We are all aware of the fast fashion apps Shein and Temu, and the controversy both have faced throughout the last several years. Both apps provide products including clothing, electronics, beauty, and accessories for a very low price. In recent years, the companies have experienced hate as some of their products aren’t the greatest quality and the speculation of using child labor. However, the companies cleared up these accusations immediately.

The companies are both owned by the Chinese commerce site known as Pinduoduo. The companies provide low priced items from as little of a dollar and twenty five cents to one hundred dollars or more. Shein and Temu also provide such low priced items due to a shipping provision known as the “de minimis exception.” This provision waives duty fees for any packages with retail value of less than eight hundred dollars. These companies are a great outlet for those with a lower income to obtain a variety of products at a decent price.

Today, inflation continues to negatively affect Americans everywhere as it becomes harder to afford simple products such as clothes and food. With sites like this, people can be easily provided with fashionable products that are not of the highest quality yet get the job done. Unfortunately, because these items are made with poor materials, products are more prone to becoming damaged after a short period of time.

On these sites, you are able to read reviews on the products available yet the website focuses on their best reviews. However, from my experience with these sites it has been a hit or miss. On Shein I purchased several products including accessories and clothes. The clothes were made with a polyester material along with a soft interior lining. In the first several wash cycles the products held up nicely, however the graphics on the clothes began to tear. With the accessories, the products are still functional today but one of the jewels broke off its key chain leaving it broken into two pieces. From Temu I purchased very similar products including a sweater and some jewelry. With the knitted sweater, it built up a large amount of lint that is extremely difficult to remove by hand. The jewelry color has faded very little, but the beading on the jewelry has begun to peel off.

Both of these companies have products that come in good quality but will progressively fade over time. Shein and Temu continue to grow daily as they grasp on Americans everywhere with their marketing. Not only do these companies provide a great outlet for many, their products are decent despite the controversy both companies have faced.