11 things startup founders and entrepreneurs need to know about Amazon Launchpad

Rocco Braeuniger, Country Manager for Amazon Australia, said Amazon Launchpad is a solution to several key challenges startup founders face as they turn their attention from product development to sales and issues such as marketing, logistics and finding an audience.

“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,” he said.

The store launches in Australia with more than 150 local and international brands offering more than 3,000 products.

If you’re an entrepreneur with a startup looking to find customers quickly, here’s what you need to know about Amazon Launchpad.

1. What is Amazon Launchpad

Amazon Launchpad, is a new program to help Aussie startups and entrepreneurs to bring innovative products to local customers looking for unique items.

2. It’s new to Australia

The Australian launch follows the roll-out of Amazon Launchpad in seven international regions, where Amazon has built specific stores that represent the startup community and category differentiation of those nations. You’ll now find Amazon Launchpad in Australia, the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and India.

While software has been a big focus in the Australian startup community, Amazon Launchpad is a chance for founders creating a physical product to sell the end result to a large audience.

3. Here’s how it works

Amazon Launchpad gives customers access to a dedicated storefront featuring a variety of innovative products from homegrown brands, whether they are emerging or a bit more established, and other countries’ top innovative selections. Amazon.com.au handles inventory management, order fulfilment, customer service, and more, allowing startup founders to focus their efforts on the innovation that creates more unique products.

4. Here’s how Amazon defines startup in Australia

Amazon has defined a startup as a new or emerging brand, meaning the brand could have just launched, to brands that have grown organically over their first few years and are now looking for a global presence.

5. Here’s what you have to do to be eligible to participate

Physical product companies that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply to participate in Amazon Launchpad.

• Have a unique and innovative consumer product
• Product is ready to ship
• Participant must be the brand owner of the product (i.e. not a reseller or distributor)

Any startup or entrepreneur that does not meet the eligibility criteria is still welcome to apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by Amazon.com.au.

Existing vendors or sellers can join Amazon Launchpad and it’s also open to innovative large companies. All you have to do is meet the criteria above.

6. This is how the Amazon Australia Launchpad store chose more than 150 brands for kick-off

For the launch, Amazon Australia recruited brands in multiple ways, including reviewing their existing sellers to find those who met the criteria, visiting trade shows, demo days and startup events; and working with our network of collaborators. You can read more about some of the companies involved, including women’s surfwear brand Salt Gypsy, non-alcoholic drinks startup Lyre’s Co. and the skincare, children’s play and fashion brands of Beach House Group here on Startup Daily on our special Amazon Launchpad hub.

7. Here’s how you apply

Fill out their Amazon Launchpad application form – you’ll find it here – as the first step to joining the program. The Amazon Launchpad team will respond to your application within 7 to 10 business days.

8. It doesn’t cost any more to be part of Amazon Launchpad

There is no additional cost to participate in the Amazon.com.au Launchpad program.

The new program offers a streamlined onboarding experience, custom product pages, a comprehensive marketing package, and access to Amazon’s local fulfilment network, all geared toward helping startups successfully launch their innovations and share their stories.

9. There’s good news if you’re thinking of becoming an Amazon.com.au vendor

Startups and entrepreneurs become Amazon.com.au vendors via a streamlined onboarding experience. You now get two bites of the Amazon cherry.

10. Yes, you’ll have fulfilment

Fulfilment by Amazon deals with shipping for your startup, as well as managing inventory, so you’ll enjoy access to Amazon’s local fulfilment network and fast, unlimited shipping with Amazon Prime, and exceptional customer service.

11. Amazon Launchpad offers additional support for your startup

Along with the local fulfilment network, Amazon Launchpad also offers:

• Brand Development: Custom product pages help bring products to life through visually-compelling imagery and videos. Founders can tell their story and connect with customers in a personal way with Q&A about the startup. Products from these brands are featured in the Amazon.com.au Launchpad store, which is dedicated to showcasing brand innovations.
• Customer Reach: Amazon.com.au’s most powerful marketing tools – including merchandised placements and personalised recommendations. Brands also enjoy access to Amazon’s local fulfilment network, fast and free shipping with Amazon Prime, and customer service.