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The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed two Amazon representatives who spoke about their delivery service partner program at the Chamber’s Lunch and Learn event Wednesday.

“We had a wonderful turnout for our Lunch and Learn with Suzanne and Melanie from Amazon. We are excited to be able to host this luncheon and have Amazon present this exciting business opportunity to our membership,” Executive Director Laura Wells said.

Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner Program first launched a year and a half ago.

“We were looking to start a program that would be community-based. We wanted to partner with small businesses in the community and infuse some income that they would have never had. This program allows businesses to deliver our packages and help Amazon venture out into the community,” said Amazon Field District Manager Suzanne Pope.

Amazon pays its partners to deliver each package. “We are paying our partners about $2.50 per package for delivery. We’re delivering about 50 packages a day for seven days a week in a 10-mile radius.”

Delivery experience is not required, and previous marketing or sales experience is not necessary. There are no startup costs, and participants are guided through the delivery process through a mobile app.

Some participants may have concerns about delivering packages to the local community or making an appearance at homeowners’ residences during unconventional hours.

“Amazon gives a tremendous amount of support. We want our partners to be very happy, and we are looking for small businesses to join us. It’s a partnership, so they are never left alone. Basic service is 50 packages a day for seven days a week. If they have any problems, they have an account manager and 800 lines they can call. Partners will always have myself as the field manager to call for support. Because I’m local, I will get on the road and come out to help any way I can. They are not obligated to stay with Amazon as a partner long-term. Amazon asks anyone who is unhappy to give a 60-day notice, and we can move forward.”

Pope’s coverage area includes all of Alabama and Mississippi in addition to serving Panama City and Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.

“Small businesses are required to have an LLC that is at least 90 days old. You need to have general liability of a million dollars and have clean space to sort our packages to deliver. There is not a vehicle specification. You can use your current car and are not responsible for any package returns. Customers who want to return packages must go through Amazon. The only thing you’re responsible for is delivering. If someone is interested, we are offering a $500 bonus for referrals for anyone who knows someone that would be perfect for our business,” she said.

The Chamber’s next Lunch and Learn is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 28, at noon. Dan Silas of PREmployer will be making a presentation entitled “Recruiting and Retaining Employees.”

The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 700 River Falls Street. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information, email Laura Wells at laura@andalusiachamber.com, Maggie Holmes at maggie@andalusiachamber.com, or call the AAAC at 334-222-2030.

“As always, it’s a great time to network with others in the business community, enjoy a meal, and learn something new,” Wells said.