I recall some commentator on a a radio/podcast show asserting that Temu's immediate offerings are really more of a beachhead or gateway-drug, and the real money is in something else the parent-company (Pinduoduo) is already doing in China, a certain kind hybrid social-media plus shopping mix that isn't as common in the US.

I find myself thinking of the business model satirized in The Truman Show, except updated for ~25 years of mobile/streaming advancements: "You liked this video! Click here to insta-buy the same jacket the performer is wearing! Your friend bought X, don't be left out!"

I think they should consider it a complete victory that their users only halved.

Calling it a loophole is such a loaded take.

The only time I purchased on Temu, there were unauthorized purchases on my card shortly after (and cancelling and reissuing my card cost both in cash and aggravation).

I mentioned it to a friend, who complained about the same thing happening, and said there are many such stories online.

I am fully aware that it could entirely be a coincidence. I am aware that there may be confirmation bias for the friend, though in my case I made the observation without having heard anything prior. But I am also conscious that it may by Temu has a source of income that is not dependent upon people actually making purchases.