Amazon Prime launches in Australia: It’s cheaper but has been dubbed ‘subprime’ by some

AMAZON’S premium membership service has launched for Australian customers but one key thing is missing and it’s been met with mixed reaction.

AMAZON launched its Prime service in Australia today, giving local consumers access to Amazon’s full suite of video and music streaming offerings as well as a bunch of other benefits and perks.

But don’t expect same day delivery any time soon.

The arrival of Amazon Prime builds on the Amazon Prime Video on-demand product that has been available in Australia since 2016.

It’s a membership program with a monthly fee of $6.99 that also gives subscribers access to select free online games each month, access to more than 1000 free e-books as well as shopping and delivery deals.

Members will get free delivery on certain products within two days across most of the country and four-day delivery in remote areas. Amazon Prime includes free overseas shipping on items over $49.

Prime members will also get 30-minute early access to select deals.

But, unlike those in US cities, Australians will not be treated to free same-day delivery or one-day delivery.

Amazon Prime is already available in several countries and has 100 million members. Although Australian Prime members don’t get as many perks as their US counterparts, it’s also a fair bit cheaper for us. Instead of paying $6.99 a month you can opt for a $59 fee for the year which is about $100 cheaper than US subscriptions.

Amazon Prime International vice-president Jamil Ghani announced the Australian rollout on Monday night.

“This is just the beginning for Prime in Australia as we will keep making Prime better, adding even more selection and benefits,” he said.

Enjoy fast, free delivery on eligible items, exclusive access to select deals, and access to Prime Video and more. Start your 30 day free trial today. Membership fees apply after free trial. T&Cs apply. https://t.co/xG8t3GhGl1 pic.twitter.com/0qml3k6nFW

— Amazon.com.au (@AmazonAustralia) June 18, 2018

Membership comes with access to streaming service Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Reading, access to gaming service Twitch Prime and the ability to shop via voice on Alexa-enabled devices.

Amazon Prime members will get faster delivery with no minimum purchase on Amazon’s domestic selection of eligible products.

The e-commerce giant says it will be able to reach 90 per cent of Aussies for delivery within two business days.

Free two-business-day delivery is available to customers in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and regional cities such as Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Gold Coast, Gosford, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Wagga Wagga and more.

While Prime membership give users the chance to get free international shipping, the launch comes just weeks after Amazon said it would stop shipping millions of products to Australia in protest over changes to the goods and services tax, leaving consumers confused over what to expect.

Amazon’s social media team replied to questions saying products from Amazon’s Global Store would still be made available to be shipped to Australia.

Amazon Prime’s Australian launch comes days after eBay began its own subscription service with free postage, access to special deals, discounts and other benefits.

Despite the initial hype around Amazon’s retail launch in Australia, the announcement of Amazon Prime was met with a mixed reaction by consumers.

Amazon Prime arrives at precisely the moment no Australian gives a toss.

Well played, Amazon.

— Mark Pesce (@mpesce) June 19, 2018

Yay! Tiny product selection and 2 day shipping? #Amazon #subprime.

— Sean Greenhalgh (@scgreenhalgh) June 19, 2018