The Temu experience, b(u)y a first timer

By now just about everyone and their uncle will have seen the ads for Temu on their social media platforms. The online shopping website has bombarded South Africans with an online marketing campaign that has reached just about every corner of the country. Temu boasts highly competitive pricing, often free shipping, and extra fast delivery – too good to be true?  

A cursory browse of the website does corroborate their claims, to a point. A plethora of products combine with an easy-to-navigate platform and the cost of items are indeed well priced. Navigating through the website was a breeze, with clear categories and filters making it easy to find exactly what I was looking for. Whether I was searching for electronics, clothing, or household essentials, Temu had it all neatly organized, saving me precious time and effort.

As I added items that I definitely do not need to my cart and proceeded to checkout, I was impressed by the variety of payment options available on Temu. From credit cards to digital wallets, the platform accommodated a range of preferences, ensuring a hassle-free transaction process. There is, however, no option to use PayPal, which remains one of the most secure online payment platforms.

Here is, arguably the biggest pro of buying on Temu – They will consolidate orders for shipping. This is a feature that sets it apart from many other online shopping platforms. Unlike elsewhere, where each purchase from different sellers results in separate shipments, Temu streamlines the process by combining items into a single package for delivery. This consolidation not only simplifies the shipping process but also minimizes the hassle associated with multiple parcels arriving at different times. Imagine the inconvenience of receiving items piecemeal, each with its own shipping schedule and, potentially, customs duties to contend with. Additionally, the consolidation of shipping can also lead to cost savings, as combined shipments often incur lower shipping fees compared to individual ones.

Add to this that they are super-efficient. Granted, it’s a fairly new platform and these could change over the coming months and years. But my experience was impressively easy and fast. I made my purchase on 10 April and by 16 April I had received a text message informing me about customs duties. This meant the package was imminent at OR Tambo and sure to be with me only a few days after that. But here, unfortunately, is where it starts to go slightly south.

Herewith enters the biggest con of the entire experience. Full disclosure: I am the kind of person that prefers to collect my parcels. One, because several en route parcels have been stolen, via hijackings, in the past. Two, because I am a terribly impatient online shopper and the sooner I can get my hands on the new shiny items, the better.

You are given a tracking number, it’s updated regularly, and you have the ability to keep up-to-date with the movement of your parcel. What’s so bad about that? Absolutely nothing. But if you are inclined towards collecting your own parcels, as I am. Guess again. Firstly, contacting the primary courier requires a serious amount of patience. And once you are connected prepare yourself for little to no assistance from their consultants. First, you aren’t able to collect your own parcels and the reason given is vague at best – Fraud! The consultant tells me. Alrighty then, when can I expect delivery – within 48 hours. So, that is anytime over the next two days? Yes, I am told. And this, right here, is the biggest stumbling block for Temu.