Amazon Free Super Saver Shipping
Amazon Free Super Saver Shipping launched on January 22, 2002, when Amazon.com introduced free economy shipping on qualifying orders over $99 as an everyday offer, then lowered the threshold to $49 in June and $25 in August 2002.
What happened and why it matters
Super Saver Shipping made free shipping a standard e-commerce expectation and popularized the order minimums brands still use. Amazon had seen that shipping fees were a major barrier to ordering online, so it offered free, slower delivery on larger baskets, paying for it with higher order values and lower operating costs. Each threshold cut was framed as a long-term test, and Amazon reported positive customer response. The program paved the way for Amazon Prime in 2005. Brands set free shipping thresholds the same way today, choosing a minimum above their average order value so the larger basket covers postage.