If you run any kind of small business, you are almost certain to have discovered that the purchase of your essential supplies and materials is both frustrating and time-consuming. It takes a lot of time and effort to track down suitable products at affordable prices and on payment terms you find acceptable.
Amazon Business aims to provide the solution to just that problem – freeing up your valuable time for far more pressing business needs and activities.
What is Amazon Business?
Just as the name suggests Amazon Business is the universal online trader specifically designed to supply businesses. It is rapidly changing how companies throughout the UK – and, indeed, the world – buy their supplies.
How does Amazon Business benefit my business?
If you have ever made any personal purchases on Amazon, you’ll know that the company aims to offer the widest possible selection, at good value for money, and ease of purchase.
Amazon Business strives to be that same kind of marketplace – but one that is designed for specific business to business transactions and features such as:
- bulk purchase pricing;
- invoiced payments (subject to the usual credit checks and expenditure limits);
- VAT invoicing; and
- management tools to monitor and control your expenditure.
The Amazon Business marketplace behaves rather like a reverse auction. Sellers compete for the purchase of widely-demanded “stock-keeping units” (SKUs, that define products by their unique characteristics – such as sizes, styles, colours, and so on). The process not only secures good value for money but also saves time and hassle.
Using Amazon Business
To run a successful business, you need your shopping experience for supplies and materials to be simple and fast, together with flexible payment options, and reliable delivery dates and times.
That’s what Amazon Business aims to give the business customer – in just the same way you might have experienced it with your personal shopping on Amazon.
Because it is purpose-designed as a business account, it also comes with the controls and management tools to keep your purchasing activities watertight. You can ensure that only authorised purchases are made on your account, for example. The package also provides detailed analysis and projections of your purchasing activity, through tools that can be effortlessly integrated with your in-house purchasing systems.
If you have ever scoured the internet for online suppliers, you are almost certain to have come across subscription-based retailers or so-called warehouse clubs.
Amazon Business is a free to use service
Amazon Business, by contrast, breaks new ground by letting you set up your account for free – no matter how many purchasers you choose to authorise for that account.
Who is eligible for an Amazon Business account?
Any business or business-associated organisation may apply to set up an account for their exclusively business activities*.
You will need to provide a valid email address.
To Amazon validate and check the accuracy of your application, the company reserves the right to use your business name, VAT number, address, business identification number, or any other information you have provided. Amazon may also ask for any additional information they consider necessary for validating your application – including enquiries to or through third parties.
* Amazon reserves the right to accept or to refuse your application for or use of an Amazon Business account.
