What is Temu, who owns it, and is it safe to buy from?

Main points

• Temu offers a wide range of products at extremely low prices, making it a top choice among online shoppers.
• Temu is a legal platform owned by PDD Holdings and offers products similar to Shein, Wish and AliExpress.
• Temu’s unique e-commerce model, NGM, enables it to offer low prices by reducing inefficiencies and hidden manufacturing costs.

Temu is a new kid on the block in online shopping, quickly making a name for itself through high-profile appearances in Google searches and social media ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It’s not just the buzz people are talking about; Its wide product selection and incredibly low prices also stand out. As Temu continues to gain attention, many are curious about the reasons behind this viral phenomenon.

We’re taking a deep dive into all things Temu. We’ll uncover what’s behind this e-commerce platform, address the big questions of its legality and security, and explore what makes it different from other online shopping experiences. By taking the wraps off Temu, we’ll find out why it’s quickly becoming a top choice among online shoppers.

What is Temu and who owns it?

Temu is an online store that offers everything from car accessories and clothing to small appliances and skin care tools. Temu not only offers a diverse product selection, but also offers exceptionally low prices. For example, in the technology category, you can buy Lenovo headphones for $7, RGB light strips for $2, memory cards for $2, waterproof speakers for $6, and more. Most products cost well under $30.

Temu is part of multinational business group PDD Holdings. Pinduoduo Holdings owns another shopping site called Pinduoduo. In fact, in 2023, Pinduoduo Company changed its name to Pinduoduo Holdings and moved its main executive office from Shanghai, China to Dublin, Ireland. The relocation is in line with a trend of technology companies, including US technology companies, choosing Ireland to benefit from preferential corporate tax rates.

In the United States, Temu is headquartered in Boston, with a specific address at 31 St James Ave. Temu is registered as a foreign company in Massachusetts, and items ordered from the site are often shipped from manufacturers in China, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Is it safe to buy from Temu?

Yes. Pocketlint editors have purchased approximately 30 products from Temu. They all arrived on time and in good condition, and are exactly as described in the product listing. We believe Temu is a legitimate platform. It has many similarities to shopping sites like Shein, Wish, and AliExpress, but it differentiates itself from the competition by offering a wide range of cheap products beyond fashion and clothing.

It’s important to know that product quality and authenticity may vary from any online store. How many times have you purchased something on Amazon and it arrived damaged or not exactly what you wanted? Before buying something on any website, including Temu, it is always recommended to carefully read customer reviews, check seller ratings and pay attention to the return policy.

Temu does compensate for late deliveries: a $5 credit for standard shipping and a $13 credit for express shipping. It also has a purchase protection program that guarantees refunds for items that don’t match the listing, arrive damaged, or don’t arrive at all within 90 days.

How is Temu able to offer such low prices?

Temu has a unique e-commerce model called NGM (Next Generation Manufacturing). The Charlotte Observer dives into this data-driven approach, claiming it’s how Temu is able to offer such low prices. According to reports, NGM can reduce efficiency, eliminate hidden manufacturing costs, and optimize production based on user preferences, thereby saving customers at least 50% in costs.

Does Temu share user data with China?

There is currently no evidence that Temu shared any data with the Chinese government, but the U.S. government has expressed concerns about Temu, largely due to Google suspending sister site Pinduoduo over the presence of malware. It is worth noting that analysts have given assurances to Temu that it is not as aggressive as Pinduoduo in collecting user data, CNBC reported.

The charges against Temu may be part of a broader review of the data risks and challenges posed by China’s fast fashion platforms. Overall, Chinese-owned apps face scrutiny in the U.S. due to security and data privacy concerns.Montana Governor Greg Gianforte even accused Temu Related to “Foreign Adversaries” and prohibits its use on government-issued devices in that state.

Despite the public scrutiny, Temu’s popularity has grown significantly in the United States, where it currently ranks among the top spots in both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. It’s also a Google Play Editors’ Choice app – a distinction from Google that shows Temu is a trustworthy and secure platform. Temu even made a high-profile appearance during the Super Bowl with a “Shop Like a Billionaire” ad.

How does Temu work?

Navigation and shopping

To access Temu, you can visit its website or download the Temu mobile app on your iPhone or Android phone.

If you prefer to use this website, simply open your favorite web browser and enter “temu.com” in the address bar. This will take you to Temu’s online shopping platform, where you can browse their extensive product selection, create an account, and then make a purchase.

If you prefer a mobile app, you can search for “Temu” in your device’s respective app store. After installing the app, you can register for a Temu account using your email address or social media account. After creating an account, you can explore the various products available on Temu, add items to your shopping cart, and proceed to checkout to complete your purchase.

Temu provides product descriptions, images, and pricing information to help you make informed decisions. Once an order is placed, Temu facilitates the shipping process and coordinates with sellers to ensure timely delivery. Temu also offers order tracking. Tracking information, such as shipping updates and delivery status, is typically provided by sellers and available to customers.

Available product types

Temu offers a wide range of products including electronics, fashion, homewares, beauty products, auto accessories and more. Temu provides a platform for different sellers, so the quality of products may vary. However, customers are encouraged to review product descriptions, customer feedback and seller ratings. Additionally, Temu’s Purchase Protection Plan helps ensure customers receive the product as described.

Track orders on Temu

Once an order is placed on Temu, customers can track their order. Tracking information is typically provided by the seller and includes shipping updates and delivery status. To track an order on Temu, simply log into your account, navigate to the “My Orders” section, and select the order you want to track. Here you’ll find detailed tracking information from the seller, including shipping updates and delivery status.

Accepted payment methods

Temu accepts a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes digital wallets. Availability of specific payment options may vary depending on the customer’s location.

How to get free stuff on Temu

There are various ways you can easily earn free money and items on Temu. Recommending friends to join the platform and leaving product reviews are two easy ways to accumulate “Temu Points” for future purchases. These opportunities allow you to save money and take advantage of Temu’s already affordable prices. You can view your Temu Credit balance in the Temu app or on your account page on the website.

Temu Points do not expire and cannot be withdrawn as cash. They can also be used in conjunction with coupon codes.

Are there any additional or hidden fees?

Won’t. Temu does not charge any additional or hidden fees beyond the listed price of the product and applicable shipping charges. Please be sure to check product details and shipping costs before placing your order to avoid any surprises.

How long does shipping usually take?

Shipping times on Temu may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the seller’s location, destination country, and shipping method selected. Please be sure to check the estimated shipping time. Temu also compensates for late deliveries.

Does Temu offer any customer support?

Yes. Temu provides customer support to resolve any issues that may arise with your order. They have a dedicated customer service center and team that can assist with inquiries, provide order updates, and resolve issues. You can contact us via email, live chat or phone.

Does Temu accept returns?

Yes. Temu has a purchase protection program that allows you to return items and get a refund under certain circumstances. If the item you receive does not match the online listing, arrives damaged, or does not arrive at all, you may be eligible for a full refund.

Are Temu’s products easy to use?

Many sellers on Temu are reputable and offer genuine products, but as with any online store, authenticity and quality may vary. Pocket editors ordered a $6 4K camera drone, a $6 neck massager, a $1 chip bag sealer, a $15 LED face mask and more. Everything arrived on time, worked as described, looked like the pictures, and was of great quality. To be honest, we were impressed and will order from Temu again.

The thing about Temu is that most of the products available are things you don’t really need. This is a great way to quickly pick up a bunch of cheap products that you might otherwise see on the shelves at Walmart or Dollar General. They are tempted to buy them because they are so cheap. They make great stocking stuffers, and it’s fun to save money to try something really fun. But do you need any of them? Probably not.