Global e-commerce giant Amazon is making free shipping to Israel cheaper, slashing its minimum value requirement from $65 to just $49.
Only certain items are eligible for free shipping and they are clearly marked on the site. No guidance has been provided as to how long the promotion will last.
The reduction marks a return to the policy set in November 2019, when Amazon first announced free shipping to Israel for purchases of at least $49. Immediately, it sparked a commercial revolution because Amazon was able to sell thousands of products more cheaply than local stores and Israelis began buying almost everything online, including clothing, electronics, food and even toilet paper.
However, that all ended abruptly in March 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc on global shipping channels and forced Amazon to cancel the benefit.
Deliveries to Israel were canceled completely during the early days of the pandemic, although later last summer sales to Israel were restored but with longer and more expensive shipping options. Shipping times to Israel have now returned to closer to pre-pandemic levels.
Free shipping returned in August 2021, but only for purchases of at least $65.
Shopping online is a favorite for Israelis, and it has long been common for new immigrants to order online and have the packages sent to a relative abroad to be picked up or delivered on an upcoming visit. For many Israelis, free delivery to their homes in Israel represents an international level of luxury.
Israelis are avid shoppers on international shopping sites such as Ali Express and Next, but the quality and variety of international products on Amazon is generally considered to be better.