Temu vs Taobao: The TOP PICK of Our Sourcing Experts

Welcome to DIVING THROUGH the Ocean of Temu vs Taobao.

It has been A LONG DISCUSSION on Temu and Taobao. Both are top PLATFORMS. But do you know the difference? It is the period. Temu has achieved MILESTONES within 12 months that other eCommerce giants can’t. 

Our Experts have BEEN long dealing on both sites. We have ASSURED the BEST QUALITY products. And gone through the JUGULAR VEIN of the eCommerce industry. You’ll enjoy a BETTER BUSINESS reputation and high success. 

Want to know our EXPERTS’ evaluation at both platforms? If yes, you are at the RIGHT SITE. 

Let’s RIP through Temu and Taobao to know Chinese companies better than BEFORE! 

Temu vs Taobao

Temu vs. Taobao: A Quick Look

What is Temu, and how does it work?

Temu

Who doesn’t know Temu? It has SHAKEN the whole market since its announcement. In just 12 months, Temu is the KINGMAKER in the eCommerce industry. 

So, what exactly is Temu? 

PDD Holdings introduced the Temu in July 2022. Till now, it has 100 million PLUS accounts on its websites. Can you imagine within such a SHORT period? 

It is the MARVEL! 

The reason behind such IMMENSE popularity is the: 

  • Incredibly low prices
  • Complete shipping facility
  • Great user experience. 

All these factors have MADE IT a shining star in the SKY! Plus, you have access to a HUGE directory of inventory. Over a million products and updates each month! That is QUITE AWESOME! 

Suggested reading: Is Temu A Scam?
Suggested reading: Is Temu A Legit And Safe Platform To Buy From?

What is Taobao, and how does it work?

Taobao

Alibaba Group is the BIGGEST eCommerce website around the globe. And here is another ONLINE MARKETPLACE— Taobao. 

Taobao is a Chinese company with its products available in China. To make ORDER, you must understand Chinese. It is because of the CHINESE language. 

Taobao was launched in 2003 by the Alibaba Group to let LOCAL Chinese buy inventory. 

Do you know why it is famous? 

It has 1 billion PRODUCT LISTINGS. What I said is TRUE. Over 1 billion PRODUCT listings as of 2016. I know you won’t believe the stats, but Wikipedia says that. 

One more thing. Pricing is INCREDIBLY cheap! You’re going to LOVE! 

Suggested reading: How to buy from Taobao

Looking for the Best China Sourcing Agent?

Leeline Sourcing helps you find factories, get competitive prices, follow up production, ensure quality and deliver products to the door.

Temu vs. Taobao: Main Features Comparison

Here is the head to head comparison of features of both eCommerce platforms. 

1. Business Models

Temu vs Taobao Business Models

Business model DEFINES the route of the business. Usually, we use B2B or B2C technologies. But there is one more THING— C2C. Let’s know what other sellers COME up on both sites. 

Temu offers the B2C business structure. It purchases products from Chinese suppliers. Lists it on its SITES. And sells to the consumers. Usually, customers PURCHASE the products, not businesses. But there are NO restrictions for B2B trades also, depending on suppliers. On more points, TEMU focuses on the US market. 

Taobao’s market share is MORE ABOUT China. Hence, this GORILLA has its established presence only in China. Plus, it is more about the C2C. C2C refers to consumer-to-consumer trades. You also get access to B2C trades. 

2. Pricing and Discounts

Temu vs Taobao Pricing and Discounts

I love PRICING. 90% of the time, I decide based on the COST and QUALITY BALANCE. Let us know which platform is better. 

Temu pricing COVERS products in various varieties. Not only BEAUTY items are available at lower prices. Instead, almost all the categories offer CHEAP prices. 

The LOVE PART? It is the Discounts to the NEW USERS. Temu app attracts BUYERS with HIGH discounts. 

Taobao focuses on the CHINESE USERS. And prices are LOWER too. Compared to Temu, I would say both DESERVE the crown. It is because their manufacturers are from China. And pricing is LOWER for most of the categories. 

Winner: For me, it is the draw. Both have a MEAGER PRICE. You’ll get more profits. 

3. Product Variety & Quality

Temu vs Taobao Product Variety

How many PRODUCTS are on a website? That is the MAIN factor I often think about. For example, I get tens of VARIANTS of a single item. Don’t you think such a PRODUCT RANGE is MAKER AND SHAKER? 

Temu has around one MILLION PRODUCT. A product has multiple variants. Quality of product is the MAIN PROBLEM for its cheap costs. Low-quality products OFTEN keep the buyers’ miles away. 

Taobao is way MOUNT EVEREST compared to K2(Temu). There is NO DOUBT on the good quality of products.

The CREAM OF THE CROP? 

One Billion LISTINGS. You’ll GET LOST in counting the number of zeros. There are DIFFERENT suppliers. It INCREASES your ACCESS to the best quality products. 

Winner: Taobao is a CLEAR-CUT winner. You get good quality and wide range. 

4. Interface Ease of Use

Temu vs Taobao Interface Ease of Use

I have tried both of the WEBSITES and apps from the Play Store. Do you want to KNOW my BEST EXPERIENCE? Here it is: 

Temu’s website FLOWS like the WATER. It is super smooth. The products are EVIDENT. Easy and accurate CARGEORIZATION. Got an idea? Find the product quite easily. 

The BEST THING? 

It is the relevant product suggestions. I searched for BEAUTY products. New beauty items WILL come out in the TOP product range. Temu’s app downloads are 100 million plus and 4.5 stars. 

Taobao is GOOD, too. The website is, too. But the app is not GOOD. The interface is a HELL of complexity. I was FIRST totally BAMBOOZLED. Later, I made my first purchase. Taobao downloads are 10 million plus and 4.2 stars. 

Winner: I will award the CROWN to TEMU. It is the best here. 

5. Shipping Options and Costs

Temu vs Taobao Shipping Options

Are you shipping OUT OF CHINA? Shipping time largely depends on your SHIPPING destination. Most IMPORTANTLY, standard shipping is a BIT slower than express shipping. You must know WHICH ONLINE shopping platform offers the BEST shipping service. 

Temu offers FASTER shipping compared to Taobao. Express shipping takes 5-10 days. At the same time, STANDARD shipping takes up to 2 weeks. Premium SHIPPING offers the BEST EXPERIENCE. Shipping prices are COMPETITIVE. 

TaoBao is MORE ABOUT THE LOCAL shipping in China. International shipping might take up to one MONTH. Usually, 20-30 days take up for a DELIVERY. It depends on the supplier also. Shipping PRICE is lower too. 

Winner: You know the RULER— Temu. It offers a fast shipping service. 

Looking to find a reliable Chinese supplier?

As the best China sourcing agent, we help you find factories, get competitive prices, follow up production, ensure quality and deliver products to the door.

6. Customer Support

Temu vs Taobao Customer Support

Customer service shows how RAPID you’ll get responses. Even most SERVICES attract buyers through the BEST customer support.

Guess who is the winner here? 

The Temu team is available 24/7. Not only PHONE CALL but also social MEDIA support is there. You can do the LIVE chat or send them an email. Live chat gets you INSTANT responses. On the other hand, email support might take up to 24 hours or more. 

Taobao CUSTOMER support is average. I won’t say it is the BEST. Plus, they talk in Chinese. Either you know the Chinese or use the Chinese language translation services. Customer support is available through the PHONE. No social media or email support. 

Winner: Temu is the winner. It offers multiple customer support options. 

7. Refund and Returns Policy

Temu vs Taobao Refund and returns policy

Purchase protection is MORE how the platform REACTS to refund policy. And do you know the REFUND policy? Here it is: 

Temu is the KINGMAKER—no hassle for the PRODUCTS. If you think quality is LOW, just hit the REFUND button. 

The key feature! 

It is a FREE return. You get 90 DAYS to return the item. You get a FULL refund from Temu Company. Return SHIPPING through the post office relies more on the TEMU company. 

Taobao doesn’t offer 90 days of free returns. You get seven days to DECIDE. And then return. I have Tried Multiple sellers on Taobao. Online stores on this SHOPPING app take up to 2 days to refund. 

Winner: Temu is more FLEXIBLE compared to Taobao. So, it is the winner here. 

8. Payment Security and Options

Temu vs Taobao Payment

Safe TRANSACTIONS? It is the priority for every BUYER. Platforms also ensure it. Want to know the SECURITY of both sites? Check it out here. 

Temu offers multiple PAYMENT options. These include: 

  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
  • American Express,
  • Klarna
  • Afterpay
  • Credit Cards

As a CHINA COMPANY, you can pay low prices through these options. So, it is EASIER and better. Plus, payments are SUPER SAFE due to multiple security layers. So, you avoid RISKS of fraudulent activities. 

On Taobao, payment options DEPEND on the suppliers. Most China suppliers offer: 

  • Bank transfer
  • Credit cards
  • PayPal
  • Western Union
  • Web Money 

The best PART is the SECURITY. You get 100% SAFE transactions. 

Winner: Payment methods are a DRAW here. Both offer good security. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceLMXkCErKU

Temu vs Taobao: Dropshipping

Temu vs Taobao: Dropshipping

Want to make some extra BUCKS? Dropshipping is the BEST EVER idea, to be honest. It helps GENERATE MORE MONEY without having a high budget. Let’s see what Temu and Taobao are like. 

Temu does not offer a DROP SHIPPING facility. However, you can dropship products without any RESTRICTIONS. Find the Temu sellers. Add the customer address. And then SHIP. That is not even a HEAVY GOING. 

Taobao is your IDEAL choice. Easy sellers. Easy dropshipping. You can CONNECT the taobao dropshipping apps. Ship products to your customers. And rely on the sellers. Many drop shipping COMPANIES allow FREE shipping. Isn’t it great? 

Winner: Taobao is the WINNER in its DEN. You can make more money with it. 

Suggested reading: Temu Dropshipping
Suggested reading: 1688 Dropshipping

We can Made Drop Shipping from China Easy

Leeline Sourcing is to help Shopify & small businesses sourcing products from China and build your branded business.

Conclusion

FeatureTemuTaobaoWinner
Pricing and DiscountsLower costs for most of the productsPrices are lower too here. Draw
Product variety and Quality1 million products and product quality is not good. 1 billion products and quality is good too. Taobao
Interface and Ease of UseTemu has 100 million+ downloads and better ease of purchase. It is a bit complex interface. Temu
Shipping options and costsShipping is fast. Shipping times are slower. Temu
Customer SupportPhone, social media, and email support are available. Only phone call. Temu
Return and Refund policy90 days return policy7 days to return the item on the app store. Temu
Payment SecurityIt has multiple payments with good security. It also has multiple payments with advanced security. Draw
DropshippingIt does not allow dropshipping. It allows dropshipping. Taobao

Apparently, Temu is a WINNER. But for China, Taobao is the best. If you are a FOREIGN buyer and want fast shipping, Temu should be your choice. 

Take things according to your BUDGET and plan. 

People Also Ask about Temu vs Taobao

1. How can I buy from Taobao in China?

Consumers get MULTIPLE WAYS to buy inventory: 
· Know the Chinese Language
· Use the Chinese sourcing agents. 
These two things can get you affordable prices and fair PRODUCT quality. 

2. Is Temu the same as TaoBao?

No. PDD Holdings owns Temu. While Alibaba owns Taobao. Therefore, both are different websites. Even business models are somehow DIFFERENT. The focus market is also different. 

3. Is Taobao cheaper than AliExpress?

Aliexpress offers the LOWER PRICES. But Taobao even has a CHEAPER pricing structure than Aliexpress. It is due to direct communication with China suppliers. 

4. How to sell on TEMU USA?

Seller’s STORE is always a PREFERRED choice. You must register your seller account. List the products you want to sell. And start an inventory of sales to your consumers. That is all.

5. How much does it cost to sell on TEMU?

There are NO FEES for listing products on temu. However, you have to pay the SELLING fees. Whenever you make a sale, there is a STANDARD fee of 2-5%. Each category defines the TOTAL price of your SHOP. 

What’s Next

Temu vs Taobao: always make a BETTER CHOICE. Temu is not always a better deal. There are some points where you need to consider TAOBAO. On other topics, Temu is NUMBER ONE for you. 

Do you want to MAKE safe deals on BOTH TEMU and TAOBAO? 

Contact Leeline Sourcing. We are PIONEERS in sourcing quality inventory. Help you get the BEST PRICES. And ensure BUYER protection with safety techniques. 

Ready to get a FREE QUOTE? 

Call us right now! 

Do you want a successful import business?

sharline

Hey, I’m Sharline, co-founder of  LeelineSourcing. We’ve helped 2000+ customers import from China.

Do you want a better price on product or shipping?

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Sharline

Article by:

Sharline Shaw

Hey I'm Sharline, the founder of Leeline Sourcing. With 10 years of experience in the field of sourcing in China, we help 2000+ clients import from China,Alibaba,1688 to Amazon FBA or shopify. If you have any questions about sourcing , pls feel free to contact us.