Sylvia Duruson
With great fanfare, global e-commerce giant Amazon has finally dipped its massive toe into the South African market. After months of anticipation following an October 2023 promise, the company’s long-awaited debut has become a reality, offering South African customers a brand-new online shopping experience.
Customers can now access the Amazon.co.za platform either by downloading the Amazon shopping app or by visiting the website on their desktop or mobile browsers. This new e-commerce destination promises to delight shoppers with a vast selection of local and international brands spanning 20 different product categories, accompanied by enticing prices and the convenience of same-day and next-day delivery options.
To sweeten the deal, Amazon is offering free delivery on the first order and free delivery for subsequent orders above $27. Customers can also expect to receive real-time status updates via WhatsApp, enabling them to track their orders every step of the way. Additionally, hassle-free returns within 30 days are available through home pickup and self-drop options, complemented by dedicated support channels such as phone, email, and live chat.
“We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za along with thousands of independent sellers in South Africa. We provide customers with great value, broad selection—including international and local products—and a convenient delivery experience,” said Robert Koen, Managing Director of Sub-Saharan Africa at Amazon, highlighting the extensive network of 3,000 pick-up points.
The Amazon.co.za store boasts a wide range of products across categories such as consumer electronics, sporting equipment, toys, home goods, and small kitchen appliances. Shoppers can expect to find international brands like Apple, Sony, HP, LEGO, Chicco, Maybelline, Pampers, Neutrogena, and Johnson’s, as well as popular local brands from independent South African sellers, including Amanda-Jayne, King Kong Leather, Masodi, and Tiger Lily.
In a unique partnership, Amazon has joined forces with goGOGOgo, a South African non-profit organization, offering customers the opportunity to package eligible products in handmade gift bags. “We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity to partner with Amazon to expand our reach and make a meaningful impact in promoting positive life opportunities and health outcomes for GOGOs and the children they are raising, often in difficult conditions,” said Jane Simmonds, Founder of goGOGOgo.
Amazon’s global marketplace traditionally thrives on the participation of independent sellers, with over 60% of items sold through its stores originating from small- and medium-sized businesses. This presents a significant opportunity for South African entrepreneurs to rapidly launch, grow, and scale their businesses, leveraging Amazon’s innovative capabilities, valuable tools, and educational resources.
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Small Business Development of South Africa, welcomed Amazon’s arrival, stating, “We welcome companies that provide opportunities for local sellers and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. We are counting on Amazon to provide such opportunities to our small enterprises and look forward to working together to unlock these opportunities. This will create jobs and contribute to the government’s objective of repairing the legacy of poverty and inequality.”
With its user-friendly onboarding tools, payment processing facilities, reporting, and analytics capabilities, Amazon aims to empower businesses of all sizes to sell their goods through its dynamic marketplace, fostering growth and innovation within the South African retail sector.
