TEMU is the new e-commerce platform that has been promoted through all social media recently. It is known for its jaw-droppingly low prices and is extremely popular among TCS students, there are many questions and rumours about this new shopping platform..
It was launched in 2022 by a Chinese company called PDD Holdings, and it has quickly become a go-to shopping destination for consumers looking for deals on literally everything: from technology gadgets to beauty tools to home goods. The app has captivated Gen Z shoppers including TCS students. But is it too good to be true?
“Their prices are the best, I can get lots of things for the price of one in a normal store, even though I know the quality isn’t the best for everything, for its price, it’s worth it.” Elisa Arango, TCS senior and TEMU frequent shopper said.
A sensitive topic is ethical concerns, like labor practices or environmental impact. With such cheap pricing, TEMU encourages overconsumption and fast fashion. The company ships millions of low-cost, low-quality items everywhere, generating a huge amount of carbon emissions and landfill waste.
“I’ve heard things, but it’s hard to care when you’re saving so much money. Maybe that’s bad, but it’s the truth.” Elisa said.
Many students are getting to know the platform through advertisements in Tik tok, instagram or pinterest.
“Everyone kept talking about it, I didn’t stop seeing it on every platform on my phone, so I decided to try and buy it. I was shocked when it actually arrived and looked decent.” Candelaria Navarro, senior and first time shopper said.
Still, no matter the good reviews and flashy advertisements, there still remains a big group of people that dont trust or have no interest in trying it. For some, the deals seem too good to be true, raising suspicions about the products.
“I don’t trust it, I don’t understand the app.” Joaquin Jaramillo, senior, said.
There are a lot of concerns about online security, payment fraud, and data privacy, making users skeptical about the platform.
“I’d rather buy one quality item than a lot of bad quality that includes fraud.” Jaramillo said.
Parents question the sustainability of the app and security of their children who are buying on there. Parents are mindful of how easily teens can overspend on impulse buys.
“At first I was worried, but she showed me her purchases and I was surprised and they looked fine, the delivery was on time and the products looked great,” Catalina Jimenez, mother of a buyer, said.
Some shoppers love the app but are still cautious with it. Better to be cautious than to be confident and go wrong.
“I’ve bought a few times—mostly small things like hair clips or stickers. I’ve had both good and bad experiences.” Carla Echavarria, not a frequent buyer, said.
TCS students and their families are navigating this new platform one click at a time. TEMU’s popularity is undeniable. Its affordability makes it extremely appealing but raises questions about ethical consumption and quality.
“TEMU is a fast fashion for a game, it is fun but dangerous in all aspects.” Arango said.