Temu Thailand review: Is it worth the hype?

Temu Thailand is making waves in the e-commerce industry, but what does it really offer? If you’re curious about this new player in the Southeast Asian market, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll investigate into the platform’s offerings, user experience, and whether it lives up to the hype.

What is Temu

Launched in July 2024, Temu is an online retail platform that offers a wide range of products at significantly lower prices than other e-commerce sites. Known for offering a huge variety of products at heavily discounted prices of up to 90% off, It’s become popular with bargain hunters in Thailand, thanks to its low-cost cross-border goods.

Temu is owned by PDD Holdings, which also owns Pinduoduo, a major player in the Chinese e-commerce market. PDD Holdings has expanded rapidly, surpassing well-known companies like Alibaba and JD.com at times. This strong backing highlights the reliability and ambition of Temu in the competitive online retail industry.

Temu focuses on non-branded products across multiple categories. You can find everything from fashion and home decor to handmade crafts and beauty products. The platform’s pricing strategy often includes substantial discounts and promotional offers, such as extra discount coupons, allowing consumers to save even more on their purchases.

The company’s emphasis on cross-border goods means you can discover unique items not readily available in Thailand. This diverse product range, combined with appealing prices, positions, Temu is a compelling option in Thailand’s e-commerce market. It’s currently the second-largest in Southeast Asia, experiencing a year-on-year growth rate of 34.1%!

Reactions from Thai consumers on Temu

Consumer thought

Thai consumers have expressed mixed reactions towards Temu. Many are drawn to the platform’s attractive pricing and generous discounts, especially the grand opening offers, which can reach up to 90%. Additionally, features like free returns within 90 days make Temu appealing, particularly in the current economic climate, where affordability is a priority for many shoppers.

Concerns over quality

However, there are growing concerns among Thai consumers regarding the quality of products available on Temu. The influx of inexpensive Chinese goods has led some to question whether these products meet local quality standards. This apprehension has been widely expressed on social media, with some consumers using hashtags like #แบนTemu (Ban Temu) to promote a boycott of the platform.

Customer reviews and experiences

Customers’ reviews of Temu vary, revealing both satisfaction and disappointment. Some users describe the products, particularly clothing items, as “toxic junk” due to concerns about quality. Moreover, Temu’s product range is noted to be more limited compared to other established platforms like Shopee or Lazada. For instance, customers have highlighted a narrower selection in categories such as home decor and beauty products, which they find less versatile.

The reviews on the App Store

Delivery times and inconsistency

Delivery times have also been a point of discussion. While Temu advertises a fast delivery service from China to Bangkok within five days, customer experiences differ. Some users report receiving their orders within the promised timeframe, but others mention delays extending up to nine days. This inconsistency in delivery times can affect overall customer satisfaction, especially when compared to local platforms that offer quicker shipping options.

How did it affect Thai economy

Temu’s entry into Thailand is shaking up the local e-commerce scene. With prices up to 90% lower than similar US items, it draws in price-conscious shoppers, pushing platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop to rethink their pricing. This disrupts the market, especially for local SMEs that can’t compete with Temu’s cheap, unbranded products, potentially leading to economic losses for some.

While Temu benefits from Thailand’s growing e-commerce sector, local businesses must quickly adapt by offering better quality or unique items to stay competitive. Temu’s impact is clear, it’s driving competition and forcing changes in the market.

How the government response to Temu

The Thai government is keeping a close eye on Temu due to concerns about its impact on local businesses. With Temu not falling under Thailand’s VAT law, it’s tricky to impose taxes, so the government is discussing ways to address this. Stricter measures are being considered to limit cheap imports that could hurt SMEs and lead to factory closures.

Officials are also focusing on ensuring product safety and fair competition by tightening regulations on cross-border goods. The goal is to protect local businesses while allowing e-commerce to grow in a way that benefits everyone.

The controversial issue

Temu’s arrival in Thailand has sparked serious concerns for local businesses. With aggressive discounts of up to 90%, it attracts price-sensitive shoppers but puts local retailers at risk. Many worry that these cheaper Chinese imports could drive local shops into a tough spot.

Product quality is another issue. Customers often call Temu’s items “toxic junk” or “no-name brands,” mostly from China, leading to dissatisfaction. Delivery delays also frustrate buyers, especially compared to platforms like Shopee and Lazada, where choosing local products ensures quicker delivery and often better quality.

The economic impact of Temu’s pricing strategy is also significant. By undercutting competitors, it could destabilise the market, forcing Shopee and Lazada to lower their prices, hurting profit margins. This pressure especially affects local SMEs, who fear shrinking demand for their products.

In response, the government is considering stricter controls on the flow of cheap goods, particularly to protect against non-standard or illegal items. They’re working on stronger regulations to level the playing field, aiming for a fairer e-commerce market that supports both local and international businesses.

In the end, whether Temu Thailand is worth the hype really depends on what you’re looking for as a shopper. If you’re after unbeatable prices and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for delivery or taking a chance on product quality, Temu might just be a great option for you.

FAQs about Temu

Other articles on Temu

• Temu enters Thai market, intensifies e-commerce competition
• Temu’s takeover: Thai e-commerce expert warns of price war
• Don’t ban TEMU: Thai experts call for enhanced trade standards