Amazon’s Prime Pantry to Require Separate Membership

Beginning on June 1, 2018, Amazon will be moving Prime Pantry into its own subscription. This also means that Amazon will require users to pay an additional $4.99 per month in addition to the regular monthly Prime membership fees. It is also important to note that even if an individual has a Prime Pantry membership, they will only get unlimited free shipping for orders over $40. However, if non-members or even members who don’t reach the $40 minimum, the flat fee for Prime Pantry shipping will be $7.99.

The changes that are being made to Prime Pantry seem to be in direct correlation with Amazon’s delve into the grocery market, as the purpose of this membership is to order grocery products online without having to run to the store. Unfortunately, the near-instant gratification of Prime that we’re used to isn’t available for two-day shipping. In fact, a lot of products may take up to four days to be delivered. Prime Pantry members will have to remember to order their essentials ahead of time or be forced to go to an actual brick and mortar store.

Speaking of Whole Foods, Amazon also recently announced that Prime members will be able to get in-store discounts, so be sure to be on the lookout for those.

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