For anyone that has ever consumed any sort of American content, whether it’s a YouTube video, TV show or article knows that Amazon is a big deal. An online marketplace where you can find almost anything at greatly discounted prices which are delivered to your door in a matter of days – what more could you want?
With Amazon being unavailable in Australia for the past few years we’ve simply had to look on in envy as our American counterparts enjoy their promptly delivered, discounted goods. So when Amazon announced that they would be launching in Australia the excited was palpable with many speculating how it would impact local retailers with Amazon’s bargain basement prices.
Well, Amazon was launched on Tuesday and it didn’t exactly live up to the hype with many flocking to Twitter to voice their disappointment. While Amazon promised prices 30% below RRP some items turned out to be more expensive. The most awkward being Amazon’s Kindle being more affordable in local retailer Officeworks.
Not only were some items more expensive but the digital wonderland of items that was expected didn’t deliver either with the Australian Amazon offering a much more limited offering then its American site. We can only hope that this disappointing opener is part of Amazon’s long-term strategy with plans to cut prices and introduce more products in the coming months.
While we wait for their next move, we can enjoy the hilarious reactions online.
Amazon is, after months of alarm bells & media frenzy, finally here in Australia and it’s… wait… you can buy thongs… with FREE returns? STOKED! TOTAL GAME CHANGER.#amazonaustralia #AmazonAU pic.twitter.com/2LJu8SEPl6
— Shallow Culture (@ShallowCulture) December 4, 2017
#amazonaustralia ripping off Australian consumers with high prices for 9 hours… Harvey Norman, Myer, JB Hi-Fi breathe a sigh of relief. Another wasted opportunity.
— Hero (@hierohero1) December 4, 2017
Just me or are there definitely not ‘millions of products’ on #amazonaustralia ? pic.twitter.com/ZMzZLbTt3H
— Aletha Wilkinson (@AlsyAlsy) December 4, 2017
OMG OMG OMG OMG #amazonaustralia has launched
*Goes to https://t.co/SqcsRMsAFK*
Wow those prices are ridiculously high, I’m going to JB
— Dez Maggs (@DerekMaggs81) December 4, 2017
Good news – Amazon Australia has finally launched.
Bad news – Everything is roughly the same price as in store (they said it would be up to 30% lower than rrp)
How shitty
— Kevin (@JustKevYTP) December 4, 2017