When Amazon launched Amazon Haul in November 2024, it aimed to compete with low-cost shopping platforms like Temu. Amazon Haul introduces affordability to Amazon’s ecosystem, but struggles to match Temu in several key areas. Here’s a complete breakdown and comparison so bargain hunters can decide for themselves.
1. Product selection
amazon howl
Amazon Haul boasts a well-curated collection of low-priced items under $20, but the limited selection leaves a lot to be desired.
The product range is narrow and mainly focuses on basic necessities.
I spent 10 minutes browsing the Haul interface and was unimpressed by the variety of items for sale. It felt like I was shopping at Dollar Tree, but the prices ranged from $2.50 to $6.
Additionally, the Haul platform can only be accessed via the Amazon app, making it a little more difficult to access for older adults who aren’t familiar with smartphones or tablets.
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Temu offers an overwhelming variety of products across every conceivable category.
From quirky gadgets to niche homewares, Temu offers more options for customization and unique discoveries, catering to a wide audience.
After a few minutes of browsing Temu, I had 8 items in my shopping cart and was ready to purchase. It included work gloves, socks, a super cool little drone, and a dog bed for my Labradoodle.
Verdict: If you’re looking for variety, Temu wins easily.
Related article: 15 great ways to save with Temu
Tim wins on variety shows for a simple reason.
Amazon doesn’t want its shipping business to be part of regular shopping platforms.
So it makes perfect sense that the selection of products they offer is very limited. But Haul will need to expand its product selection to survive. Otherwise, I don’t think this little experiment will last long.
2. Price
We checked prices for 25 products on both Haul and Temu.
Products include HDMI cables, jump ropes, table runners, sunglasses, flip-flops, pill organizers, decorative lights, and Apple Watch bands.
Temu’s prices were low for 22 out of 25 items.
Verdict: For true budget-friendly shopping, Temu’s pricing structure beats Amazon Haul.
Pro tip: TEMU also does price adjustments
If you reduce the price of your purchased item within 30 days of placing your order, Temu will refund your money through a price adjustment.
Simply go to your account, proceed to your order, and tap “Price Adjustment” to automatically credit your account if the price of the item you purchased goes down, even if you haven’t received the item yet.
This is free money. Temu’s price is very volatile, so take advantage of it.
3. Shipping and delivery time
Amazon Haul: Despite being part of the Amazon ecosystem, Haul does not offer Prime shipping benefits.
Orders over $25 ship for free, but orders under $25 are subject to a $3.99 fee.
Also, the shipping time is surprisingly long, 1-2 weeks.
Temu: Temu has similar shipping times (7-21 days), but most orders qualify for free shipping with no minimum purchase requirements.
Verdict: Temu offers a better deal by offering free shipping with no strings attached.
All shipped from China
Both Haul and Temu ship the products they sell directly from China, so shipping takes longer.
So if you’re someone who likes to buy products made in the United States, you’re probably not a big fan of either shopping platform.
4. Discount
Amazon Haul: Discounts are minimal and tied to bulk orders (5% off on orders over $50, 10% off on orders over $75).
There are few incentives for single item purchases.
Temu: Temu is a discount powerhouse that offers frequent flash sales, coupons, gamified shopping perks, and referral bonuses to keep costs low.
Verdict: Temu’s frequent promotions and gamified savings make Amazon Haul’s discounts seem insignificant.
5. Shopping experience
Amazon Haul: Simple interface but lacks attractive features.
There are no customer reviews or detailed descriptions available, leaving buyers in the dark about the quality of the product.
Temu: Temu’s app gamifies the shopping experience, offering spin-to-win games, referral codes, and offers to keep users engaged and incentivized.
Temu has very good product reviews written by shoppers with photos to help you decide whether the product is of good quality or not.
Verdict: Temu’s interactive shopping experience beats Amazon Haul’s bland and unremarkable interface.
Pro tip: Make TEMU reviews your best friend
A woman named Robin left a great comment on my article about Tem’s return policy, so I wanted to share it with you.
It’s important to read Temu reviews and look at the review photos, especially when buying clothes.
Commenter Robyn said, “The fabric of the actual garment will be different from the photo shown. The photo may look like linen, cotton, or jersey, but it’s most likely some kind of polyester. Therefore, check all photos and review photos if possible. Also, if you return it a few times, you will see how the fabric turns out in the end.Prints can also greatly fool you. Sometimes it arrives and looks like it’s printed on the material.”
Temu has a big advantage over Amazon Haul because it actually encourages shoppers to leave reviews and photos. Smart shoppers can use that information to decipher which products are of high quality.
6. Value for low-cost shoppers
Amazon Haul: A $25 minimum price with free shipping and a lack of consistently ultra-low prices make Amazon Haul less appealing to thrifty people like me.
Temu: With a focus on free shipping, no membership fees, and dollar store-level pricing, Temu is for shoppers looking for extreme value.
Verdict: Temu offers better value on smaller purchases, making it ideal for frugal shoppers.
Pro tip: Be wary of big ticket items
Be careful when purchasing big-ticket items such as electronics and furniture from Temu. Quality and durability may not match that of well-established brands, and returning large items like furniture can be a huge pain.
7. Return Policy
Amazon Haul: Free returns on purchases of $3 or more within 15 days of delivery. While reasonable, it pales in comparison to Amazon’s main platform and can feel limited.
Additionally, items priced under $3 on Amazon Haul are considered final sale and cannot be returned or refunded.
Temu: Temu offers a 90-day return policy, which is quite a long time. However, you can only receive one free return per order.
Therefore, if you purchase multiple items, return one item, and later decide to return another item, you will be charged return shipping charges based on the size and weight of the items you are returning.
Verdict: Both platforms have their drawbacks, but Temu has an advantage due to its longer return period.
Pro tip: Keep all packaging secure
To make Amazon Haul or Temu returns easier, please keep all original packaging and bags.
These bags have the product’s UPC and barcode, which is required in most cases for returns.
If you lose your bag, you can place the item in a ziplock and write the item’s UPC number on the ziplock with a sharpie. The UPC can usually be found on the invoice or receipt included with the original packaging.
Verdict…Tem wins easily
1. Better Prices: Temu always lowers Amazon Haul product prices.
2. Wide selection: With Temu’s vast product catalog, you are sure to find a unique product.
3. Free Shipping: Temu’s free shipping requires no minimum order amount.
4. Gamified Shopping: Interactive features make the experience fun and engaging.
5. Frequent discounts: Coupons, flash sales, and referral bonuses make Temu a savings paradise.
Amazon Haul’s debut isn’t overwhelming compared to the more established Temu. Limited selection, mediocre discounts, and lack of Prime benefits make it feel like an afterthought in Amazon’s lineup.
If you’re looking for affordability, variety, and a bit of excitement, Temu is by far the better choice in my opinion.
Ask our readers: Have you used both shopping platforms? If so, do you agree or disagree with my assessment?
Written by Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 to become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save money at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco. . I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and The New York Times for my money-saving tips. (learn more)
