Amazon Australia helps Aussie startups and entrepreneurs to bring innovative products to market with new Amazon launchpad program

Amazon Launchpad makes it easy for startups and entrepreneurs to launch, market and distribute their products from Australia to the customers across the country

SYDNEY – AUGUST 6 2019: Amazon.com.au today announced the introduction of Amazon Launchpad, a new program that will help Aussie startups and entrepreneurs to bring innovative products to local customers looking for unique items, with a homegrown twist.  

With Amazon Launchpad, local startups and entrepreneurs can use Amazon’s retail expertise and infrastructure to share their stories and grow their businesses, overcoming many of the challenges associated with bringing products to market.

At launch, over 150 local and international brands will feature on the Australian Amazon Launchpad store. Participants will benefit from custom product pages on the new Amazon.com.au Launchpad store, marketing support and access to Amazon’s local fulfilment network including Amazon Prime.

Research commissioned by Amazon Australia and conducted by AlphaBeta has found that over two-thirds (68%) of small to medium sized retailers (SMEs) with high-growth aspirations, plan for online channels to be an important part of increasing sales. 

However, about a fifth (21%) aren’t confident using digital tools. SME’s cited lack of capability to understand and implement digital tools (36%), lack of skills to implement digital tools (29%), and the costs of developing an e-commerce channel (36%) as key barriers to growth.

"Australian inventors and entrepreneurs are responsible for some of the most innovative consumer products in the world from the electric drill right through to Vegemite. We’re excited to work with the next-generation of local entrepreneurs on bringing their innovative products to millions of customers - from Lyre’s Non Alcoholic Sprits Co, through to sustainable swimwear brand, Salt Gypsy from Byron Bay," said Rocco Braeuniger, Country Manager for Amazon Australia.

"We know that product creation is only one part of the equation in launching a product and that marketing, logistics and finding an audience can be just as challenging. With Amazon Launchpad, we have a program that will help ease some of these challenges for startups and entrepreneurs alike, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses and freeing up time for future innovation," Braeuniger continued.

"Australian customers will be able to show their support for local businesses through shopping from a host of homegrown innovative products, all underscored by the convenience and fast delivery from Amazon.com.au."

Supporting the launch, the Australian Made Campaign’s Chief Executive, Ben Lazzaro said, "We are excited by the introduction of Amazon Australia’s Launchpad program. It has the potential to provide enormous opportunity for Australian manufacturers looking to leverage Amazon Australia’s growing ecommerce offering and expand their reach, while making genuine Aussie products more accessible to consumers."

Amazon Launchpad Australia participant, Beach House Group’s Lance Kalish said, "We’ve had huge success in leveraging Amazon Launchpad in the U.S. to grow customer purchases, in part due to the marketing support we receive from the Amazon Launchpad team. We are excited to ‘return home’ and bring our products to Aussies from skincare to stationery via the Australian Launchpad store. With the support of Launchpad, we also have more time to focus on our love of innovation and how we can bring the next big thing to market."

Amazon Launchpad offers startups and entrepreneurs an array of services that help accelerate their business including:

• Brand Development: Custom product pages help bring products to life through photos and videos. Founders can tell their story and connect with customers in a more personal way, with a Q&A about the startup.
• Customer Reach: Amazon’s most powerful tools for engaging with customers – including merchandised placements, and personalised recommendations.
• World-class Fulfilment: Startups also enjoy access to Amazon’s local fulfilment network and fast, unlimited shipping with Amazon Prime, along with exceptional customer service.

To dial up the homegrown presence, in-depth story videos will feature on-site for brands including:

• Beach House Group – a pair of serial Aussie entrepreneurs responsible for brands including socially-conscious skin care brand, Marlowe and pay it forward, stationery brand, Yoobi
• Lyres – a range of craft non-alcoholic classic spirits, made in Melbourne
• Nexba - Australia’s first naturally sugar free drink brand
• Salt Gypsy – A Byron Bay based, ethically designed surfwear brand, made in Australia
• SODA Shades – Stylish sunglasses and summer gear, designed in Melbourne
• VITAMAN – Skincare and haircare solutions for men, made from Australian botanicals in Sydney

To learn more about the Amazon Launchpad program or to shop the store, visit www.amazon.com.au/launchpad

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