I thought I was getting a bargain when I ordered a £10 handbag from Temu – but I was left crying with what arrived

A FASHION fan thought she was getting her hands on a bargain when she ordered a gorgeous bag from Temu - but was left in tears when her online order arrived.

Sally, a savvy shopper from the US, bought herself a black crossbody handbag, which as advertised, comes with a stylish pompom pendant.

Black handbag with a fluffy white pom-pom charm.
3
A bargain hunter has said she thought she was getting her hands on a real steal when she ordered a black handbag from Temu for just £10Credit: Temu
Hand holding a tiny handbag.
3
But Sally was left gobsmacked when it arrived and was much smaller than what she was expectingCredit: TikTok/@sallytp_01
Small black handbag keychain.
3
But social media users clapped back at Sally and stressed the importance of reading descriptions before ordering from TemuCredit: TikTok/@sallytp_01

The handbag was described as "Fashion Solid Color Handbag, Multi Layer Crossbody Bag, Women's Satchel Purse With Pompom Ball Charms" online.

Whilst the handbag was originally priced at £83.99, it’s no surprise that Sally was eager for her purchase to arrive, as it had been slashed down to just £10.04.

With a hefty saving of £73.95, Sally couldn’t contain her excitement with her new fashion find, but things quickly came crashing down when she opened up her package. 

Keen to show off her hilarious fail, the content creator, who was left gobsmacked with her package, took to social media to give her followers a close-up look at her hilarious fail, leaving many totally stunned. 

Read more shopping fails

In a short clip shared online, Sally posted a screenshot of the online listing - a gorgeous and versatile black bag

But alongside the snap, Sally penned: “Temu did me dirt.”

Moments later, alongside the viral ‘Oh No’ TikTok sound, Sally uploaded a picture of what actually arrived, as she wrote: “What I got."

Alongside crying emojis, Sally held her new bag - which was so small it fit in her hand. 

Instead of a large handbag perfect for running errands, Sally was left speechless with what instead resembled a tiny coin purse. 

Clearly gutted at her blunder, she admitted: “I’m crying." 

My wife splashed out on a Temu multi-pack of Stanley cups for the grandkids… when they arrived she was left in hysterics

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @sallytp_01, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and has now racked up a jaw-dropping 2.2 million views. 

But social media users were left totally divided - whilst many claimed that they have also had a similar experience when ordering from Temu, others found it hilarious. 

Despite this, at the same time, other Temu shoppers claimed it was Sally, and not the bargain retailer, at fault - with countless people advising her to accurately read descriptions before making purchases. 

Why is Temu so cheap?

TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices.

The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. 

The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashionmake-up, electronics and furniture. 

According to a report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Temu takes advantage of a trade loophole that allows the company to ship duty-free goods directly to the US. 

The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. 

Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. 

It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. 

By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn’t marked up extra.

While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands

One person said: “Temu also did that to me.” 

Another added: “Can’t help but laugh, daylight robbery.” 

Nope! It’s all your fault as you need to pay attention to the description and dimensions

TikTok user

Meanwhile, one user claimed: “Temu did nothing wrong, it's very important to read the description. Try again.”

Someone else agreed: “These are keyholders guys, normalise reading descriptions.” 

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Whilst another Temu shopper chimed in: “Nope! It’s all your fault as you need to pay attention to the description and dimensions mate.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club