Winnie Murugi
Winnie Murugi
Health and Beauty Expert

Online shopping revolutionized how customers shop as it provides convenience and access to a vast array of products at your fingertips. There are a multitude of shopping apps, and one platform that has gained significant attention is Temu.

To understand if Temu shopping is safe and legit, it is crucial to have access to reliable information and various consumer and expert opinions. According to Temu reviews on Pissedconsumer.com and other reputable review forums, customers are divided into those that are really into the app and those who have become disappointed and don’t want to continue. 

Temu Logo

Number of Temu Reviews – 2.7K

Temu Rating* - 3.2⭐⭐⭐

Claimed Losses - $190K

Successful Calls – 18%/18.1K

Resolved Issues - 30

This article will uncover the truth of Temu and give an understanding of why it became so popular and what are the risks of shopping there. It will also delve into customers’ experiences and expert insights on Temu shopping to help you determine whether this e-commerce platform is worth your money.

What Is Temu?

Temu is a global e-commerce marketplace accessible via the web and app (both Android and iOS). It took the world by storm in November 2022, surpassing companies such as Amazon, Wish, Shien, and Walmart in downloads. Upon launch, Temu conducted extensive marketing campaigns that created a buzz around the shopping app. This led to millions of downloads of the app in Q4 of 2022 making Temu the most downloaded shopping app on Apple and Google Store.

The popularity of Temu is due to its wide selection of items and attractive prices. Whether you are shopping for electronics, beauty products, or fashion goods, there are over 250 product categories to shop. 

Is Temu Safe and Legit to Shop On?

One of the top customer concerns is if Temu is legit. We asked shopping experts to share their opinions on the risks related to Temu shopping. Also, we analyzed customer ratings and reviews to answer this question.

On Pissedonsumer.com, Temu has a 3.2-star rating out of a possible 5. Temu has garnered a mixed reputation among customers. As of the date of writing this article, 40% of customer reviews are unfavorable, while 38% are positive. Customers have so far claimed losses of up to $190K.

Temu complaints on PissedConsumer cite various issues, including poor quality services, poor customer service, long shipping or delivery periods, wrong goods delivery, and missing orders. Customer complaints on Twitter and Reddit further mention issues such as poorly packed goods, product damage, problems with sizes, etc. 

The same concerns outlines Chris Muller, a Vice President of Money Under 30:

“ One of the biggest concerns is the delay in receiving the products. Often, it takes weeks or even months for the items to arrive, which can be frustrating, especially if you need them urgently…Another risk of shopping on Temu is the poor customer service. When you encounter issues with your order, such as missing items or damaged products, getting in touch with customer service can be a nightmare.”

The poor quality of some goods is touched upon in the Temu review on PissedConsumer, where the customer warned other shoppers to beware that most products on Temu are of low quality. A person described the products as counterfeit and noted: 

You might find 2 or 3 items out of thousands of items that they have listed on the website that of any good.

Ana Roberts, the Founder and Chief Editor of Top Trends Guide, also warns customers about security issues:

“Temu has been laden with controversy for security risks, like malware and data breaches in using the app, and other controversies surrounding its parent company, Pinduoduo. Just be aware of the data that you allow the app access to.”

That said, some customers write positive things about Temu shopping as in one of the Reddit reviews where a buyer defines goods bought on Temu as ones of “decent quality.” 

Temu reviews on reddit

Are Temu Products Really Cheap and Good Quality?

Two key factors that customers consider when shopping online are prices and quality. Despite the risks mentioned above, Temu positions itself as one of the cheapest online shopping platforms, turning it into one of its advantages.

According to Temu reviews, products there are indeed relatively low-priced. Many customers appreciate the affordability and the numerous budget-friendly options available. 

However, several Temu reviews emphasize the importance of having realistic expectations about the quality of products like in the folloing review on PissedConsumer: 

Was overall a pretty good purchase but make sure that you dont expect luxury quality especially with the prices.

As buyers continue in their review, most cheap items that sell below $10 are generally of low quality. Even items that cost $20 and $80 “are still cheap looking low quality made and even counterfeit.” Customers also share concerns about goods that differ from pictures, which are too large or too small.

Customers should pay attention to types of goods they buy on Temu. In the opinion of the Founder and Chief Editor of Top Trends Guide, Ana Roberts:

“I would suggest against buying personal care items, anything you put on your face, because you may get low-quality items that might damage your skin. Other beauty items like makeup brushes or manicure kits are perfectly fine.”

So what products are better to buy on this online marketplace? 

“I think Temu is a great platform to purchase electronics and tech products due to its wide selection and attractive prices. Reputable brands like Lenovo selling their products on Temu further enhance its credibility in this category.” - Chris Muller, the Vice President of Money Under 30. 

So, you may opt to take advantage of the competitive Temu prices. However, have realistic expectations about the quality of products and be mindful of potential discrepancies between the product images and the actual products. 

What Is Temu Return Policy?

When shopping online, it is a common practice when goods do not meet customers’ expectations. The reasons are various: wrong size, goods that do not match the description, inappropriate product material, etc. Also, items may be broken or mixed up. So, customers ask, ‘What is Temu return policy?’ ‘Is it possible to return goods and get a refund?’ 

Several shoppers indicated that the items received were of low quality, or the sizing was too small or large, and they would like to know how to return the items. 

The Temu return policy stipulates 90 days from the date of purchase, within which customers should return items. Most items bought on Temu are eligible for return and refund if you are dissatisfied with them. You can also seek a refund for missing items or items that were not delivered. However, free gifts and items labeled as non-refundable are not eligible for return. 

Here are the steps to return Temu items:

  1. Login to your Temu account.
  2. Find the relevant order under the section “Orders.”
  3. Select the things you want to return and the reason for the return, then click “Next.”
  4. Choose your return and refund method.
  5. Print the return label. 
  6. Ship the item(s) to the Temu return address indicated on the return label.
  7. Temu will receive items, inspect them, and issue a refund where applicable.

Return shipping is free on the first return for every order as long as you return within the stipulated timeline. If you want to return additional items from the same order, you can do so within 90 days. Remember that a shop will deduct a shipping fee of $7.99 from your refund.

Temu typically issues a refund within 3 days after receiving and inspecting the items. However, depending on your payment method, refunds can take 5-30 days to reflect on your end. You can also accept Temu credits instead of a cash refund.

Temu return policy

Unfortunately, despite adhering to the instructions provided on the return policy, some customers wrote in their Temu review on PissedConsumer.com that they did not get a refund: “2 weeks no refund.”

How Long Does Temu Delivery Take?

Temu reviews indicate several complaints regarding opened packages, long delivery, and missing packages. Some customers indicated that deliveries take several weeks or even months, which can be frustrating or untimely if you need the items urgently.

According to the Temu shipping policy, delivery time varies depending on the shipping method. Standard shipping typically takes 8-25 business days. Delivery time for express shipping is indicated when you confirm your order. 

Temu delivery

Note that the indicated expected delivery time is an estimate and the exact date of delivery depends on the flight arrangements, weather conditions, and other external factors.

Tips to Stay Happy With Temu Shopping

There are measures you can take to increase your likelihood of having a satisfying shopping experience on Temu.

Chris Muller, the Vice President of Money Under 30, recommends, “carefully read the product descriptions and dimensions to ensure you make an informed purchase that meets your specific needs.”

On the other hand, Jeanel Alvarado, a shopping and retail expert at Retail Boss, recommends: “read product reviews and check seller ratings before making a purchase. - Take advantage of discounts, promo codes, and exclusive offers by signing up for text alerts or following Temu on social media.”

Always check the seller’s ratings and reviews to gauge the reputation of a product. Go for products with positive reviews and high ratings to increase the likelihood of buying quality products. Also, compare prices and product specifications to find the best deals.

If you have encountered problems with Temu or just want to share your positive experiences, leave a review on our website. 

*The company ratings on the PissedConsumer website are calculated using a mathematical algorithm that evaluates the information in the company’s profile. The algorithm parameters are: users’ rating, the number of resolved issues, the number of company responses and more. The PissedConsumer algorithm is also subject to change in the future.

Legal disclaimers:

  1. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide any legal, medical, accounting, investment or any other professional advice as individual cases may vary and should be discussed with a corresponding expert and/or an attorney.
  2. All or some image copyright belongs to the original owner(s). No copyright infringement intended.

Leave a Reply

Kim OBrien #10618
I love this site. I've ordered quite a few things from them. When a dress I ordered didn't fit, they refunded me immediately and said to donate it, no need to send back. I pay through Paypal and have never had a problem.They have very inexpensive items and quick free shipping. Temu
Terry Rizzo #11594
I totally agree with you Kim . My experience with Temu has been great and I too use PayPal.
Vickie R #11602
Same here, I've never had a problem with Temu. They accepted a couple returns and have also told me not to send it back. Jewelry that I've ordered is Amazing. My longest wait time has been maybe 2 weeks. I too use PayPal. But not just for them. I use PayPal for as many companies as I can.
TEMU and shipping #10867
I have order a few times from TEMU and first 2 orders were quick, compared to wish and were ok. But then the third , fourth and fith orders never shipped from them. These were "gifts" for a friend of mine and sent to thier address. When you ship to another address they say they need to verify it not fraud which I understand. But when you verify they then cancel the order anyway. 3 out of 3 times they did that. Always have excuse of why it cancelled but it basically because they don't have any organziation that will tell you the truth on what is going on. Of course when you consider they are a hidden Chineese organization I guess that is what should be expected. I will certainly minimize any future orders from them and certainly won't buy things to go to friends houses as that is way too frustrating.
Terry Shoots #10905
Temu i shop with them quit a bit and had trouble just once and they took care of it a refund i guess i am one of the lucky ones but other family members shop too and had no problems if they do Temu customer service will take care of it so far they have not pissed me off yet and hope they don't i like the company
Donna Hofmann #10915
I've been using TEMU for the past few months. Regarding orders, yes, some things are not high quality (beware of zippers) but most are decent. READ descriptions and reviews of potential purchases!I have had zero issues with returns and in many cases have not had to return the item. Read the return policy!Regarding the games to win prizes ($$ or products) nearly all require multiple invites for an Existing User and usually a New App User. Yeah, go ahead try to find a New App User, good luck! The only games you can avoid that hook are Fishland and Farmland, Fishland being the best option. Again, READ THE RULES CAREFULLY!Lastly, I have heard there are bogus TEMU app invites that are going around that look legit but credit card information is compromised on these sites. As I've said, I have had no issues (yet) but wonder if some of those that have had serious issues have ended up on a bogus TEMU app. ??
RUTH SLIVKEN #11067
This was so helpful!! I had my suspicians about TEMU and am glad to know that it was not just my bad luck or my imagination. Two things that I would add about TEMU:1. They do NOT abide by our (U.S.) product safety standards. Some items (especially toys) are very small and definate choking hazard. I found this in the army and soldier type toys. They are also cheaply made and parts can easily be broken off and, again, become a choking hazard.2. There are several products where the labels are written in Chinese. So there is no way to determine "ingredients" that a consumer may be allergic to. Directions for use are all written in Chinese. Even the packaging is written in Chinese so if ordering several products, they are lables are all written in Chinese and you really do not know which is which. Is this eye cream or is this glue?
James Ives #11069
The packing leaves things BROKEN not well packed. Saw delivery person throw the package a good 20ft. To a resident next to my home.
Vickie R #11603
The delivery person is not Temu so you really can't blame Temu. I've had good delivery people.
Lori Palmer #11587
I shopped Temu since February , but mainly for clothing for granddaughter and myself I can't complain I've had no problems with anything it all fits true to fit sizes. I've also bought a couple of purses on the and they were in great shape, soft material my mother in law uses hers everyday.
Candace #11593
I have been shopping at Temu for a while. Never had any issues or with shipping. Love all the items I have received and will continue to buy!
Anonymous #11595
I bought a school bus toy for my Nephew on Temu. The product was in a picture looking huge, with a small child playing with it. Plus it showed wooden people to go in and out. I received this bus 3 months after ordering it. Plus it was in my mailbox. It was not what was represented at all. Stickers put on wrong, Chinese songs played from it, no English. It was supposed to be an interactive toy. It was JUNK. And cost me $55. Never shop with this company.
bill #11604
Folks, this stuff is coming from China, OK. You get what you pay for and if it seems to good to be REAL - it isn't real. I bought an air spray gun from TEMU, in order to sand blast metal parts. Works great, was only $7.00 as compared to Lowes which was $40.00 or even Harbor Freight which was $20.00 (and made in China). All in all, TEMU is fine for general items, but I would not spend hundreds of dollars on something that usually goes for thousands of dollars here in the States.
Marianne #11610
I have been using/shopping with Temu for quite some time now, at least a year. I've had no challenges with receiving packages and the items I've ordered, especially clothing for myself and my mate. The quality has been great on those items and I do make sure I order the propr size, taking into consideration that some of the clothing might come from China or India. But, so far, everything has been great fitting, nice material and no complaints on how the items are made. I also purchase things for my pets, toys/beds, etc. finding the items much cheaper than anywhere else, since prices keep climbing anywhere.The only challenge is they may squeeze many things into one package, have it so taped up, it is hard for me to open and it does take longer than some online stores to receive the items. But, then again, with "Free Shipping," it is not worth the worry regarding this.I've had no challenges paying for my purchases either. I am happy to go to Temu to shop for somethings.
Sarah F Lewis #11611
I ordered from temu. I paid cheap prices, I expected cheap products--and wasn't wrong.But...I am PO'd about their websites "games" to win free or heavily discounted items! The games play down to ten or five or even three points, stars, or coins and then invite you to gain more by "sharing" or "inviting" friends to join. That never ends! One must "invite" one friend, then one friend, and again one friend. The points, stars, or coins are never awarded no matter how many times one "invites" friends or "shares"!!!! This has happened to me repeatedly. I will get one or two away from getting the free item or discount but never get that last one or two needed--tho it's promised for completing the action I took!!!--repeatedly!!!! So....I'm Pissed!!!
Joe Drenik #11612
So how do I get Temu ads to stop popping up everywhere that I am online?
Lori #11840
I’ve been shopping with them for several months and have never had a problem with them. Of course some of the items are cheap made, but I figure I get what I pay for. Only issue I have is the clothes, I’ve found out that you have to buy 2 sizes larger than your normal size.
robert william mann #11883
very intereting comments many make alot of sence . its very true you only get what you pay for ,when you buy cheep prise it usualy meens cheep product , that you expect from some where like TEMU but you dont expect is the dificulty of comunication . send some thing back no problem ask them a question , did you realy expect an answer i personaly found them totaly frustrating may be im am abit slow but i aint stupid either
Deena Kellum #11935
Thank you so very much for this and all of your wonderful articles! You have no idea how much they help!!
Deena Kellum #11936
I have had some positive and not positive results with TEMU! When I have attempted to return items I couldn’t do so. I was told that they were not accepting returns!Over all, I have had some VERY POOR quality merchandise from them. I will say that the stickers I have ordered are very nice.The “little gadgets” they offer are not good at all!A major concern for me is that the directions and type of item are written in Chinese!!! I certainly do NOT know Chinese!! You have no idea what the items are, what they are used for or how to use them!!
Judith Jackson #12212
I love this site. I have ordered many items and only a few I would not order again. I absolutely love there childrens clothing and shoes, I get ask a lot in public where I got my grandsons clothes or shoes from. Just be knowledgeable of what your ordering I mean I've seen bad reviews about the jewelry well come on a couple of dollars for a ring or necklace you shouldn't expect much. Overall so far no problem it does take some items a little longer than other to get delivered. As far as returns I haven't done one but they wanted be to review a train set I purchased and I wrote love it the only problem is the train will not stay on the track. They immediately texted asking if I wanted a refund, who else would do that without put you through a bunch of red tape.
Peggy Jackson #12213
I am still waiting on my order its still in my order did not go through and it was supposed to be free and they are charged me for it I will not order anything else from you all be order for years love the products I order and this order supposed to be free and it's not
Brenda Walker #12337
I have been ordering from Temu for 11 months,always receive my orders within 2 weeks, if you don't receive your order in time specified they give you a $5 credit.Shipping is free with purchases over $10.Some things are not worth the price. You definitely have to read the description of product before ordering. If you don't receive your order, they will replace it or give you credit or refund. I am pleased with what I have ordered from them.Pretty much like wish but cheaper, free shipping and it doesn't take forever to receive it.