If you visit online shopping sites frequently, chances are you’ve seen many ads about Temu and may wonder what the platform is all about. Temu is a digital marketplace owned by a Chinese company that has gained immense popularity on the internet in the past year.
It’s been making waves, and even Statista reported that Temu gains more than 47 million downloads monthly, making it the top shopping app in both the Play Store and App Store.
However, is Temu safe and legitimate if the items on the platform are real or if it steals your data? This article aims to answer all the questions you may have about Temu. Let’s explore.
What is Temu?
Temu is a massive online shopping store where you can find almost anything you want. It offers clothing, car accessories, electronics, kitchen gadgets, power tools, outdoor furniture, baby clothes, and more. Whatever it is you’re looking for, Temu has it all.
What sets Temu apart from other platforms is how cheap most of its products are. On this online store, you can get a pair of shoes for just $15, a necklace for a dollar, and even a wireless keyboard for only $10. Anything you want to buy from Temu costs under $50.
Many people compare Temu to websites like AliExpress, Shein, or Wish, but it’s slightly different. While Shein focuses more on clothes and fashion, Temu offers almost everything you can think of. AliExpress and Wish are known for their low prices, but you might sacrifice quality or wait ages for your orders to arrive.
The Temu site launched in 2022 and soon became a go-to place for online shopping. Many people discovered Temu from online ads, and the site’s very low prices attracted millions of monthly visitors worldwide. It is now usually on the top charts in the Play Store and App Store’s online shopping categories.
Who owns Temu?
Temu is owned by PDD Holdings, a giant multinational commerce group based in Dublin, Ireland. PDD Holdings is the proud owner of both Temu and its sibling company, Pinduoduo.
If discussing origins, pinning down exactly where Temu came from is tricky. In a filing with the SEC in February 2023, Pinduoduo Inc., which used to be Temu’s sister company, changed its name to PDD Holdings. They also shifted their main executive offices from the bustling Shanghai, China, to Ireland.
This relocation isn’t exactly unheard of in the tech world. Many companies, even US companies, have established offices in Ireland thanks to its low corporate tax rates. So, while Temu’s exact origins might have some twists and turns, it’s not necessarily a red flag.
Temu claims the company was established in Boston in 2022, but here’s where it gets interesting. Despite what they say, when you check out their ‘About Us’ page, there’s no mention of their parent company, and The Washington Post also reported this.
When you think of a Boston office, you might picture shelves stacked high with products. Well, not exactly. Temu’s Boston digs are more likely to be their central office, connecting the dots between their various offices worldwide.
Why Boston? You may wonder. According to the Boston Globe, Temu camped there because it’s close to Canada, where they’ve recently opened up another office.
Is Temu a legit site?
It depends on what you mean by ‘legitimate.’ If you’re worried about receiving your products, Temu is legit. Most of the things you order from it are real, and your order will be delivered to your doorstep in about 10 days.
However, you should be more careful when eyeing tech products there. Electronics equipment might not be actual name brands unless they sport a blue check on their listing. You can find gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and laptops on the site, but they’ll most likely be from less-known manufacturers.
Some customer reviews stated that what they received looked different from what they ordered on the site or wasn’t as high-quality as expected. Only a few tech companies, like Xiaomi and Lenovo, list their products on the site.
Is it safe to shop from Temu?
We can’t give you a definite yes or no because no site is 100% secure online today. But we can share some tips to help you stay safe on Temu and any online store that will collect your personal information.
First, if you’re an iPhone user, check out the ‘Hide My Email’ feature. It’s handy for signing up on Temu or any site that creates a random email address that forwards all messages to the iCloud email. You can always deactivate the feature if you get too much spam in the hidden email.
If you’re not an iPhone user, we recommend you try another smart move: Set up a different email address for websites you’re unsure about or ones you don’t want cluttering up your main email address’s inbox.
This final tip is critical for everyone. Avoid directly linking your debit card or bank account details to any online shop. That’s risky because your billing information may be compromised if there’s a hacking case. Instead, you can consider using Visa gift cards or secure methods like Apple Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay. They’re better for securing your online transactions.
How to shop safely from Temu
Online shopping stores can sometimes be unsafe. This is why protecting yourself and avoiding internet fraud cases is essential. You can take a few precautions to ensure what you ordered is what you get. If you want to avoid risking your online privacy, security, and identity while shopping on Temu, follow these safety guidelines.
1. Always check reviews
Take a look at what other users are saying. If you notice a vendor has just a handful of reviews, it’s best to avoid them, even if those few reviews seem glowing. Remember, platforms like Amazon sometimes have fake or misleading reviews, so it’s only wise to choose sellers with a lot of genuine positive feedback.
2. Use secure payment platforms
Use secure payment platforms when buying anything online. You don’t have to share your credit card details directly with shopping sites like Temu. Instead, you can use trusted payment services like PayPal to manage your transactions.
It’s a much safer way of paying online as it handles payments securely without exposing your card information to the vendor. Another option is using one-time virtual cards provided by some banks. Even if the card details somehow fall into the wrong hands, they can’t use it for other unauthorized transactions.
3. Protect your account
Keep your account secure using a strong password, especially for websites like Temu, where you must pay online. Ensure the password you choose is at least 10 characters long. It should also include some numbers, symbols, and letters. If you’re struggling to develop a secure one, consider using an online password generator to get unique ideas.
You can also use a password manager like LastPass to keep track of all your login credentials across various accounts. Adopting this privacy measure will minimize the risks of security breaches.
4. Avoid making big purchases
For now, it’s best not to buy anything expensive on Temu because of the risks involved. While they offer meagre prices, their merchandise quality might not always match up. We recommend going for smaller items like water bottles or a pair of inexpensive trainers on Temu for the time being because they’re safer.
5. Stay up to date with the company
Temu is still a relatively new company, so its owners, origin, codebase, and how it handles user data are confidential. If you’re considering using Temu, stay up to date on its updates. This way, you can quickly learn about any scandals or negative information that may affect it later. Maintaining updated knowledge of companies and services you frequently use online is great for maintaining cyber hygiene.
What to expect when you place an order on Temu
When you place an order on Temu, you follow the typical online shopping routine. You browse their offerings, add whatever catches your eye to your cart, and then checkout.
However, there’s a small requirement before you can finalize your purchase. You need items worth at least $10 in your cart to check. Temu says this minimum helps cover shipping costs, especially if you aim for free shipping.
If your order arrives later than expected, Temu will compensate you; they offer a $5 credit for packages shipped with standard shipping that miss their estimated delivery date. If you go for express shipping and it still arrives late, they’ll bump that credit to $13. It’s their way of making things right when there are delays.
Sometimes, you’ll have luck with items arriving on schedule, decent or even of excellent quality, and matching exactly what you saw on the site. But, like any other online shopping store, it’s a mixed bag.
If your order arrives and it’s not what you expected (maybe it looks different, arrives damaged, or doesn’t show up), don’t worry too much. Temu offers a Purchase Protection Program that allows you to get a full refund if you return the items within 90 days of buying them. It’s your safety net if anything goes wrong.
Also, keep in mind that product prices in Temu often fluctuate. So, if you buy something and the price drops soon after, you can ask for a price adjustment. The best part is that the platform will refund the remaining to you on your Temu account within minutes.
What is the Temu controversy?
Temu has stirred up some controversy due to a couple of reasons. First, it caught the attention of the US government because its sister website, Pinduoduo, got into trouble with Google for having potential malware. While there were concerns about data risks, experts believe Temu isn’t as risky as Pinduoduo. CNBC analysts specifically state that even the risks affecting Pinduoduo pose more of a threat to Chinese users.
Also, the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party raised another issue. They reported that Temu isn’t doing enough to make sure the products sold on their platform meet the standard criteria set by the Uyghur Forced Labor Act. This act aims to prevent the use of forced labor by Uyghur Muslims in China.
The report also pointed out that Temu seems to be exploiting a gap in US commerce laws. This allows them to dodge paying tariffs and follow certain regulations that other companies must abide by.
Are Temu’s products of good quality?
The quality of products you buy from Temu can be unpredictable sometimes. Temu isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and its average rating is around two and a half stars out of five. A fair number of its reviews and complaints on the BBB site center around orders either not showing up or taking what feels like an eternity to arrive.
However, you’ll find quite different reviews if you check out social media, especially on platforms like TikTok. Many customers are very happy with their Temu hauls. From household items to gadgets to trendy shoes and clothes, Temu’s become a hot topic on TikTok, with users sharing their findings and experiences.
Speaking from personal experience, we’ve also tried some of Temu’s products and only faced minor issues. Sure, some items might feel cheap, but that’s pretty much okay for products that cost anywhere from a dollar to three. Generally, we’d say the products on Temu usually meet your expectations.
Products to avoid on Temu
Deciding which products to avoid on Temu is a personal call. However, we’ve mainly checked out tech gadgets like headphones, earbuds, and a wireless mouse and keyboard. They did the job, but you could tell they were definitely on the cheaper end. So, if you’re looking for high-quality tech products, you should check elsewhere.
Some users have also complained about buying gaming consoles that claim to have thousands of retro games on Temu only to discover that no games were installed. This means that the product listing on the site can sometimes be fake or not legitimate.
On the other hand, we’ve also had some pleasant surprises with accessories like iPhone cases and AirPods cases. They’ve held up pretty well regarding durability, fit, and color.
So, our best recommendation would be to avoid buying expensive items and electronics. Instead, stick to smaller gadgets and accessories. They are a safer bet.
Are Temu’s products produced ethically?
Temu claims to use a reverse-manufacturing model, which reduces waste by better understanding customers’ needs.
Temu’s Third Party Code of Conduct lays down some pretty strict rules regarding how they treat their workers. They say they’re earnest about not tolerating any vendors who use forced labor. Plus, they insist that all their vendors comply with the rules. These include local labor laws, fair wages, and safe and respectful working conditions.
But, the US House Select Committee’s report suggests that Temu might not be keeping the closest tabs on whether sellers are sticking to that Code of Conduct. They don’t have a proper compliance or auditing program in place.
Being environmentally ethical is a tough nut to crack. Temu and other sites like AliExpress and Shein claim they’re all about environmental sustainability. They often talk about motions like offsetting carbon emissions, digitizing the economy, and minimizing waste in the supply chain. But are they walking the walk? Well, that’s still up for debate.
Many of these businesses also produce products containing harmful chemicals, which eventually end up in our landfills. They discuss offsetting their emissions by buying carbon credits to support sustainability projects. However, the details on where, when, and how these credits benefit the environment are unclear.
Another thing to consider is the report from the US House Select Committee. It highlights Temu’s shortcomings in ensuring their products aren’t tied to forced labor. Here’s the deal: selling items in the US is flat-out illegal if they’re sourced from China’s Xinjiang region. This is because of Xinjiang’s violent history of conflicts between the Uyghur people and the Chinese government. Unfortunately, it’s too common for goods in this area to be linked to forced labor.
Why are Temu’s products so cheap?
It’s common to wonder why Temu’s prices seem too good to be true. According to them, it’s all about cutting out the middleman. Their direct supply chain links consumers directly with sellers, which is the secret behind those wallet-friendly prices. By removing the middleman, the platform claims it can pass on significant savings to shoppers like you.
But there’s a catch. Relying solely on third-party sellers has raised some questions about Temu’s ethics. People wonder how they ensure everyone’s playing fair and treating workers right when many different sellers are involved.
Moreover, Temu uses a unique e-commerce model called Next-Generation Manufacturing (NGM). According to an in-depth analysis by the Charlotte Observer, NGM is essentially why Temu is so affordable. The data-driven approach slashes inefficiencies, removes hidden manufacturing expenses, and tailors production to match user preferences. This cuts costs by at least 50%, which Temu then passes on to customers.
Does Temu steal your information?
When you’re using any e-commerce platform, including Temu, it’s standard for them to gather data. This includes many details, like your physical location, IP address, device ID, search history, and payment details.
Now, what they do with that data can vary. Some use it to track your movements across different websites and apps to analyze how well things are going and to send you personalized ads.
But the thing is, not all this data is tied directly to your identity. It depends on the app and how it handles it. Data privacy has been drawing much attention lately, particularly in the case of Chinese-based apps. It makes sense that people are wary about where and how their information is used.
According to its privacy policy, Temu doesn’t sell user data for profit. However, it may give your information to marketing firms, shipping affiliates, and consumer research firms, indirectly benefiting Temu financially.
The company may also share data with third parties like analytics and advertising companies to target people with ads. While Temu admits this kind of data transfer in its privacy policy, some can still consider it as selling data under specific laws.
Of course, the data-sharing concerns with Temu are valid. However, we should also remember that the regulation of user data in the US is limited. No singular law protects US citizens’ data, and without comprehensive federal legislation, most apps can collect and save your data as they see fit.
Because of this regulatory gap, companies like Temu, Walmart, and Amazon can collect user data. For instance, Temu might view your credit history, and Amazon can gather voice recordings from conversations with Alexa. Even Walmart can access their customers’ biometric data, such as fingerprints, retina imagery, and face geometry.
User data isn’t completely protected in America. You must decide to what extent you’re comfortable sharing your data and the platforms you trust. Remember that signing up to create an account with any platform means you agree to their privacy policy.
By agreeing to this privacy policy when signing up for their services, you consent to their data practices. So, if you have any reservations about how they will collect and use your data, it’s best not to use the platform in the first place. This also applies to Temu.
Is Temu a reliable company for buying products?
Deciding whether to shop on Temu can feel like a gamble in online shopping. But it’s not just Temu. You’ve probably heard about the mess with fake reviews on big sites like Walmart and Amazon. Such reviews can confuse you about who to trust online.
There are also shipping issues. Sometimes, packages seem to vanish into thin air, get snatched from your porch, or arrive looking like they’ve been through a wrestling match. Let’s not even get started on the disappointment when what you ordered looks nothing like the picture online.
The good news for Temu’s shipping in the US is that standard shipping won’t cost you a penny. But get ready to practice patience because it might take 7-15 business days for your order to arrive. If you have a shipping problem, like a missing package or a delivery mix-up, Temu says to contact their customer service team within 90 days of your purchase to sort things out.
Temu shipping times and delivery reviews
Temu provides clear estimates on its product pages regarding shipping times and delivery. While occasional delays can happen, our experience shows that most orders arrive on schedule. Orders arrive on the listed date approximately 80% of the time. Also, the platform states on the website that it offers compensation for late deliveries.
Although there are numerous complaints about Temu on the BBB site, it’s important to consider that dissatisfied customers are often more inclined to post there, regardless of the company’s performance. Interestingly, despite its negative feedback, Temu’s two and a half stars out of 5 ratings surpasses that of Amazon, which currently stands at a dismal 1.16 out of 5 stars.
Another vital point is that Temu is reportedly investing millions to establish its presence in America and other regions worldwide. The online store allegedly uses the “loss leader” approach, prioritizing market share over immediate profits. Businesses sometimes use this common yet risky strategy when entering a competitive market.
While backed by a Chinese giant (PDD), it’s worth noting that there’s still a risk of failure. Plus, the track record of retailers closing down varies greatly regarding fulfilling their promises.
Does Temu allow returns?
Yes, Temu offers a Purchase Protection Program that ensures you can return items and get refunds under specific circumstances. For example, if what you receive doesn’t match the online listing, arrives damaged, or doesn’t arrive at all, you could be entitled to a full refund.
Are there any hidden costs or additional fees?
Not at all. Temu keeps it straightforward, so there are no extra or hidden charges beyond the listed product prices and specified shipping fees. To avoid surprises, just check out the product details and shipping charges before placing any order.
Is Temu safe to use credit cards?
Whether or not it’s safe to use your credit card to shop in Temu remains a hot debate. The platform collects as much information from its users as other social media and websites do. To sign up for the shopping app, you must provide your personal information like your name, phone number, physical address, and even your computer or phone’s operating system. The company might also gather data about your device and browsing habits if you allow it.
However, some users reported being hacked after logging into their Temu account. A class action lawsuit filed in November 2023 also suggests that Temu collects excessive data for a shopping site, which might contain spyware.
To address these concerns, Temu officially stated: “On payment security, our platform is a trusted certified safe site.” It also complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) by encrypting all card data during storage and transmission.
What’s more? Temu mentioned that they never sell customer data and do not even receive card details for transactions using secure payment methods like Apple Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay.
Temu works well with popular payment platforms, offering enhanced protection through security measures. These include Visa Secure, American Express SafeKey, MasterCard ID Check, JCB J/Secure, and Discover ProtectBuy. The platform also states that it is transparent about its data practices and popular for aligning with industry standards.
FAQs
Many sellers in Temu offer authentic and quality products, but remember that the experience can vary from seller to seller. From our experience shopping on Temu, the products met our timing, functionality, and appearance expectations. They were of decent quality for the prices there, so we plan to order from Temu again.
Be cautious when shopping online. While there’s no evidence that Temu itself is a scam, scammers can still attempt to use it to defraud shoppers. You can stay safe by avoiding clicking links in ads or unsolicited emails. If you’re curious about a deal on Temu advertised online, check out the website independently. We also recommend shopping on the platform’s website rather than its app to avoid disclosing too much of your personal information.
No. PDD Holdings, a Chinese e-commerce company, actually owns Temu. Although the company was founded in Boston, PDD’s headquarters are in Shanghai, China.
At times, Temu does provide free products. As a user, you can earn credits by inviting friends to join the website. Once you gather enough credits, you can use them to buy items without spending any real cash. While these freebies from Temu might not be high-quality or pricey items, they’re not scams.
You can earn free items and money to shop on Temu using various methods. Leaving product reviews and referring people to the platform are two easy ways to gather ‘
.’ These credits let you save money and make the most of Temu’s low prices. You can check your credit balance from your account on the Temu site or app. Also, Temu Credits don’t expire, and you can’t withdraw it as cash. You can use them with coupon codes to buy whatever you need on the site.
Yes. The company has a dedicated customer support team trained to resolve any issues you may have with your order. If you have any questions or want to get updates about your orders or face problems with shipping, you can reach them through live chat, email, or phone.
Many of Temu’s products are cheap because they’re mass-produced from low-grade materials. While they might resemble well-known brands, they’re often just cheap imitations. Also, the company might be intentionally operating at a loss to gain a competitive advantage among other online shopping brands.
