INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Amazon Australia launched Down Under with a slightly underwhelming inventory in December last year, but the online marketplace has since
been slowly and steadily improving its catalogue
The company is even looking to open a second fulfilment centre in Sydney to keep up with orders.In another bid to shake up Australian
retail, Amazon has finally launched its long-awaited Prime membership service Down Under, which includes free two-day delivery on all
That said, the Australian subscription fee is considerably cheaper than its US counterpart.Amazon will likely be hoping that the Australian
launch of Prime will help temper some of the recent criticism the shopping giant has faced locally
decision that was made in the face of new laws that mean GST must be applied to all purchased goods shipped to Australia, even if they're
bought from international sellers
previously available on amazon.com.What is Amazon PrimeThe key selling point for Amazon Prime is that it offers fast tracked free delivery
access to select deals and offers and, if Prime Day also launches in Australia this year, there could be plenty of savings up for grabs
during this members-only 24-hour sale event.How much is Amazon Prime in AustraliaIn Australia, Amazon Prime subscriptions will cost $6.99 a
The Australian membership fee is around half that of the US, where Amazon recently increased subscriptions from US$10.99 to US$12.99 a month
and from US$99 to US$119 a year.As an introductory offer for Aussies signing up for Prime, the monthly membership will be just $4.99 until
month.What do Australian Prime members getAccording to Prime International vice-president Jamil Ghani, at launch Australia has the widest
selection of Prime benefits of any country
These include free domestic delivery on millions of items, access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, and Twitch Prime, plus discounted priority
delivery.The free delivery on domestic purchases, however, is not the 'same day' service that's offered in the US
located in Melbourne.On international items bought from the new 'global' area of the store, purchases over $49 will be eligible for free
delivery.Other markets, especially the US, have plenty more features included in Prime memberships, such as the aforementioned same-day
With US subscriptions having been increased recently, Aussies Prime members might also need to pay more if they want all the bells and
whistles that come with a premium Prime membership.
