If you buy anything online, the way your packages arrive at your door is changing big time.

We know that Amazon is the trendsetter in this space, handling roughly 40% of all online purchases. They completely shook up the retail world years ago by making two-to-three-day shipping the industry standard. But now, the market is splitting into two very different directions, and you need to decide what you value more: your time or your wallet.

The Rise of Ultra-Fast Delivery

Amazon is currently copying a trend we’ve seen gaining steam elsewhere: ultra-fast delivery. In many zip codes, you can now get items in a window of just one to three hours. But Amazon isn’t the only one playing this game. Other major players have proven there is a massive appetite for speed:

  • Costco: Through their partnership with Instacart, you can get deliveries in 90 minutes to three hours. However, keep in mind that the prices you see online are typically higher on almost every item than they would be if you shopped in-store.
  • Walmart: They actually beat many of their competitors to the punch, offering expedited deliveries for an extra fee.
  • BJ’s Wholesale Club: They now offer expedited, quick delivery for members who want to skip the trip to the store.

The catch: This speed comes at a premium. Between higher item markups, delivery fees, and the now-common tipping mechanisms for drivers, “convenience” is becoming a significant line item in your budget.

The “Slow Boat” Strategy: Why I Choose Sam’s Club

While the world is obsessed with getting things in an hour, there is a counter-trend emerging: incentivized slow delivery. I am a Costco Executive member, but when it comes to delivery, I use Sam’s Club almost 100% of the time. Here is why:

  • No hidden markups: As a Sam’s Plus member, I don’t pay extra for the items I buy online versus in the warehouse.
  • Free shipping: My deliveries are free as long as I spend $50 or more.
  • The trade-off: The catch is that the items arrive when Sam’s decides they arrive. It might take a few days; it might take a couple of weeks.

I call this the “slow boat” method. When a retailer can deliver on their own schedule, it lowers their costs — and as a consumer, you benefit from those savings.

Does Speed Really Matter?

The market is morphing to give you exactly what you value. If you are in a pinch and need something in two hours, the option is there if you’re willing to pay for it.

But let’s be honest, there are a lot of things you just don’t need in two days, let alone two hours. If you compare Sam’s Club to Amazon, Sam’s is consistently cheaper on items that both retailers carry.

Bottom line: If saving money matters to you, stop paying the “convenience tax.” If you can wait a week for your items, choose the slower, cheaper shipping option. Your bank account will thank you.

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