Online shopping website Amazon finally launches in SA
The official Amazon South Africa website is live after the US e-commerce giant launched its local online store without much fanfare on Tuesday.
Amazon has officially started operating in the republic after launching its South African online storefront market overnight.
US E-COMMERCE GIANT HITS SOUTH AFRICAN SHORES… FINALLY
According to various reports, Amazon’s South African online platform (amazon.co.za) was soft launched on Tuesday, with a wide range of stock was available in local pricing and promises of free next-day delivery.
However, the offer of free delivery is only available for products fulfilled by Amazon and not for products of third-party sellers. Orders above R500 also enjoy free delivery.
In addition to direct delivery, Amazon confirmed it will also be supporting 3,000 pickup points at launch which will be facilitated by local courier companies Pargo and The Courier Guy (including Pudo).
It’s South African consumers will receive status updates about their orders on WhatsApp, with support 24-hour support available via phone, email, and live chat.
Amazon.co.za guaranteed hassle-free returns within 30 days. Customers returning items can choose from several options, including home pickup and self-drop.
Further more, Amazon has also partnered with South African non-profit goGOGOgo to offer customers the opportunity to package eligible products in handmade gift bags.
AMAZON IS NOT THE FIRST FOREIGN ONLINE STORE IN SA
The Jeff Bezos-owned company joins Chinese-owned Temu, which has been growing rapidly, in launching e-commerce operations in South Africa this year.
This comes after an ambiguous statement by the conglomerate Sub-Saharan Africa region general manager Robert Koen in October last year which declared that the company would launch amazon.co.za sometime in 2024.
“[We look forward to] providing local sellers, brand owners, and entrepreneurs – small and large – the opportunity to grow their business with Amazon, and delivering great value and a convenient shopping experience for customers across South Africa,” the South African-born Koen explained.
Some of the biggest brands that’ll be available on the platform include Apple, Sony, HP, LEGO, Chicco, Maybelline, Pampers, Neutrogena, and Johnson’s.