Source-backed analysis8
Review basis
Research-based review: the AppDuo Editorial Team compiled it from official pages, documentation, app stores, press and user feedback, without hands-on testing. Every claim links to a source with the date it was checked.
8 reference sourcesInformation updated Nov 10, 2026
How we review
Temu Review
PDD's bargain marketplace: high app ratings, low Trustpilot, global scrutiny
By AppDuo Editorial Team · Updated
- Web
- iOS
- Android
On this page
Decide at a glance
Our verdict
Temu suits bargain hunters who accept international delivery, with a 90-day return window in the Vietnam version of the policy and high app ratings (4.7/5 App Store, 4.2/5 Google Play). The trade-offs are a 1.8/5 Trustpilot score, a EUR 200 million European Commission fine on 28 May 2026 over inadequate risk assessment of illegal products, and an order to cease operations in Vietnam from 30 November 2024, with no source confirming it has reopened.
Best for: Shoppers hunting low-priced household goods and accessories who are not in a hurry
Skip it if: People who need brand warranty or fast delivery
Pros
- 90-day returns with free shipping on the first return of each order (Vietnam version)
- High app ratings: 4.7/5 (about 2.3M ratings) on the App Store, 4.2/5 (13.2M) on Google Play
- Advance refunds for some customers and dedicated claim flows for missing items or parcels marked delivered but not received
Cons
- Trustpilot 1.8/5 over 57,146 reviews, with many complaints about delivery, refunds and support
- EUR 200 million EU fine under the Digital Services Act (May 2026) and lawsuits from several US states
All pros and cons · Who is it for?
Cons
- In Vietnam Temu was ordered to cease operations from 30 November 2024; press in February 2025 reported it still suspended
Best for
- Buyers who value a long 90-day return window and read the exceptions before ordering
Skip it if
- Users uneasy about interest-based advertising and data held on foreign cloud infrastructure
Problems it solves
Experience & key features
What Temu is
Temu is a marketplace owned by PDD Holdings, parent of Pinduoduo. According to Wikipedia it was founded in July 2022, went live in the US in September 2022 and reached more than 90 markets by April 2025. The privacy policy names Elementary Innovation Pte. Ltd. of Singapore as the data handler, while the App Store developer is Whaleco Inc.
Returns and refunds
The Vietnam version of the policy allows returns within 90 days of purchase. The first return from each order has free shipping and later ones have 25,000 VND deducted. You can choose a refund to the original payment method or Temu credit; credit is faster but typically cannot be cashed out. Banks may take 5 to 14 business days to post it. Items such as food and worn or washed clothing cannot be returned.
Reputation and regulation
Ratings diverge: high in the app stores but 1.8/5 on Trustpilot over 57,146 reviews, with complaints about delivery, refunds and promotions not matching advertising (Trustpilot does not fact-check reviews). On 28 May 2026 the European Commission fined Temu EUR 200 million under the Digital Services Act for failing to properly assess the risk of illegal products; mystery shopping found many chargers failing basic safety tests. In the US, Arkansas, Nebraska and Arizona have sued Temu.
More analysis
Status in Vietnam
According to Vietnamnet, Temu was ordered to cease operations in Vietnam from 30 November 2024 until it obtains a licence. Its 8 February 2025 report said Temu remained suspended and that the trade ministry required an official apology and full refunds for undelivered orders. Temu's policy pages now include a Vietnam version, but no source confirming a resumption of sales was found, so check the current status before ordering.
Screenshots
Plans & pricing
Prices last verified Nov 10, 2026
Người mua / Buyer
PersonalFree
The app and website are free to use; buyers pay for goods. Under the Vietnam version of the return policy, return shipping is free on the first return from each order within 90 days of purchase, and 25,000 VND is deducted from the refund for the second and later returns from the same order.
- Free trial
- No free trial
Cancellation & refunds
Per the Vietnam version of the Return and Refund Policy (updated 23 March 2026), most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase, and the package must be posted within 14 days of the request. Worn, washed or tag-removed clothing, food, some health items and customised products are not returnable. Refunds go to the original payment method or Temu credit; banks may take 5 to 14 business days, up to 30. The original shipping fee and import tax are not refunded when the return is not Temu's fault.
Privacy
According to the privacy policy (last updated 11 June 2025), the data handler is Elementary Innovation Pte. Ltd., a Singapore company. Temu collects account, order and device data (including advertising identifiers) plus cookie data; payment information is classed as sensitive under Decree 13. Data may be shared with affiliates for fulfilment, payment processors, advertising and analytics partners, and authorities. Interest-based advertising uses browsing, search and purchase history, though Temu says it does not use information such as your name or email on its own for this. User data is stored by default on Microsoft Azure or a similar cloud provider. The platform is also under scrutiny from overseas regulators.
Temu alternatives
7.2/10Amazon
The world's largest online store, strong on range and the Prime membership
7.1/10Shopee
Vietnam's leading e-commerce marketplace, with Shopee Mall and SPayLater
Frequently asked questions
Can I return items to Temu?
Yes. Under the Vietnam version of the policy most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase, with free shipping on the first return per order. Worn or washed clothing, food and some health items are excluded.
Who owns Temu?
Temu belongs to PDD Holdings, the parent of Pinduoduo, according to Wikipedia. The privacy policy names Elementary Innovation Pte. Ltd. of Singapore as the data handler.
Does Temu operate in Vietnam?
According to Vietnamnet, Temu was ordered to cease operations in Vietnam from 30 November 2024 because it was not licensed, and it was still suspended in February 2025. No source confirming a resumption was found, so check the latest status.
How long do Temu refunds take?
Refunds to Temu credit are faster. To the original payment method, banks may take 5 to 14 business days, up to 30, after Temu processes the refund.
Review evidence & sources8
Scores
- Ease of use
- 7.3
- Features
- 7.0
- Value for money
- 7.2
- Performance
- 5.6
- Support
- 5.8
- Privacy & security
- 4.9
Why this score
4.7/5 on the App Store and 4.2/5 on Google Play from millions of ratings, with an in-app return flow. Marked down as Trustpilot is only 1.8/5.
Why this score
Broad catalogue, refunds to Temu credit, advance refunds for some customers, and dedicated claim flows for missing items or parcels marked delivered but not received. On a par with similar cross-border marketplaces, but with no local service or brand warranty.
Why this score
No membership fee, free first return per order and a 90-day window. No independent price comparison found; used or damaged returns get a reduced refund.
Why this score
Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly report late, missing and undelivered items. In Vietnam, customs blocked shipments from unregistered platforms, leaving thousands of orders undelivered (Vietnamnet, February 2025).
Why this score
Chat, email and a help centre with a detailed returns policy. Trustpilot reviewers describe automated, templated replies and refund claims denied or ignored.
Why this score
The policy describes interest-based advertising, sharing with advertising and analytics partners, and storage on foreign cloud infrastructure, while regulators including the European Commission are scrutinising the platform. In its favour, the policy is detailed and has a Vietnam version referencing Decree 13.
What users say
- App Store (US)4.7/5 · 2,255,204
- Google Play4.2/5 · 13,200,000
- Trustpilot (temu.com)1.8/5 · 57,146
Sources
- Vendor-providedTemu Return and Refund Policy (Vietnam version)Nov 10, 2026
- Vendor-providedTemu Privacy PolicyNov 10, 2026
- storeApp Store listing (US)Nov 10, 2026
- storeGoogle Play listingNov 10, 2026
- review-siteTrustpilot reviews for temu.comNov 10, 2026
- Community-reportedWikipedia: TemuNov 10, 2026
- pressVietnamnet: Temu remains suspended in VietnamNov 10, 2026
- Vendor-providedEuropean Commission: Commission fines Temu EUR 200 millionNov 10, 2026
Specs & compatibility
- Developer
- Whaleco Inc. (PDD Holdings)
- Headquarters
- United States
- Launched
- 2022
- Category
- Shopping
Capabilities
- Mobile app
Platforms
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Interface languages
- Vietnamese
- English
- Japanese
- Chinese
- Spanish
- French
- Korean
- German
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Thai
Support
- Live chat
- Help center
Change history
- Update.The European Commission fines Temu EUR 200 million for breaching the Digital Services Act.
- Update.The European Commission says Temu is breaching DSA rules on illegal products.
- Update.After the US ends the de minimis exemption, Temu stops selling China-shipped goods directly to US customers and shifts to locally based sellers.
Full change history (8)
- Update.Temu is ordered to cease operations in Vietnam until it obtains a licence.
- Update.The European Commission opens a Digital Services Act investigation into Temu.
- Update.Arkansas's attorney general sues Temu, alleging malware and deceptive trade practices.
- Update.Temu advertises during Super Bowl LVII.
- Launch.Temu (founded July 2022, owned by PDD Holdings) goes live in the US.
About the author
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