Shopping with Temu is like having a worldwide bazaar on my smartphone. Temu is an online marketplace launched in the US (by Chinese e‑commerce giant PDD Holdings) which brings you closer to manufacturers, allowing for prices that seem impossibly low. It's gone viral - by late 2023, Norton reported more than 80 million active users - so it's doing something right! Temu sells everything from cute dresses and sneakers, to smart gadgets and electric bikes, usually for a couple of dollars, or cents. In this guide, I'm going to show you why Temu is worth a look, how to get the best prices (including promo codes and affiliate links!), and cover some FAQs to help you shop with confidence.

What Is Temu? A Quick Overview

Temu (pronounced TEE-moo), launched in September 2022, is capitalizing on the ultra-discounter marketplace. Imagine if AliExpress or Wish had even cheaper items due to huge marketing and shipping leverage. Temu is owned by the parent company PDD Holdings, much like China’s Pinduoduo. Temu allows factory sellers to put items up for sale very cheaply by eliminating middlemen. Reports say items “start as low as just a few cents” and some hundreds of thousands of products under $5. This means you can probably get a trendy T-shirt or cute lamp for a price that would make you scarcely notice how much you are spending on your billing app.

Regardless of low prices, Temu is selling genuine brand-name electronics and apparel (many products are unbranded or private-label). A Norton security article described Temu as a growing competitor beyond traditional competitors such as Wish, while cautioning to be careful of “lightning deals” that are extremely low and the sporadic variation in quality. Practically, that means most items do what they say they are supposed to do, but definitely make sure to check the reviews and check the sizes carefully (especially clothes and shoes) before you pay.

Why Shop on Temu? Hot Categories & Deals

• Fashion & Accessories: Temu’s clothing section is huge. You’ll find dresses, tops, earrings, and shoes for up to 80–90% off comparable brands. For example, a site coupon page advertises “Dresses – Up to 90% Off”. I personally scored a winter jacket and a pair of sneakers for what looked like basement prices. Even nicer: some items include a little freebie, like a pair of earrings thrown in at checkout.
• Shoes & Jewelry: Sneakers, sandals, boots – and jewelry like costume earrings – all pop up for a fraction of mall prices. Want trendy earrings for $2? Temu often has seasonal accessories that rival clearance racks. It’s a great place to experiment with styles (if they wear out, you’re not out much cash).
• Home & Furniture: Need a small side table, lamp, or storage organizer? Temu’s home decor section features budget-friendly finds. It’s like yard-sale shopping online – I spotted a retro-style floor lamp and a bookshelf for what looked like one of my old Amazon cart items on sale. (Note: For big furniture, shipping can take longer, so allow extra time.)
• Electronics & Gadgets: Temu even lists tech items. Think phone cases, earbuds, smart watches – even electric scooters and bikes! One user review found a neat electric bike under $300. (Pro tip: Compare specs carefully. You might find a bargain, but sometimes low price can mean simpler features.)
• Other finds: Toys, sports gear, pet supplies – there’s something unexpected in almost every category. The “Local Warehouse” deals promise lightning-fast shipping on select essentials.

Shopping on Temu is a bit like digging through global clearance aisles from home. You never know what hidden gem you might unearth for a steal! Plus, every day feels like a flash sale – Temu runs frequent promotions and special events.

Scoring Big with Temu Coupons & Rewards

Temu is famous for huge coupons, especially for new users. Here are some wallet-friendly tactics I use:

• New User Deals: Almost always, new app users get an extra 30% off on their first order (typically on purchases $39 or more). For instance, an active coupon offers “30% off orders $39+, New Temu users” (capped at $25). There’s also often a $100 Coupon Bundle as a welcome gift – meaning Temu will pre-load your account with multiple coupons totaling $100 to use on future buys. (Groupon even highlights these: “Get a $100 Coupon Bundle when you install the app”.)
• Referral Perks: exclusive links and codes just for you! Click Grab your $100 Coupon Bundle here or search alg250888 in the Temu app to claim big first-order coupons (app only). And if you want to earn rewards together, use my referral code inc543147 when you sign up – Temu often throws bonuses or credits to both referrer and referee. (In short: use the code inc543147 in the app to join my network of earners!)
• Free Gifts & App-Only Bonuses: Once you have the app, check the “Coupons” or “Spin the Wheel” games. Temu literally throws free gift vouchers at you sometimes. (One site notes “Free Gift When You Order Through the App” – just place an app order and get a bonus item.) For example, I tapped a special Free Gift deal and got a mystery bonus item. Also keep an eye out for limited-time app deals like 75% off + free shipping codes.
• Stacking Savings: Besides official promos, you can stack a bit: wait for seasonal sales (49–84% off on “Local Warehouse deals”), use group buy discounts, and subscribe for newsletter alerts. Temu also offers student discounts (~15–30% depending on region), so if you qualify, link your school email for extra cut.

In short, Temu loves giving first-timers a runway to discounts. Use the affiliate links and codes above to double-dip those savings!

Safety, Shipping & Returns

You might wonder: Is Temu safe? The short answer: Yes, but shop smart. Temu is a legit platform (Norton confirms “real products, competitive pricing, broad inventory”), and Avast notes it’s actually grown faster than Amazon’s shopping app, with over 50 million downloads by mid-2024. That said, it’s a marketplace of many sellers, so experiences vary. Some customers report receiving items slower than Amazon or finding an item slightly different than expected.

The good news is Temu’s buyer protection is strong. Temu’s “Purchase Protection Program” guarantees a full refund if items are not as described, damaged, or don’t arrive – you have a 90-day return window. In practice, that means if a blouse doesn’t fit or a gadget malfunctions, you can return it for a credit or refund (and the first return shipment is usually free). I’ve returned items with no hassle, so I treat Temu like a big online mall: expect variety, but know you have a solid safety net.

Another perk: Free Shipping on everything. Rakuten and Groupon both confirm Temu offers free standard shipping on US orders. (No minimum spend needed – every order ships free, though you can pay extra for faster delivery if needed.) Sometimes warehouse deals (items stocked in or near the US) arrive in a few days. Otherwise, it may take a couple of weeks – so plan ahead, especially for non-urgent items.

Lastly, Temu is steadily working on trust signals: it marks “verified” sellers with a blue check, and its security certification passed safety tests. In practice, I read user reviews on each product (Temu has a review section) and compare photos before buying. If something still seems sketchy, I skip it.

Tips for a Smooth Temu Experience

1. Use the App: Many deals (like the free gift and coupon bundle) are app-exclusive, so download the Temu app on your phone to catch them. The app is user-friendly; just sign up with an email or social account and you’re in.
2. Log In on Desktop Too: You can also shop via temu.com on a computer. It syncs with your app account. I often browse bigger pictures on desktop but complete orders on the app to unlock app-only coupons.
3. Search & Sort: Use the search bar for exact items (like “Bluetooth earbuds” or “women’s dresses”) and then filter by price or popularity. Check the reviews and Q&A for buyer images – they’re super helpful.
4. Read Sizing Carefully: Temu lists sizes in inches/centimeters. I always measure myself and compare. For example, Temu shoes might run different sizes; a quick look at the size chart saved me from ordering a size too small.
5. Customer Reviews: Don’t skip them! They’re mixed (some products get 5 stars, some 1), but collectively they give a sense of quality. If many people say “good value for the price,” that’s encouraging.
6. Patience with Shipping: Remember, low price often means shipping from overseas. Check estimated delivery dates. I keep this in mind and avoid urgent purchases (for that, I still use Amazon Prime or local stores).
7. Stay Updated: Join Temu’s mailing list or the Temu community on social media (like TikTok hauls) for flash sales. I’ve seen “sitewide 65% off” and “Buy 1 Get 1” promotions pop up in my feed.

By treating Temu like a friendly bargain marketplace – and using the built-in savings features – you can stretch your dollars. As one Avast reviewer quipped, Temu “promises to help you ‘shop like a billionaire’” (big talk, but with coupons in hand, it sure feels like it).

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is Temu safe and legit?
  A: Yes. Temu is owned by a major company (PDD Holdings) and is used by millions worldwide. They use secure payment (SSL/TLS), and their buyer protection means you can get a refund if something goes wrong. Just verify sellers by reviews and don’t pay for things outside the app.
• Q: How do I download the Temu app and login?
  A: Simply find “Temu” on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and install it. Open the app and create an account with your email or phone number (you can also log in with Google/Facebook). Once logged in, you can start shopping right away and all coupons will apply to your account.
• Q: Does Temu offer free shipping?
  A: Yes. Standard shipping is free on all orders (no minimum). It usually takes 1–3 weeks. You can pay extra to upgrade to express shipping if you need items faster (often free for orders over ~$99 during promotions).
• Q: Can I use coupon codes on Temu?
  A: Definitely! New users get the biggest perks (30% off deals, $100 coupon bundles). For example, use code ALG250888 for a welcome 30% discount in the Temu app. You can also apply multiple coupons to your order (they stack). Existing users can look for seasonal promo codes or group discounts – Temu often mails out coupons or has in-app sales. Don’t forget referral codes like inc543147 to earn extra credits.
• Q: What are Temu’s top categories?
  A: Clothing and fashion are huge – think trendy dresses, activewear, and quirky jewelry at rock-bottom prices. Shoes and handbags also show up. Home goods and furniture (small items like shelves, decor, or lighting) are popular bargains. Electronics/tech (phone accessories, smart gadgets) and even toys and pet items often have big discounts. Essentially, if it’s made in bulk anywhere in the world, Temu probably sells it.
• Q: Does Temu ship to Mexico?
  A: Yes. Temu has expanded internationally – it’s available in North and Latin America (including Mexico) as well as Europe and elsewhere. The app should let you switch to the Mexico store or ship there. Keep an eye on the currency and shipping time; sometimes there are local warehouse deals in Mexico for quicker delivery.
• Q: What if I have an issue with my order?
  A: You can open a dispute through the app for any missing or faulty items. Temu’s Purchase Protection lets you ask for a refund or resend if an order doesn’t arrive or is damaged. Since they offer a 90-day window, you have plenty of time to check items and contact support.

Overall, Temu can be a treasure trove if you don’t mind a bit of detective work (reading sizes and reviews). It’s definitely worth a try – especially with the coupon links above – if you want to stretch your budget on clothes, shoes, furniture, or even smartphone accessories. Happy shopping!