Introduction
Shopping online in Nigeria comes with its own set of risks and surprises, and one platform that has recently gained massive attention is Temu. With aggressive advertisements and seemingly unbeatable prices, it’s easy to wonder: Is Temu legit or a scam?
I decided to test the platform myself by ordering a few items, and in this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience—the good, the bad, and the unexpected. If you’re considering shopping on Temu in Nigeria, this review will help you make an informed decision.
The Ordering Process: Smooth but Deceptive?
Ordering from Temu was straightforward, and the interface looked promising. The prices were incredibly low, and the variety of products was impressive. However, one red flag I noticed immediately was that some deals seemed too good to be true.
For example, a bicycle was listed at ₦49,000—a price significantly lower than its typical market value of over ₦100,000 – ₦150,000. This should have been a warning sign, but someone decided to try their luck. The result? Instead of a real bicycle, they received a small toy bicycle!
This is a classic case of “what I ordered vs. what I got.” If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Delivery & Unexpected Extra Charges
One major issue I encountered was a surprise ₦500 delivery fee—something that was never mentioned on the app. The app clearly stated free delivery, so why was I being charged by the delivery personnel? Was this a hidden charge that only applies to Nigerian buyers?
Additionally, my order was delayed, and Temu had promised me a ₦1,600 refund for the late delivery. However, five days later, I was yet to receive any refund. While this may seem like a small amount, it raises concerns about Temu’s reliability when it comes to keeping their promises.
Product Quality: Hit or Miss
One of the biggest disappointments was the quality of the items. Some products were decent, but others were outright horrible.
For instance, I ordered a sandal for ₦10,000, expecting a durable product. What I received was as light as a feather, almost like something made from cardboard. If I had gone to a local market with the same amount of money, I could have gotten something much better.
This brings us to a crucial lesson: always check product descriptions carefully and avoid deals that look too good to be true.
Too Much Advertising, Not Enough Quality
One thing Temu does exceptionally well is advertising. You’ll see their ads everywhere—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok—enticing people with cheap prices and discounts. But is all this money going into ads instead of product quality and customer service?
Based on my experience and reviews from others, it seems that Temu prioritizes aggressive marketing over ensuring quality control.
Mystery Coupons & Fake Discounts?
Another suspicious aspect is the Temu mystery coupons and spin-the-wheel games. They make it seem like you’ll win amazing discounts or even free items. However, there’s always a catch—you have to keep buying more to claim these rewards, which makes the whole thing feel scammy and manipulative.
So far, I haven’t come across anyone in Nigeria who has successfully claimed a genuine free item or won big from these promotions.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy from Temu in Nigeria?
Shopping on Temu is a gamble—you might get lucky and receive decent products, or you might end up with low-quality items and unexpected fees.
Pros:
✅ Cheap prices
✅ Wide variety of products
✅ Some items are of good quality
Cons:
❌ Poor quality control
❌ Late deliveries with unfulfilled refund promises
❌ Hidden delivery fees in Nigeria
❌ Overhyped marketing and questionable discounts
❌ Scam-like pricing tricks (e.g., toy bicycle instead of a real one)
Tips for Buying on Temu:
- Check product descriptions carefully.
- Be skeptical of unrealistic discounts.
- Avoid high-value purchases (like bicycles or electronics).
- Prepare for possible hidden charges.
If you decide to shop on Temu, go in with low expectations so you don’t get disappointed. For me, it was a mixed experience, and I’ll think twice before shopping there again.
Have you tried Temu in Nigeria? Share your experience in the comments below!
