so, Amazon, is it or is it not free shipping to arrive before Christmas?

[OWC Jamie]

In stock - where ?
Chelmsford ?
or Los Angeles ?

Chelmsford might beat their shipping estimate.
LA - probably not.

[mrbigstuff]

It depends on how one drives from Chelmsford; I prefer 4 to 225, right through Lexington. If they go 3 on a bad day, I may never see it.

[Grateful11]

I ordered something for our son and it was on Prime and it said this Sunday delivery.

[$tevie]

A non-Prime story: a number of years ago I paid extra to be sure my brother's gift arrived before Christmas. Meanwhile, I had ordered a few items the day before for me, using free shipping. Everything arrived the same day, which made me regret paying for the expedited shipping. On the other hand, I didn't worry the way I would have had I not paid extra for two-day shipping. But it really is a total crap shoot if you don't pay the extra.

[datbeme]

I just have to say that I've had all kinds of orders flying in from Amazon this month (and a few other places as well), and the timeliness of all the shipments has been pretty darn impressive. I am a Prime member, however. I wouldn't have any expectations if you don't have Prime or if you aren't paying for 2 day shipping.

[mrbigstuff]

well, I sucked it up and joined Prime, against my wishes, and may end up cancelling.

what, perhaps, was not clear in my first post is that Amazon has a running message "last day for free shipping to arrive before Christmas" in the upper right of the page. I have been eyeing it carefully every day. now, one would believe that is what it implies, but get to the shipping page and it's a different story. harumph. should not have waited this long, but was going on what that stupid little message was telling me.

[Robert M]

MrBig,

Prime won't make a difference. I'm a member and that USPS issues just ocurred in the last two weeks. Regardless of what Amazon says on its site, your package is at the mercy of the carrier. Hope you get your order before Christmas!

Robert

[Acer]

I've ordered several things this week from Amazon direct (Prime), third-party Amazon (who don't do Prime) and eBay. Half of the stuff arrived by Friday. Everything else is in the channel and I'm satisfied. Most vendors know that this is a critical time of year and seem (in my experience) to be busting butt moving stuff out. Well, maybe not that guy in Hong Kong who always seems to select "Donkey" for shipping. Then it's a matter of for the carriers, who in my example USPS and UPS, are pretty much on par with non-Christmas delivery patterns.

That said, I am playing the game of diminished expectations by telling the family a few may enjoy an extended Christmas as stuff comes in the days after.

[Grateful11]

They offered us 30 free Prime so I started it Nov. 22 and figured that would get us through the season.
We had it some time ago when it was $79 but I'm not paying $99 for Prime.

[mrlynn]

Hmm. . . We ordered four items for the grandkids last night, all Prime Amazon. Order said delivery by the 23rd. That gives us a day's leeway before Christmas. I told my wife it wouldn't be a problem. Amazon says they all shipped today. Let's hope the carriers don't land me in the doghouse.

/Mr Lynn