Do new Temu users get discounts?

Yes, new users typically receive welcome offers including percentage discounts, coupon bundles, free shipping, and sometimes free gifts. These offers vary but are usually quite generous.

Beginner's Guide

Your First Temu Order 2025: Complete Beginner's Guide

By Amanda Torres Updated: December 21, 2025 14 min read

First Order Essentials

Download the Temu app for the best deals and user experience
Claim new user discounts before your first purchase (up to 90% off)
Start with small test orders to gauge quality before buying more
Expect 2-3 weeks delivery with standard shipping
Read reviews and check product photos carefully
Know the 90-day return policy protects your purchase

So you've heard about Temu's incredibly low prices and you're ready to try it out. But where do you start? What should you expect? And how do you avoid the common pitfalls that trip up first-time shoppers?

I've been shopping on Temu since its US launch in 2022, and I've learned a lot along the way - both what works and what to avoid. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your first Temu order a success.

New User Deals: What You'll Get

One of the best things about being a new Temu user is the generous welcome offers. Here's what first-time shoppers typically receive:

🎁

Welcome Discount

Up to 90% Off

On select items

🚚

Free Shipping

No minimum order

💰

Coupon Bundle

$100+

In combined savings

🎮

Spin & Win

Free Items

Game rewards

Important: These offers are usually only available for a limited time after you create your account. Make sure to use them before they expire!

Step-by-Step: Placing Your First Order

Download the Temu App

While you can shop on Temu.com, the app offers better deals, easier navigation, and app-exclusive coupons. Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

Create Your Account

Sign up using your email, Google account, Facebook, or Apple ID. This takes about 30 seconds and unlocks your new user discounts immediately.

Claim Your Welcome Offers

Right after signing up, you'll see pop-ups with new user coupons and deals. Accept them all - they'll be added to your coupon collection for use at checkout.

Browse and Search

Use the search bar to find specific items, or browse categories. Check the "5-star rated" and "best sellers" sections for popular, well-reviewed products.

Check Product Details

Before adding to cart: read reviews (especially ones with photos), check the size chart for clothing, and look at customer-uploaded photos to see the real product.

Add to Cart

Select your options (size, color, quantity) and tap "Add to Cart." Keep shopping or proceed to checkout when ready.

Apply Coupons

At checkout, tap "Apply Coupon" and select from available coupons. The system will suggest the best combination, but you can manually choose too.

Enter Shipping Address

Add your delivery address. Double-check it's correct - incorrect addresses can cause delivery issues. Include apartment/unit numbers if applicable.

Choose Payment Method

Select from credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Klarna (buy now, pay later). All payment methods are secure.

Place Your Order

Review your order summary, confirm the total, and tap "Place Order." You'll receive a confirmation email with tracking information once your order ships.

First Order Checklist

Before You Buy - Make Sure You:

✓

Read at least 10-20 reviews, prioritizing ones with photos

✓

Check the size chart if ordering clothing (Temu sizes run small)

✓

Look at customer photos to see the real product

✓

Compare prices with the original price - some "discounts" are inflated

✓

Start with low-cost items ($5-15) to test quality

✓

Applied all available coupons at checkout

✓

Double-checked your shipping address

What to Buy (and What to Avoid) on Your First Order

Recommended

Great First Purchases

Phone cases and accessories
Home decor items
Kitchen gadgets
Craft supplies
Party decorations
Jewelry (costume)
Bags and small accessories

Proceed with Caution

Check Reviews Carefully

Clothing (sizing issues common)
Shoes (quality varies)
Electronics (limited warranty)
Beauty products (ingredients)
Anything with specific measurements

Best to Avoid

Not Recommended

Children's toys (safety concerns)
Food storage (material quality)
Health supplements
Anything safety-critical
High-value electronics

Pro Tips for First-Time Shoppers

Order Size Up for Clothing

Temu clothing typically runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US sizing. Always check the size chart and measure yourself. When in doubt, size up.

Look for "5,000+ Sold"

Products with high sales numbers and 4+ star ratings are usually reliable. This indicates many people have bought and been satisfied with the item.

Read Negative Reviews First

1-star and 2-star reviews reveal the actual problems with products. If the issues mentioned are dealbreakers for you, skip that item.

Bundle Items to Save More

Many coupons have minimum purchase requirements. Adding one more item might unlock a bigger discount, actually saving you money.

Screenshot Your Order

Take screenshots of the product listing, your order, and confirmation. This helps if you need to dispute a "not as described" claim later.

Use the App for Best Deals

The Temu app has exclusive coupons and games that give free items. Download it even if you prefer shopping on desktop.

What to Expect After Ordering

Shipping Timeline

Order Processing: 1-3 days for order to ship
Standard Shipping: 6-22 business days total
Express Shipping: 4-11 days (orders over $129)
Typical Arrival: Most orders arrive within 2-3 weeks

Tracking Your Order

You can track your order in the Temu app under "Your Orders." Tracking may take 2-3 days to update after shipping. Don't panic if tracking seems stuck - packages often move faster than tracking updates.

When Your Package Arrives

Photograph the package before opening
Check items immediately against your order
Test any electronics or functional items right away
Keep packaging if you might need to return
Report any issues within 90 days

Common First-Order Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make These Mistakes

Ordering clothing without checking the size chart
Ignoring customer photo reviews
Expecting brand-name quality at Temu prices
Missing the coupon apply step at checkout
Ordering time-sensitive items (allow 3+ weeks)
Buying expensive items before testing Temu quality
Not saving your order confirmation/screenshots

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to order from Temu for the first time? +

Yes, Temu is a legitimate platform backed by PDD Holdings, a $190 billion company also behind Pinduoduo in China. They use secure payment processing (your card info is encrypted), and offer buyer protection for all purchases. Start with small orders to test quality before making larger purchases.

How long does a first Temu order take to arrive? +

Standard shipping takes 6-22 business days, with most orders arriving within 2-3 weeks. Express shipping (available for orders over $129) takes 4-11 days. First orders are not faster or slower than subsequent orders - the shipping time depends on your location and the shipping method chosen.

What discounts do new Temu users get? +

New users typically receive: welcome percentage discounts (up to 90% off select items), coupon bundles worth $100+, free shipping with no minimum, and access to games that give free items. These offers appear right after signup and usually expire within 24-48 hours, so use them quickly.

What should I buy for my first Temu order? +

Start with low-cost items ($5-15) in categories with consistent quality: phone accessories, home decor, kitchen gadgets, craft supplies, or party decorations. Avoid clothing until you understand Temu sizing, and skip anything safety-critical or high-value until you're familiar with the platform.

Can I return my first Temu order? +

Yes, Temu offers a 90-day return policy on most items. Your first return per order is free with a prepaid shipping label. For low-value items, Temu often offers refunds without requiring you to return the product. Check the product page for any return restrictions before purchasing.

Why do Temu sizes run small? +

Most Temu products come from Chinese manufacturers using Asian sizing, which runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US/Western sizing. Always check the size chart (listed in centimeters), measure yourself, and order at least one size up. Customer reviews often mention sizing, so read them carefully.

Is Temu better than Amazon? +

They serve different purposes. Temu is better for budget finds when you can wait 2-3 weeks and quality isn't critical. Amazon is better for fast delivery, brand-name products, and items where quality matters. Many shoppers use both depending on what they're buying.

Final Tips for Your First Order

Your first Temu order is a learning experience. Keep these final thoughts in mind:

Set realistic expectations: You're getting budget products at budget prices
Start small: Test with inexpensive items before committing to larger purchases
Be patient: Shipping takes 2-3 weeks - plan accordingly
Read reviews: They're your best indicator of actual product quality
Use your coupons: New user deals are generous - take advantage of them
Know your protections: 90-day returns and buyer protection have your back

Happy shopping, and welcome to Temu!

Amanda Torres

E-commerce Shopping Expert

Amanda has been shopping and reviewing budget e-commerce platforms since 2019. She's completed over 200 Temu orders and shares practical tips based on real shopping experiences.