Amazon did their research, and they realised we're a nation of internet-savvy, convenience-hungry shopping addicts. And so, after months of delay, Amazon's Prime Now has finally launched in Singapore.
We're one out of only nine countries with Prime Now, and the very first Southeast Asian destination to get it.
Prime Now offers same-day delivery services, meaning that it's not just about online shopping-it's about the ultra-convenience of having something delivered to your doorstep within two hours from 10am to 10pm.
Two-hour delivery is free each time you spend at least $40, although if you are really kancheong and want your purchase to be delivered within one hour, you can pay $9.99 for the honour.
So how competitive are prices on Amazon Prime Now? Here are sixteen things you can now get delivered within an hour.
10-pack of Tiger Beer
$19.60 (on sale from $25.30)
Comparison: Retailing at NTUC FairPrice for $21.90 (on sale from $25.30), $19.60 (on sale from $25.30) on Redmart.com
Granny Smith apples x 4
$2.95
Comparison: $2.95 on Redmart.com
Bananas x 4
$2
Comparison: $2 (on sale from $2.85) on Redmart.com
Calbee Crispy Potato Chips, Hot & Spicy (80 g)
$1.43 (on sale from $1.60)
Comparison: $1.50 on Redmart.com
Royal Umbrella Thai Hom Mali Rice, 10kg
$27.80 (on sale from $30.80)
Comparison: $28.80 (on sale from $30.80) at NTUC FairPrice, $27.80 (on sale from $30.80) on Redmart.com
Dove Nourishing Body Wash, 1 litre
$6.56 (on sale from $10.95)
Comparison: $9.70 at NTUC FairPrice, $6.70 (on sale from $9.70) on Redmart
Blackmores Omega Daily, 90 ct
$34.99 (on sale from $59)
Comparison: $59.50 at Watsons
Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean electric toothbrush
$39.90 (on sale from $59)
Comparison: $39.90 (on sale from $59) at Watsons
AmazonBasics 65 cm balance ball with hand pump
$20.50
Comparison: Similar SPORTSCO product selling for $13.80 on Lazada.sg, Adidas Premium 65cm gym ball selling for $53.10 on Lazada.sg
13.3" ASUS Zenbook UX330CA-FC045T, 4GB, 128 GB SSD, in rose gold
$999
Comparison: $984.99 (on sale from $1,199) on Lazada.sg
Nespresso Inissia coffee machine in orange
$159
Comparison: $188 at TANGS
FURBY Connect
$169 (on sale from $249.99)
Comparison: $249.99 at Toys R Us
Micro Speed Scooter in black
$225 (on sale from $235)
Comparison: $235 at microscooters.sg
7 Wonders board game
$49.50
Comparison: $49.99 at Toys 'R' Us
Sushi Go card game
$13
Comparison: $11.99 at Toys 'R' Us
Honeywell 18200 Air Purifier with HEPA filter
$599
Comparison: $559.81. on allergy.com.sg
Verdict
Some of you will no doubt have already shopped on Amazon's US site, either with the help of a shipping service like comGateway or vPost, or by using Amazon GlobalSaver shipping, and are excited to see if you can enjoy the same kinds of savings as you do on the US site.
It's clear Amazon Prime Now have calibrated their prices very closely to match those of local retailers. This means that prices are usually quite competitive compared to other local retailers, and at times even a little lower.
But don't think you'll enjoy the same kinds of cost savings or the enormous product range you get when shopping on their US site.
Amazon Prime Now isn't quite the same thing-it's more about the convenience of getting groceries and other products delivered within two hours than being able to get the lowest possible price on any imaginable product.
Are you excited about Amazon Prime Now? Tell us why or why not in the comments!