Temu, the e-commerce platform owned by Elementary Innovation Pte. Ltd., has temporarily suspended operations in Vietnam as it works to complete licensing procedures.

Speaking to VietNamNet, e-commerce expert Bui Quang Cuong, CEO of iViet, noted that past e-commerce platforms withdrawing from Vietnam have typically ensured order fulfillment or refunds. However, refund policies vary, and not all platforms offer full reimbursements with compensation, as Temu currently claims to do.

“This suggests that Temu is making efforts to maintain its reputation with customers, despite the suspension,” Cuong explained. “It could also indicate the company’s determination to complete its licensing process and resume operations in Vietnam.”

Customers report mixed experiences with refunds

According to Cuong, many Vietnamese customers have successfully received refunds from Temu, in line with the company’s stated policies. However, some users report delays or incomplete reimbursements, leading to frustration.

“This could be due to system errors or transaction verification issues, but it raises concerns about transparency in refund processing,” Cuong added.

To protect consumer rights, Cuong suggested that Vietnamese authorities should require Temu to publicly disclose a list of completed refunds and commit to specific processing times for unresolved cases. Additionally, a dedicated complaints channel should be established to assist affected customers.

How to shop safely online and avoid scams

Cuong also provided key tips for consumers to minimize the risk of fraud when shopping on e-commerce platforms:

Verify platform legitimacy: Ensure the website is officially licensed and watch for fraudulent sites with similar domain names.

Check multiple sources: Cross-check sellers on different platforms before making a purchase.

Use “two-step verification”: Contact the seller directly or request additional information before making high-value transactions.

Review refund policies: Understand the return, refund, and warranty terms before placing an order.

Read customer feedback: Check previous buyer reviews to gauge product authenticity and seller reliability.

Cuong shared a personal experience where he nearly fell for a fake seller scam when purchasing a washer-dryer online. A scammer contacted him, demanding prepayment, despite his selection of cash-on-delivery (COD). Suspicious, he researched the company and discovered it had been impersonated in multiple scams. By verifying directly, he avoided losing money.

“Being cautious and conducting double verification can prevent costly mistakes,” Cuong advised.

As online shopping continues to grow, ensuring consumer rights and platform accountability remains crucial, especially in cases like Temu’s temporary suspension in Vietnam.

Binh Minh