So I was scrolling through my Amazon app yesterday (looking for a birthday gift for my sister, who definitely reads my articles - hi Jen!) when this notification popped up about something called "Haul." I nearly ignored it, thinking it was just another Prime Day wannabe event.
Turns out, Amazon's quietly launching a whole new shopping service in the UK. And it's pretty obvious who they're gunning for.
The £20-and-under club nobody asked for?
Amazon has officially unveiled "Haul" - their answer to those Chinese bargain sites that have been eating their lunch lately. Everything on Haul costs £20 or less, with most items under a tenner. Sound familiar? *cough* Temu *cough*
The UK is only the second place to get this service after teh US got it last year. I've actually got a mate in Chicago who's been using it and his verdict was basically "meh, but sometimes you find gems."
Not everyone can access it yet though. Amazon's doing that annoying "select customers" trial thing before rolling it out to everyone "in the coming weeks" (which in Amazon-speak could mean anything from next Tuesday to Christmas).
Want in? Here's how.
You can only use Haul on your phone - no desktop browsing allowed. Scan a QR code via www.amazon.co.uk/b?node=201079717031 or if you've already got the Amazon app, just search "Haul" and hit enter.
Listen. I tried it this morning and it took me three attempts to get in. Typical.
The catch? (There's always one...)
Free delivery on orders over £15 sounds decent. They'll even throw in an extra 5% off when you spend more than £50.
But here's where Amazon shows its hand - deliveries take "two weeks or less."
Two weeks? In 2025? When I've been spoiled by next-day Prime deliveries since 2016?
That's Amazon basically admitting these products are shipping from the same overseas warehouses as Temu and Shein. I spent £42 on Temu last month and waited 17 days for delivery, so I guess two weeks is... progress?
The suits have spoken
John Boumphrey, Amazon's UK country manager, gave the usual corporate line: "We are constantly working to provide the best possible shopping experience for customers, and this is another way to offer low prices on a wide selection of products."
Translation: "Holy crap, Temu and Shein are stealing our customers and we need to do something fast."
He added: "Now more than ever we know our customers are looking to save, and we're excited to provide more options through the shopping app they already know and love."
Amazon's midlife crisis
This isn't the only change Amazon's made recently that has people talking.
They recently killed off the archive order history feature, which honestly feels like a personal attack. I used that ALL THE TIME to hide purchases from my husband. Christmas shopping just got 10x harder.
One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: "I use this feature all the time to buy my wife various gifts throughout the year (birthday, Christmas, valentines, etc) this has been super useful to not ruin surprises."
Another person wrote: "I do too but for my mother since we share the same account. There's no way she would have let me buy an iPad pro for her this past Christmas if I didn't hide it."
And let's not forget how they quietly jacked up the minimum spend for free delivery from £25 to £35 last summer. That's a 40% increase! One customer called them out on X: "That's way too high!! Also, you didn't exactly publicise it, very sneaky!"
God. Remember when Amazon was just a bookshop?
I'll probably give Haul a try next week when I'm bored on my lunch break. If I find anything worth buying, I'll let you know... in approximately two weeks when it finally arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
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To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
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To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
Statistics
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
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Filing your taxes accurately is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Start by gathering all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, and any receipts for deductible expenses. Choose the appropriate filing method, whether using tax software, hiring a tax professional, or filing manually. Familiarize yourself with the tax deductions and credits available to maximize your refund or minimize your liability. Double-check your calculations and ensure all information is accurate before submission. If you are unsure about specific items, consider consulting IRS guidelines or a tax professional for clarification. Lastly, keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for future reference.
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