Amazon to Inflate Prime Prices

In its, thus far, storied history, one thing critics have long pointed out is that despite the hype, Amazon almost never turns a profit. Now, after disappointing fourth quarter earnings, Amazon is finally considering raising prices by as much as 50 percent on its $79 Prime shipping program. “Shipping costs have gone up a lot, fuel costs have gone up a lot,” said Amazon's chief financial officer. If the price ends up being raised, many investors and skeptics will be keeping a close eye on how loyal customers who are used to cheap on-time shipping, will react.