Temu, Shein, and AliExpress refunds: the in-app rules that actually get your money back
These platforms refund more often than people expect, if you use their own buyer protection windows and evidence rules. Temu's 90-day returns and Purchase Protection, Shein's 35-day returns, AliExpress's 15-day Buyer Protection dispute, what to photograph, "refund without return," and the chargeback when the app says no.
- Temu: free returns within 90 days (first return per order free; later ones $7.99), full refund if the item isn't as described or never arrives, and Purchase Protection that refunds if it's late or lost. Many low-value items get "refund without return."
- Shein: 35 days from delivery for most items (first return per order free), non-returnable categories (bodysuits, lingerie, jewelry, customized). Not received or wrong item: refund via the app's "Report a problem."
- AliExpress: open a dispute in the app within 15 days after delivery confirmation (or when the protection timer is about to expire if it never arrived). Evidence photos and videos decide the case. Full refund for not received; partial or full for not as described.
- Always: unboxing video, photos with the label visible, file inside the app first, then chargeback if the platform sides with the seller on a clear case.
- Refunds go back to the original card (5–14 business days) or to app credit; choose the card.
Temu
Returns: Your Orders → the item → Return/Refund → reason → choose refund to original payment or Temu credit (credit is faster; card is safer). First return of each order ships free with the label provided; you have 90 days from purchase. Non-returnable: some hygiene items, custom products, items marked non-returnable.
Not received / late: Temu's Purchase Protection promises a refund if the package is lost, or a $5 credit if it arrives after the promised window (varies). Order page → "Package not received" after the last estimated date. Refunds for lost packages are usually approved within days.
Not as described / damaged: photos in the return request; for cheap items Temu often approves "refund without return" (keep the item).
Denied? Chat with support in-app (fast, 24/7). Then chargeback.
Shein
Returns: My Orders → Return Item within 35 days of delivery (the app shows the deadline). First return per order is free (prepaid label); additional returns from the same order cost $7.99. Refund to card within 10 business days after the warehouse receives the return, or instant Shein Wallet credit.
Not received: after the delivery estimate passes, Order details → "Report a problem" → not received. Shein usually refunds or reships within a few days if tracking shows no delivery.
Wrong / damaged: report within the return window with photos of the item and the packing label; refund without return is common for low-value items.
Non-returnable: lingerie, bodysuits, swimwear (sometimes), earrings, cosmetics, pet supplies, customized, and clearance items marked as such.
AliExpress
Buyer Protection: every order has a protection timer. If the item doesn't arrive by the end of the timer, open a dispute before it expires (or extend it). If it arrives, you have 15 days after delivery confirmation to dispute (some categories 30).
How to dispute: My Orders → the order → Open Dispute → reason (not received; not as described; damaged; counterfeit) → refund amount you want → upload photos and a video (unboxing video showing the label and the contents is the single most effective piece of evidence). The seller has 5 days to respond; if you don't agree, AliExpress steps in and decides.
Tips: don't confirm receipt of goods before checking them; if tracking shows "delivered" but you have nothing, dispute with "package shows delivered but not received" and a statement; for not-as-described, quote the listing text and attach comparison photos; for counterfeit, mention the brand explicitly.
Choice Day / AliExpress Choice orders have free returns within 15 days and faster refunds.
When the app says no: chargeback
All three charge your card (or PayPal, or Apple/Google Pay linked to a card). A card dispute for goods not received or not as described with your in-app evidence and the platform's denial is strong. Deadline: usually 120 days from the expected delivery date. PayPal: 180 days. Don't let the app timeline run past the card deadline.
Debit card: Regulation E, 60 days from the statement.
FAQ
Do I have to pay customs or return shipping to China?
Refund cases for not received or not as described don't require you to ship back at your cost; the platforms provide domestic labels (Temu, Shein) or "refund without return" (AliExpress often for low-value). If a seller demands you pay international return shipping, escalate to the platform.
Can I get money instead of app credit?
Yes; pick original payment method. Credit is offered first because it keeps the money on the platform.
The item is a fake brand
AliExpress: dispute as counterfeit with photos; typically full refund without return. Also report the listing.