Sourcing Knowledge Center

Sourcing Knowledge Center / Industry Trends / [Ultimate Guide] Everything You Need to Know about Temu

[Ultimate Guide] Everything You Need to Know about Temu

Posted: July 05, 2023

Share:

Temu is undoubtedly the king of cross-border e-commerce topics this year. In just 10 months, Pinduoduo's cross-border team has turned an app that started from scratch into an unignorable business focus.

Under the viral proliferation in 16 countries and regions around the world, Temu has now been downloaded more than 70 million times, with traffic surpassing platforms such as SHEIN, AliExpress, and Wish, becoming the new "top stream" of cross-border e-commerce apps.

The latest news is that according to the Second Measure analysis by Bloomberg, in May of this year, Americans spent nearly 20% more on Temu than on SHEIN.

Table of Contents

What Is Temu
US Unique Visitors to AliExpress, Shein, Temu and Wish Comparison
Why Global Sources Is Your Go-to Online Sourcing Platform
Temu Best Sellers for Your Business
Who Can Make Money on Temu
Market Analysis of Temu
Temu's Consumers
Is Temu a legitimate website?
Are the products on Temu good quality?
Who owns Temu?
How is everything on Temu so cheap?
Does Temu produce its products ethically?
What data does Temu collect from you?
Is Temu a good company to buy from?
FAQs: Temu

What Is Temu

Temu is an online shopping website that offers a wide range of products at affordable prices, owned by PDD Holdings. The website offers products in various categories, including electronics, fashion, home appliances, and more.

Temu is positioned as an Amazon-like superstore, selling everything from make-up to homeware and electronics, and its quiet launch last September marked Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo's first foray into the US market.

Shopping online at Temu, Laurie Silva paid just $1.25 for earrings and $15 for a cardigan -- she is among millions of US consumers the Chinese platform is wooing with low-cost bargains and a dizzying array of products.Temu topped US app download rankings in early April, a spot it held since January, but its rapid rise comes as platforms with links to China face growing scrutiny and when a ban on youth favorite TikTok appears increasingly inevitable. 

US Unique Visitors to AliExpress, Shein, Temu and Wish Comparison

Steady Growth of Temu Unique Visitors

 

According to data from research firm YipitData, Temu's GMV reached 635 million US dollars (approximately 4.56 billion yuan) in May. If this data is true, according to SHEIN's transaction volume last year, Temu has reached about one-sixth of its transaction volume.

Temu's traffic comes from viral proliferation on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Consumers share discount codes to attract new users, and hundreds of such posts appear on these platforms every day. Kerry found that consumers on the platform tend to purchase multiple items in a single order, which means that they spend some time browsing the platform and adding items to their cart before placing an order. The longer they browse, the more interested they are in the platform.

 

You May be Interested:

Why is Temu so Cheap

Why Global Sources Is Your Go-to Online Sourcing Platform

 

Tips for Temu Sellers & Wholesale Buyers:

Are you familiar with the methods sellers on platforms like Temu use to find suppliers for the goods sold on their B2C platforms?

When it comes to major purchases, sellers tend to establish long-term strategic partnerships with manufacturers while also exploring trusted wholesalers face-to-face at trade shows. Additionally, in the digital age, finding verified suppliers through online third-party B2B platform channels has become a common and effective practice.

One notable B2B platform excelling in this regard is Global Sources. For over 50 years, Global Sources has stood as one of the world's largest facilitators of Business-to-Business (B2B) trade, garnering trust as a genuine and safe hands-on sourcing platform.

With a remarkable track record, it has served over 10 million registered buyers and users worldwide, boasting the participation of 97 of the world's top 100 retailers. Global Sources caters to online sellers across various platforms, including Amazon, Temu, Wish, eBay, Shein, Walmart, and Etsy. It offers a wide array of trusted suppliers from countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, and India, ensuring diverse sourcing options.

Global Sources provides a comprehensive solution for buyers, showcasing products online and organizing offline trade shows through its Online-to-Offline feature. This innovative approach enables users to discover the best-suited suppliers across all industries, guaranteeing access to hot new products and verified manufacturers in different sectors.

By leveraging Global Sources' extensive network, you can confidently explore tens of thousands of wholesale products on GlobalSources.com, effectively meeting all your sourcing needs and gaining a competitive edge in your business endeavors.

Still wondering where to find a reputable online marketing platform? Global Sources emerges as a reliable go-to platform for online sellers seeking trusted suppliers. Its blend of digital and traditional sourcing channels empowers businesses to thrive in today's dynamic marketplace. Get in touch today to get started.

Temu Best Sellers for Your Business

Smart thermostat
Maxspeed Group Co. Ltd
Wi-Fi security camera 
Shenzhen Meian Technology Co. Ltd
Smart lighting
Maxspeed Group Co. Ltd
Anti-blue VR headset
Good Seller Co. Ltd (2)
Theater VR headset
Jinjiang Jiaxing Groups
Co. Ltd
Mobile VR headset
Filsion Technology Co. Ltd
Electric car
Yangzhou Yumbo Import & Export Trading Co. Ltd
Portable EV charger
Shenzhen ATR Industry
Co. Ltd
EV lithium-ion battery
Maxspeed Group Co.,Ltd
Smartwatch
Shenzhen N+1 Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd
Fitness tracker
Jinjiang Jiaxing Home Co. Ltd
Smart wearable bracelet
Shenzhen Eriwin Technology Limited

Who Can Make Money on Temu

There are three main types of sellers who can make money on Temu:

The first type is factory-type sellers who have strong control over the supply chain and can obtain the lowest prices.

The second type is sellers who can naturally accept high inventory, long payment terms of two to three months, and have strong financial capabilities.

The third type is sellers who have exclusive products or unique product offerings that cannot be found on other platforms like 1688.

Market Analysis of Temu

As the name suggests, "Team up, Price down", Temu is betting on China's ultra-low-priced supply and the blank spots in the overseas sinking market.

Carrying the hope of breaking through Pinduoduo's growth ceiling in China, Temu's download volume and GMV data alone look unexpectedly good, but various problems from both buyers and sellers have emerged. Achieving huge traffic using internet tactics that burn money is not difficult, but the bigger challenge is controlling logistics, warehousing, supply chains, and compliance services under the traffic.

Although Temu has surpassed SHEIN's monthly GMV target ahead of schedule, SHEIN has been steadily profitable in the cross-border field for more than four years. Temu's model has not yet been validated, and it is currently in a state of huge losses and burning money to grab market share.

Wired magazine once did a cost analysis of Temu and received confirmation from insiders that each order averages a loss of $30 (approximately RMB 216.5) to enter the US market. According to financial company statistics, Temu is also operating in multiple countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and its annual losses will reach RMB 4.15 billion to RMB 6.73 billion.

For example, Forbes reported that a "couponer" played games and invited over 250 new users to Temu, earning over $6,000 worth of coupons (including four Switches, an ice cream maker, and a lot of children's clothes and toys) without paying a penny.

Spending two or three hundred yuan in cost just to attract a new consumer is rare on cross-border platforms.

Temu's Consumers

According to an interview with an insider at Temu by Wired magazine, the company's long-term goal is for overseas consumers to make 30 purchases per year from Temu, with an average order value of 50 1,500 per user on Temu.

Achieving this goal is not easy. It requires users to develop long-term consumption habits and continuous trust in Temu. For example, users need to make at least 2-3 purchases per month on Temu, with an average purchase of more than 10 small items each time.

Currently, Temu's traffic still depends heavily on advertising investment as a "booster", and it seems to be falling into the same trap as Wish. Both are cross-border platforms that focus on exporting Chinese cost-effective products. In 2020, Wish's sales reached 2.5 1.7 billion. However, when it stopped advertising investment, its sales immediately declined. In 2022, Wish's annual sales fell sharply to about $500 million, and its stock price has fallen by 87%, while losses are still expanding.

Is Temu a legitimate website?

Yes, Temu is a legitimate website. It is registered and operates under the laws of Singapore. The website has a valid SSL certificate, which ensures that all transactions made on the website are secure. Moreover, the website has a good reputation online, with many positive reviews from satisfied customers.

Most Temu products are real, and you will receive them, but it could take weeks for them to reach your doorstep, and they might look different or be of lower quality than they appeared on the site.

In the event that a package purchased with standard shipping is late, Temu offers a $5 credit. For late-arriving express shipping packages, Temu credits you $13.

Some items may arrive on time, be decent or of good quality, and match Temu's website exactly. It is not uncommon for online stores to offer unpredictable products.

You are eligible for Temu's Purchase Protection Program if you receive your items and they do not look like their online listing, arrive damaged, or do not arrive at all. If you return your items within 90 days of purchase, you will receive a full refund.

The U.S. recently accused Temu of posing data risks after its sister site, e-commerce platform Pinduoduo, was suspended by Google for containing malware. But according to CNBC, analysts say Temu is less of a threat and the risks associated with Pinduoduo were targeted at Chinese users.

Following his ban of TikTok, Montana governor Greg Gianforte accused Temu of being "tied to foreign adversaries", and banned

Are the products on Temu good quality?

Temu claims to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. However, the quality of the products may vary depending on the category and brand. It is always advisable to read the product description and reviews before making a purchase.

Who owns Temu?

Temu is owned by PDD Holdings, a multinational commerce group headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, which also owns Pinduoduo. However, its exact origins are somewhat difficult to determine. In February 2023, Pinduoduo Inc. changed its name to PDD Holdings and relocated its principal executive offices from Shanghai, China to Dublin, Ireland, according to an SEC 6-K filing. While the relocation of executive offices may raise some questions, it is not uncommon for tech companies, including those in the US, to move to Ireland due to the country's low corporate tax rates.

 

How is everything on Temu so cheap?

Temu offers products at affordable prices by cutting out the middlemen and sourcing products directly from manufacturers. This allows them to offer products at lower prices than their competitors.

Does Temu produce its products ethically?

Temu claims to source its products ethically and work with manufacturers who follow ethical practices. However, it is always advisable to research the brand and manufacturer before making a purchase to ensure that they follow ethical practices.

What data does Temu collect from you?

Temu collects personal information such as name, email address, phone number, and shipping address when you create an account or make a purchase on the website. The website also uses cookies to track user behavior and improve user experience.

Is Temu a good company to buy from?

Temu has gained popularity among customers due to its affordable prices and good customer service. The website offers free shipping worldwide and a 30-day return policy, making it a good option for customers who want to try out new products without the risk of losing money.

In conclusion, Temu is a legitimate website that offers affordable products in various categories. The quality of the products may vary depending on the category and brand, but it is always advisable to read product descriptions and reviews before making a purchase. The website collects personal information and uses cookies to improve user experience. Overall, Temu is a good option for customers who want to try out new products at affordable prices.

FAQs: Temu

 

What Temu means?

Temu is a relatively new fast fashion app that has been making waves in the industry.
According to the company's official website, the name "Temu" is a combination of the words "team up" and "price down." This aligns with the company's emphasis on collaborative fashion design and affordable prices. By working directly with manufacturers in China and cutting out intermediaries, Temu is able to offer its customers trendy and high-quality clothing at lower prices than traditional retailers. The name "Temu" serves as a reminder of the company's mission to bring people together through fashion while also making it accessible to as many people as possible.

 

What is Temu vs Wish?

Temu and Wish are both fast fashion apps that offer affordable clothing and accessories. However, there are some key differences between the two platforms. For one, Temu is a relatively new player in the industry, having been founded in 2022. Wish, on the other hand, has been around since 2010 and has a more established user base.

Another difference between the two platforms is their approach to product sourcing. Temu sources its products directly from manufacturers in China, which allows the company to offer lower prices to customers. Wish, on the other hand, sources its products from a variety of suppliers, which can lead to more variability in terms of product quality.

In terms of user experience, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. Temu is known for its user-friendly interface and quick shipping times. However, some users have reported issues with sizing and quality control. Wish, on the other hand, has a wider selection of products and offers more personalized recommendations to users. However, some users have reported issues with shipping times and customer service.

Overall, while there are some similarities between Temu and Wish, each platform has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Is Temu a reliable site?

As with any online shopping platform, there are always concerns about reliability and safety. However, based on user reviews and reports, it appears that Temu is generally a reliable site.

One of the key factors that contributes to Temu's reliability is its direct sourcing model. By sourcing products directly from manufacturers in China, Temu is able to offer lower prices to customers while also maintaining control over product quality and authenticity.

In addition to its sourcing model, Temu also offers a user-friendly interface and quick shipping times. Many users report that their orders arrive within a few days of placing them, which speaks to the company's efficiency and reliability.

Of course, there are always risks associated with online shopping, such as issues with sizing or product quality. However, based on user reviews, it appears that Temu is generally a reliable site that offers affordable and trendy fashion options.

Is Temu a spy app?

There have been rumors circulating online that Temu may be a spy app that collects user data without their consent. However, there is no evidence to support these claims.

Temu's privacy policy clearly outlines how the company collects and uses user data. According to the policy, Temu collects information such as users' names, addresses, and payment information in order to process orders and improve the user experience. The policy also states that Temu may use cookies and other tracking technologies to collect data on users' browsing behavior.

While some users may be concerned about data collection and privacy issues, there is no evidence to suggest that Temu is any more or less risky than other online shopping platforms. As always, it is important for users to read privacy policies carefully and take steps to protect their personal information online.

 

 

Gallery View of Popular Wholesale Products

1. Smart TV

Company: Shenzhen Electron Technology Co. Ltd

Available in 24 to 32in, Shenzhen Electron’s SW2495T-04-03 10-point multitouch smart TV, with built-in five-wheel stand and two 5W speakers, has 1920x1080 resolution and 250cd/sqm brightness. It runs on an RK3588 CPU with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM. This Android-compatible TV supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and Ethernet 100M/1,000M. It has a SIM card slot, and USB, RJ45 and USB-C ports. The screen can be tilted up to 90 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise, 5 degrees front, 25 degrees back, and 15 degrees left and right. ISO 9001-compliant Shenzhen Electron provides OEM and ODM services.

MOQ: 2 units
Price: $479 to $ 494
Lead time: 10 to 35 days

 

2. Noise-canceling TWS earbuds

Company: Changzhou Halee Electronic Co. Ltd

These noise-canceling TWS earbuds from Changzhou Halee, the C005-Q61, have 5V, 1A voltage and current, 32ohm impedance, 10m transmission distance, -42dB microphone sensitivity and -10 to 50 C operating temperature. The unit is powered by a 50mAh battery with 4-hour talk, 1-hour charging and 120-hour standby time. ISO 9001:2008-certified Changzhou Halee’s R&D team releases 10 new items monthly.

MOQ: 100 units
Price: $10.99 to $12.43
Lead time: 3 to 7 days

3. Car dash camera

Company: Key (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd

The KY-181-D from Key Technology is a 4K car dash camera with 12MP camera, 140-degree viewing angle and night vision sensor. It has loop recording, park mode, ADAS voice assist and 3-axis G-sensor features. Key Technology accepts requests for small orders and provides OEM services.

MOQ: 1,000 cartons
Price: $80 to $85
Lead time: 7 to 45 days

4. Facial massager

Company: Eyesun Technology Co. Ltd

From Eyesun, this MP-013-1110-2 facial massager cleanses, tightens and whitens the skin, and removes wrinkles and acne. The 2.5W black or white unit, with a USB-C charging port, runs on a 750mAh battery with up to two hours of charging time. Eyesun exports all of output and provides OEM services.

MOQ: 1 unit
Price: $9.90 to $18
Lead time: 5 to 9 days

5. Electric folding bike

Company: Shenzhen Chitado Technology Co. Ltd

Model C2 14in electric folding bike from Shenzhen Chitado has 25kph maximum speed, 18 to 25km distance per charge, 18-degree climbing angle, 120kg load capacity, and 0 to 40 working and -10 to 50 C storage temperatures. The 10kg unit measures 1,070x450x600mm when folded and 1,080x450x730mm when in use. It has 100 to 240V and 42V rated input and output voltages, 350W power and 6Ah battery capacity. ISO 9001:2008-certified Shenzhen Chitado provides OEM and ODM services.

MOQ: 50 units
Price: $238 to $240
Lead time: 45 to 50 days

Inquire now

 

6. IP67-rated smart watch

Company: Quality Technology Industrial Co. Ltd

From Quality Technology, this QT31-2878 smart watch has a 1.91in touchscreen display with 240x296-pixel resolution. This IP67-rated unit made of zinc alloy and silicone has pedometer, heart rate, sleep, temperature and blood pressure monitoring, call and message reminder, push notification, and calorie-counting functions. Quality Technology provides OEM and ODM services.

MOQ: 100 units
Price: $12.35 to $13.98
Lead time: 7 to 35 days

 

7. Women's sports shoes

Company: Hangzhou Dechuan Import & Export Co. Ltd

Hangzhou Dechuan’s DCSNEAKERS-0085 women’s lace-up sports shoes have a PU upper and thick outsole. Available sizes are 36 to 41. Hangzhou Dechuan has more than 20 years’ footwear manufacturing experience.

MOQ: 200 pairs
Price: $4 to $5
Lead time: 30 to 60 days

8. Yoga wear set

Company: Jinjiang Jiaxing Groups Co. Ltd

This women’s yoga wear set from Jinjiang Jiaxing Groups, the Sport Fitness Technology-064R, consists of breathable, quick-dry, antibacterial, anti-UV and antistatic shirt, pants and tracksuit. It is made of polyester and spandex, and comes in small to extra-large sizes, and purple, blue, rose red, gray and pink. Jinjiang Jiaxing Groups’ R&D team releases 20 new items monthly.

MOQ: 1,000 sets
Price: $16.50
Lead time: 15 to 25 days

9. Sit-stand desk

Company: Ningbo Royal Union Co. Ltd

Using two motors with less than 50dB noise, this sit-and-stand desk from Ningbo Royal, the BSL823, has a keypad for adjusting height levels. This 120kg unit measures 1,200 to 1,800x700 to 800x25mm. It has a frame length of 1,075 to 1,800mm, 690 to 1,150mm or 640 to 1,290mm height adjustment range and 40mm/sec adjustment speed. ISO 9001:2008-certified Ningbo Royal exports all of output.

MOQ: 50 pieces
Price: $280 to $300
Lead time: 15 to 45 days

10. Portable espresso machine

Company: Ningbo Fendo Import & Export Co. Ltd

Ningbo Fendo offers this portable espresso machine, the FD-DC032, with 80mL capacity. Made of ABS, stainless steel and silicone, it has 5V voltage, 6W power and 2,600mAh battery capacity. Dimensions are 75x216mm and the weight is 640g. Ningbo Fendo exports all of output and accepts requests for small orders.

MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Price: $28.50 to $30.80
Lead time: 30 to 45 days

Source the latest products from verified suppliers via global sourcing platform, and subscribe to our magazines for more in-depth insights and product discovery.

Share:

Join the Smart China Sourcing Facebook Group

  • Connect with other buyers
  • Ask questions
  • Get advice from experts

Join Group

Share your Global Sources experience

Feedback Area*

This field is required

Your Feedback*

0/2000

Your feedback is too short - less than 20 characters, please enter more details

Email Address*

Please enter a valid email address

Upload photo
Re-upload

Accepting: jpg, png. Max file size: 10 MB

Submit Cancel