Temu is shaking things up. In response to recent changes in US import rules (particularly the tightening of the de minimis loophole), the fast-growing ecommerce brand is shifting toward US-based fulfillment.
This marks a major shift from Temu’s original model, where products were mostly shipped directly from China. Now, US merchants can list affordable products on the platform and handle their own domestic order fulfillment, offering faster shipping times and fewer cross-border complications.
If you’ve seen a Temu ad recently (they’re hard to miss), you’ve probably noticed the platform’s eye-catching prices and huge product variety. What you might not know is that behind the scenes, Temu is building out a more localized seller ecosystem, opening up new opportunities for ecommerce brands that want to expand.
Selling on Temu in the US is still a relatively new option, and the process for getting approved isn’t as straightforward as other platforms. But if you’re curious about tapping into Temu’s massive customer base, here’s what you need to know and how to get started.
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, and meat blankets. There’s a lot going on.
In its early stages, Temu sold products on a consignment basis (a bit like the dropshipping model). It stored sellers’ products in its own warehouses and handled the entire sales process, from marketing strategies to fulfillment and returns. This meant sellers had to either be based in China or ship their goods to Chinese warehouses for redistribution. This approach allowed sellers to avoid the higher import tariffs and logistics costs typically associated with bulk shipments into the US, as individual parcels often fall under different customs rules.
(For merchants looking to import products to the US directly, understanding how to navigate tariffs is essential for managing costs.)
The shift to US-based fulfillment on Temu
If you’re a US-based seller eyeing the Temu marketplace (or already selling on the platform), there’s been a major shift that could change the game. Temu is starting to store more inventory in warehouses in the States, which helps it get products to customers faster and avoid some of the customs headaches that used to come with overseas shipping. For sellers, it opens the door to a more Amazon-style fulfillment model, involving quicker delivery, smoother logistics, and potentially happier customers.
There’s a reason behind this shift. It’s actually a strategic pivot in response to new import regulations, which affect how Temu works with both domestic and international sellers moving forward.
Understanding the impact of import rule changes
So, why is Temu making this move now?
It all comes down to changes in the way goods are taxed when they enter the US.
For a long time, many low-cost items shipped directly from China qualified for something called the de minimis exemption. This rule lets packages valued under $800 bypass duties and tariffs, which made it super cheap and easy for platforms like Temu to send products from overseas straight to American doorsteps.
But that loophole is quickly closing. Amid growing concerns around trade imbalances, counterfeit goods, and supply chain transparency, the US government has started tightening things up. There’s growing momentum to end or restrict the de minimis threshold, especially for ecommerce giants that heavily rely on it.
Temu’s pivot to US-based fulfillment is a direct response to this. By storing products domestically, it can keep delivery times short and stay compliant with evolving trade laws. For sellers, especially those based in the US, this could mean more opportunities to get their products in front of Temu’s massive audience without having to compete with ultra-cheap imports that previously benefited from more lenient import regulations.
How to sell on Temu as a US seller
- Create a Temu seller account
- Submit the required documents
- Create a Temu seller account and profile
- Add product listings
- Set up fulfillment and shipping
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. Create a Temu seller account
In the past, sellers had to request a code to create an account with Temu. But, as of late 2024, the platform is now open to all US sellers. A code is no longer needed, and sellers can sign up directly via the Temu Seller Center after checking they meet the Temu US seller requirements.
2. Submit the required documents
Once your seller account is set up, the next step is to provide Temu with all the necessary details about your business.
You’ll be asked to submit:
- Business verification documents. This could be a business license, tax ID, or other proof that you’re a legitimate operation. If you’re a sole proprietor, you might be able to use your Social Security number (SSN) instead of an employer identification number (EIN).
- Bank account information. Temu needs this to send you payouts. Make sure the account you link is active and matches the name on your business documentation.
- Contact details. This includes your name, phone number, email, and a customer service contact if you have one.
- Product details or samples. Depending on your category, Temu may also want a preview of what you plan to sell.
3. Create a Temu seller account and profile
When your account has been approved, you’ll be able to set up your profile in 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 and shipping
If your ecommerce brand is up and running, then you already have some kind of efficient order fulfillment system in place. As you start selling on Temu from the US, you’ll need to make sure that the system is ready to handle a new stream of incoming orders alongside your existing sales channels.
Temu’s US-based fulfillment model offers a couple of options for sellers:
- Self-fulfillment. You’re responsible for storing, packing, and shipping your products directly to customers. Temu will pass the order info along, and you’ll need to ship it out within a set timeframe (usually within 48 hours) using approved carriers. You’ll also be expected to upload tracking numbers promptly and meet performance benchmarks around delivery speed and accuracy.
- Warehouse fulfillment (Temu’s local warehousing). In some cases, Temu may invite eligible sellers to use their US-based warehouses. This is closer to the Amazon FBA model: you send your inventory in bulk to one of their fulfillment centers, and Temu handles picking, packing, and shipping when orders come in. This option can help you scale more easily and maintain fast delivery times, but it may come with storage fees or stricter inventory requirements.
Depending on the model you choose, you may need to:
- Sync your inventory management system with Temu’s platform
- Adjust stock levels to account for higher order volume or sudden spikes in demand
- Train your team on Temu’s shipping requirements, packaging guidelines, and return policies
- Integrate with Temu’s back-end systems via API or through a compatible order management platform (Temu offers basic integration options and guidance in their seller portal)
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.
Temu seller fees for US merchants
Currently, Temu does not charge subscription, listing, or payment processing fees for US merchants. Sellers are responsible for shipping costs, which vary depending on product size and weight. Customers get free standard shipping. Fulfillment fees are only applicable if you’re using Temu’s direct fulfillment service, where fees are based on product size and weight.
Tips for selling on Temu
- Research Temu product trends
- 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 making money 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.
Research Temu product trends
If you’ve spent any time scrolling the depths of the Temu marketplace, you’ll know it has its own unique vibe. Shoppers are often looking for ultra-affordable, eye-catching, and sometimes impulse-worthy buys. So, before you start uploading listings, take some time to explore the platform and see trending products.
Open the Temu app or website and dig into:
- Bestseller lists to get a snapshot of what’s hot right now across different categories
- Daily deals and flash sales to see what types of products Temu is actively promoting to shoppers
- Customer reviews to better understand what people like (or don’t like) about certain products, and what they expect in terms of price, packaging, and quality
- Trending search terms to see what auto-fills in the search bar. This can clue you in on popular items and seasonal demand
Optimize your product names and descriptions
Scroll through the consumer-facing version of the 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. Including at least a couple of genuine photos of your product 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 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 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 psychological pricing tactic helps shoppers easily see the savings they’re getting, reinforcing their sense of getting a good deal. Paired with a limited-time offer, it provides an extra incentive for customers to make a purchase sooner rather than later.
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 customer satisfaction levels at the 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.
Choose the right selling platform for you
When it comes to selling online, there’s no shortage of platforms to choose from. There’s Temu, Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and more. Each has its own pros, quirks, and customer base. But if you’re looking for long-term growth, control over your brand, and the ability to build something that’s truly your own from the comfort of your home, Shopify is hands-down the best place to start (and scale).
Here’s why:
- You own the experience. You get a fully branded storefront where you control everything, from the way your products are presented to how your customers shop and check out.
- No fighting for attention. Unlike marketplaces, where you’re constantly competing with similar sellers on price and visibility, Shopify puts your brand front and center. You’re not at the mercy of a changing algorithm or surrounded by lookalike products.
- Built-in tools for serious growth. Shopify comes loaded with features to help you grow faster: powerful analytics, abandoned cart recovery, built-in SEO tools, seamless integrations with social platforms (like Instagram and Facebook), and marketing automations.
- Flexible and scalable. Whether you’re selling 10 products or 10,000, Shopify grows with you. You can start simple and add features as you go, like subscriptions, product bundling, upsells, and international selling.
- A community and ecosystem built for sellers. From 24/7 support to thousands of apps and themes, Shopify makes it easy to customize your online store, solve problems quickly, and tap into a community of other business owners.
While marketplaces like Temu can be great for testing products or reaching a new audience quickly, Shopify gives you the tools and freedom to build something sustainable.
How to sell on Temu FAQ
What should sellers know about Temu?
Temu is an online marketplace known for competitive pricing across a wide variety of products. Sellers should familiarize themselves with Temu's policies on shipping, returns, and fees to successfully manage listings and build strong customer relationships. Promoting distinctive products can also help sellers stand out in this increasingly crowded marketplace.
Is selling on Temu profitable?
Selling on Temu can be profitable, though the platform is known for aggressive pricing strategies that have historically led some suppliers to accept lower margins or even losses. However, sellers who use Temu's semi-managed model have greater flexibility to control their pricing, potentially improving profitability.
How do I become a Temu seller?
As of 2025, Temu has streamlined its seller onboarding process, making it more accessible for both individual entrepreneurs and established businesses. Here's how you can get started:
- Register through Temu's seller portal.
- Provide the required business information.
- Set up your Temu storefront.
- Complete the verification and start selling.
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; and use the in-app customer service channel to avoid impersonators.
How do you get paid on Temu?
Temu sellers get paid by listing products on the marketplace, then withdrawing earnings directly to their linked bank account. You can also earn money through Temu's affiliate program by referring new users who download the app and make purchases.
What are the main costs for Temu sellers?
Right now there are no listing fees, but sellers are responsible for shipping costs unless they use Temu's fulfillment service, which may charge storage and handling fees.
Is Temu a reputable seller?
Temu is a legitimate, fast-growing ecommerce platform backed by PDD Holdings, the company behind Chinese giant Pinduoduo. While it's known for low prices and a wide product range, customer experiences can vary depending on the seller, so product quality and shipping times aren't always consistent.
Why does Temu sell so cheaply?
Temu offers low prices by sourcing products directly from manufacturers, eliminating middlemen, and relying on bulk sales. Many products ship directly from China, where production costs are lower. Previously favorable import rules also helped keep prices down, though recent changes may affect future pricing strategies.
