Temu, an app that has been popular in the United States for months, has now arrived in Spain, competing directly with Aliexpress with a very aggressive pricing strategy that seems unbelievable.We tell you how it works and whether it’s safe to buy in Temu
We Spaniards love nothing more than hunting for bargains, buying only during sales and searching thousands of websites to find ways to save a few euros. Between Amazon, Miravia and Aliexpres we seem to have all our needs covered for products from top brands or products for a few euros only found in China.
In recent months, however, a new competitor has emerged in China.This is Tem, a market AliExpress, for example, whose app has been one of the most downloaded in the United States for several months, now arrives in Spain and allows us to buy thousands of products at incredible prices that make us wonder Whether they will actually reach us.
In this guide, we try to clear all your doubts.
- What exactly is Temu?
- What can I buy in Temu?
- How do I start using Temu?
- What payment methods does Temu accept?
- How long does it usually take to ship?
- Do you accept returns?
- Precautions and Tips to Remember
- worth?
What exactly is Temu?
Temu is not a store but a store of stores like AliExpress. It can be said that they have huge infrastructure and technical power through their applications and websites to become intermediaries.
Temu belongs to Pinduoduo, one of the largest companies in China and one of the largest in the world, which specializes in e-commerce and is therefore a major competitor of Alibaba, the holding company of AliExpress. Due to the stagnation of the domestic market, especially since the crisis caused by Covid-19, all large Chinese companies are very active in international expansion.
The platform allows Chinese sellers to sell and ship directly to international customers without relying on intermediate distributors in destination countries, thus directly reducing the costs paid by end buyers. Its business model also allows manufacturers to sell at lower profit margins or even at a loss to increase future market and profitability. This is a very radical model that we are not used to in Spain.
Temu offers free products or discounts through affiliate codes, which has made the store quickly popular.
What can I buy in Temu?
Buy at Temu
You can buy everything just like on AliExpress. Temu also specializes in textiles, fashion accessories, gadgets, homewares and more. It is similar to AliExpress a few years ago. Very suitable for low-cost purchases, the only technology products with considerable value are Xiaomi and Lenovo.
You can see with your own eyes everything they have to offer, but it is especially recommended to buy gadgets, kitchen utensils or very cheap clothes that we can use at a certain time.
How do I start using Temu?
Like any other shopping website, to buy at Temu, you can download its smartphone app or visit its website. If you choose the first option, you can register using email or link your Facebook or Gmail account.
From its homepage, you will be able to see categories, special or limited-time offers, and sections with huge discounts, sometimes reaching ridiculous numbers, such as more than 80% off.
What payment methods does Temu accept?
Temu will ask you for a debit or credit card like any other online store, although it also supports payments via PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.
How long does it usually take to ship?
Temu offers free standard shipping and a free collection point for almost all orders, as well as a courier fee of 7.90 euros, which is usually not worth it. Goods are shipped by ship, so they usually arrive within 7 to 21 days, depending on the date you place your order. It’s usually just like any order placed with a Chinese store.
Additionally, you can track the latest shipping status of your order in the Temu app or Temu.com. Simply visit “Your Orders” and click the “Track” button next to your order to be linked directly to your shipping information. You will be able to see your courier, tracking number, estimated delivery time, and the latest shipping status on the page.
Do you accept returns?
Yes. You can return items within 90 days of purchase, with common exceptions such as intimate or second-hand clothing. To return an item, simply go to your order and select the return or refund option. From there you can select the items you want to return and why.
Depending on the product and reason, you may receive a refund without returning the product. But if the product needs to be returned, you will have to do the same as on Amazon: print the label, package it and leave it at any post office.
Precautions and Tips to Remember
If you’ve ever looked at their catalog, you might be surprised by the wide variety of products and, most importantly, their ridiculous sales prices. However, you must remember that all products are purchased directly from Chinese factories and do not need to go through controls, processes, etc. There are also restrictions on other products we can buy within the EU.
Many advertised offers later change the price because they are out of stock, or simply, we are interested in similar prices at other stores where we already have more experience. The minimum order to enjoy free shipping is usually €10 or €20.
worth?
Depends on your expectations: if you expect to buy like on Amazon or El Corte Inglés but for 10 or 20 times less for any product, you will be disappointed. However, if you are planning to buy small accessories, pet toys, clothes to wear around the house, or certain gadgets, you are bound to be surprised.
On TikTok, you’ll see thousands of people happy with their low-cost product and any crazy features you can think of. However, to buy a mobile phone, an appliance, a good coat or good shoes, you are better off buying from Amazon or the official store of Miravia or Aliexpress.