Temu doesn’t acknowledge itself within the criticism from German shopper organizations. They accuse the platform filled with Chinese language bargains of unfair buying and selling practices. In keeping with Temu, the corporate is unfairly portrayed in a nasty gentle.
Final week, Temu acquired a reprimand from the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (vzbv). The umbrella group of German shopper organizations recognized a number of violations. Temu, for instance, allegedly doesn’t make it clear sufficient to shoppers the place the excessive reductions on the platform are primarily based. Temu can also be accused of utilizing darkish patterns, manipulative strategies that encourage shoppers to interact in conduct that’s not of their greatest curiosity.
Reference costs
The vzbv needed Temu to decide to refraining from the alleged unfair buying and selling practices. However in line with Temu, the corporate adheres to the relevant guidelines. “We rigorously assess all worth info offered by our sellers to make sure accuracy and transparency for our clients”, a spokesperson instructed the German tech title Heise concerning the reference costs.
Darkish patterns
In keeping with Temu, there may be additionally no use of darkish patterns, that are prohibited underneath the European Digital Companies Act. Statements comparable to ‘solely 13 objects left’ and ’29 folks have this merchandise of their buying cart now’ are, in line with the platform, primarily based on fact. “They’re supposed to assist shoppers make knowledgeable selections, to not be manipulative or coercive.”
‘We don’t wish to be manipulative or coercive.’
Based mostly on the knowledge offered, buyers could make knowledgeable selections, in line with Temu, which ends up in elevated buyer satisfaction and fewer returns. Temu additional denies allegations concerning the authenticity of product evaluations. “We by no means take away or suppress unfavorable evaluations”, the corporate states. Present and detailed evaluations are given precedence on the platform.
Criticism from Germany
Temu confronted criticism from Germany earlier this 12 months. In February, Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) referred to as on politicians to be stricter in the direction of low-cost marketplaces from China, together with Temu. The curiosity group advocates for strengthening customs and suggests a digital platform the place each cargo have to be registered.
Temu in Europe
Backed by the Chinese language tech large PDD Holdings, Temu entered Europe a 12 months in the past. In lots of international locations, together with Germany, it was essentially the most downloaded buying app final 12 months. Temu, reportedly accounting for over 30 billion euros in income in 2023, lately opened its platform to sellers with stock in the USA.
Temu generated over 30 billion euros in income final 12 months.
Temu will add sellers delivering from Europe anytime quickly. In the meantime, the platform is engaged on increasing its European supply community.