Temu and Homary: Online Retailers That Are Generally a Good Value

In your comparison of Temu and Amazon, as well as Homary and Toto, you’ve highlighted some interesting points about these companies, both in terms of pricing and quality. Here’s a breakdown of the main takeaways:

Temu vs. Amazon

You’ve pointed out that Temu offers significant savings compared to Amazon, often by 50-90%. For example, you bought a belt for $9.19 on Temu, compared to $23.99 on Amazon, and a back brace for $10.88 compared to $29.97. While some of the items you’ve purchased from Temu have had mixed quality, they’ve been functional and often cheaper than similar products on Amazon. However, you caution that items from Temu can sometimes feel cheap or not as durable (e.g., the $15 smartwatch or $17 tennis shoes).

You also mention that while Temu does collect data, like most online retailers, it hasn’t had the same level of intrusive tracking that you’ve experienced with Amazon or Facebook. The app seems to be less aggressive with its data use, but the concern around privacy still lingers. On the packaging front, Temu’s use of plastic bags is more sustainable compared to Amazon’s cardboard, but you’ve had a couple of deliveries with torn bags.

Homary vs. Toto

In your switch from the pricey Toto Neorest to a more affordable Homary smart toilet, you found the Homary toilet to be a solid alternative for a fraction of the cost (under $1,000 versus Toto’s $7,000). While the Homary isn’t quite as quiet or refined as the Toto, it delivers similar functionality and appears to work well, with the added bonus of a better price-to-quality ratio. You noted that the Homary toilet also looks great in black, a color that Toto doesn’t offer.

You also mentioned that Homary, a company based in China, has offered decent quality products like the smart toilet and a nightstand, which you’ve found to be a good alternative to more expensive U.S. brands like Kohler.

Temu’s Value and Risks

Despite the occasional low-quality product, you seem to think the concerns about Temu are overblown, suggesting that some of the warnings around the app may be part of a “Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt” (FUD) campaign. While there are valid concerns about privacy, you haven’t seen the same level of intrusive data collection as you would from other major platforms. You also acknowledge that Temu can be a bit addictive due to its low prices, which makes it tempting to keep shopping—even though it can result in spending more than intended.

Final Thoughts

Overall, you’ve found both Temu and Homary to be viable alternatives to more expensive options, offering good products at lower prices. However, you also advise caution, especially with Temu, as the low prices can sometimes lead to mixed quality and potential privacy concerns. Despite this, you’ve had a generally positive experience, and these companies are proving to be strong contenders in the market. The Temu concerns you’ve seen may be more about competition than actual security issues.

Now, back to your shopping—hopefully, you’re not down too much more!