accessories Archives

Amazon Haul: It’s like Temu in the Amazon Shopping app

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

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5 features you should have in every indoor security camera

Research the best indoor security cameras and you’ll get many results. One way to cut through the nonsense and hone in on what you want is by asking yourself which indoor security camera features you need.

This way, you can filter out cameras that don’t have everything you need. Once you find your perfect camera, you must consider the best placement and location. Here are three ways to make the most of your video cameras.

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Pack light, travel right

✈️ These affordable, unique accessories should be in your bag.

Add an extra layer of security with a portable safe (17% off). Secure it with a cord when you arrive at your hotel.
On a plane that makes you plug in your headphones? Try these wired Sony earbud headphones (50% off).
Tidy up your wired earbuds with this pack of two cord organizers (13% off) for you and your travel buddy.
This travel wallet can hold your boarding pass, passport, ID and cards so you have ’em on hand.
Organize all your cords and wires with this accessories bag.

😎 For my biggest fans: Off to somewhere hot? Snag a portable neck fan (11% off), so you can chill out in the sun.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Smart headlights, bionic eye for blindness, slim XR glasses

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Is the DeLorean coming back as an EV? Here’s all you need to know. Plus, Ford makes it easy to 3D-print accessories and a bionic eye partially restores a woman’s vision. Also, here’s how to trade in old gear for Amazon cash and how many steps you should take each day.
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Nintendo Switch 2 update: Preorders are set for April 24, and the price is holding at $449.99. Accessories are getting more expensive. The Joy-Con is $94.99, the Pro Controller is $84.99, and the Switch 2 Camera is $54.99. Launch day’s locked for June 5. By the time I finish buying accessories, Nintendo is legally allowed to claim me as a dependent.

Need help setting up your home security system? SimpliSafe is just a call away

By now, it’s crystal clear that a home security system is a literal lifesaver. Depending on your choice, your cameras can catch burglars and even call for emergency help. Despite the many benefits, a few key concerns stop people from buying one.

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Money tight? 10 ways you're wasting cash (even when you think you're saving)

Photo © Nikola Bilic | Dreamtime

You might think, “There’s no bad way to save money.” In reality, there’s a lot you can do wrong — no matter how good your intentions are. Tap or click here for five ways you’re wasting money on tech purchases.

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Up your phone photography game

🤳 Who has an actual camera anymore?

Spend $13 on a phone tripod (12% off) instead of leaning your phone on a pile of books every time you want to take a family photo. It comes with a remote, too.
Beach vacay planned and don’t want to buy a GoPro? A waterproof phone pouch saves you $200.
No amount of Photoshop will save that smudged Christmas dinner pic. (Blame the ham.) If only you’d had a microfiber cleaning cloth (30% off, $7) …
Facebook Marketplace hack: If you use a white backdrop, the stuff you’re selling looks a lot fancier. Only $10!
A clip-on selfie light is great for stuff like selfies, Zoom meetings and taking your own passport pictures (with the white backdrop!).

🤑 FYI: Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program can save you a bunch on the essentials you always use. I use it for vitamins and other things I never want to run out of.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

👮 Stop, it’s the police: DJI made new drone accessories that let cops yell at you from the sky. The Zenmuse V1 speaker blasts voices at up to 127 decibels, which is about as loud as a jet taking off. Nothing says “subtle police presence” like a screaming metal bird. There’s also a spotlight that beams light up to 500 meters (that’s 0.3 miles for the rest of us).

All it takes is a few hundred bucks: Sites like China’s Temu sell cheap drone accessories that can turn them into DIY weapons. We’re talking AI-guided cameras that recognize people and vehicles, and cargo holders that can carry explosives. Seriously frightening.

How a YouTube product reviewer made $40K in a month

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Ever wonder how people make money on YouTube? How about making money selling stuff on Amazon and taking a commission off those sales? Sean Cannell combined both and is making $40,000 a month reviewing cameras and accessories. His widely popular ThinkMedia YouTube channel has about 1.2 million subscribers. Learn how he grew his online business and what it takes to do the same yourself.
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Apple's iPad pandemic comeback

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In the 10 years it’s been around, the iPad hasn’t changed all that much. But if you haven’t seen what Apple’s tablet has to offer in a while, take note. With the right accessories, the iPad can function as a computer — one you can carry around a lot easier than a laptop.
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3 critical features that make a home security system great

Protect your home from intruders and other elemental hazards with help from our sponsor, SimpliSafe’s, complete home security system.

It’s easy to install, with no drilling involved — you can do it yourself in less than 15 minutes! Their service does not require contracts, and it offers 24/7 professional alarm monitoring for less than 50 cents a day.

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Smart contacts: Why they'll succeed where Google Glass failed

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Wearables aren’t just accessories like smart watches and fitness trackers anymore. A California startup has a prototype for augmented reality contacts, shown off at this year’s CES in Las Vegas, that might blow all those failed smart glasses out of the water. Would you buy a pair? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A faulty iPhone battery leads to a scary situation

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All phone batteries and accessories aren’t created equal. An Oklahoma City mom learned that the hard way when the inside of her SUV was severely damaged after her iPhone went up in flames. I’ll tell you how to avoid accidents like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices