e-Commerce giant to stop charging for shipping of cheap, small items

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June 3, 2015 7:23 AM

The new program will act as an alternative to the company's existing $99 a year, delivery-in-two-days Prime subscription.

Report say, Amazon, in an effort to better compete with rival eBay, announced a new service today that offers free shipping on small, lightweight items for every customer - not just Prime members.

Named "Fulfillment by Amazon Small and Light" the new shipping scheme will bring tiny items your door in four to eight business days without the need for a minimum order value.

The items just need to weigh less than 8 ounces, measure under 9x6x2 inches and cost less than $10 to qualify. Amazon reportedly hopes to attract a wider customer base including cost-aware shoppers.

Additionally, the new program will act as an alternative to the company's existing $99 a year, delivery-in-two-days Prime subscription.

Previously customers had to order at least $35 worth of goods to qualify for free standard shipping.

"Customers love that even if it's a $5 item, shipping is free for everybody, Prime member or not,"Neil Ackerman, a senior manager at Amazon, told Bloomberg. "Customers love it and sellers love it." And Amazon is hoping customers will love it.

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