Walmart InHome Replenishment offers a more comprehensive in-home delivery service with broader coverage and higher weight limits, while Amazon Prime Air focuses on speed and drone-based delivery in limited areas. The choice depends on the customer's location, item weight, and desired delivery speed and location.
| Attribute | Walmart InHome Replenishment (Gen 3) | Amazon Prime Air (Drone Delivery) |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Speed | Delivery can be as fast as 30 minutes. Drone delivery can deliver within 30 minutes. Some customers in Dallas-Fort Worth can receive deliveries within 10 minutes via drone. | Packages are delivered in 60 minutes or less. Aims to deliver packages within 30 minutes or less. |
| Delivery Area Coverage | InHome delivery is available to over 62 million households across more than 80 markets nationwide. Expanded across 50-plus markets nationwide. Reaches 45 million households across more than 50 markets. Walmart is expanding its delivery reach using geospatial technology, potentially reaching 12 million more households. | Currently operates in College Station, Texas, and the West Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona. Plans to expand into the UK and Italy in 2024, with Darlington, UK being the first planned location. |
| Cost of Service | InHome is an add-on subscription for Walmart+ members for an additional $7 per month. Walmart+ membership costs $89 per year, or $8.17 per month. InHome can be added to Walmart+ for $40 per year. The combined package costs $138 annually. | For Prime members, the service fee is $9.99; for non-members, it's $14.99. Internal projections estimate the actual cost per delivery to be around $63 by 2025. |
| Package Security | InHome delivery uses a one-time access code to unlock a customer's door. Delivery associates wear a camera on their vest that records every delivery. Customers can view recordings of deliveries in the Walmart app for up to 7 days. | Packages are held inside the drones during transit to protect their contents. Drones are equipped with technology to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. |
| Item Weight Limit | The maximum product weight is 500 lb. For drone delivery, the weight limit is 10 pounds. | The maximum weight for items is 5 pounds (2.26 kg). |
| Item Size Limit | Maximum product dimensions are 120" x 105" x 93", including packaging. 75% of items in a Walmart supercenter meet the size and weight requirements for drone delivery. | Limited to single items, excluding oversized items. |
| Delivery Time Window Options | InHome timeslots are 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. InHome offers same-day delivery for the afternoon time slot (2 p.m. - 6 p.m.) if you order before 10 a.m. local time. InHome delivers seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Users are notified of a 3-hour delivery window. | Amazon provides delivery estimates and improved accuracy, often within five minutes. Delivery is conducted during daylight hours, typically from 8 AM to 5 PM, depending on weather conditions. |
| Service Reliability | Walmart is using AI to predict demand and optimize inventory. | The MK30 drone can operate in more diverse weather conditions, including light rain. Amazon uses a 75-minute forward-looking weather service to determine if a drone delivery should be available. |
| Customer Support Availability | For help with InHome Services, contact Customer Service by phone at 1-800-WALMART. | Amazon offers 24/7 customer service via phone, live chat, email, and social media channels. |
| Perishable Item Handling | Associates will place perishable/cold items into either your fridge or zippered bags. Walmart is building new warehouses with automation technology to handle temperature-sensitive products. | Amazon Air Cargo can handle perishable goods using temperature-sensitive shipping equipment. |
| Package Tracking Accuracy | Customers receive notifications the morning of the delivery with a 3-hour delivery window and when the InHome associate is on the way. | Amazon provides real-time tracking, but accuracy can be inconsistent. AI algorithms are used to optimize routes and predict delivery times. |
| In-Home Placement Options | InHome delivers to your kitchen, garage, or door. You can choose where you want grocery items delivered, whether on your doorstep or directly into your fridge. You can update your delivery location on the Review Order page. | Customers can select a preferred delivery spot at their address, such as a driveway or yard. The drone identifies suitable delivery areas free of obstacles. |