As is always the case with anything “free,” there is a catch. Or, in this case, a couple. The primary way to open up promotions for free items on Temu is to refer and invite friends, who then have to download the app, make an account, and use your referral code within 24 hours of making the account for it to work. Referral codes for new signups aren’t the only way to get free stuff, though. You can also use the occasional coupon or play games on the mobile app to try and win freebies as well.
That said, there are more caveats to consider before filling your cart with $0 items. Some free listings are marked as only being available for new app users, and the website states that an order with multiple free items “some will be free” (but it isn’t clear what will or won’t be free, how many of an item or items will reach that threshold, etc.).
It’s also not apparent whether the site’s highly advertised free shipping will come into play on these purchases. The fine print says it offers free standard shipping on “eligible orders” but doesn’t explain the criteria for eligibility — presumably, it’s tied to the nature of the item itself (size, weight, whether or not it contains batteries, etc.). The Shipping Info page doesn’t add any more clarity.