Temu, the budget-friendly e-commerce platform, has skyrocketed to popularity since its launch in 2022. With its direct-from-factory model and aggressive pricing strategy, it has become a go-to destination for both consumers and small business owners. Yet, its rapid growth hasn’t been without challenges.
The platform has faced scrutiny over issues like product quality, shipping delays, and its disruption of traditional retail markets. Despite these headwinds, Temu has consistently cultivated trust among its most important constituency—its users, and particularly younger consumers and entrepreneurs—by focusing on transparency, innovation, and delivering value.
According to a recent report from Appfigures cited by Business Insider, Temu was downloaded nearly 42 million times by Gen Z users in the first ten months of 2024, making it the most popular app among 18-to-24-year-olds. This trend underscores a growing confidence in Temu’s ability to meet the needs of cost-conscious, digitally savvy consumers.
For small business owners, Temu’s reliability and affordability have translated into real operational and financial benefits. Let’s explore how entrepreneurs are leveraging Temu to build trust and thrive in a competitive world.
Eli Itzhaki, founder of KeyZoo, relies on trust to run his locksmith business, which spans 350 U.S. locations. His motto, “Any key, any time, anywhere,” is a promise to customers that demands precision and efficiency.
“I’d been searching everywhere, but this set was exactly what I needed. It saved us time and made our intricate jobs easier,” Eli shared about a locksmith toolset he purchased on Temu.
By sourcing tools through Temu, Eli not only met his operational needs but also reinforced trust with his customers by consistently delivering high-quality, reliable service.
Trust is also built through financial responsibility, a principle embraced by Austin Rulfs, founder of Zanda Wealth in Adelaide, Australia. Austin used Temu to create a more comfortable and productive workplace for his team without overspending.
“I choose Temu mainly because of its unbeatable prices and extensive inventory,” Austin explained. “It’s these little things that let me reinvest savings into growing the business.”
By prioritizing his employees’ comfort and maintaining financial discipline, Austin demonstrated his commitment to both his team and his business’s long-term success.
For businesses like Presenteverso, aligning with shared values is key to building trust with customers. Managing director Danilo Miranda sourced handmade journals from Temu for a seasonal gift guide that emphasized sustainability.
“They were beautiful journals, remade out of recycled materials, and all profits went to education initiatives,” Danilo said. “It not only benefited our customers but also allowed them to help us do good.”
By using Temu to combine affordability with purpose, Danilo cultivated trust with customers who share his commitment to positive social impact.
Temu’s focus on affordability doesn’t come at the expense of quality. Features like seller ratings and verified reviews allow entrepreneurs to make informed purchases, fostering confidence in the platform.
Stefano Lodola, founder of Think In Italian, turned to Temu to organize his workspace.
“The improved organization helped me stay focused and boosted productivity,” Stefano said.
By choosing trusted products through Temu, Stefano delivered on his commitments to clients, further strengthening their trust in his business.
For Liga Rudzite, content editor at The Traveler, Temu became an essential tool for cutting costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
“I bought office supplies for my business—everything from file organizers to tech accessories—and saved nearly 40% compared to other sites,” Liga said. “These small improvements helped me save time and stay organized, which in turn boosted productivity.”
Liga reinvested her savings into marketing and other initiatives, signaling to stakeholders that her business is both financially savvy and forward-thinking—a cornerstone of trust-building.
Temu’s direct-from-factory model not only lowers costs but also ensures transparency in pricing, delivery, and quality. Its ability to respond to early challenges, such as long shipping times, with faster local logistics has further solidified its reputation as a reliable partner for small businesses.
With nearly 700 million monthly visits, Temu has become the world’s second-most-visited e-commerce platform, and its appeal shows no signs of waning.
Entrepreneurs understand that trust is the foundation of any successful business. Whether it’s delivering on promises, aligning with shared values, or reinvesting savings into growth, small business owners who leverage Temu are finding ways to consistently cultivate trust among their customers, employees, and partners.
As Ronald Osborne, a business coach who uses Temu to help his clients, aptly put it:
“Platforms like Temu are not just cost-saving tools; they’re strategic partners in business growth. And when you show stakeholders that you’re making smart, intentional choices, you build trust that lasts.”
In a world where trust is more valuable than ever, Temu is helping entrepreneurs unlock their potential and create businesses that thrive.
Editorial note: Temu is an Idea Grove client.