Is Temu safe?　Experts on the reputation of the rapidly expanding mail-order site

EU adds to list of platforms to be monitored at highest level ……

Temu, a shopping mall-type online shopping site from China, started operations in Japan in July 2011 and is rapidly increasing its users. The site offers a wide range of products, including fashion, daily necessities, home appliances, and furniture, all at “low prices. Some items are priced at less than 100 yen (and shipping is free!). Some of the products are less than 100 yen (and free shipping!), and the low prices are extraordinary.

However, there have been many “shady” articles on the Internet, which made me, as a timid person, shy away from the site. Recently, however, I came across an article that said, “Temu is half the price of Amazon! I can no longer feign indifference.

What kind of site is Temu, and how is it wise to use it? We spoke with Namiko Endo, an online shopping concierge who uses Temu frequently.

Expanding to 47 countries… in the U.S. and U.K., Temu has overtaken Amazon as No. 1 in downloads.

Temu is an online shopping site developed “for overseas” by PDD Holdings, which owns the major Chinese e-commerce company “Pinduo Duo” under its umbrella. The Japanese version of the application and official website are written in Japanese, so it looks no different from a domestic shopping site.

In Japan, where the site has been in operation for about a year, the name Temu has not yet taken root, and for the time being it is called “Teemu” or “Temu.

The service was launched in the U.S. in September ’22 and has now expanded to 47 countries around the world. In the U.S. and the U.K., the number of app downloads from January to September 2011 The number of app downloads from January to September 2011 in the U.S. and the U.K. surpassed that of Amazon The reason for the site’s popularity is, in short, that it is “a fast-growing site with a lot of attention.

The reason for its popularity is, after all, that it is inexpensive.

The reason for its popularity is, after all, its “low price. The reason for the site’s popularity is, of course, its inexpensiveness. There are also frequent discount sales and coupons.

Because of the overwhelming number of products, there are many unique products that are rarely seen in Japan, and it is nice to know that what you buy is not the same as anyone else’s. I myself use the store five to six times a month.

I myself use the site 5-6 times a month. Even when I can’t find something I like at domestic stores, I think, ‘Maybe Temu has it,’ and when I look for it, it really is there (laughs). Amazon Whenever I am looking for something I want, I search Temu first.

Endo-san especially purchases accessories, sundries, and interior goods. The other day, he purchased a stand-type light for 1,040 yen that can be used for photography.

In addition to the low prices and large selection of items, he attributes the popularity of the app and website to their well-designed and easy-to-use features.

The game-like elements, such as coupons that appear every time you open the app and a roulette game that determines the discount rate, just draw you in. The app is very good at creating a system that makes you want to use it every time you open it.

It’s easy to understand and adds a fun element to the shopping experience, making it a stress-free shopping experience.

The company is also focusing on security, and has taken measures this year to ensure that users do not feel insecure.

In April ’24, we announced our participation in the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), an international organization dedicated to combating online fraud and cybercrime. This is a clear indication of Temu’s commitment to protecting customer data and providing a safe shopping environment.

Purchases on Temu are treated as “personal imports.

This sounds like a lot of good news, and there is nothing particularly suspicious about it.

However, Temu is an overseas shopping site. Most of the products are made in China, and all of them are delivered from China. In other words, it is important to keep in mind that purchases made through Temu are treated as “personal imports.

Incidentally, Amazon is also based overseas (in the U.S.), but its sales in Japan (Amazon.co.jp) are operated by Amazon Japan, LLC, a Japanese subsidiary.

So, what should we pay attention to when importing from Japan?

What is the difference between a “personal import” and an “import”? For personal imports, some products are prohibited from being imported into Japan, while others, such as medical supplies, medical equipment, and cosmetics, are restricted in terms of the quantity (for personal use) that can be imported. For example, pharmaceuticals are limited to one month or less, and cosmetics are limited to 24 standard-size items per item. Care must be taken when buying in bulk.”

Depending on the item and the amount, customs duties may also apply.

When importing goods purchased through overseas mail order, customs duties and import consumption tax will be imposed by Japanese customs. Generally speaking, the taxable amount for personal imports is “product price x 60% = 10,000 yen or less”. Therefore, if the purchase price is 16,666 Japanese yen or less, neither customs duty nor consumption tax will be imposed.

If the purchase price exceeds 16,666 yen, you will be charged the same 10% consumption tax as when shopping in Japan. The tariff rate is determined by the item. Some items, such as cosmetics, are exempt from tariffs, while others, such as leather shoes, are subject to a 30% tariff, so it is advisable to check the customs website for details.

Although the site does not deal in “brand-name” goods, the site is lined with products printed in the shape of famous brand names and logos. Be aware that if you buy these items knowing that they are fake, but simply because they are interesting, they may be confiscated by customs.

Compared to domestic shopping, the packaging is not as strict.

The packaging is not as tight as that of domestic mail order. The products are not packed in cardboard boxes, etc. They arrive in bags, The package is not packed in cardboard, but comes in a bag. When you open the bag, you may find some items in a box, but they are not packed tightly, so you may want to avoid fragile glasses.

Also, as a basic rule, when buying a product, read through the description as well as the product image to check the description of the material and size.

The reviews of other buyers are always a good place to start. If there are bad reviews or no reviews attached to the product, you may want to refrain from purchasing it. Also, electrical appliances may have different standards from overseas, such as outlet formats and voltages, so I would like you to fully check if the standard is compatible for use in Japan before ordering”.

The “return policy” and “money back guarantee” are Temu’s selling points, but ……

How cheap are Temu’s products?

A quick look around the site revealed that headphones are indeed very cheap, at 718 yen and LED flashlights at 538 yen, while a pair of cooling arm sleeves for UV protection is incomprehensibly priced at 64 yen.

Moreover, shipping is free, and the minimum order is 1400-2800 yen (depending on various factors such as promotions and discounts). Incidentally, for Amazon (regular members), the standard amount for free shipping was raised this spring to 3,500 yen or more. However, orders below that amount can still be placed.

How is it possible to offer products at such an unbelievably low price?

It is said, “We are said to have cut all the costs normally incurred, including fixed costs for stores and other facilities, labor costs, intermediary margins and commissions, and transportation costs. They must be able to build a business model that eliminates manufacturing costs, distribution costs, and margins.

I imagine that if the cost of goods is about 30%, Temu eliminates all additional costs, adds 20% profit, and sells the goods at 50%.

I also hear that Temu has introduced a system whereby only the sellers with the lowest prices can sell their items, such as by specifying the selling price of the item on the Temu side or by having multiple sellers bid for the item. I think they are adopting a strategy of thoroughly focusing on low prices.”

When one hears the phrase “reduced costs,” one worries about the risks associated with the reductions.

Cutting costs also means eliminating things we take for granted, such as inspecting merchandise.” When you use a very inexpensive overseas mail-order service, you should expect that the cheaper the price is, the higher the risk.”

That is why we are concerned about what to do if we receive an inferior product.

If you receive a defective product or a product that is different from what you expected, customer service will take care of your return or refund. Compared to other international shopping sites, I think it offers a high level of security.

The application process is also easy. You can find the return and refund information in your “Order History,” so all you need to do is to use your smartphone to complete the process. If necessary, you can take a picture, attach the image, send it, and apply for a refund. If it is approved, you will receive your refund immediately.

It takes a lot of time and effort, though, so that’s one of the risks.

By the way, I have ordered about 60 times so far, and even though there have been times when the image of the product was different from the picture, everything has been acceptable (laughs). I have never had an inferior product, in fact, most of the products are of higher quality than I had imagined from the price range.

This is not a product that has passed Japanese safety standards. …… The basic premise of personal importation is “use at your own risk.

In recent years, however, there have been a number of accidents involving toys, electrical appliances, and other products purchased through overseas mail order. In the case of “SHEIN,” a mail-order site from China that landed in Japan earlier than others and attracted much attention, there was a recent report that carcinogenic substances were detected in underwear, swimsuits, and floatation rings sold in South Korea.

Such reports may make many people hesitant to purchase items that come in contact with their bodies or toys handled by children.

In the case of personal imports, the basic premise is that the products purchased are used at one’s own risk. For example, in the case of Japanese Amazon For example, if there is an accident with a product purchased from Amazon in Japan, the responsibility lies with the Japanese Amazon However, this is not expected in the case of overseas mail order.

When purchasing products that may be harmful to one’s body or health through overseas mail order, consumers need to be aware that they should check for safety issues before purchasing and using the product.

At this point in time (mid-August), there have been no reports of safety issues with Temu products in Japan, but there have been cases of recalls of children’s pajamas in the U.S. due to failure to meet safety standards in their own country. In Japan, the investigation may not have caught up yet, so there is a possibility that this will happen again in the future,” Endo said.

Imported products are not certified under Japanese safety standards. Therefore, you should be very careful when purchasing some of them.

For example, products for babies and pets that could be put into their mouths, products that come in direct contact with the skin, and products that could affect the human body in the event of an accident. Cosmetics also do not always use ingredients that are approved in Japan.

If you decide to purchase a product with this in mind, we recommend that you wash it before use for clothing and wipe it down for small items to minimize risk.

When using overseas mail-order services, Endo says, not only should each consumer carefully consider before purchasing, but also, in the future, “Japan’s management system for overseas mail-order services should also be questioned.

Now, looking at it this way, there are many things to be aware of, but as long as they are kept in check, it seems as though a satisfactory shopping experience can be had.

Now that Temu has been in Japan for a year and its true identity is gradually becoming clear, perhaps now is the time for beginners to start importing their own products.

The reason why Temu became such a big hit in the U.S., where prices continue to soar, is because so many people are attracted by its low price.

Of course there are disadvantages, but the advantages of Temu’s low price and convenience are so great that they overwhelm them. In the future, Japan will also be a good place to start. Amazon and Rakuten, and feel that it has enough momentum to overtake them and take the top spot. I think it is only a matter of time before they overtake Japanese EC businesses if they don’t do more.”

Namiko Endo, EC analyst and online shopping concierge. She is the president of Twinkle Sprinkle Japan K.K. and is also active as an All About “How to Use Mail Order and Online Shopping” guide. After graduating from high school, she went to the U.S. by herself and majored in psychology at an American university. After returning to Japan, he worked for a foreign pharmaceutical wholesaler before joining an Internet store management company, where he was in charge of overall store operations as executive director. Later, he obtained an MBA (Master of Business Administration). At a consulting company, he was engaged in IT utilization consulting work for local governments and ministries. Currently, he is involved in a wide range of business activities, including media appearances and consulting. He is the author of “50-sai kara no net-shopping” (“Online shopping from age 50”).