Temu vs Amazon | Which Platform Reigns Supreme?
It has been over 2 years since Temu entered the eCommerce landscape and they've absolutely decimated the game.
Though Temu has grown into a giant in such a short span of time, it's still quite small when compared to Amazon, who currently owns over 41% of the eCommerce market in the US.
This article aims to clear all your doubts about these two brands and make choosing one an easier task. I dug deep into the nitty-gritty of both platforms and have compared prices, product selection, quality and other key factors like shipping and customer support.
Let's take a look at what I found and see whether there's any difference between the two or if one of them reigns supreme.
Also Read: Temu vs AliExpress Reviewed 2024 | Are There any Differences Between Temu and AliExpress?
Temu vs Amazon
Based on my experience, it is evident that Temu and Amazon both have their unique selling points.
Temu offers products that are much cheaper than Amazon as it sources directly from manufacturers and offers “zero entry and commission fees” to merchants.
In contrast, Amazon has a more extensive product range and a comprehensive self-help section and offers 24/7 customer support.
Temu provides two shipping options, while Amazon offers free shipping to users who have bought into the Amazon Prime program.
Therefore, it depends on the individual's preference and needs to decide which one to use.
Which Platform Reigns Supreme in the Battle of Temu vs Amazon: Website/App?
Both Temu and Amazon have websites as well as apps that can be downloaded on various devices. Both platforms are SSL secure, and their apps receive regular updates and bug fixes.
While the Amazon app for Android and iOS devices is nearly double the size of the Temu app, Temu tends to launch and boot up faster.
Currently, Temu ranks number 2 on the Google Play Store and App Store, whereas Amazon retains the number 1 spot on both fronts. However, the Temu app is easier to navigate, while Amazon has become complicated to use over the years.
Temu vs Amazon: Product Range
When it comes to product range, Amazon undoubtedly has a more extensive selection than Temu. This is not surprising, considering that Amazon has been in the eCommerce game for much longer and has established relationships with thousands of manufacturers and brands.
Temu, on the other hand, is a relatively new player in the market, and their product range is still growing.
However, they do offer a carefully curated selection of products, and they are constantly adding new items to their inventory.
One advantage that Temu has over Amazon is that they offer products that are not typically found on Amazon. For example, Temu has a dedicated section for unique and innovative products that are not available anywhere else.
Overall, while Amazon has a more extensive product range, Temu offers a unique selection of products that cannot be found on Amazon.
Temu vs Amazon: Who Offers the Best Prices for Online Shoppers?
The most noticeable difference between Temu and Amazon is the price of goods sold.
Temu offers products that are much cheaper than Amazon, and this is attributed to the fact that Temu sources directly from manufacturers based in China and other parts of the world.
Temu cuts out the middleman and conducts its business directly with manufacturers, and this is another reason why its prices are so low.
On the business side, Temu provides “zero entry and commission fees” to merchants, which allows them to run discounts, sales and offer their products at lower prices.
In contrast, Amazon charges a commission of up to 30% on the income merchants make while using their platform, which can eat into the manufacturers' profits, thereby increasing the overall price of their products.
For example, I came across the Lenovo LP40 TWS earbuds on Amazon for around $23.48, being sold by a third-party merchant. However, the same model wasn’t available on Temu, but an upgraded version, the LP40 Pro was available for under $5.
The trend was the same with other products on the sites such as hair clippers like the T9, which cost around $15 on Amazon while the same one is up on Temu for under $6.
Dash cams also are a lot cheaper on Temu, and high-quality cams that generally cost over $50 were priced at under $20 on the site.
In terms of pricing, Temu is a better platform than Amazon for both merchants and customers. They don’t collect entry fees or commission from their merchants, and in turn, buyers get to find quality products at competitive prices.
Temu vs Amazon: Shipping & Delivery
Both websites offer free shipping, but Amazon only offers free shipping to users who have bought into the Amazon Prime program. Regular users are made to pay for shipping within the US.
Shipping is normally Amazon Fulfilled, but there are some instances where sellers would ship the order on their own using either USPS or UPS. Temu, on the other hand, provides two shipping options, Standard and Express.
Their Standard shipping option is free on most orders, but it’s a lot slower, and orders will take up to 2 weeks to arrive. Express shipping is free on orders over $99, or if the order is less than the set value, a flat charge of $12.99 will be levied on the order.
Temu vs Amazon: Who Provides Better Customer Service to Online Shoppers?
Customer service is a crucial aspect of any eCommerce platform and both Temu and Amazon offer various channels through which customers can reach out for support.
On Temu, I found that the best way to contact their customer service team is via email, which is not the most efficient mode of communication. They do not have a dedicated phone number that customers can call, and their chat support is not always online.
Amazon, on the other hand, offers 24/7 customer support through their phone hotline, email, and chat support. This makes it easy for customers to get assistance whenever they need it.
In addition to their support channels, Amazon also has a robust self-help section where customers can find answers to common questions and troubleshoot issues without having to contact support.
In terms of customer service, Amazon takes the win with their 24/7 support and comprehensive self-help section.
What are the Pros and Cons of Shopping on Temu vs Amazon in 2023?
| Pros of Temu | Cons of Temu |
| Lower prices | Slow delivery |
| User-friendly interface | Limited products |
| No commission fees | Lack of same-day delivery |
| Wide range of products | Lower brand recognition |
| Pros of Amazon | Cons of Amazon |
| Quicker delivery | Higher prices |
| Vast product range | Complicated platform |
| Established brand | Lack of transparency |
| Trusted seller ratings | Ethical concerns |
Temu vs Amazon: FAQ’s
Is Temu a reliable online shopping platform?
Yes, Temu is a reliable online shopping platform that has been steadily overtaking big ecommerce brands with its broad range of carefully curated products and super competitive prices.
Does Temu offer free shipping?
Yes, Temu offers free shipping on most orders via their Standard shipping option. Express shipping is also available for a flat charge of $12.99 or free on orders over $99.
How does Temu keep its prices low?
Temu keeps its prices low by sourcing products directly from manufacturers and eliminating middlemen, which reduces costs for both merchants and buyers. They also don't charge entry fees or commission fees to merchants, allowing them to offer products at lower prices.
How does Amazon ensure the quality of its products?
Amazon has a robust seller rating system that allows buyers to check the ratings of individual sellers before making a purchase. They also have strict policies in place to ensure that sellers meet their quality standards and provide excellent customer service.
Temu vs Amazon: Which is Better?
In conclusion, while Temu is a promising new eCommerce platform that offers competitive prices and a user-friendly interface, it is unlikely that they will overtake Amazon as the number one eCommerce platform in the US anytime soon.
Amazon's established brand name, extensive product range, and superior customer service give them a significant advantage over Temu. Additionally, Amazon's faster shipping times and more comprehensive support options make them the clear winner in these categories.
However, Temu has its own advantages, such as their unique selection of products and more affordable prices. For customers looking for innovative and hard-to-find products, Temu may be a better option than Amazon.
Ultimately, whether you choose to shop on Temu or Amazon depends on your priorities as a customer. If you value fast shipping, extensive product selection, and top-notch customer service, Amazon is the clear winner. If you prioritize affordability and a unique selection of products, Temu may be the better option for you.
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