Temu Orders Face Delivery Backlogs in Maldives Despite Arrival Notices

As Eid approaches and online shopping surges, CPEX Maldives is advising customers to remain patient despite receiving notifications that their Temu packages have arrived. While tracking systems may show that parcels have reached pick-up points, actual collection may take several more days due to logistical challenges.

Public Frustration Over "Arrived" Status Notifications

Over the past week, Maldivian customers have increasingly voiced their frustration on social media and in direct inquiries to the post office, questioning why parcels marked as “arrived” are not yet available for pickup.

CPEX, the local cargo and freight forwarding partner handling Temu shipments, issued a public statement clarifying the situation. According to CPEX, the "arrival" status indicates that the parcel has reached the post office facility, but internal processing delays are currently extending the wait time before customers can physically collect their orders.

“Even if the website shows that the parcel is at the pickup point, customers are advised to wait for the official SMS from the post office before attempting to collect their packages,” CPEX stated.

Processing Delays Due to High Volume and Limited Space

CPEX attributes the delay to a high influx of packages combined with space limitations at distribution centers. The company noted that customers should expect a 3–5 day delay between the arrival notification and the official SMS permitting pickup.

This clarification comes at a critical time, as many shoppers hoped to receive their Eid-related purchases promptly. The increased demand has evidently put strain on local delivery infrastructure.

From Fast to Frustrating: Delivery Times Increase

Temu, a fast-growing Chinese e-commerce platform, officially launched operations in the Maldives in late May. Initially, customers experienced swift delivery times averaging five days. However, as the platform’s popularity surged, average delivery timelines have extended to approximately 15 days—raising concerns about the ability to receive goods in time for the holidays.

While the platform remains attractive due to its low prices and wide product selection, the current situation highlights the challenges of adapting local logistics to the pressures of international e-commerce.

In its statement, CPEX acknowledged the inconvenience and emphasized that measures are being taken to improve efficiency and speed up parcel processing. However, the company also called on the public to remain patient and refrain from attempting to collect parcels before receiving the official pickup message.

What Customers Should Do

To avoid unnecessary visits and further congestion at pick-up centers, CPEX advises:

  • Wait for the SMS confirmation from the post office before going to collect packages.

  • Understand that arrival status online does not equate to immediate availability.

  • Allow an additional 3–5 days post-arrival for final processing.

As Maldives continues to embrace online shopping platforms like Temu, this experience serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure readiness to meet growing consumer demands.