Amazon offers 1-hour delivery in more than 2,000 cities

Amazon is rolling out 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options in more than 2,000 cities for household essentials, personal care items and over-the-counter medications. The service runs seven days a week and items will ship from existing same-day fulfillment facilities.

Prime members pay $9.99 for 1-hour delivery and $4.99 for 3-hour delivery; non-Prime customers pay $19.99 and $14.99, respectively. There is no minimum order, and Amazon says more than 90,000 items are eligible. Eligible products show a note, and customers can use the “in 1 hour” or “in 3 hours” filters or a dedicated storefront to shop.

Whether the service makes sense depends on the purchase. For small household items the delivery fee can approach or exceed the cost of the item, while it may be worthwhile for emergency supplies, last-minute gifts or medicine when going out isn't an option.

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