Brock University’s Amazon Business account has been upgraded to Prime, which means free shipping for eligible business purchases.

The one-year free trial of Amazon Business Prime is thanks to Brock’s new membership with Kinestic GPO, a group buying organization for the Canadian public sector.

Brock employees can make work-related purchases through Amazon Business with their Brock Purchasing Cards for items not available through the Brock Campus Store and existing supply agreements.

The upgrade to Prime comes with several free or discounted delivery options. While an Amazon Business account offers free standard shipping on eligible Prime products over $35, the Amazon Business Prime membership offers free same-day, one-day or two-day shipping options or discounted expedited delivery, depending on the items. It also offers Prime Day deals and Prime early access items.

Although free and fast shipping is a draw to make business purchases through Amazon, Tanya Motola, Director, Procurement Services, emphasizes the importance of continuing to shop at the Brock Campus Store and other suppliers the University has a relationship with, such as Staples for office supplies and Printers Plus for fax and printer cartridges.

“The Campus Store offers great convenience for our employees’ business and personal purchases while also benefiting the University as one of its revenue-generating streams,” she said. “Brock’s supply agreements also offer competitive pricing, so we encourage employees to make business purchases with those suppliers before turning to Amazon.”

For items not available through the Campus Store or supply agreements, Motola encourages employees making business purchases via Amazon to do so through the Amazon Business account.

“It provides spend visibility and analytical tools helpful to assist with Procurement Services’ long-term strategic buying initiatives,” she said.

Amazon Business offers business-optimized search and browse functionality, enhanced reporting and reconciliation, a dedicated customer service line, and business pricing and quantity discounts on select items.

Employees who already have an Amazon Business account should have received an email from Amazon Business last week inviting them to take advantage of the benefits Amazon Business Prime offers.

Employees who do not already have an Amazon Business account can request one by going to amazon.ca/business and using their Brock email address to register. Alternatively, they can email Motola at tmotola@brocku.ca to request an invitation to join.

Brock’s Amazon Business account is not intended for personal use, nor does it include consumer benefits such as Prime Video or Amazon Music. Amazon should not replace the existing supply agreements listed on the Procurement Services SharePoint site.

For more information on Brock’s new Amazon Business Prime membership, please contact Motola at tmotola@brocku.ca

Order-related questions should be directed to Enterprise Customer Service at AmazonBusinessCS@Amazon.com or at 1-855-301-0911.