Amazon tests 30-minute delivery in two US cities

Core Insights - Amazon has launched a pilot program for ultra-fast delivery, allowing groceries and household items to be delivered in as little as 30 minutes in select areas of Seattle and Philadelphia [1][4] Group 1: Service Details - The Amazon Now service is available for $3.99 for Prime members and $13.99 for non-Prime members, with an additional charge of $1.99 for orders below $15 [1] - The service operates from urban micro-fulfillment centers, utilizing Amazon Flex on-demand workers to pick up packaged orders of various products [3] Group 2: Expansion and Strategy - This launch follows the expansion of Amazon Now in the UAE, where customers can receive essentials in 15 minutes, indicating a broader strategy for rapid delivery services [2][4] - Amazon has created specialized facilities in the UAE for rapid delivery and has also introduced a two-hour delivery service for products across 30 categories [4] Group 3: Business Implications - Convenience-store items, while often low margin, can drive repeat purchases and increase traffic to Amazon's website, benefiting the overall business model [5]