Amazon just lowered its free-shipping minimum by $14

Those looking to a little Amazon shopping without dropping money on an Amazon Prime subscription could have an easier time avoiding mailing fees, as as the online retailer dropped the minimum price for free shipping.

Non-Prime subscribers in the US can score free shipping for qualifying orders costing $35 or more - down from Amazon's previous minimum of $49, which was implemented almost exactly a year ago, according to The Verge

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the new rates with us, though did not detail any specific reasons behind the switch.

It's likely the price drop resulted from competition heating up after Walmart instituted its own free two-day shipping policy on orders over $35 last month, according to CNET.

How does free two-day shipping work?

While the price has fluctuated, the limitations on free two-day shipping from Amazon remains unchanged. 

To qualify, free shipping on orders must contain $35 among over 50 million applicable items of merchandise - or just $25 if it's exclusively books - and be shipped to the US. 

Some exceptions exist for the states of Hawaii and Alaska depending on the products purchased, and APO/FPO addresses are applicable so long as they contain a US zip code.

By contrast, Amazon Prime subscribers receive free two-day shipping on any eligible items, regardless of a minimum amount. First-time customers can try the service for free during a 30-day trial and qualify for the reduced shipping rates.

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Parker Wilhelm
Parker Wilhelm is a freelance writer for TechRadar. He likes to tinker in Photoshop and talk people's ears off about Persona 4.