Amazon introduces Its Discount Marketplace, Laden with Substandard Merchandise
Amazon introduces Its Discount Marketplace, Laden with Substandard Merchandise
Budget-friendly retailers like Temu and Shein made Amazon feel threatened enough to introduce its own discount store named Amazon Haul. The tech giant had been mulling over launching a comparable platform with items priced under $20. It debuted today, accessible as a separate tab on the Amazon app, labeled 'Haul'.
The platform kept its word, setting a $20 maximum price point and featuring most items under $10. The product categories encompass fashion, home, lifestyle, and electronics. Delivery may take between one and two weeks, significantly longer than Amazon's usual delivery timelines of within a week and a couple of days (if you're a Prime member). Yet, the extended delivery times are reasonable given that Amazon Haul goods will be shipped directly from a fulfillment center in Guangdong, China.
Browse through the items, and you'll soon notice their mediocre quality, identical to what Temu and Shein offer. While Amazon Haul might appeal to impulse shoppers during late-night scrolling sessions, it remains a mobile-exclusive feature — much like the in-app shopping feature TikTok introduced, understanding that impulse spending is common in these scenarios.
Amazon contacted Gizmodo to assure that all product sellers undergo thorough scrutiny. Customers can trust the authenticity, safety, and compliance of the standards under applicable regulations for Haul products.
Amazon Haul was launched in time for the holiday season, although many of its offerings might be unsuitable as high-quality gifts. Only certain items could qualify as stocking stuffers or last-minute Secret Santa gifts. The platform offers items as low as $1, a 5% discount on orders over $50, and 10% off on purchases exceeding $75 or more.
If you can't locate the Haul tab within your Amazon app, try updating it from the app store first. Then, search for 'Haul' within the app. If that fails, browse 'Haul' on your desktop and scan the QR code using your phone.
If you're questioning how a necklace, bracelet, and earring set can cost $3, the answer will not surprise you. A U.S. Congressional Select Committee report revealed discount retailers, such as Shein and Temu, employ an exploitation model that relies on underpaying and severely mistreating millions of Uyghur Muslims living in China.
Don't forget the Marketplace report suggesting that cheap items may contain harmful amounts of lead, enhancing their colors, adding weight, and making them resistant to corrosion.
Amazon assured Gizmodo that all products sold on its platforms must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies (including its supply chain standards regarding labor rights, health, and sustainability). The marketplace requires vendors to establish safe, healthy, and fair work conditions as a prerequisite for doing business with Amazon in every country it operates.
This story was updated on 11/13/2024 at 8:45 PM ET with clarifications from Amazon about Haul product quality and Amazon labor practices.
The introduction of Amazon Haul marks a response to the impact of budget-friendly tech companies on Amazon's market share. This new platform aims to compete with discount stores like Shein and Temu by offering tech products along with fashion, home, lifestyle items, all priced under $20.
In the future, Amazon might consider expanding Haul's offerings, capitalizing on the demand for affordable tech goods and recognizing the growing trends in budget-friendly shopping.