Amazon has revealed details about its 2021 Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, announcing its Australian store is offering these deals direct to New Zealand customers for the first time ever.
Previously, Kiwis had to buy from the international retail giant's US store or use third-party re-senders like NZ Post's YouShop to access the deals, options that could add significantly to the purchase price.
Amazon.com.au's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale runs from 2am on November 22 to 2am on November 30, New Zealand time.
The company says the sale offers "incredible savings and discounts across every category, including electronics, homewares, beauty, toys, fashion and many more".
Among the deals announced is 44 percent off ASUS Chromebooks and Zenbooks, 40 percent off select MSI laptops, 40 percent off Lenovo devices, 70 percent off Amazon's Echo Buds (2nd gen), 40 percent off Huawei products, 52 percent off Sennheiser headphones and 57 percent off Sandisk and Western Digital storage devices.
However, Kiwi bargain hunters shouldn't assume Amazon is offering the best deals - it's always wise to calculate the total cost including shipping in New Zealand dollars, then check local retailers or a cost comparison service such as PriceSpy.
New Zealand retailers already advertising Black Friday 2021 sales include The Warehouse, PB Tech, Briscoes and Noel Leeming.
The quickest Amazon.com.au will get items delivered to New Zealand is three business days to Auckland and Christchurch using the more expensive "expedited delivery" shipping option. The website will give an indication of expected delivery time and cost before you make a purchase.
Shoppers should beware of a surcharge Amazon recently introduced on Visa purchases. People using a Visa credit card will have to cough up 0.5 percent more than customers who choose to pay a different way.
The company confirmed to Newshub this surcharge will apply to New Zealanders using the Australian website, advising "our goal is to encourage customers to use lower-cost payment methods".
Amazon's move to deliver direct to addresses in Aotearoa spooked some Kiwi retailers concerned at how it would affect their business. However some small New Zealand businesses such as Serious Food Co, The Herb Farm and Bella Honey have gotten onboard and sell via the website.
There's also a dedicated 'Black Friday Small Business section' on Amazon.com.au.
"We are excited to offer Kiwis access to our Black Friday sale for the first time, so they can shop and save for the holidays," said Tony Austin, general manager of exports for Amazon.com.au.
"Our longer and earlier event also gives customers more time to shop and save these holidays to beat the Christmas rush."
New Zealand customers wanting to have items arrive from Amazon.com.au by Christmas should order by December 17, or December 10 for rural deliveries, the company said.
