Since its launch in Sep 2022, Temu has consistently ranked as the No. 1 shopping app in the US App Store and currently enjoys a 4.6 rating in the App Store and a 4.7 rating in Google Play. Temu (a Boston-based online marketplace) include Amazon, eBay, Walmart and Etsy.
The meteoric rise of Temu is something to look out for all shoppers. In this article, I’d like to introduce you to what Temu is and what apps it is similar to – we have 30 alternatives listed in this article.
But of course, Temu also carries its own special charm. Otherwise, who would have thought a new app could take the number 1 spot for so long?
What is Temu?
Temu is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms right now. The platform offers free shipping for almost all order you buy. Furthermore, it allows users to return the product within 90 days from the date of purchase without paying return shipping.
From men’s & women’s apparel to gardening, Temu has it all. You can shop from over 250 product categories on its website/app from numerous products it sources from millions of sellers, manufacturers, and brands around the world.
App Ranking & Reviews
Since its launch in Sep 2022, Temu has consistently ranked as the No. 1 shopping app in the US App Store and currently enjoys a 4.6 rating in the App Store and a 4.7 rating in Google Play.
From consumer feedback we have seen in both major app stores and other review sites, most consumers like Temu for its unbelievable prices, good product quality, and reliable shipping, among others.
List of Apps Similar to Temu
Apps similar to Temu (a Boston-based online marketplace) include Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Etsy, to name a few.
1. Amazon
Whenever it comes to online shopping, Amazon is the name you cannot avoid. Founded in 1994, Amazon has spun from a small online bookseller into the world’s largest e-commerce site and one of the most prominent retailers. Pretty much everybody’s experience and expectation of shopping have been shaped and transformed by Amazon.
2. eBay
One of the other most well-known US shopping sites is eBay. Nearly simultaneously, both Amazon and eBay entered the market. eBay’s offering is a bit different from Temu, though – you can either bid for certain goods placed up for auction (especially for used items), or you can choose to buy some items directly at a fixed price listed on its website.
3. Etsy
Another candidate is Etsy. The majority of the items on this platform are handcrafted jewelry, apparel, accessories, and furniture. Additionally, they provide “vintage” stuff that is almost 20 years old and is quite hard to find on any other site. You can get a variety of art objects that are on sale to decorate your house elegantly. They can probably be distinctive gifts for your friend’s next birthday or housewarming party.
4. Walmart
Well, Walmart is not exactly a pure e-commerce platform, but its presence online cannot be overlooked. In addition to the merchandise available in Walmart shops, its website actually also carries products sold by third-party stores as well. Therefore, you have a larger selection of
things to pick from than you shop in-store. But be aware that the return policy for third-party items can be different.
5. Target
Besides Walmart, Target is another excellent online shopping choice due to its wide selection. Similar to what Walmart does, Target also sells items from third-party vendors in its online shop.
6. Chewy
While not offering the most expansive list of categories, pet parents can shop for the well-being of their furry family members. It is a pet pharmacy and supply store that stocks over two thousand different pet product lines for dogs, cats, horses, fish, birds, and reptiles.
7. Newegg
Newegg.com is a one-stop shop for a wide variety of products. But unlike Temu, it focuses primarily on consumer electronics. With a focus on reliable shipping and excellent support, Newegg is also a website where you would not be disappointed, just like Temu.
8. Overstock
Overstock.com got its start selling overstock inventory from defunct e-commerce companies and hence typically offers lower prices. Now it also offers both pre-owned and new products.
Here are some other websites that make it to our top 30 list: 9. Zappos 10. Bonanza
11. Rakuten
12. Fruugo
13. Buydig.com
14. Poshmark
15. Best Buy
16. Decluttr
17. Zibbet
18. Shopify
19. BookScouter
20. BigCommerce
21. eBid
22. Verishop
23. Design by Humans
24. Threadless
25. Spring
26. Zazzle
27. Uncommon Goods
28. Earth Hero
29. Ethica
30. Reverb
Is Temu like AliExpress?
You may notice that we didn’t put AliExpress up there. We actually do get this question a lot from some readers. The answer is – No. Temu is a pure B2C online marketplace, where every consumer can purchase quality products at wholesale prices with any quantity. Temu is able to offer such affordable prices given its strong backing by its parent company PDD Holdings which has built a global supply chain network and capabilities.
Why Buy from Temu?
With the seemingly endless list of e-commerce sites, there must be something unique about Temu that makes it rise to the top of the App Store ranking.
Price
One factor that probably sets Temu apart from the other sites listed above is its price. The secret sauce behind Temu’s affordable prices is the supply chain capabilities of its parent business PDD Holdings. For those of you who are not familiar, PDD Holdings is a publicly traded company listed on Nasdaq since 2018 with a market capitalization of over $100 billion.
Temu is able to source its products at the lowest possible prices because PDD Holdings (which serves 900 million consumers globally) has established extensive relationships with manufacturers and suppliers around the world. Temu’s users are also able to save money on the already low prices by taking advantage of the site’s year-round bargains, special offers, and promotional events.
Service
In addition, Temu offers consumers good services from various buyer-centric policies. For example, it goes above and beyond by providing a comprehensive Purchase Protection Program for its consumers, which guarantees a complete refund if an item is received damaged, does not match the photo or description online, or does not arrive at all. Also, almost all items can be returned within 90 days of purchase for a full refund.
Summary
Shoppers seem to have unlimited choices right now when it comes to shopping online. At the end of the day, we recommend savvy shoppers try out different sites and decide for themselves. Trustworthy sites listed in this article are all great places to start shopping for your next fancy dress or friends’ birthday present.
If you are not sure where to start, just get on the App Store or Google Play, see what apps fellow shoppers love, and get going.
