An Amazon Hub has officially come to Bradford. With this new program, Amazon is looking to partner with small businesses to help deliver packages in the local area.
The program was highlighted during a ribbon cutting ceremony held Tuesday afternoon outside of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We are looking to partner with local businesses, and give them an opportunity to add to their revenue by delivering packages from Amazon,” said David Rizzo, account development executive for Amazon Hub.
He explained that all of the packages will come from the warehouse at the nearest Amazon fulfillment center, in Erie. Individual businesses would agree to receive between 30 and 50 packages, seven days a week. They then have 24 hours to make those deliveries.
“Businesses can choose when to do their deliveries based on their staff and hours of operation,” Rizzo said.
“This will maybe even help create a handful of jobs in the area,” he added.
This is a new, nationwide program. Most Amazon Hubs have opened in the last few months. Their impact remains to be seen, but so far, the project has brought several positive changes in the areas where it has been implemented, according to Rizzo.
“They do analytics on each zip code to determine where the program will fit well,” Rizzo said.
“They look at things like how many packages are being delivered in an area, what the population is like, demographics like that,” he added.
The next nearest Amazon Hubs are in Youngstown and Warren.
For the average Amazon customer, this new program will mean that they will get their packages slightly faster. Instead of having those packages delivered by the postman, they will be delivered by a worker from a local business.
“Previously, we were using USPS to deliver our packages, but frankly, they are overwhelmed,” Rizzo said. “This will allow customers to get their package on the same day that it reaches their zip code.”
“We chose here because there are a lot of packages being delivered in this area,” said Julie Leach, business development manager with Amazon Hub.
“Towns that get chosen for this program; it has been good for them,” she said.
Any local business has the opportunity to deliver for Amazon Hub. Businesses must provide insurance information to Amazon, and individual drivers must be vetted as well. In addition, businesses need to have access to a delivery spot that can fit a 24-foot box truck with a lift gate.
“We have had all kinds of businesses become involved in the program, including beauty shops and restaurants,” Rizzo said. “Anyone who is over 18 and has a vehicle is eligible to deliver.” “Our local community already uses Amazon for products that we can’t purchase here,” said Heidi Scrivo, president of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. “So having an Amazon Hub in the area will allow our small businesses to benefit from those purchases.”
Currently, there are four local businesses signed up for the program.
“We are hoping to have six businesses in total to start,” said Rizzo.
Individuals who recommend a business to the program also have an opportunity to profit as Amazon Hub offers a referral program.
“If you refer us to a business who begins to partner with us, then you get a $500 bonus,” said Rizzo. “We are hoping, overall, to inject a decent amount of money into the community.”
