Temu's Value Proposition Resounds with UK Shoppers: Ipsos Survey Reveals Over 8 in 10 Agree on Good Value
This latest insight paints a compelling picture of how shopping habits are shifting in favor of platforms that combine affordability, variety, and convenience—all of which Temu seems to be prioritizing.
Who Is Temu?
For those unfamiliar, Temu is an online shopping app and marketplace that launched in the U.S. in 2022 and quickly expanded globally, including into the UK in 2023. Owned by PDD Holdings, the same company behind China’s Pinduoduo, Temu adopts a direct-from-factory model. This means it connects consumers with manufacturers and suppliers, cutting out traditional middlemen and driving prices down.
Temu offers everything from clothing and gadgets to home decor, tools, and beauty products—often at incredibly low prices. It's part of a growing wave of platforms that cater to price-conscious consumers in a time of economic uncertainty.
Ipsos Survey: The Numbers Behind the Praise
According to the Ipsos study conducted in early 2025, 83% of UK Temu users agreed or strongly agreed that the platform offers “good value for money.” The survey included a representative sample of online shoppers who had used Temu at least once within the past six months.
Other key findings from the survey include:
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76% said they found Temu's prices to be lower than similar products on other online platforms.
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68% mentioned they were satisfied with the quality of items received.
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71% agreed the app was easy to navigate and made discovering new products enjoyable.
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58% said they had already recommended Temu to friends or family.
These numbers suggest that Temu is more than just a bargain bin app—it is rapidly becoming a trusted shopping destination for value-focused UK consumers.
Why Is Temu Resonating with UK Shoppers?
There are several key factors contributing to Temu’s popularity and perceived value:
1. Ultra-Low Prices
The most obvious advantage is the price point. Temu’s direct-to-consumer model allows it to offer extremely competitive pricing, often undercutting other online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or local retailers. With cost of living still a concern for many Britons, platforms that help stretch budgets naturally gain traction.
2. Massive Product Selection
Temu lists millions of products across dozens of categories. From fashion to pet supplies, kitchen gadgets to kids’ toys, the platform offers a treasure trove of affordable finds. The variety ensures shoppers can get almost everything they need without hopping between sites.
3. Free Shipping and Promotions
Temu often entices users with free shipping, daily deals, and first-order discounts. Combined with flash sales and gamified promotions within the app, these incentives further amplify its value-oriented image.
4. Improved Delivery Experience
While early adopters may have experienced long shipping times, recent upgrades to Temu’s logistics network have shortened delivery windows, often to just 7–12 days in the UK. That’s fast enough to keep users engaged and satisfied, especially when they’re not paying premium prices.
5. Engaging App Experience
Temu’s app is more than just a storefront. With daily check-in rewards, spin-to-win games, and referral bonuses, the app encourages repeat visits. This level of engagement helps cement user loyalty and encourages broader product discovery.
The Trust Factor: Still a Work in Progress?
Although the majority of users praise Temu for its value, some concerns remain—especially regarding product quality, returns, and data privacy. A small but notable percentage of survey respondents (about 12%) mentioned they had received items that didn’t match product descriptions or had to go through a complex returns process.
However, Temu has been actively working to build consumer trust by:
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Improving buyer protection policies
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Adding clearer product reviews
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Introducing local customer service teams
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Offering refunds for lost or delayed packages
These steps appear to be making an impact, as customer satisfaction scores have improved quarter over quarter, according to Ipsos' longitudinal data.
A Competitor to Watch
Temu’s rapid success has not gone unnoticed. It is increasingly being seen as a serious competitor to Amazon, Shein, and eBay, particularly among Gen Z and millennial shoppers. Its emphasis on value over brand names appeals to younger consumers who are more willing to experiment and less tied to traditional labels.
Moreover, Temu’s ability to scale quickly—thanks to its parent company’s logistics expertise and global supply chain—gives it a major edge. The company is also reportedly exploring local warehousing options to further reduce shipping times and increase its foothold in Western markets.
Economic Timing Is Key
Temu’s rise also coincides with ongoing economic challenges in the UK, including inflation, energy costs, and stagnant wages. For many households, discretionary spending is under pressure. In such an environment, platforms that offer more for less naturally stand out.
Temu’s proposition isn’t just about price—it’s about value. It’s not asking consumers to pay more for premium packaging or name-brand prestige; it’s offering basic, functional, and trendy items at affordable prices.
What This Means for the Future of UK E-Commerce
The success of Temu in the UK signals a broader trend in online retail: value-first shopping is here to stay. As consumers become more budget-conscious and open to trying new platforms, traditional players will need to adapt.
We may see increased pressure on local retailers to lower prices, improve delivery logistics, or innovate their online presence. Established marketplaces will likely introduce more personalized offers, gamified experiences, or flexible pricing to keep up with newer platforms like Temu.
With over 8 in 10 UK users confirming its strong value proposition, Temu is clearly more than just a passing trend. It taps into a deep consumer desire for affordable, convenient, and varied shopping. While it still has work to do in areas like quality control and user trust, the platform’s rapid growth and high satisfaction scores suggest it’s well on its way to becoming a mainstay in the UK’s e-commerce landscape.
As Temu continues to evolve, it will likely reshape how people think about online shopping—not just in the UK, but globally. And if the Ipsos survey is anything to go by, the majority of users are already sold on the value it brings.