Angus started his first small business in 1989 and has since gone on to have a successful career in marketing. He realised although there were many websites for small business none was addressing the question of how to. Angus has a passion to articulate benefits that add value to customers/readers.
Australia is considered one of the quickest countries in the world to start a business with its startup ecosystem now one of the fastest-growing globally. As a nation, we’ve proven ourselves to be creative, ambitious problem-solvers thanks to fast-growth brands like Geedup, the premium streetwear label that’s mastered drop-culture and community often selling-out collections in minutes (in June this year they accrued more than $2.91M in revenue in six hours), and Miss Amara, the design-led rug brand founded by a couple who invested their life savings into the business idea in 2014, and now turnover more than $22M a year.
According to Paul Waddy, leading ecommerce expert, coach and strategic advisor who’s CV includes turbocharging the growth of some of the biggest brands in the country (such as Geedup, Miss Amara, Babyboo and Showpo), the growth in e-commerce over the past three years has been a driving force in putting Australian businesses on the global stage, creating mass opportunity for entrepreneurs and everyday Aussies to build successful online businesses.
From technology advancements, shifting consumer habits, and a global economy ripe for innovation, there has never been a better time to be an ecommerce start-up. Here Waddy enlists key factors that are transforming entrepreneurial vision into thriving digital enterprises.
Technological Advancements
Perhaps the biggest differences between today and 12 months ago is the emergence of AI into the mainstream. Not only can AI perform the tasks we previously did manually, but it can also optimise the customer experience and provide retailers with the information they need to make informed decisions. From recommendation systems that analyse customer behavior, purchase history, and preferences, AI-powered chatbots that provide instant customer support, algorithms that analyse market conditions, competitor pricing, and customer behavior to dynamically adjust prices in real-time – there are a plethora of tools at our fingertips.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
Ecommerce has brought a significant shift in consumer behaviour, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility. With just a few clicks, shoppers can browse an extensive range of products, compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases from the comfort of their homes or on the go. Entrepreneurs in this sector have the advantage of being agile and responsive to these changes. Start-ups can quickly adapt their product offerings, user experience, and marketing strategies to align with the latest trends, giving them a competitive edge in the dynamic online landscape.
Rapid Prototyping
The ecommerce model is conducive to rapid prototyping and iteration. Shopify stores alone increased 42% year-over-year in 2023 Q3. Entrepreneurs can launch a minimum viable product (MVP) quickly, gather user feedback, and make data-driven improvements. This iterative process is essential for optimising the online shopping experience and staying ahead of competitors in the fast-paced industry.
Two-thirds of Australians are planning to take advantage of sales during Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) despite cutting discretionary spending in recent months, new research from Shopify has revealed. A third of Australian holiday shoppers plan to spend between $170-$430.
Black Friday Cyber Monday saw 52 million global shoppers spend $7.5 billion dollars with brands powered by Shopify last year. Ahead of this year’s event, Shopify surveyed 2,000 consumers and 350 businesses across Australia to learn what will motivate consumers and drive business performance over the upcoming holiday shopping period.
The study, conducted by Sapio Research, found that three-quarters (76%) of Australians have cut back on spending in recent months. Yet the vast majority of those who are planning to shop during BFCM (63%) intend to spend the same or more this year compared to last. In fact, the number of people planning to spend more (27%) is twice that of those who are planning to spend less (13%).
“Consumers are looking to make high-quality purchases that bring a sense of happiness or well being this year,” saidShaun Broughton, APAC Managing Director at Shopify. “While Australians are concerned about the rising cost of living, 80% still value high quality products that last. Retailers who strike a balance between price and quality are best placed to maximise sales throughout BFCM and other peak shopping periods.”
The prospect of finding great deals is a strong motivator for consumers, with 70% saying they will shop over BFCM weekend to get more value for their money. Brand loyalty could take a back seat throughout the sales period, however, as 84% of consumers say they will compare prices to try and find the best deals and discounts possible.
“Customers are certainly being shrewder when parting with their money,” said Kelly Lavery, CEO, Strucket. “It’s up to us as retailers to validate the customer’s purchase as a need rather than a want, ensure that their purchase will make a positive impact on their life, and make them feel confident they spent with the right business. Essentially they are looking for value and trust.”
“Aussies respect retailers that offer regular discounts. Shopify’s research mirrors our own data, which shows that nine in ten respondents view those retailers as ‘value for money’ – a brand perception that is particularly important in today’s cost of living crisis,” said Matthew Herbert, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of brand tracking platform, Tracksuit.
“Retailers looking to capitalise on BFCM this year should remember that it’s not just transactional. By aligning your brand with the highly anticipated sales periods, you demonstrate empathy and support. It’s an opportunity to deliver value for money to consumers while boosting sales, and fostering longer term brand loyalty and trust. It’s a win-win scenario where both consumers and retailers stand to benefit.”
The research also revealed that technology has become a core part of the shopping experience — and there’s value in embracing technology for retailers as well. Close to 1 in 4 holiday shoppers are more likely to buy from brands with technology-enabled shopping experiences (24%). Another quarter expect brands to embed technology into the shopping experience (24%), while 23% are more likely to spend money with brands that offer tech-enabled shopping experiences.
In addition, consumers are excited about the possibilities that AI will bring as they hunt for the best deals this shopping season. More than two-thirds (69%) of shoppers believe AI will make it easier to discover new brands and products, while three-quarters (74%) believe it will help them find deals or special offers.
Interestingly, it is the biggest spenders who are most likely to adopt the latest shopping technology. Consumers planning to spend over $850 this BFCM, are also the most likely to make use of virtual fitting room services or smart mirrors (32%), use virtual assistants (31%), shop for things like furniture using spacial commerce (30%), and over a third (36%) engage with QR codes or digital display screens while shopping. In addition, big spenders are twice as likely to purchase products with personalisation, such as name monogramming, as those who are planning to spend the least.
Black Friday Cyber Monday key findings from research reveal:
Despite cutting discretionary spending, consumers are willing to pay for a great deal
Consumers are more intentional than ever as they look to make their money go further, with 53% planning to do the bulk of their holiday shopping during the BFCM weekend.
While 48% of shoppers still value quality, 67% are open to switching brands based on cost savings.
Retailers are looking to tech to help manage peak sales season
To meet the demand for technology-driven shopping, 72% of Australian retailers surveyed said they plan to increase their investment in tech to prepare for the holiday sales season.
Online and offline commerce channels are both important
Preferences towards browsing in a shop vs browsing on an online store are almost evenly split (42% vs 41%) as the top way for Australian consumers to make new product discoveries.
More shoppers are open to making purchases through social media platforms, with nearly 37% willing to purchase products directly on Facebook, 35% willing to buy through Instagram, 31% willing to buy via YouTube, and 26% willing to buy via TikTok. Only 16% were willing to buy from X.
Surprisingly, 25-34 year olds are the highest adopters of social shopping behaviours with 48% being willing to purchase products on Facebook, compared to 30% of Gen Z shoppers. In addition, 25-34 year olds were more likely than 18-24 year olds to message brands on social media platforms for customer support (26% vs 24%).
Almost a third (30%) of businesses think that, out of all the available selling surfaces, social media platforms will provide the highest volume of sales for them by the end of the decade.
A much-loved farm in Sydney’s Greater West that provides employment for vulnerable and disadvantaged people is calling on businesses to consider setting up a corporate market stall or ordering hampers this Christmas.
Gifts with meaning and purpose are increasing in appeal for Australians, including businesses. The 2022 World Giving Report ranked Australia as the fourth most generous country in the world, with 3 in 5 Aussies making a financial donation to charity. Research has found that people give to causes that align with their values and culture, for satisfaction, because they want to give back and do the right thing[1].
Cana Communities is a registered charity that provides accommodation and wrap around support for vulnerable people who want to reintegrate into society. It receives no government funding. An integral part of its mission is its social enterprise, Cana Farm. Located in Orchard Hills in Sydney’s Greater West, Cana Farm has been helping educate and offer extensive outreach opportunities, life skills and community involvement to severely disadvantaged people since 2011. With the help of volunteers, the farm prepares locally grown and chemical-free produce that it sells through its physical and online farm shop. The shop also sells vegetable boxes, hampers, candles, pantry items and free-range eggs.
Cana is encouraging businesses to consider Cana Farm’s new range of corporate Christmas gifts, or to hold a Cana Farm Christmas market stall on site for their staff to enjoy.
Proceeds from all sales support Cana’s group homes and shelters in the inner city where community members are supported to rebuild their lives. The production of retail products, hampers and gift sets, and fresh produce provides education and work opportunities for people making a significant change to their lives.
It is also urging businesses to consider a longer-term partnership with Cana Farm. Canva, which prioritises sustainable and ethically sourced products, is one of a few organisations already supporting Cana Farm. Cana will provide healthy and sustainable produce for Canva’s internal ‘The Communal Table’ program. The program aims to bring the Canva team together to enjoy seasonal, nutritious and delicious breakfasts and lunches within inclusive communal spaces to foster meaningful conversation and connection. The first delivery of vegetables to Canva has been received and was a huge success. The delivery included kale, silverbeet, rainbow chard, bok choy, spring onions, fennel, parsley, radish, carrot, broccoli and leek. The Canva kitchen feeds up to 600 people per day, with all leftover meals donated to Oz Harvest.
“We’re excited to partner with the great team at Cana Communities to incorporate their farm’s chemical-free vegetables and produce into some of the hundreds of meals we serve to our team each day while supporting vulnerable communities and sharing Cana’s amazing story with others,” said Canva’s Global Chef Lead, Mark Hanover.
Endeavour Energy is another consistent supporter of Cana Communities. Cana is presently packaging 1700 gifts with a personalised message for Endeavour staff.
Director of Mission, Julie Sneddon, says by hosting a Cana Farm Christmas stall or buying from Cana Farm’s corporate Christmas gifts, people can ensure their money stays local this Christmas season.
“Purchasing our products helps us to provide support and continue to run the farm, which provides a place for vulnerable people to grow and flourish.”
Julie continues: “Cana Farm also offers a way for companies to engage in their corporate responsibility days. Groups of up to 25 people can come to the farm and work alongside our community mentors.
Find the full Cana Farm Christmas Catalogue here https://www.canafarm.com.au/our-shop/christmas
For more information on corporate volunteering at the farm or to register your organisation’s interest in hosting a Cana Farm stall, visit https://www.cana.org.au/volunteer or contact info@cana.org.au
ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, is calling for a holistic overhaul of the nation’s skills, training, and immigration programs in its annual Digital Pulse report to be released on Wednesday which outlines the skills crisis in Australia.
The call comes as the report forecasts a crisis looming for the Australian economy with the rapid pace of change seeing 90% of Australian workers’ jobs changing in the next decade, driven by technologies like AI and robotics across most sectors of the workforce.
Chris Vein, ACS Chief Executive, said “By 2030, we will need 1.3 million additional skills to effectively utilise the technologies reshaping the Australian workforce. Forecasts from Digital Pulse suggests Australia is not on track to achieve the growth in skills we need.
“This year’s Digital Pulse is not merely a call to action; it’s a robust, practical roadmap to build the nationwide tech skills we need. We have developed the most comprehensive projections around tech skills demand through to 2030 to date based on currently available information.
“This year’s report calls for a coalition across industry, education and government to start shaping how our society will respond to the skills challenge this exciting era presents.”
This year’s Digital Pulse, to be launched on Wednesday, is the ninth since the annual survey of Australia’s technology sector was first released in 2015. Key Statistics on skills crisis from the report include:
A lack of the right digital skills is currently costing Australian businesses $3.1 billion each year which could top $16bn by 2030.
The pace of technology investment in Australia is projected to skyrocket from $171B in 2023 to $259B by 2030, this rate of growth is three times faster than overall business investment
By the end of the decade, half of Australian businesses will be using AI, data analytics and robotics but technologies like Generative AI mean businesses will need to do more to keep up with their employees shifting skills and demands
75% of working hours for Australian workers will be affected by key technologies, heralding a significant skill shift across industries.
In the report, ACS proposes a National Digital Skills Strategy including a skills-first education and training initiative, a national skills platform, more support for career transitions towards a tech orientated career, to boost the diversity in tech skills, programs to boost Women in Tech, and assist skilled migrants utilise their capabilities.
“The stakes are high for Australia,” Mr Vein concluded. “If the nation can get this right, we could be leading the world and guaranteeing our prosperity into the future. If we don’t seize the opportunity, we could well be left behind by the middle of the century.”
With online shopping cart abandonment resulting in a staggering annual loss of $18 billion in sales revenue for E-Commerce stores across Australia[1], it is not surprising that, in a recent survey of online shoppers, 88 per cent abandon online shopping carts. Interestingly, 63 per cent of respondents identified expensive shipping costs as the main cause of cart abandonment.
The figures have been revealed in a survey of an independent panel of 1005 Australian adults who shop online, commissioned by leading parcel delivery service CouriersPlease.
The survey results found that only a small minority of online shoppers – 12 per cent – are decisive shoppers that do not abandon online shopping carts, and the proportion is higher among over-50s. Cart abandonment is more common among 18-30-year-olds, with only 3 per cent of this age group proceeding to checkout without leaving items in their carts. Whereas in the 31-50-year-old category, 10 per cent do not abandon their carts and 18 per cent of those over 50 do not leave items in their online shopping carts.
Shipping costs are a concern shared across all age groups, with 65 per cent of under-30s and 59 per cent of over-50s abandoning their shopping carts because of shipping costs and not proceeding through check out. This close margin suggests that consumers of all ages are actively seeking ways to minimise additional expenses amid current cost of living challenges. A higher proportion of women (71%) abandon shopping carts due to shipping costs than men (55%).
Other online shopping expenses are also a concern for shoppers, with 26 per cent of respondents not proceeding to check out after discovering currency exchange fees and other fees associated with their purchases.
The survey results indicated that a significant proportion of consumers also use shopping carts as a form of ‘window shopping’, leaving their items in the cart while research better deals elsewhere or realising they didn’t need the product. For instance, 38 per cent of respondents – and 45 per cent of 18-30-year-olds – admitted to abandoning their carts after researching and discovering the same item at a cheaper price elsewhere. Twenty-nine (29) per cent of respondents abandoned their carts because they realised the product was unnecessary, while one in four (26%) directly admitted that they use online shopping carts as wish lists. One in five (20%) simply lost interest in their selected product.
Inconvenient delivery options are the reason why 16 per cent of shoppers don’t complete their online purchases. With hybrid working arrangements becoming a mainstay across corporate Australia, flexible and customer-friendly shipping choices are becoming more of a priority.
Commenting on the findings CouriersPlease CEO Richard Thame says: “We are heading into peak sales season – with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas running in succession – where cart abandonment rates might rise due to wider choices and limited time. Our research aims to inform retailers, who may decide to strengthen sales and marketing messages for individual products to reduce cart abandonment.
“We are proud to partner with major online retailers who prioritise offering value, just as we aim to provide value in shipping. In today’s economy, affordability is key, and our strategic partnerships focus on aligning with retailers whose product offerings resonate with cost-conscious shoppers.
“CouriersPlease is committed to improving the customer experience and making the delivery process simpler by allowing customers more flexibility in how and when they receive their parcels. We can now offer customers who shop with many of our retail partners the option to collect their parcels – even after hours – from over 3,000 conveniently located collection points. Receivers can also elect to reschedule their deliveries to a different date or redirect to a neighbour’s house in response to a notification that their parcel is on its way.”
Uniden Australia has announced its latest handheld UHF device, the UH825 series, which is built for rugged conditions and offers enhanced features to cater for lifestyle enthusiasts, off-road adventurers, and thrill seekers beyond the ordinary.
The UH825 series is an upgrade from its predecessor: the UH820 series. Incorporating an impressive 2-watt maximum TX output power, the UH825 ensures clear communication over distances of up to 13km. Its long-life 2000mAh lithium-ion battery delivers up to 23 hours of usage, ensuring users are always connected throughout their adventures.
Uniden has integrated USB-C charging into the UH825 series, ensuring rapid and convenient charging. Given the ubiquity of the USB-C cable, you’re likely to find one easily wherever you are, whether you’re borrowing from someone or searching around—a perfect feature for those always on the move. With 80 UHF channels, users are assured of uninterrupted communication, even in the most isolated terrains. Beyond its reliability, the radio is designed to be made durable and is backed by a three-year warranty.
Advanced features like Master Scan®—technology which lets a group of users seamlessly communicate on not just one channel but a group of channels—, voice enhancer, smart key allocation, and rapid scan refine the user experience, ensuring clarity and efficiency in every transmission. The range extender (duplex) capability can amplify the range, while the VOX hands free feature offers the ease of communication even when your hands are occupied.
The digital coded squelch (DCS) and interference eliminator (CTCCS) ensure clear channels with no unwanted disturbances. With its backlit large LCD display, users can navigate with ease, even in low-light conditions. Other user-friendly features include open scan, group scan, auto battery save, instant channel programming and recall, five call tones, and keypad lock.
The innovative smart key feature lets users toggle seamlessly between various functions like voice enhancer, noise reduction circuit (NRC), priority channel (PRI), and CALL, tailoring the device to the user’s exact requirements.
Brad Hales, national marketing manager, Uniden, said, “Our customers are at the heart of our innovation process. The UH825 series is our answer to their evolving needs, delivering top-tier technology that doesn’t compromise on durability or functionality.”
The Uniden UH825-2TP Tradies Pack comes with:
2x UH825 UHF radios
2x lithium batteries (2000mAh)
Essential accessories including antennas, belt clips, USB-C charge cable, a dual drop-in charge cradle, AC adaptor for charging, DC cig-lead adaptor, speaker mics, earpiece mics, and a sturdy hard carry case.
For those who need just one unit, the UH825 pack includes:
1x UH825 UHF Radio
1x lithium battery (2000mAH)
An antenna, belt clip, and a USB-C charge cable.
Embrace the next generation of handheld radios. Dive into the unknown, traverse rugged terrains, and keep the adventure alive with Uniden’s UH825 series.
Even in hospitality where a warm personal touch is a hot commodity, that chatbot has sparked a lot of talk about the AI wave.
But while Chat GPT is a brilliant tool that can generate fun menus, it’s a distraction from the true impacts of the rapidly building AI tidal wave.
Venue owners have three choices: Put their head in the sand and ignore it, but be ultimately drowned. Another is to pretend their riding the wave by playing with Chat GPT.
The smart ones are starting to get their teams and systems in order.
That’s because AI’s real value lies beneath the digital tools that many venues and their suppliers already use, such as making orders, taking payments and tracking down the best produce.
Pivotal time
In most venues these digital tools have replaced pens and paper. But in the rush to digitize some businesses are now suffocating from SaaS and the monthly fees for the range of apps they’ve downloaded.
We’re now at a pivotal moment when venues must choose tools that will provide streamlined support into the long term.
Those tools will be sourced from quality partners who offer data for good, not from opportunism, and will provide dynamic pricing, forecasting and inventory management.
Venue owners and wholesale suppliers with this information will be empowered to be 10 times better and more scalable.
Those that can’t access it will be pounded by that coming wave then struggle to come up for air.
Guesswork to get the chop
Quality digital solutions find the best suppliers for an individual business’s needs at the right time and simplify procurement. They ‘say’ things like, ‘Are you really sure you want to order that quantity? Did you know if you ordered these, you could get better return on investment?’.
It’s like having a scalpel to snip costs in precisely the right places to drive up revenue rather than the old blunt knife ‘chop 10% across the board’ method.
And, if a business’s financial heart beats strong, it can channel resources into the things that truly matter to customers – great menus and produce at the best available cost – plus those baristas who remember regulars’ names, in a tight and transient labour market. The equivalent is true on the supply side too.
End consumers get venues they love which stay afloat and which are contributing to a more eco-friendly future by minimising their waste.
Top three tips to prepare for digitization’s third AI wave
Make sure your existing teams – and any new hires – are at ease with the right tech.
Shift your ordering and invoicing into the digital realm so everything funnels seamlessly into one unified accounting system. This is the ticket to unlocking the valuable insights that AI brings to the table.
When you pick a tech provider, ensure they have a track record of not just keeping up but leveling up their solutions over the next decade – or more.
Conributed by Adam Theobald who with Andrew Low, founded Ordermentum in 2014 and it is now Australia’s leading ordering and payments platform for the wholesale food and beverage industry.
Major sales such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday (24-27 November) are regarded as windfall events for retailers. Last year, Australians spent more than $7.1bn across the four-day Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales[1]. Now, new research by a major parcel delivery service reveals that in the weeks before these events, retailers are likely experience a drop in sales as 2 in 3 shoppers hold back their wallets in anticipation of deep discounts during the sales. The findings may help retailers decide whether to introduce earlier or more regular sales.
The results were derived from a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1005 online shoppers[2] commissioned by parcel delivery service CouriersPlease.
How long do shoppers delay purchases before the sales?
CouriersPlease asked survey respondents whether they hold off on purchasing some non-essential goods in the two weeks, one month, two months, three months or six months leading up to shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the hopes of nabbing a bargain.
The survey’s most surprising finding was that nearly 65 per cent of Australian consumers opt to defer their online purchases until the peak shopping event of Black Friday, lured by the prospect of significant cost savings and unbeatable deals. It is a purposeful strategy aimed at securing massive bargains.
It appears patience pays off when it comes to the quest for enticing deals. Thirty (30) per cent of shoppers prefer to wait until just two weeks before Black Friday to make non-essential purchases. An additional 17 per cent choose to hold off for a full month. However, the most strategic shoppers display incredible discipline, with 10 per cent postponing their shopping for two months, 5 per cent for three months, and 3 per cent delaying ultimate shopping satisfaction for an extraordinary six months.
Fashion tops the list of purchases shoppers hold out for
The survey found that shoppers strategically navigate the E-Commerce landscape to pursue enticing deals and cost savings for specific shopping list items. CouriersPlease asked respondents which retail items they generally hold out for, in the hopes of getting a better deal during the sales. Fashion tops the list, with 61 per cent usually holding off on purchasing clothing, accessories and jewellery.
More than half (57%) delay purchasing personal electronics, 55 per cent delay purchasing household electronics, 45 per cent hold off on household appliance purchases and 43 per cent would delay purchasing beauty and personal care items to try and reap better deals during the sales periodd. One third (35%) of respondents delay buying furniture or homewares, and 30 per cent hold off on books, movies, music and games. One in four (25 per cent) wait to make holiday purchases.
Younger shoppers hold back longer for the sales
When it comes to what shopping list items are worth waiting for, 23 per cent of respondents aged 18-30 are willing to hold back from purchases for a full month, compared with 17 per cent in the 31-50 age group and 13 per cent of over-50s. Evidently, younger consumers exhibit greater patience in their pursuit of the best deals, as over-50s are less likely to delay purchases, with 52 per cent just buying items as needed.
Additionally, an impressive 65 per cent of respondents aged 18-30 prefer to hold off on purchasing clothing, accessories, jewellery, or shoes, compared with 60 per cent of those aged 31-50 and 57 per cent of over-50s. In comparison, respondents aged 31-50 are more inclined to delay personal electronics purchases, at 61 per cent.
CouriersPlease CEO, Richard Thame, suggests, “Our findings show there may be a temporary dip in sales for retailers in the weeks leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Consumers are withholding spending on non-essential items in anticipation of discounts. To counteract this, retailers might want to consider introducing Black Friday-type deals earlier in the year or invest in a big sale event that becomes synonymous with their brand.
“From previous surveys that we have commissioned, we know that shipping costs and fast shipping are a major influencer on shopper behaviours. At CouriersPlease, we have forged a strategic alliance with the E-Commerce partner HUBBED where parcels can be directed to over 3000 collection points Australia-wide, with many being accessible after hours. We encourage retailers to choose a delivery provider that provides their customers with plenty of value, including alternate parcel pick-up and drop-off locations, next-day deliveries and redirections.”
The full survey results can be found here: https://couriersplease.com.au/portals/0/Black%20Friday%20White%20Paper%202023%201_02.pdf
American Express’ Shop Small movement returns for its 11th year in Australia, highlighting the valuable contribution small businesses make while encouraging shoppers to show their support.
New this year, American Express is offering eligible small businesses across Australia the chance to win one of ten $10,000 Shop Small Business Grants, on top of its continuing commitment to help encourage spend with small businesses through an American Express Card Member offer.
Launching today, each American Express transaction processed in store or online at a Shop Small business during the month of November will receive an entry into a draw to win one of ten $10,000 Shop Small Business Grants each. All American Express Shop Small businesses are automatically enrolled into the promotion and stand a chance to win1.
American Express is also giving eligible Card Members the chance to win a share of 10 million points. Once enrolled in the Shop Small offer, each time a shopper uses their enrolled American Express Card to make a purchase at a Shop Small business, they stand a chance of winning 1 million Membership Rewards points, Qantas points or Velocity points, depending on their individual loyalty program. Each transaction increases a Card Member’s chance of winning.2
Emily Roberts, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer and Commercial Services at American Express, said: “Since 2013, American Express has shone a spotlight on the importance of supporting the small business community through Shop Small as we believe that small businesses are the heart of communities and the backbone of our economy, but they need all of our support if they are to thrive.”
“Australians are proud to support local in the knowledge that every dollar spent with a small business is important in maintaining the vibrancy of local communities and the livelihoods of hard-working small business operators. We look forward to seeing shoppers backing small businesses, especially during the all-important lead-up to Christmas.”
More and more people are buying 2-way radios for their overland or marine adventures. The frequencies differ for each: UHF for land and VHF for water. This means having a separate 2-way for each. We review the Uniden MHS157 dual band VHF/UHF 2-way radio that enables you to have one handheld offering land and marine in one radio.
What is VHF vs UHF radio?
VHF stands for Very High Frequency and supports the marine 2-way frequencies used in Australia. You should possess a Marine radio or short-range radio certificate to operate a VHF radio. VHF Marine radio is used for all marine traffic, distress, and safety calls. A good practice when going out in your boat, especially offshore, is logging into and out of the local Marine rescue base using Channel 16. Marine weather is also transmitted on these frequencies. For safety and inter-boat communication, most boats carry a VHF radio.
UHF stands for Ultra High Frequency and is the primary band for land-based 2-way communication. No license is required to use it; you will find it used in restaurants, retail stores, job sites and farms beyond recreational use. Any serious RV traveller, truckie or 4-wheel driver will have a UHF 2-way radio.
We previously wrote a guide to buying a handheld radio or walkie-talkie. VHF and UHF radios can be bought in either 12-volt inbuilt units for a vehicle or boat or as a handheld unit containing a battery power source. Different models can transmit at different power outputs of up to 5 watts, which will determine the range the other party will receive. Many other factors affect range, including antenna type, topography and obstacles.
A UHF radio is for land use, and a VHF radio is for Marine Use!
Uniden MHS157 dual band VHF/UHF Features
Many people will buy a UHF radio for land use and a VHF for marine use. Most, including myself, had no idea you could have one unit to achieve both. Uniden is the only brand in Australia to produce dual-band radios for consumers.
The MHS157 is bright yellow, so it is hard to miss, especially if you drop it overboard. If you did, it will float and is also IPX7-rated. It would be best not to intentionally give your radio a swim. Still, IPX7 means it is designed to withstand 1 metre of submersion for 30 minutes if you do. If your boat turned over, the radio would float, and you could call for help.
Transmission power determines how far your voice will travel. When used in close range, you do not want everyone in long range listening to what you say, so a lower power is more suitable. A lower transmission power will also extend battery life. Both bands have low, medium, and high power settings, and the transmit key (push to talk button) has a second transmit button labelled boost. When pressing this button, it automatically transmits at the highest level, no matter your default power setting. In Marine VHF mode, the choices are 1W, 2.5W and 5W. In Land UHF mode 0.5W, 1.5W and 2.5W. Note that other UHF handhelds can legally transmit at up to 5W.
The VHF features include a dedicated weather channel key, which will tune you into channel 67 for Australia, where weather forecasts are regularly broadcast. A triple watch mode allows you to monitor three channels simultaneously, such as Ch16 for emergencies, the weather channel, and another channel you might be communicating with your mates. The VHF channels you can access are the international channels, so unlike the land channels, your marine channels will work no matter where you are in the world.
The UHF band has the standard 80 channels available in Australia and will also work with repeater stations, extending your reception up to 100km, depending on conditions. For those wanting more privacy, the UHF can be set up with DCS and CTCSS codes so only the other party with similar settings will hear the conversation.
The Uniden MHS157 Dual Band VHF/UHF retails for $300 and comes with a 3-year warranty.
What comes in the box?
You will find the radio with a belt clip and the antenna removed in the box. There are two battery options: an 1100mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable battery or a battery tray requiring 4 AAA batteries (AAA batteries not supplied). The AAA battery option gives you a get-out-of-jail ticket, assuming you have some AAA batteries and no charging source for the Lithium. Note transmission power output is reduced when using the AAA solution.
To recharge the Lithium battery, the Handheld radio is placed in a supplied cradle with a 12-volt cig charge charger lead and a mains power lead.
The radio must be assembled by removing the rear cover, plugging in the required battery pack, replacing the back cover and installing the screw-in antenna and belt clip.
Using the Uniden MHS157
The Uniden MHS 157 Dual Band VHF/UHF radio has a longer antenna than other UHF handhelds, but its construction is flexible and durable. The upside is it is harder to lose. The illuminated display is easy to read with a battery indicator, channel, band, and power setting. Changing between UHF and VHF is as simple as pressing the Band/Menu button once. Keylock can also be activated to stop you from invertedly changing channels, etc.
Voice reproduction is clear and loud with the squelch at the default setting. Squelch helps to cut out the background hiss enabling clearer reception.
We did not like the belt clip, which seems less useful than what we have seen in other models with a spring clip. We would have liked to have had the ability to scan all channels rather than a select few. However, this is more for fun than practicality.
Two features we like that we have not seen before include a vibrate function when a transmission is received on the UHF and a busy channel lockout, which stops you from transmitting when the channel is active.
Note the knob on the top at the left is not for volume but a waterproof cover for an external speaker to be connected.
Summary – Dual Band VHF/UHF Radio Review
If you own a trailer boat and a four-wheel drive to tow it, then the Uniden MHS157 Dual Band VHF/UHF radio is for you. One device will fulfil most of your basic 2-way needs with your safety and communication covered.
Even if you don’t own a boat, this unit makes a great handheld to pair with an in-car mounted UHF. Suppose your are camping on the beach, and you can also use it to communicate with your mates out in their boats and for in-car to handheld communication.
