Amazon launches delivery deal in UK

Amazon has extended its Prime delivery programme to customers in the UK.

People who pay £49 per year will get unlimited free next-day delivery of millions of eligible items sold by Amazon and some third-party merchants, including DVDs, music and electronics.

The company said the cost of the subscription is less than paying for six Express Deliveries at £8.99 each and means people no longer have to consolidate orders to get better postage prices or Amazon's free delivery option.

In addition to free deliveries, people who want to send orders to London or Birmingham addresses can get discounts on Evening Delivery. This provides same-day service on orders placed before 11.30am. This service can be shared with up to four family members living in the same household.

Amazon Prime, which has already proved popular in the US and Japan, includes most items eligible for Super Saver Delivery. The programme is limited to items sold by Amazon.co.uk (or by third-party merchants participating in the Fulfillment by Amazon programme on the Amazon.co.uk website). Items sold by third parties such as Marketplace or Auctions, are not eligible unless otherwise stated.

The company said members can clearly see what items are not eligible.

"Once a member signs up for Prime, essentially the website 'skin' changes and you can see clearly what goods qualify and what do not as you through to the check-out page," an Amazon spokesman said.

Amazon Prime members are entitled to free one-day delivery on all items marked as Amazon Prime to mainland United Kingdom locations. All other UK locations including Shetland and Orkney Islands, portions of Perthshire and the Channel Islands and P.O. boxes or BFPO addresses will be delivered as free first-class post.