Just days before Christmas, Amazon has acknowledged that many deliveries will not arrive within the expected timeframe. Used to receiving our packages in 24 hours, or 48 at most, this news has thrown many shoppers off. In the United States, many customers have seen how their orders, all with a Prime label, suddenly take almost a week to arrive, even in large cities. At this crucial time of year.
Amazon Prime, not so Prime anymore
In recent days, many customers have noticed that orders that used to arrive “flying” now show delivery dates after Christmas Day, and those of us who shop at the last minute have not liked this at all. This is what we pay Prime for?
Very far from usual
The delays are not limited to one specific area or one specific state. There are reports from California, New York, Georgia, Ohio, Alabama. So no, it is not an isolated case. In some cases, orders placed more than a week ago still have not left the warehouse. Who tells your kids that Santa could not make it to their chimney on time?
Amazon’s explanation
Faced with the anger, Amazon has issued a statement acknowledging that delivery times may vary depending on several factors. Which ones? Product availability, customer location, the huge volume of holiday orders and of course bad weather. The famous winter storms. That said, the company insists that orders can still be tracked in real time through the app or the website.
“We are still the fastest”… they say
Amazon claims that despite everything, it is on track to break its own speed records for the third year in a row. An optimistic message that, honestly, has not calmed those who are watching the calendar and crossing their fingers for the gift to arrive before the 25th.
The weather and the holiday avalanche
As we said, winter is not helping at all. Storms have complicated transportation in several regions, and on top of that comes the biggest order peak of the year. Not even a logistics network as powerful as Amazon’s is immune to that pressure. And December is always a stress test, although this year it seems that everyone is getting burned.
How to know if your order will arrive on time
Amazon reminds customers to pay close attention to the “Arrives before Christmas” label before buying. If that notice appears, in principle the order should arrive on time. In principle. If not, you will have to wait until after the 25th and make up an excuse or run to a local store so the tree does not end up without gifts.
What can customers do now?
Those who already have delayed orders can review options such as changing the address, using pickup points or canceling and looking for products with guaranteed delivery. Amazon also offers compensation, although it is not automatic and not for all products.
Prime users’ frustration
The frustration is not only about a one off delay like what is happening now. Many customers feel that Prime no longer offers the advantage it used to, especially with the price increases of recent years. Paying more for your order to arrive later?
Those who shop at the last minute
Good luck. Not even Amazon is going to save you this year and the clock keeps ticking. If you see that your order is not arriving, you will have to improvise, and this time faster than ever.
The company trusts that it will meet most of the promised deadlines, but these delays are arriving at the most delicate moment of the year. Good luck and time to wait for the delivery driver.