Amazon Business Punchout: Extended Grace Period for Addressing Challenges and Supporting the Transition

Addressing challenges and supporting the transition

Over the summer, Procurement Services has been working to guide the UVA community toward more efficient, cost-effective purchasing through the Amazon Business Account and Punchout in the UVA Marketplace. This shift in preferred Amazon purchasing method allows shoppers to secure the best pricing and ensure easier compliance with university policies and guidelines all while reducing the reliance on reimbursements. 

Thanks to our partners across grounds, we have been alerted to challenges with the transition especially regarding the complexities of off-Grounds delivery addresses. While we had hoped to have a technical solution in place before the academic year began, more time is needed to develop a sustainable path forward. We also want to make sure that all our colleagues, including faculty who have been away over the summer, have the support and guidance in place to smoothly adjust to this new purchasing method. In order to develop a sustainable technical solution and support a successful transition for all, we are extending the grace period for the transition to Amazon Punchout.

Here’s what you need to know right now:

• The September 1 date for fully making the switch to Amazon Punchout is no longer applicable while we work through a few remaining logistical challenges, including shipping to off-Grounds delivery addresses.
• We encourage orders to be placed through the Amazon Punchout whenever possible. For orders delivered outside of Charlottesville, you may continue to use the Centralized Amazon Business account with a T&E Card.
• There’s no need to submit requests for an exception to the Amazon Punchout guidance at this time.
• We’ll be sharing resources, guidance, and step-by-step support to make it easy for you to use the Punchout.

In the coming weeks, you’ll see more communications, helpful how-tos, and outreach sessions designed to answer your questions and make the adjustment smooth for the entire UVA Community. We want this transition to work for everyone, and your input will continue to guide us forward.

If you haven’t tried the Amazon Business Punchout yet, we encourage you to explore it the next time you need to make a purchase. It’s a key part of building a more streamlined, value-focused approach to buying at UVA.

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Related Content: Register for the Amazon Business Punchout