The Chinese platform Temu has launched a variety of benefits and promotions, especially focused on attracting new users and maximizing sales during the major international event Black Friday, but the cannons are already aimed at the year-end holidays.
The platform bets that dollarized Argentines will loosen some of the savings in foreign currency that they hoarded during the pre-election uncertainty and pour them into the family Christmas celebration, gifts, and then summer vacations, as collected by the Argentine News Agency in reviewing the activity.
In November, Temu activated promotions and flash sales as part of its Black Friday campaign, with significant discounts in various product categories. Featured on the .ar page as the best-selling items are: portable air compressor at $43,438; professional drone at $36,378; indoor camera at $32,820; mechanical tool set at $52,170, and S25 Ultra Veloso smartphone at $152,271. The minimum purchase is $22,000.
Expanding the user base
Capturing new users is a strategic marketing priority, and for this reason, they offer welcome gifts to potential customers, which consist of a package of coupons that can amount to a significant value, sometimes reported in the local currency equivalent of up to US$100 or even more. Currently, it rewards those who add two items with AR$ 200,000 in a coupon kit. On the first purchase, it offers coupons with very high discounts (up to 95% or even 100% on selected products), which are usually conditional on a specific promotional code or the initial download of the app. Other benefits are granted through specific codes and promotions, which allow access to free products or for a symbolic cost, paying only possible shipping costs, although the standard procedure is usually free.
In reality, Temu offers free standard shipping on most orders without a minimum purchase, although express shipping may have an additional cost. The platform brings games (like "The Farm") and dynamics that allow users to accumulate points, rewards, and, in some cases, get free products by completing challenges within the app.
Gift kits
Similarly, "gift boxes" are available daily in the promotions section of the app to get special offers, balance, or additional coupons. Many of the benefits related to gifts and large discounts, especially, often require the use of specific codes or participation in dynamics that may involve sharing links or inviting other users.
Temu has an affiliate program that allows users to earn commissions (between 10% and 30%) and bonuses for referring new customers and app downloads. Among the facilities, it offers simple return policies (up to 90 days) and price protection for 30 days.
In markets like the United States, it is implementing a local logistics model to improve delivery times, although this may be influenced by regulatory changes. It still seems like a distant possibility in Argentina, but it should not be ruled out that it will establish a subregional distribution system in Chile or Uruguay.
How to buy with Temu
Step by step: 1. Download the Temu app (available for Android and iOS). 2. Browse and choose the products. 3. Pay in pesos with a credit card or Mercado Pago. 4. Take advantage of free shipping (which is usually included in minimum purchases). 5. Wait between 30 and 35 days to receive the package at your home address.
The secret lies in the logistics system that Temu uses, known as DDP (Delivery Duty Paid), which already includes taxes and fees in the final price. In this way, orders are not held at customs and do not require additional procedures on the part of the buyer. This system allows orders to arrive directly through couriers like Andreani, and in many cases, nothing extra is charged upon receipt.
Temu offers thousands of products with discounts well below the local market: Clothing and footwear, Cell phone accessories, Electronics and gadgets, Kitchen and decoration items, Toys, stationery, and more.
The reason for the offers
The explanation that Temu gives for having lower prices is that it connects clients directly with profitable producers, which allows obtaining products at competitive prices. By eliminating multiple intermediaries and shipping directly from factories to consumers, clients benefit from wholesale prices from the point of origin.
