Expert warns of poor quality: Online store Temu is conquering social media – this is what’s behind it

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Smart watch for 16 francs, Lenovo headphones for 11 francs and sneakers for 12 francs. These are just a few of the offers from the online store Temu. In addition to electronics and shoes, there are also clothes, beauty products and household goods – basically everything. The homepage reads in big letters: up to 90 percent off. Visually reminiscent of online stores such as Temu, Wish and Aliexpress.

Temu packs in bright orange plastic bags have already gained social media recognition. Opinions about the store differ greatly: some praise the cheap offers, while others complain about the low quality.

Prices are given on the Temu website in Swiss francs. The goods come directly from China, where they are produced cheaply. “Customers should be aware that product manufacturers are not meeting the quality standards we are used to,” says e-commerce specialist Alexandra Scherrer, 31, Managing Director of Caparthia. Like Wish, Temu does not use middlemen, which means goods can be offered more cheaply.

According to Scherrer, product photos and information should not always be believed. Lenovo headphones for 11 francs are almost not original. “Product counterfeiting, quality defects, non-compliance with European standards (eg missing CE marking) are the order of the day,” says Scherrer. It is also possible to pay additional customs duties at the time of delivery.

However, not all products have to be bad: some may be good, but often the craftsmanship and materials leave a lot to be desired. “Customer ratings on the platform can be helpful in choosing products and providers,” Scherrer tells Blick.

90 days return period!

Despite the lack of quality, Temu evaluated several campaigns to attract customers to the website. If you download the application, you will immediately enjoy numerous benefits. Anyone who signs up with their email address will receive special offers such as coupons. Shipping is free and items can be returned within 90 days.

Friends can also be invited with a link. You are rewarded for this too: Users receive either free gifts or cash. However, the function doesn’t seem to exist in Switzerland yet. Even with simple mobile phone games abroad, free items or credits can be activated.

The question now is how successful this business model has been. After all, Wish has been in crisis for a while. Sales fell in 2021. Wish subsequently cut a number of positions and withdrew from multiple countries.

“But I think there is a demand and a market for products like Wish or Temu,” Scherrer says. “With the emergence of Temu and also the advancement of Shein, competition in this market has definitely increased.”

Source :Blick