The allure of online shopping has risen to new heights nowadays—anyone seeking to get any product or service will typically grab their phone and scroll through top online stores.
Talking of the top online stores out there, Temu is one of the biggest trends in the market with over 167 million active monthly users. Known for its massive discounts on consumer goods, Temu has won the hearts of lots of Americans as it is being used by nearly 3 in 10 US adults for their shopping needs.
Temu just like other retail giants has a downside—and unfortunately, one of Temu's major downside comes in the quality of the product when received by the customer—it may be damaged or not even what you were expecting to see.
Of course, if it is your first order you might want to return the item—but if it isn't, you'll want to consider a refund without a return to avoid paying the return fees and keep the product.
In this guide, I've covered everything there is to know about the Temu refund policy and the different ways to get a refund without having to return the item.
Understanding the Temu Refund Policy
Temu, just like other retail giants has a refund policy that protects sellers and also covers the buyer in case things don't work well with their orders.
First things first, this policy covers only residents of the United States. So if you reside in any other country besides the US, you might not be eligible for a refund on Temu as of this writing.
When you place an order on Temu and receive the package, you have up to 90 days to request a refund for this particular order, provided the item is eligible for a refund. Now, if this is your first order, you should be able to get a refund without having to pay a return fee (if this is your first order and if you need to return the item for inspection), and if you're required to return the item, you'll have up to 14 days within these 90 days to return the item, otherwise, you'll not get a refund.
Of course, that is if you're required to return the item, but if returning the item isn't necessary, Temu will process your refund request, and you'll get your refund as soon as possible.
You may get a refund if your order falls under any of the following categories:
- Missing item.
- The package shows as delivered but not received.
Also Read: Temu Coupon Code for Existing Users
What Items are Eligible for a Refund on Temu?
Usually, when you shop at any retailer, you should be able to request a refund for your items in case you received something different from what you ordered. Temu, however, has a few exception items eligible for a refund.
Simply put, the following item categories are not covered by Temu's refund and return policy:
- Clothing items that have been worn, washed, or damaged after delivery, or have had their tags or hygiene stickers removed.
- Grocery and food products.
- Health and personal care items.
- Some free gift orders.
How to Get a Refund Without Return on Temu
While Temu's refund policy might require you to return the item, it is not always the case. With that said, there are two ways to get a refund without a return on Temu.
1. Get a Full Refund without Returning the Item
Most Temu orders are eligible for a full refund and this one is the typical Temu refund process. However, a full refund might sometimes require you to return the item, especially if this one has value.
To get a full refund on Temu without returning the item:
- Login to your Temu account in the Temu app or at Temu.com
- Tap "Your Orders" and click on the "Return/Refund" button.
- Select the item(s) you would like to return and the reason for the return. Depending on the reason you selected, you may be required to provide further information related to the order. After you provide the required information, tap "Next Step" to proceed.
- If you're fortunate enough, you'll not need to return the item and you'll simply have to select your refund method, which can be your Temu credit balance or your original payment method.
- Once all is set, tap "Submit".
To increase your chances of getting a refund without a return on Temu, make sure you request a refund for eligible items worth $15 or less. You'll have less chance to get a refund for an item that is worth at least $20.
2. Get a Partial Refund
This is the common method for most customers looking to get a refund for at least their second order that requires a return. It equally follows the typical refund process, but this one comes with an exception that you'll get just half of your item's total value.
After submitting a refund request that requires a return, Temu will offer to issue you a partial refund without you having to return the item. You should accept this especially if you don't want to cover the return fee and keep the item for yourself.
How Long Does Temu Take to Issue Refunds?
After you've placed your refund request and it is approved, Temu typically takes a few seconds to 5 minutes to issue the refund. Depending on your financial institution, it can take 1 to 14 business days for the refund from Temu to reflect in your financial account.
Nonetheless, if you request a refund to your Temu credit, it should be available in your Temu credit balance almost instantly.
Does Temu Make Money On Returns?
Yes, Temu does make money on refunds. Surely, for the first order, they cover the fees and everything. However, as from your second order refunds that require a return, you'll be charged the return fees and if you need to submit additional items, you'll be charged $7.99 per shipment of any additional item.
Your Final Take
Temu is a popular retail giant that not only aims to blow the market with its discounts but also covers the ecology of both sellers and buyers. It does so with its refund and return policy to make sure customers get a refund even when their orders don't go through as expected.
If you need a refund without returning the item to Temu, you might want to follow the normal refund process and hopefully, you'll not be required to return the item to get a refund. However, if you're required to return the item, follow the steps normally and accept the partial refund process if you don't, you might receive half the value of your order.