11st Opens 'Amazon Global Store' on the 31st
[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] 11st has partnered with Amazon to launch the overseas direct purchase service 'Amazon Global Store' on the 31st. This comes about 10 months after Amazon announced its business cooperation with 11st in November last year. This is the first time Amazon, which has expanded to 12 countries worldwide, has partnered with a local business to provide services. Domestic consumers can now order millions of Amazon US products directly through the 11st app and website in Korean and receive them faster.
Shop Amazon’s Popular Products as if on 11st
11st allows customers to conveniently search, order, and pay for all Amazon products preferred by Korean customers that have no issues with import and can be shipped to Korea. They plan to sell millions of products across digital, fashion, beauty, living, and books categories.
For customers new to Amazon shopping, the platform is designed to easily find desired products by showcasing Amazon hot deals and popular purchases at a glance. In particular, a 'Special Selection' of over 160,000 products favored by Korean direct purchase customers has been prepared.
Prices are displayed in Korean won based on Amazon US prices with exchange rates applied. Discounts and promotions running on Amazon are also offered on 11st. Various deal products, from daily category hot deals to limited-time special deals on Amazon, can be purchased on 11st at the same price. Additionally, '11st Exclusive Deals' are offered at special discounted prices only for domestic customers on 11st.
The burden of shipping costs, often a hurdle in overseas direct purchases, has been dramatically eliminated. By subscribing to SK Telecom’s new subscription service 'Universe Pass,' customers receive free shipping on Amazon Global Store purchases regardless of purchase amount. Even without Universe Pass, any 11st member can enjoy free shipping on Amazon Global Store purchases over 28,000 KRW (excluding some items like furniture). Customers also receive monthly discount coupons worth about 10,000 KRW (up to 5,000 KRW discount, 2 coupons).
Delivery times, which typically take over two weeks for overseas direct purchases, are shortened to an average of 6 to 10 business days when using Amazon Global Store. 'Special Selection' products are delivered even faster, within an average of 4 to 6 days.
Payment, Delivery Tracking, and Refund Inquiries in Korean
On Amazon Global Store, everything from product search, product information confirmation, order input, to payment is provided in the same shopping environment as 11st. Customers can also view product reviews from previous Amazon buyers in Korean.
Customs duties (customs clearance agency fees) and shipping fees for purchased products can be calculated all at once during the payment stage. Payment methods provided by 11st are used as is. One-click payment via SK Pay is available, and purchases can be made using all credit cards issued domestically and prepaid payment methods like SK Pay Money, even if they are not international cards. However, real-time account transfer and mobile phone payments are excluded.
A dedicated customer center is also operated to handle inquiries in Korean related to orders, payments, delivery, returns, and refunds for Amazon products purchased on 11st.
Lee Sang-ho, CEO of 11st, said, "Now 11st customers can enjoy Amazon’s unique products, benefits, and convenient shopping experience without barriers of country or language," adding, "Starting with the opening of Amazon Global Store, 11st will create innovative changes in the domestic overseas direct purchase market."
Somana Konganda, Amazon Global Executive, stated, "11st shares Amazon’s 'Customer Obsession' philosophy," and added, "We will continue to work together to introduce various products, enhance customer value, and provide a better shopping experience."
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