Amid a global cost of living crisis, a new player from China, Temu, has emerged as a beacon for bargain hunters. Boasting over 100 million downloads in the US and Europe alone since the start of the year, Temu offers a wide array of items—from the practical to the peculiar—at prices that seem too good to be true. But does the quality match the cost? Here is our Temu haul on a budget review.
Temu’s Alluring Bargains
Adverts for Temu are ubiquitous, showcasing an eclectic mix of goods that range from reusable sandwich wrappers and rechargeable torches to more whimsical offerings like bubble tea plush toys and teaspoons resembling shovels. The platform’s “£1 or less” section is a testament to its affordability, especially appealing at a time when even the most frugal are feeling the pinch.
Read more about the shopping platform in our Temu review.
The Reality Behind the Bargains
However, the actual cost of these bargains comes under scrutiny. While shipping items across the globe for such low prices raises environmental concerns, it hasn’t deterred millions from flocking to the app. Miya Knights, a retail expert, suggests that the allure of saving money is too strong for many to resist, especially during economic downturns.
My Shopping Experience in Temu
Diving into the world of Temu, I embarked on a shopping journey to discover whether its deals were as good as advertised. My haul included various items, from lip balms so tiny they’d fit in a dollhouse to a pack of chic reusable straws. The site’s navigation is designed to downplay negative reviews, making it challenging for shoppers to gauge the actual quality of products. Despite these hurdles, the allure of free shipping and rock-bottom prices tempt consumers to overlook these flaws.
Here’s a glimpse into my Temu haul, showcasing the variety and peculiarity of items available at almost implausibly low prices.
Electric Milk Frother
I was genuinely surprised by the Electric Milk Frother I purchased! Initially, I was skeptical due to its seemingly fragile build, but considering its affordability, it proved to be a great value. It’s perfect for its intended use, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using it.
However, I was a bit taken aback when it arrived in a torn and previously opened box, which didn’t inspire much confidence. Also, it came without any instructions, which would have been helpful, especially for cleaning tips. Note that it requires AA batteries, which are not included.
Seasoning Jar Labels
Adding Seasoning Jar Labels to my kitchen has been a game-changer. These waterproof labels, capable of marking up to 120 different items, have made organizing my spices and kitchen essentials an unexpectedly delightful task. It’s a practical must-have that’s ended the chaos of mixing up my spices.
Lunch Box Bento Box
The beige Lunch Box Bento Box I got is simply perfect for work. Its clean and simple design, along with its ample size, makes it ideal for packing lunches or snacks. The spoon and fork compartment could be better designed to secure them firmly, but the lid does a good job of keeping everything in place. It’s particularly useful for outdoor meals.
6-Pack of Retractable Gel Pens
I also picked up a 6-Pack of Retractable Gel Pens, which feature a 0.5mm nib for smooth writing. I appreciated the variety of grips available, catering to different preferences, though all pens maintained the same tip size. The addition of a subtle highlighter in the pack turned these everyday items into a source of joy for me.
Cute Anime Cats Charms for Crocs (Unofficial)
The Cute Anime Cats Charms for Crocs were an adorable find. As a cat lover, I was impressed by their quality and durability. They’ve held up well, adding a playful touch to my Crocs without any parts falling off after their initial use.
Shell Night Light
The Shell Night Light was a spontaneous purchase for a friend who loves pink and mermaids. It’s a charming addition to any room, casting a soft, inviting glow. Plus, it comes with batteries included, offering great value for money.
Five Reusable Metal Straws
I’m looking forward to hosting an aperitif at my place with the Five-Pack of Reusable Straws I bought. They’re of good quality and easy to clean with the included toothbrush, making them a stylish and eco-friendly choice for any gathering.
Miniature Lip Balm Set
Lastly, the Miniature Lip Balm Set caught me off guard with its diminutive size, which I didn’t fully anticipate from the online listing. They’re charmingly small, resembling something you might find in a dollhouse. Despite their size, they do a decent job at keeping my lips moisturized, though they require frequent reapplication.
The Catch Behind the Deals
My adventure wasn’t without its frustrations. Temu’s advertised free shipping comes with a catch—a minimum spend requirement that isn’t immediately apparent. This tactic, likely aimed at encouraging shoppers to buy more, highlights the opaque nature of Temu’s marketing strategies.
Unlicensed merchandise and items that played fast and loose with copyright laws were among the more dubious finds. Temu insists on its commitment to intellectual property rights, though such products on the platform raise questions about enforcement.
The Verdict
Shopping in Temu is akin to navigating a digital bazaar with hidden treasures and potential pitfalls. While the prices are enticing, the experience serves as a reminder that when deals seem too good to be true, they often are. As consumers, it’s crucial to approach such platforms with a healthy dose of scepticism and due diligence.
We hope that we with this Temu haul on a budget review have been able to help you on the way to make more informed shopping decisions!
