Core Viewpoint - Amazon is terminating its "Prime Invitee" program on October 1, aiming to convert non-paying users into paid Prime members, similar to actions taken by other platforms like Netflix to combat account sharing [1][2]. Group 1: Program Changes - The "Prime Invitee" program, launched in 2009, allowed Prime members to extend free shipping benefits to up to four adult users without requiring them to pay for a subscription [1]. - Although new registrations for the program ceased in 2015, existing users continued to enjoy the benefits until the program's termination [1]. - Amazon is offering a discounted one-year Prime membership at $14.99 for users affected by the program's end, with subsequent charges at the regular monthly rate of $14.99 [1]. Group 2: User Statistics and Market Context - Estimates suggest that millions of users have been utilizing Prime's free shipping service without paying, although Amazon has not disclosed official figures [2]. - According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), there are approximately 197 million users of Prime services in the U.S., with paid membership numbers estimated between 140 million and 160 million [2]. - The termination of the invitee program reflects Amazon's strategy to ensure that every user subscribes and pays for the service, enhancing user value [2]. Group 3: Alternative Programs and Retention Strategies - Amazon is directing users towards the "Amazon Family" program, which allows two adults living at the same address and up to four children to share Prime benefits, requiring a shared payment method [2]. - Despite rumors of restrictions on shipping to different addresses, Amazon clarified that Prime members can still ship items to various locations [3]. - The company is enhancing member retention strategies, such as extending the "Prime Day" summer promotion to four days and prominently displaying various discounts on user account pages to boost engagement [3].