The blog post aims to provide valuable insights into the process of selling on Amazon Australia for non-Australian businesses. Whether you’re expanding your existing Amazon business or starting from scratch, this guide offers a methodical approach to help you succeed. Here, we’ll discuss key steps, including registration on Amazon Australia, obtaining an Australian bank account, and managing product sourcing and logistics.
Signing up on Amazon Australia
The first step to initiating Amazon’s selling business is registering with Amazon Australia. Before you start registration with Amazon Australia, you need to have the following details:
- Your business name, address, and contact information
- An internationally-chargeable credit card with a valid billing address
- A phone number where you can be reached during this registration process
- Your tax identity information
- Your Australian bank account details to receive payments
Furthermore, Amazon may also ask for an official form of identification and a bank statement for verification purposes, especially if you are creating a new account with Amazon. Generally, in discussions with foreign business owners, I find that they ask mostly about how to acquire an Australian bank account while they are not Australian nationals. Getting Australian bank account details is easier than it appears, as I explain in the next section:
Getting Australian Bank Account Details for non-resident Amazon Sellers
To open an account in an Australian bank, you need to be a resident, but as a non-resident, you can still get the bank account details through online financial services like:
TransferWise
TransferWise Borderless account ( www.transferwise.com )provides you with Australian account details to receive disbursements from Amazon. After receiving money, you can keep that in your TransferWise account or transfer money over to your bank account in your home country.
HyperWallet
HyperWallet allows money disbursement from Amazon; HyperWallet is also one of the services that is integrated directly with Amazon and is mentioned in Amazon seller support documents. To join HyperWallet, you need to have an existing seller account, which is used for registering/logging in to this service. Check out HyperWallet ( https://sellers.hyperwallet.com )
Payoneer
Payoneer ( www.payoneer.com ) is a US-based company founded in 2005. It was popular with the rise of remote and freelance services, as Payoneer is the go-to service for freelancers worldwide. Using their expertise and knowledge, Payoneer has now expanded its services to online sellers too; however, Payoneer should be considered a third choice behind TransferWise & HyperWallet owing to their availability issues in Australia.
Other Considerations for Non-Australian Businesses, Selling on Amazon Australia
Signing up and getting yourself approved to sell on the Australian marketplace is a small part; next is building up processes and a supply chain to run a successful business. Keep in mind the following aspects.
Consider your pricing
If you’re a non-Australian business trying to sell products in Australia, you must consider the pricing differences. Australia has a higher cost of living and, therefore, generally higher prices. You need to adjust your product prices to reflect this.
Optimize your listings
Customers in Australia and customers in other parts of the world have different expectations when it comes to online shopping. You need to optimize your product listings on Amazon Australia to attract local customers. Your product titles and descriptions should use local terms and spellings and reflect the unique aspects of the Australian market.
Understand GST rules
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable to most products sold in Australia, including those sold on Amazon. As a non-Australian business, you need to register for GST to sell products on Amazon Australia. Ensure you understand all the GST rules and regulations before opening a shop on Amazon Australia.
Utilize FBA
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allows sellers to store their inventory in Amazon’s warehouses. Amazon handles the shipping and delivery of these products. FBA is a great way to manage your inventory and shipping costs if you’re a non-Australian business selling on Amazon Australia. It also helps you to provide faster delivery and customer service, which are crucial to your success.
Learn the local market
Finally, you need to understand the local market in Australia. This includes knowing the local holidays, popular events, and cultural norms. This will help you to create marketing campaigns and promotions that resonate with your potential customers.
Importing into Australia & Freight Management
Importing into Australia and managing freight efficiently are critical steps for non-Australian businesses. This involves navigating customs regulations and optimizing your supply chain. Whether you’re using FBA or handling shipping yourself, a well-planned freight and import strategy is essential for success on Amazon Australia.
Selling on Amazon Australia as a non-Australian business can be a great opportunity to expand your online presence. By following these tips, you can successfully sell products on Amazon Australia. Proper pricing, optimizing your listings, understanding GST rules, utilizing FBA, and learning the local market are all essential factors for success. Make sure to do your research and understand the unique aspects of the Australian market before diving in. Good luck! (and contact us if you need a professionally managed launch on Amazon Australia).
