SHOPPERS will be able buy in bulk directly from Aussie manufacturers at a discount rate with a new initiative from BuyAustralianMade.
BuyAustralianMade Direct will help local producers find new markets by connecting them with Aussie consumers, who in turn gain access to Australian-made products at cheaper prices, BAM founder Stephen Gately said."Because (consumers) are buying in bulk they get products at a discount," Mr Gately said.
"Shoppers save money and Australian manufacturers sell more products. It's a win-win for everyone."
BAM Direct will promote the Aussie businesses offering bulk deals on its website. Consumers will then contact the businesses via their websites and buy a predetermined amount of a product to get a discount.
Products on offer would range from food to electronics, clothes to cosmetics to furniture, Mr Gately said.
"Another aspect of BAM Direct is about people engaging with their next door neighbours, family, friends and work colleagues, because buying in bulk often means the amount you buy is in excess of normal amounts you would use personally," the founder said.
"So I would need to buy 24 jars of honey to get a discount, which is a bit too much for me, but if I ask people around me to join in we might get three or four jars each."
Since launching in 2009, BAM has taken on 400 Australian manufacturers and growers to promote to shoppers.
Thousands visit the organisation's website each week and its app, BuyAusMade, has been downloaded more than 24,000 times since launching last year, Mr Gately said.
"We're looking to create opportunities for Australian manufacturers to remain viable, to grow and be innovative," he said.
"If we don't have Australian manufacturing we lose infrastructure, skills and future employment opportunities.
"We also want shoppers to have a choice of whether they buy Australian-made products."
