Amazon says these areas of Washington, DC, are too dangerous for Prime delivery

[Jk23]

The e-commerce giant faces a lawsuit from the District’s attorney general, alleging that Prime members in two zip codes aren’t receiving promised benefits.

Since mid-2022, Amazon has allegedly violated a Washington, D.C., consumer protection law by withholding benefits from Prime members in two zip codes, according to a civil lawsuit, citing “undisclosed internal policies,” that was filed Wednesday by the district’s attorney general.

Noting that Prime members pay $139 per year or $14.99 per month, the lawsuit states that Amazon “deliberately — and secretly — stopped providing its fastest delivery service to the nearly 50,000 Prime members who live in historically underserved communities east of the Anacostia River,” per court filings.

In an emailed statement, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel called the claims “categorically false,” adding that the company “made the deliberate choice to adjust our operations, including delivery routes and times, for the sole reason of protecting the safety of drivers. And we’re always transparent with customers during the shopping journey and checkout process about when, exactly, they can expect their orders to arrive. What we’d like to do, and have offered, is to work together with the Attorney General and their office in an effort to reduce crime and improve safety in these areas.”

https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazon-washington-dangerous-prime-delivery/734555/

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I don't think Amazon should offer Prime in areas where they are forced to use third party delivery services due to safety concerns. (Or at least offer a discounted Prime that does not include delivery).

But if there are significant safety issues for thier employees I think that has to take precedent over the DA's concerns. I do recall a similar issue years ago with pizza delivery services redlining neighborhoods. I am curious where people land on this?

[mucifer]

1. That kinda stuff happens in certain neighborhoods in Chicago, too

It's really sad. It's from different delivery services too, not just amazon.

[tritsofme]

2. If there are legitimate safety concerns that prevent them from meeting their promised

delivery timeframes, they should either not offer the service in that area or offer it at a discount.

[LonePirate]

3. If Amazon cannot offer the service as advertised, then it needs to not offer the service or change the price.

They are fleecing customers if they offer a service at a price and then refuse to honor and meet that service for the price paid. How they intend to handle this is up to them as they can stop offering the service, change the price or pay the lawsuit price. I suspect they will change the fine print on the service without rescinding the service or reducing the price, thus putting the onus back on the consumers who will unwittingly accept the reduced service for the same price.

[Hekate]

4. Amazon pushes like hell to trick customers into Prime. They remind me that I spent $22 last year on shipping

Every time I order they remind me. But a Prime member spends $139 per year for “free” shipping? Be serious. Also, every checkout experience offers me at least 6 opportunities to accidentally press the wrong button and say “Yes! I want this item one whole day early! I’m already buying something with free shipping, but by God I am ready to fork over for Prime! “

Yes, I am currently irritated.

As to the customers getting redlined in DC neighborhoods, Amazon should try honesty and emphasize there may have to be workarounds regarding deliveries at night. Offer a discount for this lack modification in services.

Yes, I know that will be hard on the second-richest man on the planet. Honesty? A discount? What will they want next? A living wage?

[Sneederbunk]

5. Amazon should just hire someone to ride shotgun.