Amazon slashes free delivery minimum to £5

Two-thirds reduction on previous threshold

16 October 2008 10:59 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Amazon has dramatically lowered the minimum purchase amount required for customer to benefit from their free delivery scheme.

As of now, customers need to spend £5 in order to qualify, as compared to the previous £15. Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon has posted a letter on the UK site's homepage that reads:

"I am excited to announce that we are significantly reducing the minimum purchase for Super Saver Delivery, our FREE delivery programme."

"Starting today you need to add only £5 worth of eligible items to your basket to get free delivery. That's a two-thirds reduction from the previous minimum of £15. And best of all it's just in time for Christmas shopping."

The first time Amazon has slashed fees since October 2005, Brian McBridezon, the company's UK MD told the NMA: "It's to get people lifted for Christmas. Times are tough out there and this will come as a welcome bonus for people".

Although no doubt welcomed by most, the move may anger Amazon "Prime" customers who pay an annual membership of £49 for free delivery on products.