Amazon has officially launched Amazon Business in Australia, aiming to tap into the lucrative business-to-business (B2B) market. This new service will cater to businesses of all sizes, providing a range of office supplies, electronics, furniture, and more, all at competitive prices. The launch is particularly timely as companies prepare for the new financial year, stocking up on essential supplies.
With Amazon Business, the purchasing process is designed to be more straightforward and cost-effective. It will feature exclusive pricing for businesses, volume discounts on select items, and dedicated customer support. Additionally, companies have the option to upgrade to Business Prime, which offers shipping benefits akin to those enjoyed by Amazon Prime members, along with unique features tailored for businesses such as shared accounts and specific buying policies.
Lena Zak, the country manager for Amazon Business Australia, expressed that the new service is aimed at simplifying the procurement process for organisations. She noted a significant concern for small to medium businesses (SMBs), as 78% have implemented cost-cutting measures over the past three years due to rising operational expenses. Amazon Business intends to alleviate some of this financial strain by providing substantial savings on daily operational supplies, alongside the convenience of its delivery services.
This launch makes Australia the 11th market for Amazon Business, following successful expansions in countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK. Since its inception in 2015, Amazon Business has achieved remarkable success, generating about $35 billion in annual gross sales and serving over 8 million customers globally.
Furthermore, a recent study commissioned by Amazon Australia found that 92% of Australian SMBs have faced increased operational costs in the last three years, with 79% identifying these rising expenses as their foremost concern. The introduction of Amazon Business comes at a crucial time, potentially offering significant relief and advantages to businesses navigating these challenging economic conditions.