What to know about Amazon Haul, the Temu and Shein competitor
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Amazon Haul launched in November 2024. Photo: Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Amazon's discount store — Amazon Haul — launched in November as the e-commerce giant's answer to bringing shoppers cheap goods from China and competing against Temu and Shein.
Why it matters: President Trump's aggressive tariffs and trade war with China have hit the low-cost Chinese retailers — and created confusion and angst for consumers.
- These popular e-commerce sites have already been feeling the pain of tariffs, with reports of drastic price hikes. Temu's app warns buyers that items "imported into the U.S. may be subject to import charges."
- The White House has said shipments valued at $800 and sent through the international postal network from China to the U.S. will soon face a 120% tariff. The increased duties are set to start on Friday, May 2.
Was Amazon Haul looking at listing import charges?
Zoom in: After White House Press secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed a reported plan that Amazon would list tariff costs, a spokesperson for the company quickly clarified that its Haul store team had "considered the idea." (The Haul store is separate from its main storefront.)
- But he added, "This was never approved and is not going to happen."
Amazon had been considering showing the tariff costs on its Haul platform as a way to reflect changes in the "de minimis" exemption, which previously left import duties off goods under $800, per a source familiar with the situation.
- Trump lifted that exemption as part of his tariff plan, which could dramatically increase the cost of goods from Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu.
Between the lines: Over the past few years, the platforms along with TikTok Shop rapidly gained a following among bargain-hungry shoppers, taking a bite at Amazon's consumer base.
What is Amazon Haul?
The big picture: The Amazon Haul store, available on the U.S. shopping app in beta, launched in November.
- Amazon Haul sells clothes, home, lifestyle, electronics and products with "ultra-low prices" like phone cases, hair accessories and kitchen tools.
- The majority of products on Amazon Haul are $10 or less and many are as low as $1, according to Amazon.
- All items are $20 or less.
Amazon Haul free shipping
Between the lines: To get free shipping on Amazon Haul, orders need to be $25 or more.
- A $3.99 shipping fee applies for orders under $25.
Amazon Haul shipping speed
Yes, but: Don't expect items to come as fast as other Amazon orders that promise two-day shipping or faster delivery.
- The retailer said most products have shipping times of one to two weeks.
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