Amazon Haul, With Prices Under $20, Launches to Grab Budget Shoppers

Amazon is firing a new salvo in its battle with Chinese online retailers Temu and Shein, which offer heavy discounts for customers who don't mind longer shipping times. The retail giant launched Amazon Haul, a service available on its shopping app and mobile website that promises "ultra-low prices" -- all below $20 -- on clothing, home goods and electronics.

In its announcement, Amazon touted iPhone 16 cases for $1.79, jewelry for $3 and holiday table runners, also at $3. Free shipping applies to orders over $25, but unlike Amazon's speedy Prime service, these orders will take a week or two to arrive. Shipping is $4 for orders below $25. Orders over $3 can be returned free within 15 days of delivery, Amazon says.

Temu and Shein have exploded in popularity the last few years, but customers often report long wait times for shipping and quality issues with items from those storefronts, particularly knockoffs of tech and fashion products.

Amazon says it's offering the same "A-to-Z" product guarantee for Haul merchandise that it offers on its other storefronts.

The company described Haul as being in beta, even though it's available to all customers through the Amazon app "when they next update" it. It currently appears on the tabs at the top of the home page, next to Holiday Deals and Groceries. Fire emojis and "crazy low" tags are abundant on the Haul shopping page.

"It's early days for this experience, and we'll continue to listen to customers as we refine and expand it in the weeks and months to come," Dharmesh Mehta, vice president of worldwide selling partner services at Amazon, said in the announcement.