Why Is Temu So Cheap? Uncovering the Real Reasons

Why Is Temu So Cheap

Temu has quickly gained popularity with unbelievably low prices. You might wonder, “Why is Temu so cheap in 2025?

In this article, DailyFulfill will uncover the real reasons behind Temu’s low prices, the advantages and trade-offs for buyers, and what this means for dropshippers looking to stay competitive.

Why Is Temu So Cheap?

There are several key reasons why Temu is so cheap. First, Temu works directly with manufacturers, cutting out the middlemen. By purchasing large quantities of products at once, Temu so cheap pricing is possible because it lowers overall costs. The company also uses aggressive pricing strategies and offers special deals to attract customers. All of these factors combined make Temu so cheap compared to other online stores.

Temu’s prices are very low in almost every area. There are a few main reasons why Temu has so many cheap deals. These strategies help you save money.

Direct Sourcing

Temu gets products straight from factories. Most are in China. There are no middlemen. This saves money on storage and shipping. Temu links you with the factory. You get the savings.

  • Temu’s direct sourcing means you pay less.
  • Lower shipping costs make things cheaper.
  • Temu skips wholesalers and stores, so prices drop.

If you want to dropshipping from temu, DailyFulfill can help. DailyFulfill connects you with factories. It supports dropshipping and helps you get better deals.

Economies of Scale

Temu buys and sells huge amounts of products. When Temu orders a lot, factories give lower prices. Temu uses smart shipping and tracks inventory to save money.

FactorHow It Makes Temu So Cheap
Logistics NetworkRobots and AI make shipping faster
Inventory ManagementProducts sell quickly, less waste
Dynamic Pricing AlgorithmPrices change fast to beat competitors

You get lower prices because Temu buys in bulk.

Loss Leader Pricing

Temu’s deals can seem unreal. Temu sometimes sells items for less than they cost. This brings in new shoppers. You might see a charger for $2 or a coat for $8. Temu gives free shipping and flash deals. Sometimes Temu loses money on your first order.

  • Temu’s low prices attract new buyers.
  • You get cheap items, but Temu earns less.
  • Temu hopes you will shop again.

Big companies like Uber and Amazon used this plan. They grew fast, even if they lost money at first.

Low-Cost Shipping

Shipping can make a deal good or bad. Temu keeps shipping cheap with smart partners. Temu uses Vendor-Managed Inventory. Sellers send products to Temu before you buy. The Just-In-Time model ships only after you order. This saves on storage.

  • Temu works with good carriers for quick delivery.
  • Global networks keep shipping costs low.
  • Shipping from China to the US can cost just a few cents.

You get fast delivery and pay less for shipping.

Direct-to-Consumer Model

Temu’s prices are low because you buy straight from the factory. You skip steps that add costs. Regular stores have many stages. Each one adds a markup. Temu links you to the factory, so you pay less.

  • Fewer steps mean lower prices for you.
  • Buying direct can save families thousands each year.

DailyFulfill has built strong relationships with factories across China over the past fifteen years, allowing you to purchase products from factories at lower prices through DailyFulfill.

Low Labor Costs

Many Temu products come from Chinese factories. Labor costs there are much lower than in the US or Europe. A worker in China earns about $25 a day. A US fast-food worker earns $80 a day. These lower wages let Temu offer cheaper prices.

  • Labor in China costs much less than in the West.
  • Temu’s prices depend on steady costs and good factory ties.

You pay less, but low labor costs can raise questions about worker treatment.

Marketing and Discounts

Temu’s deals get better with big ads and discounts. Temu spends a lot on advertising. You see flash sales, free shipping, and daily deals. These make you want to buy fast.

Strategy TypeDescription
App Download IncentivesRewards for getting the app
Referral BonusesPrizes for telling friends
Free Gift CampaignsFree gifts for new shoppers
Influencer CollaborationsTikTok and Instagram stars show products
GamificationDaily check-ins and spin-to-win games
Heavy DiscountsPrices 60–70% lower than others
Flash SalesDeals for a short time
Free Shipping PromotionsNo shipping costs for many orders

Temu’s discounts help you save more. They also help Temu compete with big stores like Amazon.

Tip: Want to use these ideas for your store? DailyFulfill can help you get direct sourcing and bulk deals. This makes your products cheaper for your shoppers.

Risks and Trade-Offs

Shopping on Temu in 2025 means you pay less, but there are risks. You should know about these risks before you buy. Understanding them helps you make better choices.

Product Quality

Product quality on Temu can change a lot. Some things look nice online but arrive with problems. Many people get items that are broken or feel cheap. Sellers sometimes use cheaper materials to keep prices low. Temu does not have as many reviews as Amazon. This makes it hard to know what you will get. Sometimes, reviews go missing or bad products get listed again. These problems happen because the platform wants to keep prices low.

Tip: Always read reviews and check ratings before you buy. If you want safer sourcing, DailyFulfill can help you find trusted factories.

Shipping Times

You may have to wait a long time for your order. Temu’s standard shipping takes 5 to 15 business days. Delays happen often. Express shipping is faster but still not as quick as some other stores. Orders can get stuck at customs or with local delivery. Sometimes, packages do not show up or come missing items.

Shipping MethodAverage Time (Business Days)
Standard Shipping5 to 15
Express Shipping3 to 8
Local Warehouses1 to 6

Customer Service

Temu’s customer service is not always helpful. It can be hard to get help if something goes wrong. Problems include getting the wrong amount, bad quality, or wrong descriptions. Many people have trouble with returns and refunds. The process can be confusing. Most shoppers think Amazon’s support is much better than Temu’s.

  • Only 5% of shoppers say Temu’s customer service is better than Amazon’s.
  • Half of all customers rate Amazon’s support as much better or slightly better.

In summary, Temu’s incredibly low prices are the result of direct manufacturer connections, large-scale supply chain advantages, and a cost-cutting business model that eliminates traditional retail markups. While this makes shopping on Temu attractive for consumers, it also highlights the competitive landscape that dropshipping businesses face today. The good news is, you don’t have to compete on price alone.

At DailyFulfill, we can help you source the same products you see on Temu directly from factories, often at even better rates, while ensuring reliable quality control and fast fulfillment. Send us the products you’re interested in, and our team will help you secure the best deals—giving your store a competitive edge in today’s fast-changing market.

DailyFulfill is your Best Dropshipping Partner

Recent posts