How to Change Shipping Speed on Amazon

September 27, 2024
by Anthony Robinson

How to Change Shipping Speed on Amazon

Shopping online, especially on Amazon, can be very convenient. But what do you do when you need your items faster than the standard shipping time? Fortunately, Amazon offers various shipping options to meet your needs. In this article, we’ll explain how to change your shipping speed on Amazon, the benefits of doing so, and factors that affect shipping times, among other important information.

Understanding Amazon’s Shipping Options

Before we dive into how to change your shipping speed, let’s take a look at the shipping options available on Amazon.

  • Standard shipping: This is the default shipping option for most orders. It takes anywhere from 4-5 business days to arrive, depending on your location and the item’s availability.
  • Expedited shipping: This option delivers your package within 2 business days. However, please note that this service may not be available for all items or locations.
  • Priority shipping: Priority shipping is the fastest option available on Amazon. It delivers your package within 1-2 business days and is available for most items.

Amazon also offers same-day delivery for eligible items in select cities. This option allows you to receive your package on the same day you place your order, as long as you order before the cutoff time. Additionally, Amazon Prime members have access to free two-day shipping on eligible items, as well as other exclusive shipping benefits.

Benefits of Changing Your Shipping Speed on Amazon

Changing your shipping speed on Amazon has several benefits:

  • Faster Delivery: One of the most obvious benefits is getting your items faster. If you’re in a hurry or have an urgent need for your item, switching to expedited or priority shipping can help ensure that your package arrives on time.
  • Cost-Effective Shipping: Amazon often offers free priority shipping for Prime members, making it a cost-effective option.
  • Real-time Tracking: With expedited or priority shipping, you can track your package in real-time and receive updates on its delivery status. This can give you peace of mind and help you plan for when your package will arrive.
  • Easy Modifications: If you need to make any changes to your shipping address or delivery date, you can easily do so through Amazon’s website or mobile app.

Overall, changing your shipping speed on Amazon can save you time, money, and provide a more convenient shopping experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Your Shipping Speed on Amazon

Now that you know why you might want to change your shipping speed, let’s talk about how to do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Log in to your Amazon account.
  2. Go to the “Your Orders” section.
  3. Select the order you want to change the shipping speed for.
  4. Click on the “Change shipping speed” button.
  5. Choose your desired shipping speed option.
  6. Confirm your selection and proceed to payment if necessary.

It’s important to note that changing your shipping speed may affect the price of your order. Faster shipping options typically come with a higher price tag, so be sure to check the cost before making your selection.

How to Choose the Right Shipping Speed for Your Needs

Choosing the right shipping speed depends on your individual needs:

  • Standard Shipping: If you have enough time and want to save money, standard shipping is a great choice.
  • Expedited or Priority Shipping: If you need your items urgently, expedited or priority shipping might be the best option.

Sometimes, the shipping time might also be affected by your location, so it is essential to check the estimated shipping time before choosing a speed. Fragile or perishable items may require faster shipping to ensure they arrive in good condition. Additionally, the type of item and its shipping requirements, such as hazardous materials, may limit the available shipping speeds.

Factors That Affect Amazon Shipping Speeds

Several factors can affect the shipping speed of your Amazon order:

  • The shipping option you chose
  • Your item’s availability
  • Your delivery location
  • The carrier used

During peak seasons such as holidays, shipping times might experience delays. Amazon may also run out of stock on the product you ordered, which can affect the delivery time. The type of product you ordered can also influence shipping speeds, especially for oversized or heavy items. Also, if you ordered a product from a third-party seller, the shipping speed may vary depending on the seller’s location and shipping policies. Always check the estimated delivery date provided by Amazon before placing your order, and contact the seller directly if you have any questions or concerns about shipping times.

How to Track Your Amazon Shipment After Changing the Speed

After changing your shipping speed, you might want to track your package to know when it will arrive. Amazon makes it easy to track your shipment quickly:

  • Go to the orders section of your account.
  • Look for your package’s tracking information.
  • The tracking page will provide the current status, location, and expected delivery date for your package.

It's important to note that the tracking information may not be available immediately after changing your shipping speed. It can take up to 24 hours for the tracking information to update in Amazon’s system. If you don’t see any tracking information after 24 hours, you can contact Amazon customer service for assistance.

Common Issues with Changing Amazon Shipping Speed and How to Resolve Them

Although changing shipping speed on Amazon is usually straightforward, some issues may arise:

  • Item Ineligibility: Your item might not be eligible for the selected speed shipping option due to being out of stock or located at a distant warehouse.
  • Unforeseen Delays: Delays can occur due to extreme weather conditions or unexpected transportation issues.

If these issues happen, contact Amazon customer care to help resolve the problem. They will provide you with possible solutions, such as canceling the order, selecting another delivery option, or waiting for the order to be back in stock. If you need the item urgently and cannot wait for the updated delivery date, you can contact Amazon customer care to explore other options, such as expedited shipping or canceling the order altogether.

Tips for Saving Money on Amazon Shipping Costs

Amazon offers free shipping on orders shipped with standard shipping. To enjoy speedy delivery without paying a lot of money, consider these tips:

  • Sign Up for Amazon Prime: Members get free 2-day shipping on eligible items.
  • Combine Orders: Combine orders to receive free shipping on eligible orders over a specific amount.
  • Purchase Directly from Amazon: Purchasing products directly from Amazon can avoid additional shipping fees that third-party sellers might charge.
  • Use Subscribe and Save: This program allows you to subscribe to regular deliveries of certain products and receive a discount on each delivery.

Comparing Amazon’s Standard, Expedited, and Priority Shipping Services

When it comes to shipping options on Amazon, there are three main options: standard, expedited, and priority:

  • Standard Shipping: Takes 4-5 business days and is usually the cheapest option.
  • Expedited Shipping: Takes up to 2 business days.
  • Priority Shipping: Takes 1-2 business days and is the fastest but can be significantly more expensive.

Amazon Prime members receive free two-day shipping on eligible items, making it a great option for those who frequently shop on the site and want to save on shipping costs.

Conclusion

Amazon offers a wide array of shipping options, making it easy to get your items delivered fast or inexpensively. If you need your items faster than standard shipping delivers, consider the expedited or priority shipping options. Ensure to check your location’s delivery service policy and availability of these options to maximize the possibilities. Use the steps outlined in this article to switch your shipping speed on Amazon and enjoy your package in your preferred time frame.

Remember, Amazon Prime members can enjoy free shipping on eligible items, and the “Subscribe and Save” program offers discounts on recurring deliveries, providing even more convenience and savings.

About the Author

Anthony Robinson is the CEO of ShipScience, a pioneering company dedicated to helping e-commerce leaders optimize their shipping decisions, reduce costs, and automate tedious processes. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University, Anthony brings over two decades of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.

In 2003, Anthony founded Relectric.com, the first online marketplace for aftermarket industrial electrical parts. Managing logistics for Relectric.com as it scaled to over seven figures in UPS spend provided him with firsthand experience in overcoming complex shipping challenges. This invaluable experience ignited his passion for solving logistics problems and seamlessly transitioned into the creation of ShipScience in 2018.

Since founding ShipScience, Anthony has empowered numerous e-commerce businesses to navigate the complexities of parcel shipping through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. His leadership extends beyond ShipScience, having co-founded and exited Robly.com and served on advisory boards at Ciye and RESA Power, showcasing his commitment to driving corporate growth and enhancing operational strategies.  In 2023, Robinson authored the book Ship Smarter to help scaling businesses manage their logistics challenges.

Anthony is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline supply chains and improve customer experiences in the last mile. When he’s not strategizing shipping solutions, he enjoys connecting with industry leaders, exploring the latest trends in e-commerce and logistics, and spending quality time with his family.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights on optimizing shipping for e-commerce businesses.

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