It’s been a lengthy wait for eager online shoppers and independent sellers, but South Africa’s Amazon is finally here:
South Africa (07 May 2024) — It’s been a patient wait for South Africans who have long looked forward to Amazon launching their official, local website.
While local sellers were able to register for the platform in late 2023, the launch of the South African version of the website itself hung on vague dates, with some locals wondering if we were ever going to get our new online shopping experience.
However, the wait is finally over and www.amazon.co.za (ps: this ain’t sponsored) is ready to rumble! Well, almost. A quick scope of the site will show you that some products are not available just yet. On a better note, there is free delivery on first-orders for the products that are in stock, and there are a few bargains to book.
What seemingly sets Amazon apart per the official live website announcement, are the promises of fast delivery (same-day and next-day delivery), effective product tracking methods and of course, access to more local and international sellers.
But for South Africa, the really good news lies in the local, and the opportunity for small and medium sized businesses.
According to Amazon, “more than 60% of the items sold in Amazon’s stores globally are from independent sellers—most of which are small-and medium-sized businesses”. For a South Africa that’s seen a rapid increase in entrepreneurship resulting from factors like the pandemic and the ever-growing rise of e-commerce, the opportunities for local economic growth are positioned to be positive.
In very good news for Joburg-based non-profit GoGOGOgo, Amazon has made them a partner so that customers can “package eligible products in handmade gift bags” as created by gogos. The bags are made from recycled plastic and are handsewn, so look out for the opportunity to support them!
As for what’s on offer when you visit the new website, there are a myriad of categories from Home Improvement to Beauty and Books. While you will catch many big brand names online, keep an eye out for independent local sellers so that Amazon’s South African run can be as beneficial to our communities as possible.
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