Amazon has finally launched its premium service, Amazon Prime in Australia and it’s a mixed bag. While it’s less expensive than the US version of the service, it doesn’t offer next-day delivery. That’s something I’ve enjoyed when in the US. But how does it compare to eBay Plus?
eBay Plus is a paid subscription service that offers extra benefits to users. It provides Aussie shoppers with free domestic delivery and returns on approximately 15 million eligible eBay products. It also offers discounts and early access to new products before they appear on the main eBay site.
Amazon Prime is a subscription service that offers free shipping, discounted priority delivery. There are also exclusive deals and access to digital products including Amazon Prime Video, Twitch Prime and Prime Reading. It’s an online shopping service with extra perks.
Amazon Prime: What Do You Get
The release of Amazon Prime gives members access to Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Reading and Twitch Prime. (For an overview of what these services are and why you might want them, click here.)
There’s also access to exclusive deals, discounted priority delivery (which Amazon says could include next day delivery in some places), free release date delivery on new products you pre-order and the ability to order goods using Alexa.
eBay Plus: What Do You Get
As well free delivery and returns, you can use your FlyBuys to score double points as well as the obligatory exclusive deals and discounts.
Amazon Prime Vs eBay Plus: Costs
Ebay Plus will set you back $49 per year although it’s just $29 at the moment, until it’s first year of local availability is over. There’s also a free 30-day trial.
Amazon Prime also offers a 30-day free trial. After that, it costs $6.99 a month or $59 per year. Until 31 January 2019, there’s an introductory promotional price of $4.99 a month.
Which Is Better?
Although Amazon Prime costs more, it offers a lot more value. In addition to the shopping benefits, which are quite similar, Amazon offers access to the media streaming services Prime, Twitch and Reading. We think this gives it the edge.
On the hand, if you don’t think you’ll get much use from the aforementioned products, eBay has the bigger shopping selection and is cheaper. Plus, unlike Amazon, it won’t block you from accessing the US version of the site.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/06/how-to-get-past-amazons-australian-geoblock/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/05/AMAZONKANGA1-410×231.jpg” title=”All The Ways Amazon’s Geoblock Will Affect Aussie Shoppers” excerpt=”Online retail giant Amazon’s decision to block Australian shoppers from its US website has prompted an outpouring of anger from its customers. However, economic statistics indicate the actual value of online purchased products entering Australia from international marketplaces is relatively low. While some shoppers will be disappointed by Amazon’s decision, others will simply find ways around the geoblock.”]
If you’re already an eBay shopper, it’s worth considering eBay Plus. eBay says the average eBay shopper spends $71 on shipping per year so you could save over $20 per year on shipping. And, even if you just take up the discounted rate for year one, you’ll save quite a bit.
Depending on how much and where shop, the savings on shipping might even justify having both as they will pay for themselves.
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