Amazon Prime Shipping “Change” Isn’t What Michigan Shoppers Think

Amazon Prime members in Michigan are buzzing about a change to the mega retailer's shipping policy, but not in a good way.

Social media has been filled with complaints from shoppers who believe Amazon is changing its free shipping policy, blocking them from sending items to friends or family members at different addresses.

Here’s the thing: that’s not true.

Amazon hasn’t changed the rules about where you can ship your purchases. You can still order a package and have it sent to your parents in the U.P. or your kid away at college in Ann Arbor. What is changing is this: you can’t invite others outside your household to share your Prime free shipping benefits.

Amazon Prime: Myth vs. Reality

What “Household” Really Means on Amazon

In an update on the online behemoth's website, Amazon says it is replacing the Prime Invitee program with Amazon Family. This will let account holders share the free shipping perk with only one other adult in the household, up to four teens (added before April 7), and up to four profiles for children.

Why the Confusion Is Spreading

Part of the problem is how the change has been explained online. A few viral posts on Facebook and TikTok made it sound like Amazon had suddenly banned shipping to multiple addresses, which isn’t the case. Combine that with Michigan shoppers already dealing with rising prices and package delays, and it’s easy to see why the rumor took off.

What Michigan Shoppers Need to Know

Bottom line: Amazon isn’t blocking you from sending Prime orders to different addresses. The change only limits who you can share your Prime free shipping perks with — and that’s restricted to your household.