Image Credits:Makidotvn \/ Getty Images <\/p>\n
Amazon is now letting shoppers in 1,000 cities<\/a> across the U.S. order perishable food items through its Same-Day Delivery service, as the e-commerce giant seeks to compete more directly with Instacart and Walmart+ in the growing quick-commerce space. Amazon plans to expand the option to over 2,300 cities by the end of the year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Users can now order fresh grocery items, including produce, dairy, meat, seafood, baked goods and more, alongside everyday household products, electronics, and other items available for Same-Day Delivery.<\/p>\n Amazon says its \u201cspecialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network\u201d will ensure that shoppers receive perishable groceries intact, and that orders undergo a six-point quality check upon arrival and before leaving for delivery. Additionally, temperature-sensitive products are delivered in insulated bags.<\/p>\n Same-day delivery is free for orders worth more than $25 for Prime members. If an order doesn\u2019t meet the minimum amount, subscribers can still choose same-day delivery for a $2.99 fee. For customers without a Prime membership, the service is available with a $12.99 fee, regardless of the order size.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen Amazon began to add perishable groceries like bananas, milk, eggs, and bread to its Same-Day Delivery service in regions like Phoenix, Orlando, and Kansas City, customers embraced the convenience,\u201d Amazon wrote in a press release<\/a>. \u201cStrawberries, Honeycrisp apples, limes, and avocados now rank among the top 10 items in Same-Day Delivery carts.\u201d<\/p>\n