The Chinese e-commerce giant Temu, known for its ultra-low prices and aggressive marketing strategies, is facing growing backlash in Pakistan as frustrated customers report a wave of issues ranging from fake deliveries to deceptive promotions. While the platform has rapidly gained popularity among bargain-hunting shoppers, its lack of local infrastructure and questionable business practices are now undermining consumer trust.
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Delivery Discrepancies and Fake Confirmations: One of the most alarming complaints involves Temu marking orders as “delivered” without customers ever receiving their parcels. Lahore-based student Ayesha Malik shared her experience: “I waited weeks for my order, only to see it marked as ‘delivered’ in the app. When I contacted the courier, they had no record of the package.” Similar reports have flooded social media, with many accusing Temu of manipulating delivery statuses to avoid accountability.
Deceptive “4 Free Gifts” Campaign: Temu’s much-advertised “4 Free Gifts” promotion has also come under fire. The scheme, which rewards users with coins for completing tasks, initially lures shoppers with easy bonuses. However, as users near the 100-coin threshold needed to claim gifts, the system allegedly slows down, making it nearly impossible to reach the target. “At first, I earned coins quickly, but after 80, it became a grind with tiny rewards. It feels rigged,” complained Karachi resident Fahad Ahmed.
Refund Delays and Poor Customer Support: Perhaps the most persistent grievance is Temu’s slow and unresponsive refund process. Customers who return defective or incorrect items often wait weeks—sometimes months—without reimbursement. Islamabad teacher Samina Khan recounted: “I returned a faulty blender in December and only got my money back in March after countless emails.” With no local offices or helplines, Pakistani buyers struggle to escalate complaints, leaving many feeling cheated.
Regulatory Gaps and Calls for Action: Consumer rights advocates argue that Temu exploits Pakistan’s lack of strict e-commerce regulations for cross-border platforms. Unlike local retailers, Temu operates without physical warehouses or customer service centers in the country, making it difficult for authorities to intervene. “The government must enforce transparency rules for international sellers to protect consumers,” urged legal analyst Mariam Hassan.
As complaints multiply, Temu risks losing its foothold in Pakistan’s competitive e-commerce market. For now, shoppers are advised to:
- Record unboxings as proof of missing/wrong items.
- Use secure payment methods (e.g., credit cards with dispute options).
- Avoid relying on promotional games with unclear terms.
With trust eroding, Temu must address these systemic issues—or face a consumer exodus in Pakistan.
