Amazon’s Prime Now Singapore launch hits a snag

Amazon’s Prime Now debut in Singapore started off strong, but high user volume took a toll on the program’s first day of service.



The service, which offers free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items ordered through the Prime Now app, launched on Thursday morning. By that afternoon, users struggled to use the service, according to CNBC.



Within hours of the program’s launch, delivery windows were sold out, and remained unavailable until Friday afternoon. Delivery service has been reinstated, however many slots are still “sold out.”



According to the report, Amazon said in a statement, "Due to great customer response, delivery windows are currently sold out. We are rapidly opening up new windows to ensure we can continue delighting customers in Singapore.”



One issue that could be contributing to delays is the service’s fulfillment network. Amazon’s Prime Now operation in Singapore is supported by a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse. Unlike the technology-advanced facilities popping up stateside that tout solutions from Amazon Robotics, the online giant’s warehouse in Singapore has workers fulfilling merchandise by hand, according to a video on Amazon’s blog.



Amazon Prime’s launch in Singapore marked the online giant’s debut in Southeast Asia. Including Singapore, Prime Now is now available in more than 50 cities in nine countries.