Considering the legitimacy and pre-order factors of Temu

Temu, a digital marketplace under Chinese ownership, is asserting its dominance on the internet as the newest digital giant. Securing the lead position as a free shopping app in both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, it has outpaced competitors like Shein, Amazon, and Walmart.

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Temu, an extensive online marketplace, offers a wide range of products spanning from car accessories, clothing, electronics, and outdoor furniture to baby clothes and more.

Having tried some geeky items from Temu, I found them surprisingly satisfactory.

Temu stands out for its incredibly affordable prices. Sunglasses for $2, necklaces for $1, and glow-in-the-dark pet collars for $3 are among the many inexpensive items available. Practically anything you can imagine is likely on Temu for under $30.

While some liken Temu to Shein, Wish, and AliExpress, it sets itself apart. Shein focuses on fashion, whereas Temu offers a broader product range. In contrast, Wish and AliExpress are known for lower-quality items, prolonged shipping times, and limited return options.

Temu made its debut in late 2022 and swiftly ascended to the top of both the App Store and Play Store shopping categories due to its competitive pricing and advertising campaigns.

Is Temu reliable and legitimate?

That depends on your definition of “legitimate.” Most Temu products are genuine in that you’ll receive them, typically within about 10 days.

However, for tech products, only those with a blue checkmark on their listing are verified brands like Xiaomi and Lenovo. Earlier, there were uncertainties about the authenticity of HP products on Temu, but those products are no longer available.

Some customers have received items that differ slightly from online images or are of lower quality.

Temu offers compensation for late deliveries. Standard shipping delays get a $5 credit, and express shipping delays receive a $13 credit.

For items that deviate from listings or arrive damaged or not at all, Temu’s Purchase Protection Program guarantees a full refund if returned within 90 days.

Who owns Temu?

PDD Holdings, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, owns Temu and its sister company, Pinduoduo. However, Temu’s exact origins are unclear. Pinduoduo Inc. renamed itself PDD Holdings and relocated its offices from Shanghai, China, to Dublin, Ireland, in 2023.

Temu claims Boston as its founding location in 2022, but the “About Us” page lacks details about its parent company. The Boston office likely connects to the company’s global network.

The company selected Boston partly due to its proximity to Canada, where another office was recently established.

Why are Temu’s items so affordable?

Temu emphasizes cost-effectiveness by facilitating direct connections between customers and suppliers, managing shipping from supplier to customer. It doesn’t own the products but acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers.

PDD Holdings also manages Pinduoduo, generating over $18 billion in 2022.

However, the US House Select Committee suggests Temu leverages a de minimis loophole, allowing imports valued under $800 to enter the US without duties, tariffs, fees, or extensive inspections. This might contribute to lower product pricing.