Well, there are both a Quora response and a Forbes article decrying their regression in free shipping (or non-Prime) timeliness, with some people suggesting that it is intentional. Most recently I made an order of three items from Amazon and had the chance to cancel all three items two weeks later, before it made it out the door during the "preparing your shipment" phase, and buy them from a local retailer the same day.

Several years ago, it was the case that any items bought from Amazon were processed within two to three days, and the shipping carrier was responsible for any delays. It seems like a strategy to convert more customers into $99/year Prime subscribers.

I don't know why either. It seems like they are reminding their customers that online shopping is not more convenient than the alternative.