The Internet can't stop mocking Australia's underwhelming Amazon launch
Prime will not be arriving in Australia until 2018.
Years after US and UK residents have been making the most of online shopping, Amazon has finally launched in Australia.
But it was a rather peculiar launch, and one that is still not fully complete. Amazon teased a soft launch on 23 November (the day before Black Friday), but then everything went quiet.
Now, the online shopping juggernaut has made products other than books available. The catch? No Amazon Prime until "mid 2018".
Taking to social media, Australians do not seem overly thrilled with what is on offer.
Just placed my first Amazon Australia order. Things aren't necessarily cheap and you're temped to buy $50 worth to get free delivery. Also watch those 3rd party delivery costs https://t.co/hdLiO1B5qw @amazon pic.twitter.com/2GOQMTu4XA
— Chris Griffith (@chris_griffith) December 4, 2017
No no no #amazonaustralia we are looking for unique products at great prices, not more of the same overpriced stuff we can get everywhere. To other retailers - you can breathe a sigh of relief now.
— Riwka Hagen (@Rifffy) December 4, 2017
Amazon's digital assistant is still missing in Australia. The company revealed in November Alexa would not be arriving in Australia and New Zealand until 2018.
Users were quick to point out that deals were not comparable to the United States store.
OMG OMG OMG OMG AMAZON HAS LAUNCHED IN AUSTRALIA…
— Trevor Long (@trevorlong) December 4, 2017
Checks prices….
Meh...
So far Amazon AU = Netflix AU. Anemic range compared with its US equivalent. #amazonaustralia
— Dan Craddock (@slowburnweb) December 4, 2017
Oh Australia. You try and try. And fail and fail. #AmazonAustralia a perfect example. How is it still cheaper for me to buy from the US store INCLUDING shipping than locally?
— Benji Strikes Again (@thebenjireturns) December 4, 2017
Not only were some deals not up to par with the US, many were more expensive than the regular stores.
Anyone want to buy an iPhone X for $370 above retail? What if I told you it would arrive later too. Any interest? #amazonaustralia #youhavegottobekidding pic.twitter.com/jbxxPb3Zzo
— Jen Dudley-Nicholson (@jendudley) December 5, 2017
Amazon has launched in Australia. And Lifehacker says the prices aren’t...the best pic.twitter.com/30tdaYkQGL
— Adam Baidawi (@ads_b) December 4, 2017
What's the point of #AmazonAustralia when you can buy the same product off US Amazon, get smashed on shipping fees and a rubbish exchange rate, and still be better off?
— James Raynes (@jimmyraynes) December 5, 2017
The first Amazon warehouse has been built in Melbourne, which does beg the question how Prime delivery would even work efficiently when sending packages to Perth - 2100 miles away.
