Since launching in Nigeria in November 2024, Temu has taken the country’s online shopping scene by storm. The platform’s consistent inventory availability sets it apart from competitors, striking a chord with Nigerian shoppers who are often frustrated by stock shortages elsewhere.
That and the promise of affordability have drawn customers in droves but the experience hasn’t been uniform. Some shoppers are delighted, while others have faced challenges that sparked notable reactions on social media.
Beneath the mixed reviews lies a more nuanced story, suggesting that the platform’s reputation might not be as straightforward as it seems. To understand the real Temu experience, we spoke with six Nigerian shoppers about their first orders. Their stories reveal what works, what doesn’t, and what surprised them along the way.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have an insider’s perspective on what to expect before placing your first Temu order.
Read Also: Temu launches in Nigeria. How will it survive where others like Jumia have struggled?
Let’s get into their experiences.
Feyi, Lead City Student
Feyi had some initial doubts about Temu, largely due to the mixed reviews online, but decided to give it a try. “I’m so glad I did! I got exactly what I ordered, and honestly, the products were great,” He said. Feyi goes ahead to advise fellow Nigerians. “Take it easy on the platform. All you need to do is read the descriptions and reviews carefully before buying. Temu isn’t bad at all, as long as you understand what you’re getting into.”
Dara, Fashion Designer
Dara’s shopping journey was mostly smooth, but a little issue with a voucher left her a bit disappointed. “The prices were great, and paying with my Naira Mastercard was super quick,” she said. However, when she tried to claim a ₦350,000 voucher after spinning the wheel, the voucher disappeared after she picked items worth ₦50,000. “That was a bit of a letdown, but otherwise, the shopping process was seamless.”
Ussy, Content Writer
Ussy was excited to try Temu, but the experience started off with a little surprise. “I totally forgot I had saved my card details, and when I added items to my cart, there was no confirmation before they charged me,” he said. Thankfully, everything worked out fine in the end, but he did caution about checking product dimensions before ordering. “I didn’t have an issue, and if I had, I probably would’ve ranted about it. As for delivery, it was pretty standard—like any other online shopping experience.”
Jay, Healthtech Founder
Jay’s experience with Temu was a bit of a bargain hunter’s dream. “I received three free slots to pick products, so I grabbed a wristwatch, a juice maker, and a 2-piece women’s suit. To meet the minimum spend, I added towels and a small jewellery set,” he explained. The delivery was quick—taking a week to arrive in Nigeria, then a few days to reach him through Speedaf, Temu’s logistics partner.
“The products were exactly as described, and I got over 300k worth of items for just 50k! His advice to Nigerians is to always read the product descriptions and reviews carefully. I almost picked an air fryer, but I noticed the listing was just for the trays—not the full appliance. That could’ve been a big mistake.”
Tosin, Talent Lawyer
Tosin had a good shopping experience, but he also realised that some problems could be avoided with a little attention to detail. “The platform is really clear about sizes, so the main hack is to double-check the details before ordering,” he shared.
For instance, Tosin ordered what he thought was a centre carpet but ended up with a doormat because he didn’t check the size. “Everything else was fine—GIG Logistics delivered the package within a week, and the products were well-packaged.
Mora, Entrepreneur
After a 13-day wait, Mora’s order of a magnetic phone case and bamboo toothbrushes arrived via Speedaf. “The phone case worked perfectly, and the magnetic clasp was really effective,” he mentioned.
As for the toothbrushes, they lived up to expectations, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. “Everything I ordered matched my expectations, and it just goes to show how important it is to carefully check product details before making a purchase.”
From the experiences above, you must’ve picked up a pattern by now. Shopping on Temu isn’t quite like what you might be used to with other platforms like Jumia. To make the most of your Temu shopping experience and avoid the common pitfalls, follow the steps below.
The right way to shop from the Temu app
Step 1: Plan your purchase. Temu branded itself as a place where you can shop like a billionaire but should you? Set a budget and decide what you actually need before getting carried away.
Step 2: Download the Temu app, create an account, and add your phone number. Wait for the verification code to complete your setup.
Step 3: Prices are already in Naira, so start scrolling. In this example, I’m looking at a perfume atomiser and a portable rechargeable fan with different settings.
Step 4: Click on your product of choice, swipe to the reviews, and check what buyers are saying. Keep scrolling to see details like size, material, and extra features—some items even have videos and manuals.
Step 5: Add to cart If you are satisfied with what you see, pick the quantity and add it to your cart. If you’re not sure yet, tap the heart icon to save it and keep searching.
Step 6: Head to checkout if you’re ready to pay. Select a payment method (debit card, Apple Pay, or bank transfer), and submit your order.
Step 7: Await delivery.
For size accuracy, refer to this makeshift measurement options and this Temu-specific sizing guide.
Final Thoughts
Online shopping is always a thrilling experience, but understanding the platform you’re buying from is key. Temu offers a wide range of products, but the reality is, many of them aren’t things you truly need. It’s a tempting place to shop, not just because the prices seem low, but because the platform markets them as irresistible deals.
Also, while Temu may look like a bargain when you convert prices into Naira, it can feel like you’re paying more than you expected. The platform lists prices in dollars far cheaper than U.S. market apps charge, but local Nigerian stores often sell many of the same items for less.
Ultimately, the store works.
5 things to take away:
- Pay attention to product details. What you see online isn’t always what you get.
- Don’t expect premium quality. Many items are generic or knockoffs.
- Think about your patience margin before you buy. Delays can affect delivery, and customer service may not always resolve issues quickly.
- Be mindful: Do your research first—read reviews, check item descriptions, and avoid impulse purchases.
- Consider local options. Often, the price difference isn’t as wide as it seems.
*Name has been changed for privacy reasons.
Frequently asked and answered questions on Temu shopping in Nigeria
Is Temu in Nigeria?
Yes, Temu delivers to Nigeria. Customers can buy products and pay in Naira.
Does Temu have a physical store in Nigeria?
No, Temu is an online-only marketplace with no physical branches.
Are the products any good?
Quality varies. Some sellers offer authentic items, but like any online store, there are knockoffs. Always check reviews before buying.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Orders typically arrive within 6 to 16 business days which is less than 2 weeks.
Is Temu legit?
Yes, Temu has been operating since 2022 and serves multiple countries.
How can I get a refund?
You can request a refund through Temu’s Purchase Protection Program if your items arrive damaged, don’t match the listing, or fail to arrive. In Nigeria, return policies may differ, and return shipping costs apply.
Does Temu accept Nigerian cards?
Yes, you can pay with a debit card or opt for the bank transfer method.
How is Temu pronounced?
It’s pronounced as TEE-moo (/ˈtiːmuː/).
What courier services does Temu use in Nigeria?
Temu ships through Speedaf, FlytExpress, and GIG Logistics.
How can I get the free stuff on Temu?
Temu offers discounts, coupons for first-time shoppers, and “Temu Credits” for leaving product reviews. However, true freebies are rare, and most deals require spending a certain amount.
