Can you guess how much money super-cheap Chinese retailer Temu raked in last year? The answer is about $54 billion, and the latest numbers show almost half that total came from American shoppers.

It’s hard to resist inexpensive stuff shipped right to your door, even when you end up with hilarious fails like this. Want a way to score Temu-like deals without giving Communist China all your personal data? Meet Amazon Haul, the new online destination for dirt-cheap finds.

Before you light up my inbox with, “Kim Komando, this is just cheap crap from China!” … I know. If buying this stuff feels like a waste to you, keep scrollin’, my friend.

Amazon Haul 101

You can’t shop for this cheap stuff in your browser; Haul is only built into the Amazon Shopping app. Look for the “Haul” tab at the top. Here’s a link to download the Amazon app, if you need it.

Everything is under $20, but most items are way, way less. You’ll find everything from electronics to hair accessories to cooking utensils.

What about shipping? Free next-day Prime delivery doesn’t apply. For Haul orders over $25, there’s no shipping charge, but expect to wait a week or two while your stuff comes directly from China. For orders under $25, there’s a $3.99 fee.

🛍️ Haul returns are free for purchases over $3 within 15 days. Mail back your stuff or use any of Amazon’s drop-off spots, like Whole Foods, UPS, Kohl’s and Staples.

Red flags

Amazon Haul is full of brands you’ve never heard of. What you buy online might not be exactly what arrives. Here are a few musts so you’re not completely throwing away money:

• Check the reviews: Amazon labels reviews from customers who really bought the item as a “Verified Purchase.” There aren’t many reviews since Amazon Haul is new.
• Spot AI-generated pics: Do the pics look a little too perfect … or totally weird? Look for things like strange lighting and proportions that feel off.
• Use common sense: You’re getting cheap stuff shipped from China, so buy accordingly. Avoid electronics with lithium-ion batteries, charging cables that could catch fire or beauty items that might not be safe on your skin.

🛒 Things in my cart under $2

Amazon wants to build up buzz and reviews, so most things on Haul are an extra 60% off right now.

One more time: Haul is mobile-only (for now). Click any of these links below from a computer and you’ll see a QR code you can scan with your phone’s camera. While you can’t shop from your computer, you can see completed orders there.

Remember, there’s no overnight or two-day shipping in Haul. So, first, I’ll tell you about the Haul product that could take weeks, then I’ll link to the regular Amazon pick you can get immediately.

😂 I wonder if they sell wigs. That’d be a small-price toupee. OK, let me try again. Why’s gravity so cheap? It’s mass-produced. (Oh, I feel your pain!)

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Tags: accessories, lithium-ion batteries