November 6, 2025, 6:45 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Anyone shopping at Temu should be fully aware of what they’re getting into. The Chinese online marketplace entices with extremely low prices but carries risks–especially when it comes to returns. What initially seems like a straightforward bargain hunt can quickly become problematic when dealing with complaints.
Household items for pennies, tech gadgets for a few euros: At Temu, almost everything seems available at rock-bottom prices. More than 140 million people in Europe, including millions in Germany, regularly browse the platform. However, the joy over supposed bargains quickly fades if an item is damaged or not to one’s liking. The return process proves to be more complicated than Temu initially promises.
Returns Only Partially Free
Consumer advocates have long warned about the potential dangers of cheap imports from China. Products on platforms like Temu or Shein often do not meet European safety standards. Especially with electronics, the CE marking is often missing–an indication that the product is untested or potentially unsafe. Those wishing to return defective goods should be well-versed in the return conditions. Mistakes can be costly, as buyers may end up bearing the costs.
Temu advertises a simple return process within 90 days. However, according to the terms and conditions, only the first return per order is free. If multiple items are ordered and more are returned later, a fee of three euros is charged from the second return onward. With an average order value of around 30 euros–according to “Reuters,” the average purchase on Temu–this hardly pays off.
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Packaging Issues Complicate Returns
Another issue concerns packaging. Many orders do not arrive in sturdy boxes but in thin, orange plastic bags or foil. These are difficult to open without damage. Since Temu expects returns to be securely packaged, customers may need to procure their own packaging and bear the costs.
A practical tip: Open deliveries carefully or save sturdy boxes from other orders to be prepared in case of a return. This issue is not exclusive to Temu: Many other online retailers also ship smaller items in plastic packaging.
Also of interest: Refurbished iPhones at Temu–how good are the deals really?
Long Wait Times for Refunds
While orders from China often arrive within seven to ten days, the return shipping takes significantly longer. Several users report weeks-long wait times for refunds. In some cases, refunds were only issued after several weeks, according to user experiences.
Tests show that Temu can be faster. According to “Business Insider,” a reporter received their PayPal refund just five days after dropping it off at DHL. However, Temu’s terms and conditions state that it can take up to 14 business days, or about 30 calendar days, for a refund to be completed. Buyers need patience or should think twice before ordering.