Amazon, the world’s leading e-commerce platform, offers free shipping to South Korean consumers. Attention is drawn to the American e-commerce giant as it mirrors similar initiatives undertaken by Chinese online e-commerce giants AliExpress and Temu.
According to the retail industry, on Apr. 18., Amazon introduced complimentary shipping services for South Korean consumers who have made purchases totaling $49 (about 68,000 won) starting from Apr. 17.
Amazon has been selling products to South Korean consumers since August 2021 partnering with local e-commerce platform 11Street. In conjunction with 11Street’s premium membership program, “Universe Pass,” the e-commerce firm has offered free shipping on internationally drop-shipped items and on Amazon orders exceeding $20 on South Korean e-commerce, even for non-members.
This time, Amazon’s free shipping promotion is carried out independently of 11Street. Amazon has been offering free shipping promotions in various countries from time to time as part of its global promotional policy, with a particular minimum spend, according to industry sources.
Some speculate that Amazon’s latest free shipping services may be a response to the increasing presence of Chinese e-commerce platforms.
