How Amazon Business is helping organisations save time and money

Nestled in a workshop in Kerala's lush Ernakulam is an artisan crafting exquisite home decor products, which then traverse nearly 3,000 kilometres to reach a corporate buyer stationed in Jammu & Kashmir's Udhampur. A journey and connection made possible with Amazon Business. With a reach extending to 100% of India's serviceable pin codes, Amazon Business has done away with geographical barriers for B2B commerce.

For businesses, procurement can often feel like navigating a maze—multiple vendors, inconsistent pricing, and lengthy processes. Enter Amazon Business, an online B2B marketplace, tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses of all sizes.

From offering GST-compliant invoices, bulk purchase discounts, delivery across 100% pin codes in India, and credit options, to access to a vast catalogue of over 19 crore products from more than 16 lakh sellers, Amazon Business ensures simplicity and efficiency. With its wide selection and transparent pricing, Amazon Business has become a one-stop solution for big enterprises and MSMEs across industries.

Read on to learn more about Amazon Business.

Launched in India in 2017, Amazon Business is Amazon’s dedicated B2B marketplace designed to revolutionise how businesses buy and sell. It offers a wide selection and the convenience of shopping with Amazon, along with additional benefits for businesses like GST invoicing, business purchasing solutions for spend management and more. Amazon Business caters to the unique procurement needs of businesses of all sizes, from MSMEs to large enterprises. With Amazon Business, companies can streamline their procurement and save time and money.

At its core, Amazon Business provides a seamless shopping experience tailored for businesses, offering:

• Bulk discounts: Businesses often need to purchase in large quantities. Amazon Business offers attractive bulk pricing, making large orders more economical. It also has a simple two-click experience for ease of use, and provides additional support for an assisted bulk buying experience.
• GST-compliant purchases: Amazon Business provides GST invoices for over 19 crore products, helping businesses claim input tax credits effortlessly and comply with tax regulations. This especially helps MSMEs comply with norms through a scalable and transparent procurement process.
• Interest-free credit options: With Amazon Pay Later, eligible businesses can avail a 30-day interest-free credit option, easing cash flow management. This facility is now available to over 850,000 customers, helping them manage cash flow and facilitate larger purchases.
• Pan-India delivery: Covering 100% of India’s pin codes, Amazon Business ensures reliable delivery, even in remote locations, enabling businesses across tier 2 and tier 3 cities to access the same benefits as those in metros.
• Curated features for enterprises: Tools like the ‘Bill to Ship to’ option allow companies with multiple branches to simplify GST compliance by invoicing at one location while delivering to multiple addresses for their pan-India shipments.
• Consolidated invoices: The ‘Invoice by Amazon’ feature consolidates invoices across multiple sellers for easier tracking and payment.

Getting started with Amazon Business is quick and hassle-free. Registering on Amazon Business is free for all businesses, regardless of size or location. There are no subscription charges or hidden fees to create an account. Below is a step-by-step guide to sign up for Amazon Business:

Head to the Amazon Business website or use the Amazon Business app available on both Android or iOS to access the B2B marketplace.

If you already have an Amazon shopping account, log in with your credentials and upgrade to an Amazon Business account. You also have an option to create a new Amazon account using your business credentials.

Enter essential business information, like the contact name, mobile number and GSTIN (if available). If you are not GST-registered, you can still sign up using Business PAN number but may miss out on GST invoice-related benefits.

Amazon will validate your details, which typically takes up to 48 hours. Once verified, you will gain access to the full suite of business features.

You can explore curated product categories, access bulk discounts, and utilise features such as invoice consolidation and GST compliance tools.

Amazon Business does not require membership renewal. Once registered, your account remains active as long as details such as GSTIN are valid. Regular updates will ensure uninterrupted access to all features.

Amazon Business has a diverse selection of products tailored to meet various industry needs. These include:

• Office supplies: From printers to desk organisers.
• IT and electronics: Laptops, peripherals, and software.
• Industrial and manufacturing supplies: Tools, safety equipment, and machinery.
• Hospitality and retail: Cleaning supplies, furniture, and storage solutions.

With over 19 crore products, the platform ensures businesses find everything they need under one roof.

Enterprise clients often require advanced solutions to manage procurement at scale. Amazon Business helps them exercise more control over their purchases and enables them to have increased visibility into their spends. It provides features like:

• Centralised procurement: Manage purchases for multiple branches through one account.
• Spend analytics: Tools to track spending and optimise procurement.
• Custom delivery options: Multi-location deliveries and bulk shipment capabilities.
• System-based compliance policies: Compliance made easy, bringing in greater transparency in procurement.
• Integration with ERP systems: The ‘Punchout’ feature allows seamless integration of Amazon Business with enterprise ERP systems, streamlining purchases directly within their procurement software.

Amazon Business isn’t just simplifying buying; it’s transforming the way Indian businesses operate.