WE ALL know the struggle of receiving our pay checks only for the money to disappear in seconds thanks to a hefty shopping trip.
Fashionistas will know the feeling all too well, which is why most people are turning to cheaper alternatives like charity shops and fast-fashion retailers like Primark.
One app, in particular, has caught the attention of shoppers across the globe and has already garnered over 20 million downloads in the US this year.
Temu is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace – essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element.
The frenzy over the app is not unfounded either as it offers a seemingly endless variety of products, from fashion and make-up to phone accessories and electronics, for dirt cheap.
Pronounced “tee-moo”, the e-commerce company has 20 categories with 200 subcategories, where they sell everything for low prices.
You can bag yourself a keychain for 88p, perfume refill bottles for 98p, blue light glasses for just over £1 or non-slip sliders that mimic Yeezy Slides, which costs over £200, for less than fiver.
Not only do you get Temu coupons when signing up on the app, but you’ll get additional ones after placing your first order – which you can share with friends and family.
You can also enter into a game where you simply draw a certain number of times to add credit to your account or win free gifts.
Time-limited sales are also on almost constantly and so are shipping deals, making it an easy option for buyers to turn to.
While there’s been some scepticism over the app on platforms like TikTok, Temu is legitimate. The company is owned and operated by PDD Holdings, which is a multinational commerce group.
It’s a globalised version of its sister company Pinduoduo, which is a Chinese e-commerce company like Shein and AliExpress.
It works with payment service providers like PayPal, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay, too, which guarantees payment security.
Temu has 1,163 reviews on Trustpilot with an average star rating of three out of five.
One person raved about the app on the review website as they wrote: “Honestly, for the price I expected somewhat sub-par products (quality and description). However, I was pleasantly surprised with the products! Whoever thinks they are getting top notch, expensive clothing for these prices are out of their mind. I am very happy with shipping (lower costs with less waste), quality and description. And, the return process was SO easy!! Thank you TEMU!”
And if you’re wondering how the company is able to sell products for so cheap, it’s because they ensure the customer gets the item of their choice directly from the manufacturer rather than having a middleman involved in the equation.
It’s actually a lot higher quality than I thought it was going to be
Justanothernurse1
One woman, known as Justanothernurse on social media platform TikTok, gave a review of the app after ordering many items in one go.
“Did Temu Scam Me?” she wrote over the clip as she shared her disbelief at everything arriving at once in a tiny orange plastic bag.
She first pulled out a product called ‘Angry Lady’, which she purchased for £1.65, which is used to clean the microwave.
“This actually is… Surprised by the quality. I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s not flimsy at all,” she explained. “I’m very impressed with it”.
She then shared the £1.57 Mighty Patch packet she bought, followed by £1.33 straw toppers in the shape of cacti.
Explaining that she’s trying to teach her kids how to bake, she produced a £2.20 apron, which she said was of “really great quality”.
She got four £2.60-priced beanies and a purse organiser for just £2.20.
The woman also bought a fruit and vegetable washer for just £16.60, which she was impressed by.
“I’m really hoping this is great quality, otherwise I’m going to have to buy the $60 one off Amazon,” she said. “It’s actually heavy. It’s actually a lot higher quality than I thought it was going to be. It does not feel like it’s going to break. Really impressed by this. And there is no doubt in my mind that this is the exact same one that I saw on Amazon.”
In the caption, she added: “Did I get scammed? You tell me.”
Viewers were equally impressed as one person wrote: “Temu definitely has my attention lol”. [sic]
Another said: “I absolutely love Temu,” while a third added: “temu hasn’t disappointed me yet. Also alot if the clothes and swimwear are the same as shein! I’ve bought alot from temu and no bad reviews yet”. [sic]
While a third added: “I’m addicted to that app I stg”.
