Temu doesn’t acknowledge itself within the criticism from German shopper organizations. They accuse the platform filled with Chinese language bargains of unfair buying and selling practices. Based on Temu, the corporate is unfairly portrayed in a foul gentle.

Final week, Temu obtained a reprimand from the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (vzbv). The umbrella group of German shopper organizations recognized a number of violations. Temu, for instance, allegedly doesn’t make it clear sufficient to customers the place the excessive reductions on the platform are primarily based. Temu can be accused of utilizing darkish patterns, manipulative methods that encourage customers to have interaction in conduct that’s not of their finest curiosity.

Reference costs

The vzbv wished Temu to decide to refraining from the alleged unfair buying and selling practices. However based on Temu, the corporate adheres to the relevant guidelines. “We rigorously assess all value info supplied by our sellers to make sure accuracy and transparency for our prospects”, a spokesperson informed the German tech title Heise in regards to the reference costs.

Darkish patterns

Based on Temu, there’s additionally no use of darkish patterns, that are prohibited beneath the European Digital Providers Act. Statements comparable to ‘solely 13 gadgets left’ and ’29 individuals have this merchandise of their purchasing cart now’ are, based on the platform, primarily based on reality. “They’re meant to assist customers make knowledgeable selections, to not be manipulative or coercive.”

‘We don’t wish to be manipulative or coercive.’

Primarily based on the data supplied, customers could make knowledgeable selections, based on Temu, which ends up in elevated buyer satisfaction and fewer returns. Temu additional denies allegations relating to the authenticity of product critiques. “We by no means take away or suppress unfavorable critiques”, the corporate states. Present and detailed critiques are given precedence on the platform.

Criticism from Germany

Temu confronted criticism from Germany earlier this 12 months. In February, Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) referred to as on politicians to be stricter in direction of low cost marketplaces from China, together with Temu. The curiosity group advocates for strengthening customs and suggests a digital platform the place each cargo have to be registered.

Temu in Europe

Backed by the Chinese language tech large PDD Holdings, Temu entered Europe a 12 months in the past. In lots of international locations, together with Germany, it was probably the most downloaded purchasing app final 12 months. Temu, reportedly accounting for over 30 billion euros in income in 2023, lately opened its platform to sellers with stock in the US.

Temu generated over 30 billion euros in income final 12 months.

Temu will add sellers delivering from Europe anytime quickly. In the meantime, the platform is engaged on increasing its European supply community.