and shipping out those highly needed items. In fact, some new employees’ sole job is to restock.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- If you’re shopping Whole Foods, note that they are restocking their supplies every night, in an attempt to keep up with the demand. If your items aren’t there in the morning, they will most likely be available the following day.
- Keep an Amazon browser tab open on your computer, tablet, or phone. Refresh the pages you are waiting for items on frequently. Once you see them in stock again, you can jump on ordering them quickly.
- Patience is truly a virtue right now. Do your best to understand the demand, and practice patience. It’ll help the wait if you aren’t frustrated!
Amazon Fresh
Need fresh foods like fruits, veggies, meat, seafood, milk & dairy? Check your zip code with Amazon Fresh to see if they are delivering in your area! Prime Members normally score free 2-hour deliver in select areas. Amazon recently increased their capacity for delivery & pickup, making this more possible, even in these times.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Check your zip code, just in case. You may not need Amazon Fresh now, but could soon – so find out if your area qualifies for delivery and keep that information in your back pocket.
- Delivery windows change throughout the day. Keep refreshing the page to catch one for yourself.
Whole Foods
Did you know you can order Whole Foods groceries via Amazon? Some locations let you pickup via Prime Now. Since this outbreak, Amazon worked hard to open up more participating locations. You can find those locations HERE.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Download the Whole Foods app. Prime Members score special coupons & discounts!
- Start a shopping list with Alexa and never forget the essentials you need.
- Sign up for the Whole Foods newsletter to stay in touch with the latest efforts in easing shopper frustration during the Coronavirus.
Prime Pantry
This Amazon perk is great for the everyday household. Shop regular-sized household essentials and groceries. Prime Pantry offers low prices on everyday items with exclusive offers, coupons, and promotions. Plus, Prime members get FREE shipping on Pantry orders over $35, otherwise shipping is $5.99.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Check out my list of quarantine essentials you can grab from Amazon Pantry!
- Note the fine print on many of the Prime Pantry items, under the price: “Delivery may take up to 21 days.” Order NOW for items you’ll need to restock in the future.
- Last month, Prime Pantry was suspended, because of the overwhelming demand. Hope for the best, but expect that this is a real possibility again.
Subscribe & Save
Subscribe & Save lets you save up to 15% on your order when you schedule it for recurring, automatic deliveries on everyday essentials. There are no fees, and you can cancel any time. Depleted stock and shipping delays are inevitable here, too.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Be sure to check out my list of quarantine essentials you can grab from Subscribe & Save!
- Watch the prices. If you sign up and your first shipment is $6, be sure to check the price before the next shipment – it might not be the same!
- Opt for a one-time payment and pay slightly more (generally less than $1). You won’t have to remind yourself to check the prices or cancel your membership.
- Baby products like diapers & wipes are eligible for a 20% discount if you’re an Amazon Family Member.
- You’ll save 15% instead of 5% when you add 5 items to your Subscribe & Save order. Find inexpensive filler items like nail clippers, hair accessories, toothpaste, lip balm, and more to pad your order and save the most.
It’s worth noting that Amazon is hiring! They’ve increased pay to $17/hr through the month of April. Apply, and you could be working within 1 week, with no experience needed!
Good luck shopping – stay safe, healthy & sane!
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