Amazon launched its Prime service in Australia last week, giving most Australians access to free two-day shipping, Prime Video and other perks. A subscription will cost AU$59 per year, which is a discounted rate that takes into account a smaller selection of goods and higher prices. Amazon just launched in the country last December.
Amazon Prime comes just ahead of a new policy that will prevent Australian customers from shopping on other countries’ Amazon sites. Australia has instituted a new law that requires retailers to collect goods and services tax on products shipped to Australia from abroad. In response, Amazon has chosen to restrict Australian residents to its Australian website starting July 1st.
Amazon’s Australian site has around 60 million products. With Prime, Australians will have access to approximately 4 million items sold on the US site and they won’t have to pay shipping for these as long as orders total more than AU$49.
Amazon says around 90% of Australians will have access to two-day delivery, including metro areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Non-metro areas that don’t qualify for free two-day delivery will have access to an expedited 3-5 day delivery option for no additional charge.
Amazon is offering a free trial as well as a monthly payment option.
