WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023 TEMU

 WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023 TEMU

Two months ago, I started to see ads for super cheap things. It was a company called Temu.

From ZD.NET

"The latest digital superstore taking the internet by storm is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace called Temu. It's the number one free shopping app in Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store, beating out Shein, Amazon, and Walmart. 

"This Chinese-owned digital marketplace is the number one free shopping app, beating out Shein, Amazon, and Walmart. But how is everything in Temu so cheap? (July 18, 2023)

From Time.com

"Temu offers steep discounts on many products, mostly shipped directly from Chinese factories or warehouses. In addition to meager prices, Temu can undoubtedly attribute its popularity to giving free stuff to users who promote the app on their social networks and get friends and family to sign up.

"Temu's stand-out feature is that many of the site's products are incredibly cheap. You can buy sunglasses for $2, necklaces for $1, and glow-in-the-dark pet collars for $3. Whatever you can think of is probably on Temu for less than $30.

*****

Okay, you've got the idea - Temu is a cheap (very cheap) e-commerce platform. The products are generally made in China - shipping is slow. Quality can be suspect. What you see on your screen when you order may or may not be what you get. 

Years ago, we ordered stuff from Oriental Trading Company (I don't know if that still exists). I shop at Dollar Tree - where many products might come from China. China is a vast, populous country with billions of workers making things for the United States market.  

In Temu's case, they are selling direct to consumers - instead of through a network of distributors (like Dollar Tree). Their model is similar to Amazon's, except their products are shipped from China, not Amazon distribution centers. And where Amazon will deliver quickly, it might take weeks for goods from Temu to reach our shores. 

IS SHOPPING IN TEMU SAFE?

Not all agree on this.

"In addition to signing a bill into law that bans TikTok in the state of Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte wants to ban other apps from foreign tech companies. Gianforte accused Telegram, WeChat, and Temu of being affiliated with "foreign adversaries" and wants the apps out of Montana.

Gianforte is going after the other apps owned by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance. They include CapCut, a popular video editing app, Lemon8, and Tencent's WeChat. 

*****

I downloaded the Temu app to my iPhone.Temu bombarded me with emails and ads. I didn't need any things. I have headphones (that I got for $5 from Dollar Tree) and ear bugs (that I got for $5 from Dollar Tree). I have a closet overflowing. I might buy things that are cheaper in Temu.  

I deleted the Temu app from my iPhone last week. I hadn't tested it and searched for things I needed (I guess I don't need much - other than groceries).  

I get Temu ads on my text messaging site, social media pages, and email account.

I deleted the app, not that it might save me a dollar or two, but I didn't need some more time-wasting app on my iPhone. (I waste time on enough other apps!! <grin>)

Does Temu have my personal information? Yes - and Amazon, Walmart, and every social media app. Am I exposed to possible fraud? Yes. How about spam? Sure.  

Unless I live in a cave without a computer, without the internet, I would still be harassed by unwanted advertisements and junk.  

I can see the governor of Montana saying, "Why should some company with its deepest roots in China (but with an American subsidiary) keep personal data on American citizens?

As far as I can tell, Temu is "legitimate enough," and you can get cheap prices. 

I haven't gotten on TikTok yet - and probably won't (again, another time waster). 

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Do you have experience with Temu? Would you share them with me?
Thank you!!!

LOVE WINS
LOVE TRANSFORMS
KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, JULY 26, 2023