Amazon is launching a new shopping section on its platform, dedicated to affordable goods from China, with the majority of products priced under $20 and available for direct delivery to customers. The initiative was reportedly presented at a recent conference as a response to competitors such as Temu, Shein, Wish, Aliexpress, and similar platforms.
Amazon’s goal is to make the shopping experience faster and more convenient, cutting out intermediaries and reducing waiting times to as little as nine to eleven days. The company has already been working with sellers from China, but the new model aims to offer a more streamlined approach.
Typical products that will be featured in the new section include massage devices, cell phone cases, bags, lifestyle items, and more. Some products will be produced on demand to minimize waste and adapt to changing trends.
While it’s currently unclear if the new section will be launched in Europe as well, the potential risks and consequences for customers are a cause for concern. Consumer advocates have warned that these types of cheap shops can lead to overconsumption and lower quality products. With no intermediaries to check product quality, fake goods, counterfeit electronics, and hazardous products may find their way to customers.
Furthermore, customer data is often collected and used for commercial purposes, and hacking is not uncommon on these types of sites. Amazon, as a company with stricter standards, may face additional challenges in ensuring quality control and data protection for its customers.