A new marketplace for just Aussie made products by Aussie companies recently launched, providing consumers with an online option to shop Australian.
Buy Aussie Now is quite the success story, starting as an Instagram page in mid-March and transforming in just four months into an online destination following a capital raise in May.
Founder and managing director, Mitch Catlin, is looking forward to bringing this Australian first concept to market.
“My business, like many other Aussies, was hit badly in late March when the marketing sector pretty much came to a standstill,” he explains.
“I turned to creating a community of other businesses who were stressed and anxious and I was just so overwhelmed with the number of Aussies who needed help and mateship during a tough time. Thousands of people were, and still are, worried for their livelihoods. This is how Buy Aussie Now was born.”
So far more than 2,000 SMEs have registered covering categories such as home and living, toys and education, apparel and footwear, jewellery and accessories, food and beverage, pets, skincare and beauty, and gifts.
Customers will be able to purchase gift cards and participate in a rewards and loyalty program. In addition, every Thursday there is an Instagram Live session with various entrepreneurs and businesses across Australia to showcase their product, brand and manufacturing.
CEO Chris White wants shopping Australian to be a longer-term switch for this country.
“Let’s always make Aussies brands, business and products our first thought every time we shop and not just during difficult periods,” he enthuses.
“This will support the nation, families, friends and local communities and keep jobs and investment here.”
Buy Aussie Now is free for businesses to upload and promote their products to a wider Aussie audience, and potentially overseas, given the appreciation and love of Australian goods. They are only charged when they make a sale, with a transaction fee up to eight per cent, plus payment processing. However, all non-for-profits in Australia, along with any indigenous owned businesses, will not be charged.
“I think the thing that surprised me most over the past few months is just how much wonderful product is made at home but many of us simply don’t know about it. They do now. Buy Aussie Now will be the one-stop-shop that Aussies can trust to buy Australian,” adds Catlin.
Aussies can register now at www.buyaussienow.com.au
