I know what you’re thinking – another post about Temu? Trust me, I was skeptical too. As someone running The Advanced Building Network, where we’re laser-focused on slashing building costs while championing quality and sustainability, I never thought I’d be writing about this particular platform. Yet here we are!
Here’s the thing, building a house isn’t just about concrete and timber – it’s also about all those finishing touches that quietly add up. You know, the curtains, coat hooks, plant pots, and rugs that somehow always manage to blow the budget. So when several people, particularly from the Chinese community, kept raving about Temu for for small projects like home staging – and asking for my thoughts, my curiosity got the better of me.
I’ll admit, I was resistant. After my recent disenchantment with Amazon (where finding trusted brands has become like searching for a needle in a haystack of mysterious knockoffs and eye-watering shipping fees), the last thing I wanted was another deep dive into the world of online marketplaces.
But there I was, one night in the studio, killing time before a late international call. “Free shipping and endless options – what’s the worst that could happen?” I thought. Famous last words, right? So I took the plunge and ordered a few items.
Let me tell you how that experiment went…
Temu Product Reviews
1. Curtain Sheers and Tracks
Temu Price: NZD$34.26 per set (including postage)
In New Zealand, anything related to fabrics or upholstery seems outrageously expensive. I decided to test some curtain sheers for a relatively unused north-facing room, selecting a set that balanced quality and price – not the cheapest, but about 20% the cost of our local retail chains for a similar sized item.
The sheers arrived a few weeks later, and I was genuinely impressed with the quality. While I noticed a slight pattern variation between the two packs (nothing visible from a distance), they earned a solid 4/5 for quality and value.
The tracks were surprisingly robust. I opted for the version with the largest diameter rod. I bought a few different sets to see what worked best, and realised that Temu’s freight is so cheap because they don’t sell big items, so the tracks arrived in several pieces that screw together. I was sceptical at first, but was pleasantly surprised how strong the completed tube was after assembly.
The included wall screws and rawlplugs were simply not good enough, so I swapped them out with better fixings from my own supply. Why skimp on such an inexpensive component? Still, I score this set a 4/5 overall.
2. Stainless Steel Sink Drain Set
Price: NZD$15.78 (including postage)
Here’s where things get interesting. I needed to replace a broken stainless steel downpipe between my basin and trap. The exact same unit from my original supplier? NZD$649. Temu’s version? A mere NZD$15.78. Yes, you read that right.
Now, full disclosure – the Temu version is significantly lighter, about 25% of the original’s weight, so the wall thickness was thinner, but the finish, while good, probably won’t last as long. But at that price point, who’s complaining for a quick test? I only needed the pipe so the rest went in my spares box, but still much cheaper than buying locally. 4/5 for value.
3. Solar Garden Lights
Price: NZD$23.37 for a 2-pack (including postage)
As someone who owns a high-end lighting design and supply business, I was particularly curious about their lighting options. I’ve spent years searching for a reliable solar lighting manufacturer, and sadly, I’m still looking.
The first set I purchased from Temu felt promising – good weight, decent illumination. However, after one rainy day, I found water inside the casing. I subsequently added silicon sealant around the solar cell and casing for greater longevity, but for outdoor lighting, a proper IP rating shouldn’t be optional. 3/5.
I tried another set – 3 pcs Solar LED Ball Lights at NZD$16.07. These were disappointing from the start: a tiny solar cell hidden inside the plastic globe and a single LED so weak it barely lit the grass below. These went straight back to Temu. 1/5. Thank goodness for the great return policy.
The Good, The Bad, and The Reality
What’s clear is that Temu offers mixed results. The pricing and shipping are impressive, especially for simple, non-electrical items. Their refund service market leading, and there are genuine bargains to be found – just manage your expectations accordingly.
The price differences are striking. That solar light I kept? NZD$15 on Temu versus NZD$60 at Mitre10.co.nz.
However, there are concerns:
- Product images often exaggerate size (I found over 90% to be very misleading)
- Reviews seem AI-generated, with poor English and duplicate content across different products
- Sales figures are likely inflated, but I can’t be sure.
- Product descriptions can be confusing and lead to purchasing mistakes.
The Verdict
Temu serves a purpose, particularly for interior decorative items that can be eye-wateringly expensive in retail stores. Would I trust it for crucial building components like fasteners? Absolutely not – some things demand reliability over savings. But for me as an Amazon alternative? Surprisingly, yes. Amazon’s decreasing premium brand selection, slow shipping and excessive freight costs to New Zealand, make Temu an attractive option for certain purchases.
Looking ahead, I see tremendous potential for a building products platform that follows Temu’s direct-to-consumer model but maintains high quality standards. If we’re serious about making building more affordable in New Zealand, well globally, eliminating unnecessary middlemen while ensuring product reliability could be key to achieving that goal.
Related
Reviewed Temu Solar Garden Spotlights
