Temu has fully opened to all US sellers since November 2024.
This is a shift from Temu's original model, where most products on the marketplace were shipped from China. Now, US merchants can list products on the platform and use their own order fulfillment method to offer fast shipping without cross-border complications.
Selling on Temu from the US is a relatively new option, and the process for getting approved isn't as straightforward as other platforms. If you're curious about accessing Temu's customer base, here's how to get started.
What is Temu?
The online marketplace Temu launched in the US in September 2022 and offers consumers an array of products, often at discounted prices. Many products on Temu are shipped directly from manufacturers in China.
Previously, Temu sold products on a consignment basis. It stored sellers' products in its warehouses and handled the entire sales process. This meant sellers had to be based in China or ship their goods to Chinese warehouses for redistribution. This approach allowed international sellers to avoid logistics costs associated with bulk shipments into the US.
(For merchants looking to import products to the US, understanding how to navigate tariffs is essential for managing costs.)
US-based fulfillment on Temu
US merchants began selling on Temu using domestic fulfillment in March 2024, with the option becoming available for all merchants in November 2024. All US merchants may use a self-fulfillment model or work with Temu partners’ shipping and fulfillment solutions.
Storing products near customers helps reduce shipping times and avoid international shipping costs.
How to sell on Temu as a US seller
Here’s how to onboard with Temu as a US merchant:
- Create a Temu seller account
- Submit the required documents
- Set up your seller profile
- Add product listings
- Set up fulfillment and shipping
1. Create a Temu seller account
Sellers can sign up 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 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.
- 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. Set up your seller 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
As you start selling on Temu from the US, you'll need a fulfillment system in place to package and ship customer orders.
Temu supports two options for US-based fulfillment:
Self-fulfillment
You're responsible for storing, packing, and shipping products to customers. You'll need to ship within a set timeframe (usually within 48 hours) using approved carriers. You'll also be expected to provide tracking numbers and meet performance benchmarks for delivery speed and accuracy.
Fulfillment via Temu partners
Eligible sellers can use Temu partners' shipping and fulfillment solutions. Sellers ship inventory in bulk, and US-based fulfillment centers handle picking, packing, and shipping. Storage fees and inventory requirements may apply.
Depending on the fulfillment model you choose, you may need to:
- Sync your inventory with Temu
- Adjust stock levels to account for higher order volume
- Train your team on Temu's shipping requirements, packaging guidelines, and return policies
- Integrate with Temu's back-end systems via an API or compatible order management platform
Temu seller fees for US merchants
Currently, Temu does not charge subscription, listing, or payment processing fees for US merchants.
Temu requires that customers receive free standard shipping, meaning sellers are responsible for shipping costs, which vary depending on product size and weight.
Fulfillment fees may apply to sellers using Temu partners’ shipping and fulfillment solutions.
Tips for selling on Temu
Best practices for making money on Temu are similar to those for selling on other online marketplaces. Here’s how to start:
- Research Temu product trends
- Optimize product names and descriptions
- Choose practical product photos
- Set competitive prices
- Use strikeout prices
- Provide product guides or manuals
- Respond quickly to reviews
Research Temu product trends
Temu shoppers traditionally search for affordable and impulse purchases. Before you start uploading listings, take time to explore the platform and understand trending products.
Research categories including:
- Bestseller lists to get a snapshot of what's selling across 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 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 may reveal popular items and seasonal demand.
Optimize product names and descriptions
Search Temu for products similar to yours and check the names and descriptions of competitors for insights.
Consider using keyword research tools to optimize product names and descriptions. Ensure you've articulated a value proposition in terms your target audience will appreciate.
Choose practical product photos
When selecting product photos for Temu, choose high-quality images that are clear, simple, and colorful. Photos should showcase the product from multiple angles and provide a sense of scale.
Consider 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.
For example, this Temu product listing has a carousel of useful images, including the dimensions and color options of an office chair in easy-to-read graphics.
Set competitive prices
Consumers often expect products on Temu to be highly affordable. Balance profitability with consumer expectations when selecting 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, a higher amount of $50 is displayed with a strike-through line. This is 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 understand savings. Paired with a limited-time offer, it provides an extra incentive for customers to make a purchase.
Provide product guides or manuals
Temu listings can include instructions for assembling or using products. If you sell clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, or other items where the user might benefit from additional information, consider uploading a PDF user guide.
Temu displays user guides on product pages, directly below your store name.
Respond quickly to reviews
To maintain customer satisfaction levels, pay attention to customer feedback and respond quickly to reviews. By providing excellent customer service, you can maintain high ratings and build social proof.
Choose the right selling platform
US online merchants have access to many sales channels and platforms, each with its own customer base.
Shopify makes it simple to sell across channels from a single store, managing all orders in one place.
Start a free trial to explore Shopify sales channels and learn how to integrate your store with Temu.
