Amazon announced a new free, same-day delivery service for its Prime members in Baltimore and 13 other metropolitan areas starting Thursday.
The service adds to a growing number of delivery options for members of the $99-a-year Prime service, including Prime Now, a one-hour delivery service for tens of thousands of primarily household items. Prime Now was announced in March.
The Seattle-based online giant began offering a same-day delivery service last year for $5.99 an order. Orders placed for the free delivery must be over $35 and be placed by noon to arrive by the end of the day.
"This is going to be a real life-changer for our members," said Chris Rupp, the vice president of Amazon's Prime service. "Instead of having to do errands after work, they can order their items and receive them before bedtime."
The free same-day service applies to more than a million items, including electronics, school supplies and vacation gear.