Last month, Flipkart announced a new service called Flipkart First, which is a subscription-based service a la Amazon Prime service in US. The service has gone live today and those interested can register for the service by paying a subscription fee of Rs 500 a year. Also Read - MarQ by Flipkart launches new Android 9.0 Smart TV range, price starts at Rs 11,999

The service essentially provides subscribers with a lot of benefits like free shipping on all purchases, guaranteed delivery next day and Same-Day Guarantee service at a discounted price of Rs 70. This service is only applicable on products bought from WS Retail. While the service will cost users Rs 500 a year, 75,000 customers who took part in the lucky draw will get three month subscription for free. Also Read - Motorola to foray into 'Smart Home Appliances' segment in India with Flipkart

As mentioned above, this service is quite similar to Amazon s Prime service available in the US. In comparison, the Prime service costs $99 (approximately Rs 5,946) per year and subscribers are entitled to free two-day shipping with no minimum order size, unlimited streaming of movies and videos on Amazon Instant Video, and a service called Kindle Owners Lending Library, wherein Kindle owners can borrow one free e-book from Amazon s library.

Flipkart First is sure to give the online retailer a one up on its closest rival, which too has been introducing new services like enlisting local kiranas as pickup points, and Amazon Pickup service in Mumbai and Delhi.