Amazon.co.za is live

Matata said:
Well I think we can safely assume that they paid daily investor (@Bliksis loves them and that is actually how I found out about amazon.co.za this morning) and myBB to write articles about them today for advertising. Otherwise I would not have been searching on the forum for amazon.co.za today. but yes I agree with you it does seem like a soft launch and what is also nice it seems like they already have all the logistics and pickup points ready at day 1. So I would rate them 8/10 for a smooth launch day although it was not so spectacular as I imagined would be.
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Yip - articles on local tech sites fully qualify as PR and not advertising
 
AfricanTech said:
I reckon it's a 'soft launch' ie no advertising campaign beyond some basic PR, etc to ensure that they are able to 'live test' everything.

I'd be very surprised if the products available aren't ramped up pretty quickly.

I'd also be very surprised if they don't use the platform as a massive push into Africa...
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Yeah, it's Amazon eh. They do have the knowhow and experience to bring us closer to the global consumer market. It could on the other hand simply be a trial run.

I'd be happy if more respected brands could come to our shores, at half decent prices, with decent after-sale service. There's often things you read about in reviews of products in other markets. Nice things. That I often want. But, which you simply can't source here without substantial cost and personal risk.
 
The Trutherizer said:
Yeah, it's Amazon eh. They do have the knowhow and experience to bring us closer to the global consumer market. It could on the other hand simply be a trial run.

I'd be happy if more respected brands could come to our shores, at half decent prices, with decent after-sale service. There's often things you read about in reviews of products in other markets. Nice things. That I often want. But, which you simply can't source here without substantial cost and personal risk.
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Yeah, I'm pretty sure that analytics based on actual traffic and search patterns on the local site will inform their medium and long term 'bulk shipping' to create local warehoused stock of international products. They should also be able to mine the international sites (.com; .uk; .fr) for products shipped to South Africa / Africa.
 
RVR said:
Whoa, thats great from Amazon...did it state same day delivery or next day?

I'm in durban and even on TA we don't next day delivery...
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I believe Amazon has Joburg and Cape Town warehousing so Durban might be next day at best. You can signupm enter your address and get an accurate delivery estimate - it's one thing that is very reliable. If I change my location to Durban most are Free delivery Thursday with no next day delivery option.
 
quovadis said:
I believe Amazon has Joburg and Cape Town warehousing so Durban might be next day at best. You can signupm enter your address and get an accurate delivery estimate - it's one thing that is very reliable. If I change my location to Durban most are Free delivery Thursday with no next day delivery option.
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Oh well, but at least next day delivery or in the same week. Hopefully in the future they'll be same day delivery for Durban
 
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It would be hilarious if a product still ended up being cheaper even if you bought it from Amazon US than the local store.
 
I genuinely think that we're seriously underestimating the positive impact of amazon.co.za on the logistics and warehousing industry* in SA and Africa, provided they're able to remain clear of the corruption, political, and anti-business mire that we find ourselves in on this continent.

* to name but two
 
quovadis said:
I believe Amazon has Joburg and Cape Town warehousing so Durban might be next day at best. You can signupm enter your address and get an accurate delivery estimate - it's one thing that is very reliable. If I change my location to Durban most are Free delivery Thursday with no next day delivery option.
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One of the posters earlier in the thread said that Amazon allows a reseller on the site to ship directly as well, so if the reseller of a product is based in Durban you may be able to get same day.
 
Sads-1-zn said:
It would be hilarious if a product still ended up being cheaper even if you bought it from Amazon US than the local store.
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I buy from Amazon quite a bit and use .COM and their international sites and the prices do and will vary. You'll find plenty examples where the same product is cheaper overseas than here some even including shipping. I'd imagine where the same product exists they'll be further restricted from shipping to SA from international sites.
 
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I suppose they will disable buying from amazon.com in future?
 
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netstrider said:
I suppose they will disable buying from amazon.com in future?
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Unlikely. They might limit products with delivery to SA or limit display of products to certain users but it's usually limited based on your currently set delivery address.
 
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netstrider said:
I suppose they will disable buying from amazon.com in future?
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Highly unlikely a friend of mine in germany still buys from amazon.com as amazon.de doesnt carry the things he likes, same goes for a canadian friend...

As long as you pay the shipping costs and Taxes why would they close that revenue generation for themselves?
 
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