“Qantas Points will help us reach new markets”
Cultivating strong relationships with international suppliers and embracing a global outlook has helped sustainable furniture startup Wattle Living get off the ground in record time.
As a lecturer in sustainable design at UNSW, Ryan Lawson couldn’t ignore the cheaply made “fast furniture” discarded on Sydney’s streets. He decided to create a solution: a stylish sofa that was built to last, easy to move and adaptable to any space. Lawson relocated to northern NSW to develop the idea in his grandparents’ workshop, flying back to Sydney weekly to teach, and within 12 months he had a prototype – and a plan to launch furniture brand Wattle Living. Lawson shares why working with global suppliers was essential in launching the company and how Qantas Business Money has eased the startup journey.
The Take-Off
“In 2019, once I had designed the sofa prototype and filed patents, the key challenge was finding a manufacturing partner. I met a great family-run supplier at the China International Furniture Fair in Shanghai and returned several times over the next few months to review the production process at the factory, before launching Wattle in 2021. We pay our manufacturer in US dollars and other international contractors in local currencies so every time we made a payment, the bank would charge us higher foreign exchange fees. Now that we’re with Qantas Business Money, we’re saving on fees. Having all the transactions in one hub really simplifies things, too.”
The Turning Point
“As an online business, delivery is a crucial part of the customer experience. Last year, as we planned to expand into Melbourne before rolling out into other capital cities, I needed to find a logistics partner that could support us. I flew to Melbourne to meet with operators and found an incredible supplier with a national presence. Being a Qantas Business Rewards member makes it easier to connect with suppliers face to face, thanks to the savings – up to 10% when booking eligible flights. Qantas Business Money has been great for strengthening the relationships with our international vendors, too, as our payments are processed in as little as one business day. Plus, we earn 1 Qantas Point on every AU$1 converted into foreign currency* so everyone’s happy.”
The Future
“Our intention is to take Wattle Living global, starting with Asia, where we are travelling to later this year to investigate the market. We’re also going to Europe next year to scope the market and attend the Milan Furniture Fair. We plan to use the Qantas Points we’ve earned to cover the cost of these flights. We have a physical card connected to our Qantas Business Money account that enables us to spend in the local currency without conversion fees. We’re able to set up global accounts in 11 different currencies, which is handy because we’ll be travelling a lot more moving forward.”
Borderless Business, rewarded with Qantas Points
Save up to 50% on FX rates~
Cut the cost of going global, with rates as low as 1.75% compared to the 3 to 6%~ that traditional banks can charge.
Bypass the banks
Set up global accounts in 11 different currencies and create multi-currency expense cards – all without setting foot inside a foreign bank.
Turn every dollar you convert into Qantas Points
With Qantas Business Money, you’ll earn 1 Qantas Point on every AU$1 converted*.
Important Information
Qantas Business Money is powered by Airwallex Pty Ltd (ABN 37 609 653 312, AFSL No. 487221). Your access to Qantas Business Money is arranged by Qantas as Airwallex’s authorised representative (No. 261363).
This information doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is important for you to consider these matters and read Airwallex's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you make a decision regarding these services. You can obtain a copy of the PDS here. Applications for Qantas Business Money will be assessed by Airwallex and are subject to Airwallex's approval. Personal information collected will be handled in accordance with the Qantas Privacy Policy and the Airwallex Privacy Policy.
A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for the business. A one-off joining fee of $89.50 applies, is inclusive of any applicable GST and may be varied by Qantas from time to time, without notice, in its absolute discretion. Membership and Qantas Points for business are offered under the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions and earning thresholds apply.
*Qantas Points will be earned on the conversion amount and conversion fee. Earn 1 Qantas Point for every $1AUD equivalent of foreign currency conversions transacted through Qantas Business Money. Qantas Points will be credited to the Qantas Business Rewards account within 3 business days of the conversion being completed. Offer is limited to one per ABN. These points will be credited to the Qantas Business Rewards account in accordance with the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions.
±Eligible to Qantas Business Money users who make their first foreign currency conversion for their business between 1 September 2024 and 31 October 2024 (Offer Period). Points are awarded according to the total amounts converted by the member during the Offer Period as follows: 50,000 bonus points after transacting a minimum of $25,000AUD (or AUD equivalent), 100,000 bonus points after transacting a minimum of $50,000 AUD (or AUD equivalent), 125,000 bonus points after transacting $75,000AUD (or AUD equivalent). Bonus points are in addition to the base 1 Qantas Point per $1AUD (or AUD equivalent) of foreign currency conversions transacted through Qantas Business Money. Bonus points will be credited to the Qantas Business Rewards account when the member reaches the highest bonus points tier, or at the end of the promotional period, whichever occurs first in accordance with the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions. Offer is limited to one per ABN.
~The FX price comparison is based on comparing quoted Qantas Business Money FX rates against published USD/AUD rates of the big 4 banks in Australia (Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation, and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group). Learn more here.
Qantas would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the local lands and waterways on which we live, work and fly. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.