Effective Nov. 2 the city will launch an Amazon Business account. The new Amazon Business account will consolidate all existing city Amazon accounts into one master account where all city Amazon purchases will be made.
Why Is This Changing?
Last year, one third of all city credit card purchases were made to Amazon. These purchases were made through either a division/department Amazon business account or an individual employee’s account. Given this trend, it makes sense for the city to create a business account, under which all purchases would be made. One account means all other accounts and purchases will be consolidated into the primary account and paying one annual fee (rather than several)! This does not change our existing purchasing policies. Any purchase of $2,500 or more requires a purchase order issued by the city’s Finance Department.
What Are The Benefits of One Account?
· Access to thousands of products at the click of a button
· Unlimited Amazon Prime 2-Day Shipping
· NO annual fee for individual departments
· Better reporting to track our purchases and trends of what we’re buying
What Kind of Purchases Can I Make?
Materials and Supplies: Consider using Amazon Business for items you currently purchase online for your department; you may find a more competitive price on Amazon Business.
No personal purchases: Amazon Business can only be used for City of Carlsbad business purchases. Sorry, no personal purchases (we know it’s tempting, especially with unlimited, free 2- day shipping!).
IT: Any IT products (computers, printers, etc.) should still be purchased through the city’s IT Department.
Office Supplies: Check the city’s preferred provider for office supplies, Office Solutions, before hitting “Click To Buy” on Amazon Business.
Who?
Anyone who has a city credit card or is making city purchases on a personal or division/department Amazon or Amazon Prime account currently. There is an invoicing option for Amazon Business for those making purchases, but haven’t been issued a city credit card.
What Do I Need To Do?
Register: On Friday, Nov. 2, you’ll receive an email from Matt Briscoe with Amazon Business, asking you to register for your account. This email will come directly from Amazon Business and will include simple instructions on how to register your account. When you receive it, please register for your account as quickly as possible. It’s time sensitive and will expire. Even if you’re not purchasing today on Amazon, it makes sense to create your account.
Old Accounts: It is recommended that you download your purchase history. Division/department accounts will be converted to a consumer account once the city’s Amazon Business account is activated.
Personal Accounts: Remove your city credit card from your personal Amazon or Amazon Prime account.
What Happens To My Existing Business Account?
If your division/department has an existing business account, it will be converted back to a regular consumer account and you will be invited to register with the city’s master Amazon Business account. Your purchase history and payment methods should migrate over. However, Amazon Business suggests downloading a copy of your purchase history to have in case it doesn’t migrate as planned.
When Is This Happening?
Emails about Amazon Business registration will be sent to credit card holders and those with existing business accounts on Friday, Nov. 2. You’ll have 21 days to create your new account, but why wait? The city’s Amazon Business account goes live Nov. 2.
Who Can I Call With Questions?
Contact project manager Shea Sainz, shea.sainz@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2467
Beginning Nov. 2, Matt Briscoe, matbri@amazon.com, 206-788-1089