It’s the day online shoppers have been waiting for in South Africa, as online giant Amazon finally launches a local storefront:www.amazon.co.za is now yours to explore.
Amazon has been in the local news for years, with plans afoot for both a new (and controversial) African headquarters in Cape Town alongside a consumer portal to rival the likes of loot.co.za and takealot.com.
'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, Amazon. 'From today, customers can count on Amazon.co.za for a stress-free shopping experience, fast and reliable delivery, access to 3000 pickup points, 24/7 customer support, and easy returns.'
The local site has now launched with an array of cut-price deals, from hundreds of books selling for half the usual price to steep discounts on everything from home electronics to mobiles and accessories. In the market for a pair of 2nd-generation Airpods? Amazon (at R4999) has them for a full R1000 cheaper than local Apple specialist Digicape.
But as always, it pays to look closely at those prices. Amazon is also touting a Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 for 21% off the list price. But, ahem, that list price is more expensive than the list price on rival retailer Takealot.
And, ooh, what’s that? A Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machine for the bargain price of R1439? Hold up… if you don’t mind it in black it’s actually R40 cheaper on Takealot. As always, caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).
As for delivery? For products fulfilled by Amazon customers will enjoy free delivery on their first order, and then Amazon offers free delivery for orders over R500 – the same threshold as Takealot – and uses DPD Laser, Pargo and The Courier Guy for that 'last mile'. For orders below R500 delivery starts at R70, also the same as Takealot.
But, the option of delivery to the dozens of Pargo points and PuDo lockers around Cape Town will perhaps set Amazon apart, as Takealot currently only allows for collection at one of 17 warehouses and pick-up points in the city.
Amazon is to be applauded for launching with a clutch of good deals (need Finish dishwasher tablets? Now’s your chance!), but definitely don’t log on expecting access to the galaxy of choice that Amazon offers consumers abroad. After numerous searches for everything from XBox expansion drives to favourite books, I was often confronted with ‘Temporarily Out of Stock’ notices. Other items offer dispatch slower than you might find on rival retailers. But then, Amazon also had certain items listed, even if out of stock, where Takealot simply drew a blank.
And, local shoppers will be thrilled that they no longer have to take into account steep overseas delivery and customs fees when ordering through the local Amazon store.
It’s early days still, and as Amazon ramps up stock and availability, expect some heated competition to emerge as online retailers compete for a slice of your cash.
Have you heard? Cape Town is one of the world's best cities for coffee!