When Amazon launched Amazon Haul in November of 2024, it aimed to compete with budget-friendly shopping platforms like Temu. While it introduces affordability to Amazon’s ecosystem, Amazon Haul struggles to measure up to Temu in several key areas. Here’s a full breakdown and comparison so you bargain hunters can decide for yourself.

1. Product Selection

Amazon Haul

Amazon Haul boasts a curated collection of low-cost items priced at $20 or less, but this limited selection leaves much to be desired.

The range of products is narrow, primarily focusing on basic essentials.

I browsed the Haul interface for 10 minutes and was not impressed with the variety of items that were for sale, it felt like I was shopping at Dollar Tree but the prices were in the $2.50 to $6 range.

Also, the Haul platform can only be accessed via the Amazon app making it a little less accessible to older folks who aren’t smartphone and tablet savvy.

Temu

Temu offers an overwhelming variety of products across every imaginable category.

From quirky gadgets to niche household items, Temu caters to a broader audience with more options for customization and unique finds.

After browsing Temu for a few short minutes, I had 8 things in my shopping cart, ready to buy. They included work gloves, socks, a WAY cool little drone, and a dog bed for our Labradoodle.

Verdict: If you want variety, Temu easily wins.

See Also: 15 Brilliant Ways to Save at Temu

TEMU WINS ON VARIETY FOR ONE SIMPLE REASON

Amazon does NOT want their Haul business to cut into their regular shopping platform.

So it makes perfect sense that they’re going to offer a very limited selection of products. But for Haul to stick around, they’re going to need to up their product selection or I think this little experiment is not going to be around for long.

2. Prices

I checked the pricing on 25 different products on both Haul and Temu.

Products included a HDMI cable, a jump rope, table runner, sunglasses, flip flops, pill organizer, decorative lights, and an Apple Watch band.

The prices on Temu were cheaper on 22 of the 25 items.

Verdict: For true budget-friendly shopping, Temu’s pricing structure crushes Amazon Haul.

PRO TIP: TEMU WILL ALSO DO PRICE ADJUSTMENTS

After you place your order, Temu will give you money back via a price adjustment if they lower the price on something you bought within 30 days.

Simply go into your account, go to your order, and tap on “Price Adjustment” and they’ll automatically credit your account if the price dropped on something you bought, even if you haven’t received the item yet.

It’s free money, be sure to take advantage as the prices on Temu are very fluid.

3. Shipping Costs and Times

Amazon Haul: Despite being part of the Amazon ecosystem, Haul doesn’t offer Prime shipping benefits.

Orders over $25 ship for free, while orders under $25 incur a $3.99 fee.

Also, shipping times are surprisingly long, ranging from 1–2 weeks.

Temu: Temu’s shipping times are similar (7–21 days), but most orders qualify for free shipping without any minimum purchase requirement.

Verdict: Temu delivers a better deal by providing free shipping without strings attached.

EVERYTHING IS SHIPPED FROM CHINA

Both Haul and Temu ship the products they sell direct from China which is why their shipping times are on the longer side.

So if you’re someone who likes to buy U.S. made products you’ll probably not be a huge fan of either shopping platform.

4. Discounts

Amazon Haul: Discounts are minimal and tied to bulk orders (5% off over $50 and 10% off over $75).

For single-item purchases, there’s little incentive.

Temu: Temu is a discount powerhouse, offering frequent flash sales, coupons, gamified shopping rewards, and referral bonuses that keep costs low.

Verdict: Temu’s frequent promotions and gamified savings make Amazon Haul’s discounts look negligible.

5. Shopping Experience

Amazon Haul: The interface is straightforward but lacks engaging features.

There are NO customer reviews or detailed descriptions available, leaving buyers in the dark about product quality.

Temu: Temu’s app gamifies the shopping experience, offering spin-to-win games, referral codes, and rewards that keep users engaged and incentivized.

Temu also has very good product reviews written by shoppers along with pictures that often help you decide if the product is of good quality.

Verdict: Temu’s interactive shopping experience outshines Amazon Haul’s plain, unremarkable interface.

PRO TIP: MAKE TEMU REVIEWS YOUR BEST FRIEND

I had a brilliant comment left by a lady named Robin on my article about the Temu return policy that I need to share.

It’s all about reading the Temu reviews and looking closely at the photos in the reviews, especially when buying clothing.

Commenter Robin said, “The fabric of the actual clothes are not what it looks like in the displayed photo. A photo may look like linen, cotton, or jersey, but it mostly likely some type of polyester. So be sure to view all of the photos and look at photos on reviews if you can. Eventually you get the hang of what the fabrics will be like after some returns. The prints can seriously fool you too. It can look like a top or dress has embroidered elements and then it arrives and it is printed on the material.”

Temu has a HUGE advantage over Amazon Haul by actually encouraging shoppers to leave reviews and photos. Savvy shoppers can then use that information to decode what products are of good quality.

6. Value for Low-Cost Shoppers

Amazon Haul: The $25 minimum for free shipping and lack of consistent ultra-low-priced items make Amazon Haul less appealing to thrifty shoppers like myself.

Temu: With free shipping, no membership fees, and a focus on dollar-store-level pricing, Temu is better for shoppers looking for extreme value.

Verdict: Temu offers better value for smaller purchases, making it ideal for us frugal-minded shoppers.

PRO TIP: BE CAUTIOUS WITH HIGH TICKET ITEMS

Exercise caution when purchasing high-ticket items like electronics or furniture from Temu. Quality and durability may not match those of established brands, and returns can a major pain in the butt on big items like furniture.

7. Return Policy

Amazon Haul: Returns are free for purchases over $3 within 15 days of delivery. While reasonable, it pales in comparison to Amazon’s main platform and can feel restrictive.

Also, anything priced at $3 or less on Amazon Haul is considered Final Sale and is NOT returnable or refundable.

Temu: Temu offers a 90-day return policy, which is significantly longer. However, they only allow 1 free return per order.

So if you buy multiple items, return one of them, then decide later you want to return something else, you’ll be hit with a return shipping fee that is dependent on the size and weight of the item you want to return.

Verdict: While both platforms have their flaws, Temu’s longer return window gives it an edge.

PRO TIP: HOLD ON TO ALL PACKAGING

To make your Amazon Haul or Temu return much easier, hold on to ALL original packaging and bags.

These bags have the product’s UPC and barcode on them and are required for making a return in most instances.

If you lose the bag, you can place the item in a Ziploc and write the UPC number of the item on the Ziploc with a Sharpie. You can usually find the UPC on the invoice or receipt that came with your original package.

The Verdict…Temu Easily Wins

1. Better Prices: Temu consistently undercuts Amazon Haul on product prices.

2. Wider Selection: A massive product catalog at Temu ensures you’ll find something unique.

3. Free Shipping: No minimum order amount required for free shipping on Temu.

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 is underwhelming compared to the more established Temu. Its limited selection, mediocre discounts, and lack of Prime perks make it feel like an afterthought in Amazon’s lineup.

If you’re looking for affordability, variety, and a little excitement, Temu is the better choice by far in my opinion.

Ask the Reader: Have you used both shopping platforms? If so, do you agree or disagree with my assessment?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)