Amazon Has Arrived in Australia: Here's How to Navigate Your Way to a Bargain

The time has come, prepare yourself.

Amazon has finally hit Australian shores and the shopping apocalypse that everyone predicted didn't happen. Instead, we were saddened to realise that the crazy bargains overseas folk experience did not apply here in these early days of Baby Australian Amazon.

In fact, most of the products can be found cheaper elsewhere, leading many to wonder if Australians have done something to deserve this curse.

But aside from all the overdramatics, there are always bargains to be found if one searches deep enough. Bargain shoppers, don't fear: We've provided a handy guide to help you on your way to some cheap Christmas gifts. You've just got to be willing to put in the hard yards.

1. Go beyond the first page.

It's kind of a no-brainer for the trained online shopper, but you never know what mysteries might lie on page two of your search results, and beyond. Sometimes there are similar products that do almost the same thing, or just don't have the branding but are half the price.

2. Use that 'sort' tool.

It's your friend. It knows your needs. Use it to sort from cheapest to most expensive. Unfortunately, it also means you might need to scroll through a few pages of little apps and gadgets before you get to the cheapest available Nintendo Switch on the site (FYI, it's $399), but at least it won't mean that you're paying an extra $20 for the same product.

3. Save it for later.

While some of you may feel the impulse to buy that smart speaker RIGHT. NOW. there is actually some value in mulling it over for a bit. With Amazon, you can add items to your cart and then monitor the changes in price. This is because Amazon changes prices according to supply and demand, and while it's usually only by a few dollars, it can sometimes be a lot more.

4. Do your research.

Always compare the prices on Amazon to other sites. You may think Amazon is the place to go for muy bueno deals (don't worry, we all did), but in most cases, other sites like eBay and JB Hi-Fi might have them for cheaper. It's always good to double check the major sites and then head up Google Shopping to cross-check those facts. It might just save you a few meals' worth.

There you have it. While the Amazon range is pretty lacklustre and not littered with eye-popping deals at the moment, it's likely to be expanded on in the near future.

Until then, take it easy and shop calmly and rationally this holiday season.