Top Tips for Shopping on Temu: What to Look Out for Before You Buy

Temu has become one of the fastest-growing online shopping platforms worldwide in 2025. With its wide range of products at low prices, it attracts many first-time users as well as regular shoppers. However, to make the best purchases and avoid common pitfalls, there are important things you should know before you buy on Temu.

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What Is Temu?

Temu is an e-commerce marketplace that connects buyers primarily with manufacturers and sellers based in China. It offers everything from fashion, electronics, home goods, beauty products, to sports equipment. Temu is popular thanks to its competitive prices and frequent sales.

1. Create and Secure Your Account Properly

Before shopping, register on Temu using your email or through platforms like Google or Apple. Ensure your shipping and payment details are accurate to avoid delays. For extra protection, enable two-factor authentication if available, which adds a layer of security to your account.

2. Understand Temu’s Pricing Model

Temu offers extremely low prices by selling directly from suppliers, often manufacturers, bypassing traditional retail markup. While this means good deals, the quality can vary, so don’t expect premium brands or guaranteed high-end quality unless specifically indicated.

3. Read Product Descriptions Thoroughly

Items on Temu include detailed descriptions, but these can sometimes be brief or unclear. Pay attention to size charts, material details, and product specifications. This is especially important for clothing or electronics, where fit and functionality matter.

4. Check Customer Reviews and Ratings Carefully

One of the best ways to judge a product before buying is by reading verified customer reviews. Look for reviews with photos and details about the item’s actual appearance and performance. High ratings with many reviews usually indicate a reliable product.

5. Compare Similar Products before Buying

Temu offers many similar items from different sellers. Take time to compare prices, shipping costs, and seller ratings. Sometimes paying a little more for a highly rated seller can save you trouble related to returns or product quality.

6. Understand Shipping Times and Costs

Temu often ships products internationally, mostly from China. Delivery can take several weeks depending on the product and your location. Some items offer free shipping with minimum order amounts. Always check expected delivery dates and possible customs delays.

7. Be Aware of Return and Refund Policies

Temu provides return options for many products, but conditions apply. Review the return policy for your item before purchasing. Keep all packaging and communicate with the seller promptly if the product arrives damaged or doesn’t match the description. Following the claims process carefully increases the chance of refund acceptance.

8. Use the Wishlist Feature to Track Prices

If you’re unsure about an item, add it to your wishlist. Temu sometimes reduces prices or offers discounts on wishlist items. This lets you watch for better deals and decide the right moment to buy.

9. Pay Attention to Sales and Flash Deals

Temu frequently runs flash sales and promotions that last for limited times. While these offer great savings, also check product details and reviews. Don’t rush to buy just because of a discount, quality and seller reliability matter most.

10. Prepare for Possible Extra Costs

Some purchases may incur import duties or taxes based on your country’s regulations. Check local customs rules prior to ordering to avoid surprises. Also, for larger or heavier items, shipping fees might be higher than expected.

Important South African Customs and Import Considerations for Temu Shoppers

Shopping on Temu from South Africa comes with some unique considerations related to customs, import duties, and taxes that affect what you pay and how quickly you receive goods.

Customs Duties and VAT

South African Revenue Service (SARS) has recently adjusted its customs policy affecting imports from overseas platforms like Temu:

• Previously, low-value imports below R500 attracted a simplified flat 20% duty without the usual 15% Value Added Tax (VAT). This concession helped keep prices lower for many Temu buyers.
• However, SARS has moved to revoke these concessions as of 2024-2025, meaning many small parcels now incur both customs duties (around 20%-45%) and 15% VAT, significantly increasing the total cost.
• Some categories, like fashion items, can attract a customs duty up to 45%, plus VAT.
• This change impacts the overall affordability of Temu purchases, especially non-local items.

Local Warehousing Model

To address these challenges and speed up delivery, Temu has partnered with logistics providers to introduce a local warehouse model in South Africa:

• Products stocked in local warehouses avoid import duties and VAT, leading to faster delivery (1-2 days) and lower additional costs.
• Eligible items are labelled with tags like “Local Warehouse,” “Ships from South Africa,” or “Tax free” on the Temu app.
• However, this currently mainly applies to some home goods, wigs, and women’s t-shirts. Most trendy fashion items still ship from overseas and incur import fees.

How to Spot Local Warehouse Items

• Use the search term “local warehouse” on the Temu app or website.
• Look for product labels indicating local stock and fast shipping estimates.
• Orders above around R650 may benefit from a flat R75 delivery fee if bought from the local warehouse.
• If delivery times say 7–21 days, the item likely ships from overseas with customs duties applicable.

Payment Methods

Temu supports several payment methods convenient for South African users:

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
• Instant EFT payments (making payment directly from your bank account)
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, allowing payment in instalments

Make sure your payment details are accurate for smooth transaction processing and be aware of possible foreign currency conversion fees.

Not sure where to shop smart? Takealot vs Amazon: Which is Better for Shopping in 2025? Click to compare pricing, delivery speed, customer service, and more for South African shoppers.

Shop Smarter

Shopping on Temu can be rewarding if you know what to look out for. By carefully checking product details, reviews, and seller information, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy great value. Always plan ahead considering shipping times and return policies to ensure a smooth experience.