NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Acknowledging the threat Amazon’s free delivery offer poses to the local market, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) is urging local businesses to adopt creative strategies to retain customer loyalty.
The BCCEC, in a statement on Monday, responded to Amazon’s move to offer free shipping to The Bahamas on orders over $49, a development that has sparked concerns in the Bahamian business community, especially within the freight, logistics, and retail sectors.
In a statement, the BCCEC emphasized that local businesses must adapt to this new competitive landscape by embracing online sales and exploring strategies to keep consumers engaged and loyal to local brands. The organization highlighted initiatives such as loyalty programs, bulk discounts, and concierge services, which could help maintain market share by appealing to customers seeking both value and convenience. The BCCEC encouraged businesses to consider rate adjustments and enhancements to customer service, positioning themselves to compete effectively in a refined market environment.
The BCCEC in its statement noted: “Indeed, with this new initiative from Amazon, there is an imminent threat to the market share and continuity of a variety of sectors.”
The BCCEC added: “The BCCEC has been working closely with the Trade Commission to launch the Trade Diversification Program and BBSQ for quality control, to provide access to alternative markets to improve our competitiveness and combat the inflation we have seen over recent years, which may be viable options considering these developments. We note, even if only initially, that there is a streamlined list of products available for the free shipment method, perhaps as an introduction to the local market. Anecdotal evidence suggests extended estimated delivery times with the free local shipment option. This provides the opportunity for local couriers to capitalize on procurement and importation of the goods offering much shorter delivery timeframes not presently available for the free shipping option while strategizing for collaboration with Amazon as alternative shipping hubs with their local offices as well.”
It continued: “The BCCEC encourages the impacted business community to be creative in the way they market and incentivize clients to continue patronizing their businesses despite this new avenue, even as they work to move their business online. Initiatives like loyalty programs, bulk discounts, and concierge services would help in retaining market share as customers still chase convenience. This may also entail rate adjustments and customer service enhancements to ensure competitiveness in the refined market. Marketing campaigns that promote the features and benefits of their products and services, while encouraging and incentivizing consumers to buy locally is a part of the battle won.”
The BCCEC is also recommending that local couriers form an association to better foster the solidarity needed to address challenges like these that may arise, noting that together, their collective efforts would yield the best results for the industry. The BCCEC would be pleased to assist with this process should there be shared desire among the local companies.
Amazon’s international free delivery initiative, which covers all major Bahamian islands, was confirmed by Nick Caplin, Head of Communications for EU Emerging Markets and LATAM. In a statement to Eyewitness News, Caplin explained, “International Free Delivery is available on eligible products shipped to The Bahamas (all major islands) as part of orders worth USD $49 or more. Not all items qualify for the Free Delivery promotion. Look for ‘FREE Delivery to Bahamas’ or ‘FREE Delivery to Bahamas when you spend over $49.00 on eligible items’ throughout your shopping journey. Once your cart contains eligible items totaling over $49, you’ll see the Free Delivery promotion option at checkout.” Caplin also noted that no end date has been announced for this promotion, which aims to provide greater value to Amazon customers worldwide.
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