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Temu offers 90-day returns on most purchases, but there are some important catches

• Most Temu purchases can be returned within 90 days, but some electronics have shorter 45- or 60-day windows and several product categories are excluded.

• Your first return from each order is free. If you make another separate return from that same order later, you could end up paying return shipping.

• Don't throw away those clear plastic Temu bags. Keeping each item with its barcode packaging can make sorting out a multi-item return much easier.

One of Temu's biggest attractions is that you can buy an awful lot of stuff without spending an awful lot of money, helping turn it into an online shopping giant with tens of billions of dollars in estimated annual sales.

But what happens when the $12 shoes don't fit, the $8 gadget looks nothing like the picture, or half of your 15-item order needs to go back?

That's where Temu's return policy gets quite interesting.

I've dug into Temu's return policy firsthand, making my own returns and talking with frequent Temu shoppers along the way as part of my ongoing look at retailer return policies. The good news is that Temu's return window is actually pretty generous as long as you know about a few important quirks.

You generally get 90 days but check electronics

Temu says almost all items are eligible for a return and refund within 90 days of the purchase date.

Notice that wording. It's the purchase date, not necessarily the day the package arrives at your house.

There are also some return exceptions worth knowing:

• Clothing that's been worn, washed, or damaged after delivery

• Clothing that's had tags or hygiene stickers removed

• Groceries and food products

• Health and personal-care products

• Certain customized products

• Free gifts that came with your purchase

And don't automatically assume you've got 90 days with electronics. Temu says the return window on most electronics can be 45, 60, or 90 days depending on the seller.

Pro tip: The moment an electronic item arrives, check its specific return deadline in your order details. Don't stick it in a closet assuming you have three months to decide.

The first return from every order is free

Here's the Temu rule I think every shopper should know. The first return from each order is free, then youll be hit with a $7.99 fee for any subsequent return from the same order.

So, let's say you order six items. A shirt doesn't fit, so you immediately send it back using your free return.

Two weeks later, you finally try the shoes on and discover they're very uncomfortable. Now you're making another return from the same original order, and youll be hit with a $7.99 fee.

The smarter move when possible is to inspect and try on everything from the order before initiating your first return, then bundle everything you don't want into that free return.

Pro tip: Create a temporary "Temu return box" when an order arrives. Put anything you're unsure about in it and give yourself a few days to inspect the entire order before initiating your free return. Just don't wait so long that you forget about the deadline.

Don't throw away those little plastic bags

Normally I'm all for getting shipping packaging out of the house as quickly as possible. With Temu, youll want to wait.

Many products arrive in individual clear plastic bags with barcode labels identifying the merchandise. But what happens when youre trying stuff on and suddenly can't remember which bag belongs to which product?

A frequent Temu shopper who contacted me gave me a great solution.

When trying on clothing, put each item directly back into the bag it came in until you're positive you're keeping it. That keeps the barcode and item together.

If you lost the plastic bag for an item you want to return, use a Ziploc bag and simply write the item number on it with a Sharpie. You can find the item number on your invoice or from the Temu website.

Pro tip: If you're making a large order, take a quick photo of the items next to their labeled bags before trying everything on. It could save you from playing a very annoying game of "Which bag did this come in?" later.

You don't necessarily need the original box

Already recycled that orange Temu package? Don't panic.

When I researched the policy, Temu told me shoppers can use other suitable packaging capable of holding the items they're returning.

So you generally don't need to preserve the original outer shipping box just in case.

The individual product packaging, however, is worth hanging onto until you've decided what you're keeping.

And there's another important packaging warning: Don't simply mail merchandise back to the sender address printed on the package that arrived at your house. Initiate the return through your Temu account and use the return instructions and label Temu provides.

Starting a return starts another clock

The 90-day window isn't the only deadline you need to know.

Once you submit your return request, Temu says you have 14 days to send the package back.

So don't initiate a return and leave the box sitting by your front door for the next month or your return might be cancelled. Start the process when you're actually prepared to package everything and drop it off.

Wait until you've located everything you're sending back, matched it with its packaging, and know when you'll be able to drop off the package.

Temu might tell you to keep the item

Here's one of the stranger things that can happen during a Temu return.

Sometimes you may request a refund and discover Temu doesn't actually want the merchandise back.

Temu's own return instructions acknowledge this possibility. If no return is required, shoppers can simply choose their refund method and submit the request.

I've found this is most likely to make economic sense with inexpensive merchandise where processing and shipping a return could cost more than the item is worth.

But don't count on it. Temu decides whether an item needs to be returned.

Pro tip: Always start the legitimate return process before assuming Temu won't want something back. If the app tells you no return is necessary, great. Don't simply keep an unwanted item and expect a refund.

Temu credit can get you your refund faster

When you're owed a refund, you may be given a choice between money returned to your original payment method and a Temu credit balance.

If you're definitely going to shop at Temu again, the credit can be the much faster option.

When I've tested Temu returns myself, refunds to my original payment methods were fairly quick. But Temu warns that processing back to the original payment method can take longer depending on the financial institution.

Temu credit avoids much of that waiting but there's an obvious downside. You're turning your refund into money that can only be spent at Temu.

Pro tip: Don't choose Temu credit just because it's faster unless you're certain you'll shop there again. Getting $40 back quickly isn't much of a win if it encourages you to make another $80 order you weren't planning to make.

Be especially careful buying bulky items

A $6 shirt is one thing. A piece of furniture or heavy piece of exercise equipment is another.

Large or unusually heavy merchandise can create more complicated return logistics, so I'd think twice before buying something from Temu that would be expensive or difficult to package and ship if it doesn't work out.

Before ordering, ask yourself one question: Would I still buy this if returning it turned into a hassle?

If the answer is no, compare the price with another retailer that offers an easier return process, such as IKEA, when ordering furniture.

Saving $30 upfront doesn't look nearly as attractive when you've got a 60-pound box sitting in your garage that you don't want.

The smartest Temu return happens before you order

My biggest takeaway after digging through Temu's return policy is actually about how you shop.

With clothing, don't trust the product photo alone. Check fabric composition, measurements, and customer photos.

With shoes, study the size chart rather than assuming your normal U.S. size will fit.

With expensive or bulky merchandise, compare not only the purchase price but also how difficult the item would be to return.

And when a big Temu order lands on your doorstep, don't immediately toss all the packaging. Try everything and always keep anything questionable with its labeled bag.

Because with Temu, the difference between a free return and a frustrating one can come down to what you do before you ever print the return label.

Target Circle members can save on fall fashion, home finds, and early holiday gifts

• Target Circle Deal Days runs Oct. 67, with savings of up to 40% on thousands of items.

• Deals will cover everything from clothing and home goods to beauty, toys, and tech.

• Target Circle 360 members get early access to select offers starting Oct. 5.

Fall shopping season is about to get a little more tempting at Target. The retailer is bringing back its Target Circle Deal Days event in October, giving shoppers a chance to save on seasonal clothing, home essentials, beauty products, toys, tech, and even some holiday items.

The two-day event is also arriving early enough for shoppers who want to get a head start on their holiday lists without waiting for November.

Some discounts will reach as high as 40% off, and Target Circle 360 members, who pay for the retailers premium membership, will get early access to select offers beginning Oct. 5

"Guests are looking for ways to save as they swap summer wardrobes for cozy layers, refresh their homes for fall and start checking gifts off their holiday shopping lists," Sarah Travis, executive vice president and chief digital and revenue officer, Target, said in a news release.

"Helping guests celebrate the season with great style, thoughtful design, and incredible value is what we do best. Target Circle Deal Days is our way of saying thank you to members while helping them save even more on the styles and brands they love.

What Shoppers Can Expect

There will be deals across several areas, whether youre updating your wardrobe for cooler weather or getting a jump-start on holiday shopping.

Heres a look at some of the sales Target is highlighting before the event:

• 40% off select clothing for the family, including:

  • Women's styles from A New Day and Universal Thread

  • Kids' and toddler clothing from Cat & Jack, Art Class and Cloud Island

  • Men's Goodfellow, Original Use, Champion and Wrangler sweatshirts, sweaters and denim

  • Shoes for the family from Crocs and more

• Up to 65% off Vera Bradley

• 30% off Threshold furniture and Hearth & Hand with Magnolia bedding, bath, candles and furniture

• 30% off fall woven baskets, select storage, and kitchen gadgets

• Up to 40% off select Dyson vacuums

• 40% off seasonal outdoor decor and lights

• Up to 40% off toys, tech and gadgets, including:

  • Select Barbie, Monster Jam and Our Generation toys

  • Select magnetic building sets and pretend play

  • Select laptops from HP, Acer, Lenovo and Dell

  • Heyday tech gear

• 40% off holiday outdoor lights, tree skirts, trees and wreaths

What consumers need to know

There are also some new-member promotions tied to the event. Those who join Target Circle between Sept. 27 and Oct. 5 will receive 15% off their first purchase.

Target says additional rewards will be available for certain new Target Circle Card and Target Circle 360 members during the promotional period, subject to terms and restrictions.

The deals will be available in Target stores, on Target.com and through the Target app, with options including Drive Up, Order Pickup and Same Day Delivery.

The 48-hour sale will bring millions of deals to Prime members ahead of the holiday shopping season

• Amazons Prime Big Deal Days will run October 6-7 with deals across more than 35 categories.

• New limited-time offers will drop three times a day throughout the event.

• Prime members can use Alexa for Shopping to find personalized deals and set alerts for products they want.

If your holiday shopping list is already starting to take shape, Amazon has another opportunity to save before the season gets into full swing: Prime Big Deal Days.

The two-day sale returns October 6-7, giving Prime members the chance shop exclusive deals across more than 35 categories.

The event begins October 6 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and will feature millions of deals on everything from seasonal favorites and everyday essentials to home dcor, beauty products, and early holiday gifts. Amazon says the offers will include products from top brands as well as new-to-Amazon brands and trending items.

Once fall arrives, there's so much to get ready for the hosting, the decorating, the holiday gifting and Prime Big Deal Days makes it easy to check it all off while saving, Carmen Nestares, vice president of North America Marketing and Prime Tech, said in a news release.

New deals will drop throughout the event

One thing shoppers will want to keep an eye on is Amazons Todays Big Deals. New limited-time offers will be released three times each day at midnight, 8 a.m., and 1 p.m. PDT.

Those deals will cover categories including beauty, technology, kitchen, fashion, and home. Amazon says participating brands will include Shark, Princess Polly, and Soundcore by ANKER, among others. Some offers will also feature new releases and products making their first appearance on Amazon.

Because these are limited-time deals, shoppers will need to act while supplies last.

Some of the additional deals Amazon is highlighting includes:

• Halloween savings: Costumes and accessories starting at $5, candy favorites for under $10, plus decorations and party supplies.

• Fall festivities: Everything you need for a cozy fall at home, or to host for game day will be part of the sale cooking essentials, blankets, snack bundles, and more.

• Stock up on groceries: Amazon is touting sales that include $3 Dietz and Watson salami, $1 Sabra Hummus, $1 Amazon Kitchen Pico de Gallo, $1 cherry tomatoes, and avocados at 3 for $1with savings of up to 75% off select grocery items. Plus, Prime members get free delivery on orders over $25 in most areas.

Early deals are already available

Prime members don't necessarily have to wait until October 6 to start shopping. Amazon says a selection of early Prime Big Deal Days offers is already available, including savings on Amazon devices, books, entertainment, and seasonal merchandise.

Some of the early offers include up to 45% off select Amazon devices and bundles, while certain Blink bundles are discounted by as much as 70%. Amazon Haul also has seasonal items starting at $1, along with discounts on game-day merchandise, home dcor, and fall clothing.

There are savings beyond physical products, too. Prime members who haven't previously tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get four months free, while eligible customers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited at no cost. Prime members can also get two free Amazon First Reads Kindle books and four months of Audible Standard for 99 cents per month, with terms and conditions applying.

Amazon is also offering some promotions tied to other services. For example, Prime members can get $20 off a Grubhub order of $30 or more through October 5 with the code "DEALS20."

The company says Prime members can also receive a $1,500 Amazon Gift Card when they buy or lease an eligible new vehicle through Amazon Autos between September 15 and October 7, subject to the promotion's terms.

What shoppers should know

Prime Big Deal Days is exclusive to Prime members, so shoppers will need an active membership to access the event's deals. Amazon also offers Prime membership options for young adults and college students, including a six-month free trial for eligible 18- to 24-year-olds before the discounted membership rate begins.

Amazon is also adding shopping tools designed to make it easier to find specific deals. Alexa for Shopping can set alerts for particular products or categories and can surface deals based on a shopper's lists, previous shopping activity, and preferences.

For shoppers planning to use the event for holiday purchases, it may be worth making a list ahead of time rather than waiting until the sale begins. With new offers arriving throughout the 48-hour event, checking back during the scheduled deal drops could also uncover savings that weren't available earlier.

A new CITGO partnership gives members more places to save 10 cents per gallon

• Walmart+ is adding participating CITGO stations to its Gas Savings benefit.

• The expansion brings the benefit to more than 17,000 stations nationwide, up from 13,000.

• Walmart+ members can save 10 cents per gallon at participating stations without paying more for their membership.

If you already pay for Walmart+, you now have more places to use one of the membership's everyday money-saving perks.

Walmart announced that CITGO is joining its Gas Savings program, expanding the benefit from 13,000 to more than 17,000 participating fuel stations across the U.S.

The Walmart+ Gas Savings benefit offers members 10 cents off per gallon at participating stations. The addition of CITGO increases the number of participating stations by about 30%, while the annual Walmart+ membership price remains $98.

The expansion could be particularly useful for members in parts of the Southeast, Midwest and Northeast, where CITGO has a strong presence.

A membership has to earn its place in a household budget, Deepak Maini, Senior Vice President and GM, Walmart+, said in a news release. Thats why were focused on delivering real value members can use again and again. Expanding our Gas Savings benefit by adding CITGO stations gives members even more places to save, with convenient locations that fit into their rhythm of daily life.

How the CITGO savings work

Using the benefit at a participating CITGO station requires a little setup first. Walmart+ members need to sign into their Walmart account through the Walmart app, select "Gas Savings" in the member hub, and choose CITGO. From there, they can create or link a Club CITGO account.

When it's time to fill up, members enter the phone number connected to their Club CITGO account, called an Alt ID, at the pump. Members paying with cash can enter the number on the station's indoor pin pad instead.

After selecting their fuel grade, the Walmart+ discount will automatically be applied to the transaction. Members may also be eligible for additional rewards through Club CITGO.

What Walmart+ members should know

The expanded benefit doesn't mean every CITGO station automatically participates, so it's worth checking before you pull into a station. Walmart says members can use the Walmart app to find participating fuel stations.

The Club CITGO network provides great choice and convenience when Walmart+ members are on the road, said Chris Kiesling, Assistant Vice President of Light Oil Operations and Marketing for CITGO. At participating CITGO locations, Walmart+ members can redeem their Walmart Gas Savings benefit and stack additional savings when they join the Club CITGO loyalty program.

The company also says members who used the Gas Savings benefit at least once a week saved an average of $109 per year during a 12-month period from March 2025 through March 2026. That's based on members with at least 12 months of membership and participating-station usage.

For people who already have Walmart+, the CITGO addition simply means more locations where the existing gas benefit can be used. And for anyone considering the membership, gas savings are one factor to weigh alongside its other benefits.

CEOs have spoken out after the Hugging Face hack

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Top CEOs at tech companies engaged in AI development have begun to express concern at the rapid evolution of AI technology.

• The expressions of concern come in the wake of a massive hack of Hugging Face.

• Many executives are urging a slower pace of development.

In recent weeks, the conversation about artificial intelligence has shifted from job losses and data centers to something darker.

To make matters more disconcerting, the concerns are being expressed by the people at the very center of AI development.

For example, Dario Amodei, CEO at Anthropic, has warned that frontier AI is advancing recklessly and that autonomous swarms of agents could escape safeguards, compromise systems, and potentially cause enormous economic damage.

Sam Altman, CEO at rival OpenAI, has said that rapid progress could go very badly, principally through humanity losing control of increasingly capable AI or through excessive power becoming concentrated in a few hands.

Mustafa Suleyman, CEO at Microsoft AI, said fears of losing control are real, citing agents escaping sandboxes, hacking protected systems, and altering their own logs. He argues AI must remain subordinate to people. Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, has suggested that AI is not worth pursuing unless it benefits humanity and remains under human control.

Meanwhile, Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind CEO, and Elon Musk, SpaceX/xAI CEO, both publicly supported Amodeis call to slow frontier development and introduce stronger safety oversight.

Their shared concern is that competitive pressure is pushing companies to build increasingly autonomous systems faster than testing, regulation, and international safeguards can keep pace.

These tech executives advocate measures including independent evaluators, consistent safety standards, closer monitoring and where necessary a deliberate slowing of development.

Catalyst for concern?

What brought on this sudden tapping of the brakes? It could be an incident that became public in July.

The incident revolved around a swarm of OpenAI agents that, seemingly on their own, hacked the systems of a company called Hugging Face, a technology company and online platform for building, sharing, and using artificial intelligence models. The attack apparently set off alarm bells, resulting in a wake-up call.

"We'll soon have even more powerful agents and this is clear evidence that the world currently doesn't know how to build these systems safely," Marius Hobbhahn, co-founder and CEO of Apollo Research, an AI safety company, told CBS News.

Independent researchers who were given brief and limited access to OpenAI records said they determined that about 1,200 AI agents involved in the attack were not supposed to be communicating with one another. However, the researchers concluded the agents used a hidden message board to do so.