At first glance, Temu looks like a wonderland of affordable accessories, jewellery, electronics, clothing, beauty products, and more. At the time of writing, you can pick up a floral summer dress for less than $5 and a pair of comfy-looking soft slides for less than $1.50. But is this Aladdin’s Cave of bargain items all too good to be true?
The Chinese-owned e-commerce platform, which is based in Boston, has been called out for lack of transparency around its business practices, indicating that maybe, behind all of those great-sounding deals, somebody, somewhere, is paying the actual price of its cheap, fast, and convenient consumer goods.
But in a flash, Temu has become a real competitor for longer-standing giants in the space, like Amazon and Wish. While it does sell fast fashion, it prides itself on being a one-stop-shop marketplace for, quite literally, everything. You can buy batteries, skincare, paint brushes, solar garden lights, ear protectors —if you can name it, Temu’s got it.
Understanding its Purpose and Impact
The company’s idea is to “connect buyers with millions of sellers, manufacturers, and brands worldwide with the mission to empower them to live their best lives.” It also values empowerment, social responsibility, inclusion and diversity, and integrity.
The committee expressed concern about Shein and Temu’s marketplace business model and the “exploitation of U.S. de minimus provisions.” The de minimis threshold is $800; anything below this is not inspected upon entry into the country. Temu also has no specific policy against goods being made in Xinjiang, where, according to the U.S. government, there is evidence to suggest that forced labour is taking place.
“These results are shocking: Temu is doing next to nothing to keep its supply chains free from slave labour,” said Congressman Mike Gallagher. “At the same time, Temu and Shein are building empires around the de minimis loophole in our import rules—dodging import taxes and evading scrutiny on the millions of goods they sell to Americans.”
This is far from the first time that companies associated with fast fashion have been linked to exploitative practices. In 2021, one report suggested that employees at factories supplying to Shein were only allowed one day off per month and were clocking in for around three shifts per day. Since then, multiple reports have suggested ongoing exploitation in the brand’s supply chains.
Assessing Temu’s Approach to Responsibility
In fact, in a study of 1,000 clothing factories released earlier this year, researchers found that more than half had dealt with issues like delayed payment from brands, order cancellations and pay refusals. Around 37 per cent of the brands studied (including GAP, Zara, and Lidl) were reported as having engaged in unfair practices.
Plus, this fast production and delivery significantly impact the planet. In 2021, one study suggested that fast shipping alone increases CO2 emissions by 15 per cent. Fast fashion is also associated with driving up textile waste (around 92 million tons of clothing ends up in landfill every year), issues like water wastage, deforestation (usually linked to leather usage), and pollution.
The bottom line is while it seems reasonable on the surface, there is no genuinely ethical, sustainable way to buy from companies that prioritize fast, cheap, and convenient manufacture and delivery. Instead, it’s far better to invest in sustainable, low-waste consumption. For tips, find our ethical shopping guides here.
Renovating your home or redesigning an interior is much more than choosing a new paint colour scheme or selecting furniture; it’s about creating a space that resonates with your style while being functional and inviting.
But with a few key considerations, it can go a lot smoother
- Identifying your sty.
- Setting a budget.
- Planning your spa.
- Choosing a colour scheme.
- Selecting the right furniture.
- Incorporating light.
Adding personal touches can help you create a home that reflects your identity.
Evaluating the Influence and Persuasiveness of Temu’s Design
And if you’re looking to sell, a home renovation or redesign right can increase your home’s value while allowing you to create the perfect living space. Whether a small-scale makeover or a full-blown renovation project, you need adequate preparation to achieve your desired results.
Despite all your best attempts and meticulous planning, there may be times when you hit a roadblock or need clarification on your design choices. Feel free to seek professional advice when needed.
An interior designer or decorator can provide invaluable input and innovative ideas you may have yet to consider. They can also help you circumvent costly mistakes, get the most out of your budget and ensure your vision comes to life precisely as you imagine.
If you need to hire a contractor or any professional for the renovation, insist on establishing a fixed contract. Doing this can prevent many issues regarding the payment plan, extra costs, surprise hidden fees, and the renovation schedule.
