Temu, the online shopping platform known for its extensive range of products at competitive prices, has found itself under scrutiny following its inclusion in Choice’s annual Shonky Awards. The award recognizes egregious examples of bad business behavior from all industries and sectors. This year, they took the extraordinary step of calling out Temu for its highly concerning customer service and safety practices.
Choice’s report pointed to significant concerns regarding Temu’s customer service, describing it as lacking and unreliable. One of the most shocking discoveries was how challenging many consumers found it to get a refund. This absence of assistance has led to grave concerns over Temu’s dedication to consumer satisfaction and product safety.
In its analysis, Choice labeled Temu as “an unsafe haven for dodgy sales tactics and fast fashion.” This characterization is an industry wide concern about the practice taken by the platform and their effect on consumer protection.
In 2024, Choice tested 15 Temu products at random. What they found was shocking — that every single one of the products did not meet at least one of the Australian regulations designed to protect children. This concerning result highlights the dangerous surprises consumers may encounter when they buy from the platform.
Safety violations have been an ongoing concern in Temu’s business practices. The company only recalled the hoodie after being alerted to major safety issues four months after its discovery. Ashley de Silva, CEO of Choice, said that safety was “maybe the most concerning” at Temu.
Just last week, Temu announced a recall of hooded baby blankets. In another undocumented but widely reported incident, a firepit the company sold initiated an extremely unsafe user experience, launching rogue sparks toward users. Even a travel adaptor sold alongside a heater on Temu was found to breach Australian standards. When plugged into standard power points, it often left the pins exposed, potentially opening up a serious safety risk.
Choice’s testing of the heater revealed that it did not produce “anywhere near as much heat as its advertising suggests.” This information contradicts Temu’s marketing claims, making us question the reliability and quality of Temu’s products even more.
Despite all the controversy and frustration, Temu is still riding high on consumer popularity. Its massive selection of products and low prices is what brings shoppers back to the store. Consistent front-page news about safety concerns still plagues its legacy.
Ashley de Silva emphasized the importance of transparency and consumer welfare, noting that “sneaky pricing tactics designed to confuse customers” are prevalent in the market. These criticisms aimed at Temu are indicative of a larger, increasing call for accountability from major online retailers.
