Picture: for illustration purposes
Amazon, the American e-commerce colossus, has started preliminarily callouts for South African sellers to join its platform ahead of the much-anticipated launch, scheduled sometime in 2024. While the exact date of its official launch remains undisclosed, Amazon has already started facilitating independent local vendors to erect their e-stores via sell.amazon.com/south-africa.
The entry of Amazon into the South African e-commerce space signifies an expansion phase for the company and a promising opportunity for local sellers. Amazon offers two selling plans – Individual and Professional – providing flexible options that cater to both small and large-scale merchants.
For vendors aiming to sell in small volumes, typically less than 40 items, the Individual plan is apt, costing R10 per item. However, Professional sellers, retailing higher volumes, can opt for a subscription costing R400 monthly. As an incentive to the early adopters, Amazon is providing a provisional offer on the Professional account, with a monthly selling fee reduced to R1 from the usual R400. Professional account holders also gain comprehensive access to Amazon’s advanced toolset, APIs, and the potential to vend in restricted categories.
Upon an analysis conducted by Amazon, it's revealed that more than 60% of sales generated on its platform hail from independent sellers, primarily Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), indicating a thriving seller community that South African entrepreneurs can potentially tap into.