After months or waiting and speculation, Amazon Prime is finally available in Australia. Intriguingly, it has the best lineup of launch features and services of any country – and it’s much cheaper than the US version. We look at everything you get with the service and how much it will cost you.
What Is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a premium subscription service that combines free shipping, discounted Priority delivery, exclusive deals and access to digital products including Amazon Prime Video, Twitch Prime and Prime Reading. In other words, it’s more than just an online shopping service with extra perks.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/02/explainer-what-is-amazon-prime/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/02/Amazon-Prime-410×231.jpg” title=”Explained: What Is Amazon Prime And Do You Need It?” excerpt=”Amazon’s entry into Australia last year was underwhelming, but the company continues to shore up its local storefront in a bid to tempt shoppers. Part of that includes Amazon Prime, a paid subscription service that provides users with extra benefits, such discounts, deals and even streaming video. So, what does Prime have to offer Australians?”]
Amazon Prime: What’s included?
If Amazon can be believed, Australia will be receiving more features and services at launch than any other country. Here’s a list of what’s included:
- Exclusive Deals: Much like eBay Plus, Amazon Prime will offer exclusive shopping deals. This includes a Prime Day event that is only open to Prime members.
- Cheap Priority Delivery: Amazon is promising discounted Priority deliveries for Prime members. The new pricing is between $7.99 and $9.99.
- Alexa Shopping: Prime members can shop via voice on Alexa enabled devices – a feature that was sorely missed from Echo’s launch.
- Free Release Date Delivery: This one only matters if you’re desperate to have new products as soon as they launch. Nearly 90% of Australians will be able to pre-order Prime-eligible products and have them delivered on release date.
- Free delivery: Receive free deliveries within two business days on millions of local products. (Note: this is dependent on location, but Amazon reckons it has close to 90 per cent of Aussie shoppers covered.) You can also get free international delivery on orders over $59.
- Amazon Prime Video: Free access to Amazon’s video streaming service, including Prime Original series like The Grand Tour, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, American Gods, and Jack Ryan. The service is compatible with mobile phones, tablets, Smart TVs and game consoles. (Find out more about Amazon Prime Video here.)
- Amazon Prime Reading: Free access to Amazon’s Kindle subscription service. This includes over 1000 Kindle e-books, short stories, comics, travel guides and children’s books – including best-selling novels.
- Twitch Prime: Includes free access to select video games each month, free in-game items for titles like Fortnite and Call Of Duty, a Twitch channel subscription every 30 days, exclusive chat emotes and colours and an exclusive chat badge. If you’re a gamer (or have a gamer in your family) this is a very neat inclusion.)
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/06/ebay-plus-everything-you-need-to-know/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/09/BUYEBAY2-410×231.jpg” title=”eBay Plus: Everything You Need To Know” excerpt=”Call it the Amazon effect. eBay Australia is now offering customers free delivery and returns via a new membership option called eBay Plus. It also comes with a host of special offers and features exclusive to eBay Plus members. Here’s everything you need to know.”]
That’s a pretty impressive lineup of features, we’re sure you’ll agree. Now, onto the all important question: how much will it cost?
How Much Is Amazon Prime?
In Australia, Amazon Prime will set you back $6.99 a month or $59 a year. In the US, a casual sub will set you back $US10.99 ($13.37) per month, while the annual deal is $US99.99 upfront ($124.90).
At first glance, this makes the AU offer seem almost too good to be true. It’s worth noting that the US version does include some additional benefits, including a dedicated courier service that boasts one-hour delivery. You can even get items delivered to your car while you’re out and about.
Nevertheless, the favourable price difference between Australia and the US is pretty damn impressive and practically unheard of. Take that, Australia Tax!
Amazon Australia is also offering introductory pricing of $4.99 a month until 31 January 2019. There’s also a free 30-day trial available. You can find out more and sign up here.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/06/the-best-deals-from-amazons-massive-mid-year-sale/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/05/20180522_174428-410×231.jpg” title=”The Best Deals From Amazon’s Massive Mid-Year Sale [Updated]” excerpt=”Amazon Australia is throwing its biggest sale since launch, with thousands of items slashed by more than 50 per cent! We take a look at some of the best deals.”]
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