Amazon considers raising minimum purchase for free shipping for non-Prime subscribers

Online retailer may require $35 minimum instead of current $25

Amazon is considering raising the minimum purchase requirement for non-Prime subscribers to qualify for free shipping from $25 to $35, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The move would come as the online retailer has been facing rising shipping costs, and recently hiked the annual Prime subscription price by 20% to $139.

Amazon has reported rapid growth in its shipping costs even prior to the pandemic. In 2020, the company's shipping costs increased by 26% to $44.4 billion. The company has blamed the rise in costs on factors such as higher fuel prices, labor shortages, and increased demand for online shopping.

The potential change in the minimum purchase requirement for free shipping is likely to be met with mixed reactions from consumers. Some shoppers may be willing to pay the higher minimum in order to avoid shipping costs, while others may choose to shop elsewhere or consolidate their purchases to meet the threshold. It remains to be seen whether the change will have a significant impact on Amazon's sales.

Amazon has not yet confirmed the change, but it is expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks.