Have you scrolled online lately and came across an ad for Temu? If so, then you’ve likely seen the wide assortment of products it offers.
The ecommerce marketplace recently expanded its assortment even further by rolling out a way for US-based sellers to list their products directly on the Temu platform. Previously, merchants’ only option was to sell their goods to Temu in China for eventual delivery to consumers in the US and elsewhere. Now, the company is inviting US-based sellers onto its platform, with sellers managing their own order fulfillment.
If you’re looking to expand your reach beyond familiar online shopping destinations, Temu is a rapidly growing alternative. Temu has its own distinct style—so distinct, in fact, Amazon is launching its own rival.
The process for becoming a US-based Temu merchant is new, and aspects of application approval remain mysterious. To access Temu’s ever-expanding marketplace, you’ll need to contact the company and follow these steps.
What is Temu?
Temu is an ecommerce marketplace known for its deeply discounted products, gamified app, and ubiquitous digital advertising. Temu launched in the US in September 2022 and is a subsidiary of PDD Holdings, along with the popular ecommerce platform Pinduoduo.
Temu sellers offer a dizzying array of products, including clothing, beauty products, appliances, above-ground pools, meat blankets, and knockoff Jim Carrey The Mask masks. There’s a lot going on.
In its early stages, Temu sold products on a consignment basis. It stored sellers’ products in its own warehouses and handled the entire sales process, from marketing to fulfillment and returns. This meant sellers had to either be based in China or ship their goods to Chinese warehouses for redistribution. This let sellers skip the step of warehousing products in the US, so they could avoid the import fees the US levies on larger shipments.
(For merchants looking to import products to the U.S. directly, understanding how to navigate tariffs is essential for managing costs.)
How to sell on Temu
- Request a Temu seller account
- Submit the required documents
- Create a Temu seller account and profile
- Add product listings
- Set up fulfillment
In early 2024, Temu announced it would allow US sellers to list their products on the Temu app and use direct fulfillment or a model similar to Fulfillment by Amazon. Since then, Temu has started onboarding US-based sellers. Here’s how to get started:
1. Request a Temu seller account
There are two ways to apply for a seller account and set up an online store on Temu. The first is to apply via Temu’s sister company, Pinduoduo. The second is by contacting Temu directly.
In the first case, you’ll need to download the Pinduoduo seller app or go to the Pinduoduo website to register for a cross-border merchant account. Once Pinduoduo approves you, you’ll be able to use your credentials to also set up a Temu account.
To apply directly with Temu, you’ll use the Temu Seller Center, but you need an invite first. Email seller@temu.com to request a Temu store seller code.
2. Submit the required documents
Once you’ve begun the application process, Temu or Pinduoduo will request documentation to verify your business is legitimate. Prepare to submit your business license, tax identification information, a personal ID, and identification for your legal representation. According to Pinduoduo, the approval process can take as few as three days.
3. Create a Temu seller account and profile
When Temu or Pinduoduo approves your application, you’ll be able to set up your seller account within the Temu app. Enter your online store name and add a profile photo. Shoppers will be able to view and follow your profile once it’s live.
4. Add product listings
With your account up and running, tap the Add Products button. Input your product descriptions and pricing and upload product photos. When you’re done, submit your product listings for approval. Temu will review your products before making the listings accessible to the public.
5. Set up fulfillment
If your ecommerce brand is up and running, then you already have a system for order fulfillment in place. Take the necessary steps to ensure the system can handle incoming orders from Temu alongside whatever other online retail platforms you use.
This might mean making adjustments to your inventory management or briefing your employees on new shipping procedures. If you have questions while fulfilling orders, reach out to Temu—although the US program is still relatively new, the company’s merchant support is reportedly fast.
Tips for selling on Temu
- Optimize your product names and descriptions
- Choose practical product photos
- Set competitive prices
- Use strikeout prices
- Provide product guides or manuals
- Respond quickly to reviews
Best practices for selling on Temu are similar to those for selling on any online marketplace. But given Temu’s reputation for quantity over quality, you’ll need to go the extra mile to make your products stand out in a very crowded field.
Optimize your product names and descriptions
Scroll through the consumer-facing version of the Temu app to assess current trends. Search for products similar to yours and check the names and descriptions competitors use. How are they positioning their products? Consider using keyword research tools to help you optimize your product names and descriptions. Ensure you’ve carefully articulated your value proposition in terms your target audience will understand.
Choose practical product photos
When selecting product photos for Temu, choose high-quality images that are clear, simple, and colorful. They should showcase the product from multiple angles and provide a sense of scale.
If you don’t have product photos available, or you sell products in a wide array of styles and colors (too many to conveniently photograph), 3D product rendering is an easy alternative to logistics-intensive photoshoots. That said, some consumers may want to see the actual product before buying it. If you can include at least a couple genuine photos of your product, it will increase your listing’s appeal.
Consider also using images that include your product’s dimensions. Place an image of your product on a white background, and then add the height, width, and depth of your product along with vertical and horizontal lines. For example, this product listing from the Temu app includes the dimensions of an office chair, along with its weight, in an easy-to-read graphic.
Set competitive prices
Under its fully managed model, Temu was losing millions of dollars every year in its strategy to win market share. But under the new semi-managed model, it’s up to sellers to set competitive prices. That said, consumers still expect products on the Temu app to be unusually affordable, so you have to balance profitability with consumer expectations. Select a strategic pricing strategy and monitor your sales to assess its effectiveness.
Use strikeout prices
Many products on Temu are available for what appears to be a deeply discounted price. For example, you might see a toaster priced at $15, but below that price, there’s a much higher price, say $50, that appears crossed out. This is what’s called a strikeout price. According to Temu, the strikeout price is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price or the price other retailers are offering.
This type of psychological pricing can prompt customers to buy on Temu. By setting a price that’s well below a strikeout price, you indicate to consumers they’re getting a good deal. Make it a limited-time-only sale and that’s one more incentive to purchase your product.
Provide product guides or manuals
Temu product listings can include instructions for assembling, washing, or using your products. If you sell clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, or anything where the user might benefit from additional information, consider uploading a PDF user guide that goes above and beyond the product description. Temu will display this user guide on the product page directly below your store name.
Respond quickly to reviews
To keep your customer satisfaction levels at their max, pay attention to customer feedback and respond quickly to reviews mentioning product defects. By providing excellent customer service, you can maintain high ratings, build social proof, and attract even more customers.
How to sell on Temu FAQ
What should sellers know about Temu?
Temu is an emerging platform that connects consumers with sellers, focusing on offering competitive pricing on a wide range of products. Sellers should understand Temu’s policies, including shipping and returns, to effectively manage their listings and maintain good customer relationships. Promoting unique products can help differentiate sellers in a growing marketplace.
Is selling on Temu profitable?
Selling on Temu can be profitable, if you know what you’re doing. The brand is known for its loss-making global expansion strategy under the operation of PDD Holdings, Temu’s parent company. This resulted in reports of its Chinese suppliers accepting losses. That said, sellers who use Temu’s semi-managed model retain more control over their pricing and profit margins.
How do I become a Temu seller?
If you’re a manufacturer or seller, you can become a Temu seller by emailing the company at seller@temu.com or registering for an account with its Chinese sister company, Pinduoduo.
Is Temu legit?
Yes, Temu is a legitimate ecommerce marketplace under the ownership of the publicly traded Chinese company PDD Holdings. That said, watch out for fake Temu customer service emails and other scams; always verify that Temu emails come from a legitimate temu.com domain, or use the in-app customer service channel to avoid impersonators.
How do you get paid on Temu?
The most direct way to get paid on Temu is to become a seller and list products on its marketplace. You can request withdrawals from your available balance to your linked bank account. You can also earn money on Temu through its affiliate program, earning commissions by referring people to download the Temu app and purchase products.
