We’ve reached a turning point, do nothing and Online Marketplaces are going to gut the the local community of more than just shops! In 2022, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) flagged major concerns about how global online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, operate in Australia. Fast forward to 2024, and those concerns haven’t gone away—they’ve grown.
From algorithmic bias and commission-heavy models to opaque data collection and minimal seller protections, the risks for local businesses—and the communities that depend on them—are becoming clearer by the day.
So what’s the alternative? We build our own rails.
And that’s exactly what the South Australia App was designed to do.
What’s the Problem with Global Online Marketplaces?
In its latest updates, the ACCC reaffirmed serious concerns:
- Unfair Rankings & Self-Preferencing: Hybrid platforms continue to promote their own products above independent sellers.
- Excessive Commissions: Many platforms take up to 30% per transaction—a major squeeze on local margins.
- Limited Dispute Resolution: Sellers and consumers alike often face unclear or ineffective complaint systems.
- Weak Product Safety Compliance: Overseas goods are still bypassing Australian safety standards.
- Opaque Data Practices: User data is collected, monetised, and stored offshore—beyond local transparency.
For local business owners trying to grow sustainably, these practices can erode profits, reduce customer trust, and fracture community economies.
Why the South Australia App Is Different to Online Marketplaces
The SA App flips this model on its head. Here’s how the South Australia App offers a smarter, fairer, and commission-free alternative.
We’ve built a commission-free, community-first digital ecosystem designed to empower local operators—from the Clare Valley to Kangaroo Island.
With the SA App:
✅ No middlemen. Operators keep what they earn. ✅ No algorithmic favouritism. Every listing competes on equal terms. ✅ No data extraction. Businesses retain access to their own customer insights. ✅ Total control. From inventory to offers, you’re the one driving your digital storefront.
And it’s not just for tourism. It’s built for accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, event hosts, service operators, and tradespeople. It’s a fully integrated digital marketplace—designed for all of South Australia.
What’s at Stake?
South Australians deserve better than being disempowered in their own economy. Every time a booking, sale, or service is routed through a global platform, money flows out of the state, value is lost, and local decision-making is eroded.
If we’re going to truly grow a $12.8 billion visitor economy and future-proof regional prosperity, we need a platform we own, we govern, and we can trust.
The SA App isn’t just an alternative—it’s the future-ready infrastructure we need to deliver “True South” experiences on our own terms.
Let’s stop building someone else’s platform with our success.
Let’s build South Australia’s.
Want to list your business on the SA App or learn more? and join the movement. https://southaustraliaapp.com/contact/
#BuiltForSA #MarketplaceWithPurpose #DigitalSovereighttps://southaustraliaapp.com/contact/nty #TourismWithTeeth #NoMoreMiddlemen #ThinkBigActNow #SAAppEcosystem #12Point8OrBust
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