Amazon Retires Popular Prime Feature ‘Try Before You Buy’

 

Amazon is saying farewell to one of its Prime member perks, the well-loved "Try Before You Buy" service, which allowed customers to try on clothing, shoes, and accessories at home before deciding to make a purchase.

The program will officially end soon, with January 31 marked as the last day eligible Prime members can place orders under this benefit, according to a company announcement.

The service let members choose up to six apparel items to try on at home, with a seven-day window to return unwanted pieces without being charged.

In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson highlighted the program’s limited reach and the rise of AI-powered sizing tools as reasons for the change.

“Try Before You Buy was limited to a small selection of items, and customers are increasingly turning to our innovative AI-driven features like virtual try-on, personalized size recommendations, and enhanced size charts to find their perfect fit. As a result, we’ve decided to phase out this option,” the spokesperson said.

Amazon began testing the service in 2017, initially calling it “Prime Wardrobe,” before officially rolling it out in 2018.

The decision reflects a broader trend in e-commerce, as retailers strive to balance customer convenience with the cost of processing returns. Amazon reaffirmed that customers will continue to enjoy free returns for apparel and suggested the move would simplify shopping with a larger selection and faster delivery times.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated move, Starbucks has announced changes to its store policies.

Under a new code of conduct, customers must now make a purchase to stay in a store or use its restrooms in the U.S. The policy, which aims to address loitering and improve customer experience, also bans discriminatory behavior, harassment, outside alcohol, drug use, vaping, and panhandling. Employees will receive training to ensure proper enforcement.

This marks a departure from the coffee giant’s previous open-door policy introduced in 2018, which allowed anyone to use its facilities without making a purchase.

Both Amazon and Starbucks are implementing these changes to adapt to evolving customer expectations and operational challenges.