Has Amazon Quietly Created a Whole New Industry Around Same-Day Delivery?

At first, it felt like a novelty. You’d place an order in the morning and, somehow, that package would show up by nightfall. Same-day delivery used to be a bit of a magic trick. Now it’s just… expected.

That shift - where “fast” turned into “now” is largely thanks to Amazon. Over the last few years, the company has built a dense web of fulfilment centers near major urban hubs. They’ve added drivers, routing systems, and inventory models that make this kind of delivery seem ordinary. And, of course, it's not just Amazon anymore.

The ripple effect has hit smaller couriers hard, but also created new lanes of opportunity. Regional services like Florida Couriers are stepping in to handle the demand Amazon can’t or won’t touch: whether that’s sensitive medical deliveries, time-critical legal filings, or just packages that need a human hand.

For many businesses, the bar has shifted. Consumers now assume that speed is standard. According to CX Today, 80% of companies that adopted same-day delivery reported a boost in revenue. That sounds great—until you look at the other side of the ledger. Startup costs for same-day infrastructure can exceed $400,000. Not exactly small change.

So what happens next?

Some companies will try to build their own local delivery networks. Others will partner with couriers already doing the job well. There's room for creativity, but also a need for discipline. Delivery windows shrink, costs rise, and margins get tight.

For small business owners, the decision isn’t just about logistics. It’s strategic. Who’s your customer? What do they value more… speed, service, or price? Can you meet them where they are without burning out your team?

We talk more about those questions and how to scale sustainably on Business ABC. Because adapting to the Amazon era doesn’t mean copying it. It means figuring out what your version of fast and reliable looks like.

Big picture? According to McKinsey, same-day delivery is most viable where product margins are strong and population density is high. That means it’s not for everyone - but it’s becoming harder to ignore.

What sorts of businesses does same day delivery suit?

As expected, same day delivery is expensive and so it can’t be utilized in any industry. However, there are some who lend themselves to it much more naturally than others.

A good example is florists, the product is perishable and time-sensitive and there is often a need from the end-recipient to get the product ASAP as well. 

Other industries that require same day couriers and specialist services are medical specimens. Often these need to be at a lab within hours of being produced and so same day couriers are absolutely non-negotiable.

Final thoughts

Whether by design or accident, Amazon didn’t just change how people shop. It laid the groundwork for a whole new kind of industry - one where logistics and immediacy go hand in hand.