We're doing an important test at Amazon.com that we wanted you to
know about. It may be the most important experiment we've done to
date.
Starting today, as a long-term test, you can get Free Super Saver
Shipping on orders over $49. Previously, only orders over $99
qualified.
This past January, we launched everyday, 365-days-a-year, Free Super
Saver Shipping on orders over $99, and it's been successful.
Customers have adopted it in large numbers (it takes 3-5 days longer
than our standard shipping, but it's free), and it's proven
economically sustainable for us as well.
Reducing the ordering hurdle to $49 makes it much easier for
customers to get free shipping--more people will qualify and qualify
more often. It will also be very expensive for us. That's why
we're first doing it as a long-term test. We expect to run this
test for 3-6 months. We'll be looking to see if our current
customers order more from us and whether we attract a greater number
of new customers since it's so easy to qualify for free shipping.
The hope is we'll generate enough new business to offset the
cost.
At the conclusion of the test, we'll let you know whether or not
we'll be able to make the new $49 hurdle permanent. In the
meantime, for the next 3-6 months or so, please enjoy Free Super
Saver Shipping on orders over $49. (We've also recently reduced
product prices on many books, bestselling CDs, bestselling DVDs,
electronics, and tools.) Whether this particular test works or not,
you can count on us to be relentless in finding ways to lower prices
and provide more value.
Thanks for your continuing support as a customer.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bezos
Founder & CEO
Amazon.com
PS: To learn more about Free Super Saver Shipping, go to
amazon.com. |
