Amazon introduces scheduled delivery time slots for SA shoppers

Amazon South Africa expanded its delivery service to offer customers more flexibility and control over their orders.

The company announced the launch of Multiple-Delivery Windows, a new feature that allowed shoppers in major cities to choose their preferred delivery time slots, offering a more predictable and convenient online shopping experience.

The new service was made available in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, enabling customers to schedule deliveries up to a day in advance and choose from three time windows, morning (8AM to 1PM), afternoon (1PM to 6PM), and evening (5PM to 8PM).

By introducing the feature, Amazon addressed one of South African online shoppers’ most common frustrations: uncertainty about when packages would arrive.

“We know South African customers lead busy lives and value convenience and predictability,” said Robert Koen, Managing Director for Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa.

“With our new delivery time slot options, we are giving customers greater control and flexibility to receive their packages when it works best for them. They can now plan ahead by scheduling deliveries up to a day in advance and can take advantage of our morning delivery option starting at eight o’clock. These improvements reflected our commitment to constantly refining our service based on customer feedback and local needs,” Koen said.

The Multiple-Delivery Windows service operated in postal codes eligible for same-day delivery in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.

Customers could select their preferred slot during checkout.

The service maintained the same delivery fee structure as same-day delivery, with customers continuing to pay R2 for slot options and no minimum order value required.

“The launch of Multiple-Delivery Windows reflected our ongoing commitment to providing a world-class shopping experience for South African customers,” added Koen.

“Customers already loved the convenience of our fast delivery. They could order a single tube of toothpaste or a bottle of dishwashing liquid, and it would be delivered the same day. Now, they could choose what time of day their emergency toothpaste would be delivered. So not only were we addressing a key customer need, we were also raising the bar on our customers’ online shopping experience.”

Amazon’s expansion of delivery options formed part of its broader strategy to localise operations and tailor its services to South African consumer habits.

With ecommerce adoption continuing to accelerate, the company positioned itself as a strong competitor in a market increasingly defined by speed, flexibility, and convenience.

By offering delivery slot scheduling, Amazon strengthened its appeal among urban consumers juggling work, family, and lifestyle demands, further cementing its presence in the South African retail landscape.

BUSINESS REPORT