Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon.com. Launched in 2005, it quickly gained global traction as customers enjoy free shipping, exclusive access to content, and much more. In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at Amazon Prime: its benefits, how it works, and more.
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a subscription service that provides members with various advantages. These include free two-day shipping on millions of items, unlimited streaming access to movies and music, unlimited photo storage space, early access to exclusive deals, and much more.
How Does Amazon Prime Function?
Amazon Prime memberships are free and customers simply need to subscribe either monthly or annually. Once accepted, customers can begin taking advantage of all its benefits immediately. The subscription fee is charged automatically according to the plan selected by the customer – either monthly or annually depending on their subscription type.
Amazon Prime Benefits
- Free Two-Day Shipping – One of the most popular benefits of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of items. This benefit applies to eligible items sold by Amazon.com and is available to members in the United States, Canada, and other countries. In certain locations, members can even select to have their orders delivered the same day or next day with Prime membership.
- Prime Video – Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that gives members unlimited access to thousands of movies, TV shows and Amazon Originals. Members can watch their favorite content on TVs, smartphones and tablets alike – some popular titles include The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Jack Ryan. With Prime Video you’ll never be short on options!
- Prime Music – Amazon Prime Music is a streaming service that provides members with unlimited, ad-free access to over two million songs. Prime members can listen to their favorite tracks on any smart speaker, smartphone, or other device. In addition to individual tracks, Prime Music also provides carefully curated playlists and personalized recommendations.
- Unlimited Photo Storage – Amazon Prime members have access to an unlimited number of photos on Amazon Drive, Amazon’s cloud storage service. Members can access their images anytime and on any device – smartphones, tablets and computers included!
- Take Advantage of Early Access to Lightning Deals – Amazon Prime members enjoy exclusive Lightning Deals, which are limited-time offers on popular items. Members get early access to these deals before they become available to the general public and this benefit is available in countries such as the United States, UK and beyond.
- Enjoy unlimited reading with Kindle Owners’ Lending Library – Amazon Prime members with Kindle devices have access to the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, which enables them to borrow one book per month at no cost. With over 800,000 titles in total – including bestsellers and newly released titles – this library has something for everyone.
- Amazon Prime Pantry – Amazon Prime Pantry is an online shopping service that allows members to buy groceries, household items and other products with ease. They can select from an extensive selection of items and have them delivered right to their door – available both in the United States and beyond. The service is currently available across multiple countries worldwide.
- Amazon Prime Wardrobe – Amazon Prime Wardrobe is a service that allows members to try on clothes, shoes and accessories before they buy them. Members can select up to eight items to try at home and only pay for what they keep. Available in the United States as well as other countries around the world, members have access to this convenient service.
- Additional Benefits – Amazon Prime members enjoy a range of additional advantages, depending on your country of residence. These may include early access to new products, discounts on groceries and much more.
- Free Trial – Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial period to allow customers to experience the service before committing to a subscription. During this time, customers can take advantage of all Amazon Prime benefits like free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music and more. At the end of the trial period customers have the option to cancel or continue their subscription.
- Cost of Amazon Prime – Amazon Prime’s subscription fees depend on your location. In the United States, it costs $12.99 per month or $119 annually; in Canada it’s CAD 7.99 per month or 79 annually. Other countries may charge different amounts as well.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Amazon Prime may or may not be worth the cost depending on how often you utilize its benefits. If you shop regularly on Amazon, free two-day shipping can save a lot of money in shipping fees alone. Furthermore, Prime Video provides access to movies and TV shows at an incredible value; furthermore, other benefits like Prime Music and early access to Lightning Deals may make the subscription fee worthwhile.
However, if you rarely shop on Amazon or don’t take advantage of other Amazon Prime benefits, then the subscription fee may not be worth it for you. It is essential to assess your own usage to decide if the costs associated with Amazon Prime make it worthwhile for you.
Conclusion
Amazon Prime is a popular subscription service that offers its members various benefits, such as free two-day shipping, access to streaming movies, TV shows and music, unlimited photo storage – plus much more. The subscription fee varies by country but new customers are offered a 30-day free trial period. Ultimately, whether Amazon Prime is worth it depends on how often you take advantage of its offerings. For frequent Amazon shoppers or those who enjoy streaming films and TV shows regularly, Amazon Prime could be worth considering for additional savings.
