Walmart announing a $50 annual rate for free 3-day shipping

[Work-for-ur-muny]

Walmart is announcing a test for a new service which will offer unlimited free shipping for only $50 a year. They clearly state that they are attempting to compete with Amazon's Prime service which is now at $99 a year.

The service is available by invitation only.

The big question is: Is it worthwhile? Prime is more expensive, but it comes with its perks that are not limited to 2-day shipping only. On the other hand, if all one benefits from Prime is from the shipping then a $49 savings may be worthwhile. Time will tell.

If I understood correctly they want to name the service "Tahoe".
https://www.theinformation.com/Walmart-Plans-Rival-to-Amazon-Prime
http://www.cnet.com/news/walmart-to-test-amazon-prime-delivery-challenger/

[Work-for-ur-muny]

So far, no mention of this on walmart.com

[aradisc]

The big question is: Is it worthwhile? Prime is more expensive, but it comes with its perks that are not limited to 2-day shipping only. On the other hand, if all one benefits from Prime is from the shipping then a $49 savings may be worthwhile. Time will tell.

If you can join Amazon Student then prime is only $50 after the free period.

[grodnoking]

If you can join Amazon Student then prime is only $50 after the free period.

Wal-Mart has significant lower prices in many items then Amazon.

[askmoses]

Wal-Mart has significant lower prices in many items then Amazon.

+1
Especially for any groceries. On many items they are priced similarly or better than prime pantry. Of course without the box limitations.

[Yitzy781]

Walmart.com is on average 17% cheaper than Amazon. This $50 service may be a game changer.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102137185

[jj1000]

This could be huge and really good for consumers. But I wonder how much this will hurt Walmart B&M stores.

[Work-for-ur-muny]

If you can join Amazon Student then prime is only $50 after the free period.

Not forever. And you need a student ID and a .edu email address.

[Work-for-ur-muny]

Wal-Mart has significant lower prices in many items then Amazon.

Not that much of a variety, though; especially not in the digital and book market.

This $50 service may be a game changer.

This could be huge and really good for consumers.

Competition is always good for the customers!!

[grodnoking]

There not admitting anything to me!
"Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Actually there is no a new program online."

[efflpetzel]

The question is why it took them this long to introduce this program

[Work-for-ur-muny]

There not admitting anything to me!
"Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Actually there is no a new program online."

As you can see in the articles, this program is still in its testing phase and no one in the company as low as a customer service rep would know much about it (if anything at all). You can perhaps try to speak to a supervisor or manager; and if you get that far ask them how you can get an invitation to this trial. (And don't forget to post it here so others can benefit as well.)

[PTU]

How will the return process be vs amazon?

[askmoses]

This could be huge and really good for consumers. But I wonder how much this will hurt Walmart B&M stores.

I remember very clearly before Walmart.com instituted their free shipping minimum (probably about 4 years ago) when I used to order say a huge bottle of Pine Sol for about a dollar and have it shipped free by itself. They also would throw in all these great samples of different shampoos etc.

I never understood then why they couldn't grab more of the online retail market back then. My guess is Amazon just has been so cost effective that many people don't even bother checking other websites before purchasing.

[MarkR]

Will it also include free shipping when ordering from samsclub.com? If so, maybe I'll wait to use all those Amex Samsclub credits.

[Work-for-ur-muny]

Engadget is reporting that this "Tahoe" service may include video streaming through Walmart's Vudu.
http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/14/walmart-amazon-prime-tahoe/
(http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/24/vudu-spark-available/)

[askmoses]

Engadget is reporting that this "Tahoe" service may include video streaming through Walmart's Vudu.
http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/14/walmart-amazon-prime-tahoe/
(http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/24/vudu-spark-available/)

Interesting being that initially report indicated they wouldn't offer these types of services.
I personally don't care much for the fringe benefits of prime. If I would have a way to save some on my AF by having them cut out, I'd definitely opt in.

[etech0]

I personally don't care much for the fringe benefits of prime. If I would have a way to save some on my AF by having them cut out, I'd definitely opt in.

+1

[Work-for-ur-muny]

Interesting being that initially report indicated they wouldn't offer these types of services.
I personally don't care much for the fringe benefits of prime. If I would have a way to save some on my AF by having them cut out, I'd definitely opt in.

But Walmart doesn't have anything near Amazon's selection of available items, as well as occasional better pricing from third party sellers. Except if they are planning on expanding their selection. Whichever way you slice it, they have a big job out there awaiting them; the competition is fierce.

[Work-for-ur-muny]

It's here!!!
Join the waitlist to get an invitation to Walmart's Tahoe (like Amazon Prime) service!
http://wm19.walmart.com/sp-waitlist/
Just enter your email address and your zip code.