Amazon is changing how its Prime members can share shipping perks, ending a long-running policy that allowed free delivery benefits to extend beyond the household.
The company confirmed that its Prime Invitee Program, which launched in 2009, will officially end on October 1. The initiative enabled members to share Prime’s free two-day shipping with people who did not live at the same address. Amazon has notified members by email, with invited guests expected to receive direct communication by September 5.
After the program is phased out, Prime shipping can only be shared through Amazon Family, formerly known as Amazon Household. That feature allows a member to extend benefits to one other adult in the household and up to four children. In addition to fast shipping, Amazon Family includes access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, exclusive shopping events such as Prime Day, and extras like free Grubhub+ and discounts at Amoco fuel stations.
The change comes as Amazon continues to refine its membership services in the face of growing competition from Walmart, Target, and other retailers investing heavily in their own delivery and subscription programs. The company also recently announced a new low-cost private-label brand designed to attract more budget-conscious shoppers.
For customers who have used the Invitee Program to share shipping with friends or relatives outside their home, the shift could mean either joining a household account or paying separately for membership. Amazon Prime currently costs \$139 per year or \$14.99 per month.
The Prime program remains one of Amazon’s biggest drivers of customer loyalty, with tens of millions of U.S. subscribers relying on its combination of delivery speed, entertainment, and exclusive deals. By tightening the rules around shipping benefits, the company is betting members will continue to see enough value in the broader package to stay subscribed.
Source: ABC News