Overview

Amazon has launched the “Haul” program, a new marketplace track that showcases ultra‑low‑price items shipped directly from Chinese manufacturers. The initiative, announced in early 2024, targets shoppers who prioritize price above brand or premium features. Sellers of budget‑friendly goods should watch closely because the program creates a dedicated channel with its own listing rules, bulk‑shipping requirements, and a reduced fee structure.

Key Points

• Direct‑from‑factory supply — Products travel straight from Chinese production lines to Amazon fulfillment sites, eliminating third‑party import agents and reducing lead times.
• Sub‑$10 price ceiling — Only items priced at ten dollars or less qualify, which includes accessories, small gadgets, and basic household supplies.
• Restricted category list — Large items such as furniture or major appliances are excluded, keeping the catalog focused on lightweight, fast‑moving merchandise.
• Lower referral fees — Amazon applies a trimmed‑down commission that reflects the thin margins typical of these low‑cost goods.
• Eligibility standards — Sellers must pass Amazon’s quality‑control checks and commit to sending inventory in bulk to pre‑approved fulfillment centers.
• Bargain‑shopper experience — Listings highlight free or cheap shipping, a “Haul” badge, and straightforward return policies to attract price‑sensitive customers.

How Amazon Haul Works

1. Program enrollment — Vendors access a dedicated Haul portal, upload business verification documents, and submit a spreadsheet of eligible SKUs. Example: A supplier of silicone kitchen spatulas lists 200 variants, each priced at $2.99, and uploads the file for review.
2. Consolidated pallet shipment — Once approved, the seller bundles inventory onto full pallets and ships them to the Amazon regional fulfillment center assigned by the program. Example: The spatula supplier loads 45 pallets and sends them to the Dallas hub, covering three months of projected demand.