AMAZON RESUMES FREE SHIPPING FOR ISRAELI BUYERS

Online retailing giant Amazon has reintroduced its free delivery service for Israeli buyers. Amazon first began its free delivery last month although it was halted by the time Prime Day rolled around last week and the shopping frenzy associated with it.

Now free shipping has been resumed although with certain caveats - only for purchases above $75 - precisely the sum above which Israeli buyers must pay 17% VAT for their purchases (and excise for purchases above $500). Tax payments are calculated according to the gross price including shipping (which is now free). The free shipping offer also does not apply to items deemed large and heavy.

As with the previous free shipping offer, it only applies to products bought directly from Amazon and not through third parties. When ordering items from Amazon, on the "I need it" Facebook page, it is important to choose the "Free Shipping" option, which is not the default option.

Some have claimed that Amazon first introduced free shipping last month as a trial to see if it was economically worthwhile for the US online retail company.

AMAZON & EBAY BAN CONFEDERATE FLAGS, STILL SELLS NAZI MERCHANDISE,WALMART SELLING IRANIAN, CUBAN FLAGS

Online retail giant Amazon’s Monday decision to ban the sale of merchandise depicting the Confederate flag has many Americans scratching their heads, as a quick review of Amazon’s site reveals the company still sells Nazi flags.

For just $7.35, Amazon shoppers can pick up this Nazi SS flag, depicting the symbol of Adolf Hitler’s “Schutzstaffel” who helped carry out Germany’s annihilation of 6,000,000 Jews during the Holocaust

Walmart continues to sell the Iranian and Cuban flags, as well as artwork depicting the Cuban dictator Fidel Castro urging people to “liberate” Cuba, according to the super store’s website.

Amid a growing controversy over the sale and display of the Confederate flag in such stores, Walmart continues to sell the official flags of Iran and Cuba.

The Iranian flag, which was created in the wake of the Islamic Revolution that brought extremists into office in 1979, is being sold online at Walmart.com for a price of $54.89.

The Iranian flag is “suitable for parades or indoor display,” according to the product description.

The Cuban flag also can be purchased for $13.75, according to the website.

“This seaworthy international courtesy flag can be used on ocean going commercial or private vessels,” according to the product description.

Walmart also is selling canvas wall art featuring Fidel Castro.

The portrait of Castro includes the quote, “I am Fidel Castro and we have come to liberate Cuba.”

The continued sale of such merchandise comes as stores such as Walmart and others move to end the sale of the Confederate flag under growing pressure.