Temu is a relatively new ecommerce app that went live in the US in September 2022 but has gained 100 million active users as of April 2023. Its three commercial slots from the most recent Super Bowl clearly indicate that this marketplace which offers factory-direct prices on products across multiple categories should be on your radar.
We discuss the steps on how to become a seller on Temu and give you tips on selling in this guide.
Key Takeaways:
- Temu is an up-and-coming marketplace that is a huge platform for selling and finding items to resell.
- Manufacturers and wholesale distributors are the best fit for selling on Temu because the pricing is extremely competitive.
Step 1: Create a Seller Account
To get started on selling on Temu, you need to create a seller account. You can do this in two ways. You can register through Temu’s parent company, Pinduoduo or send an email to seller@temu.com to receive an invite code.
Do your diligence if you decide to register on Pinduoduo. The Chinese ecommerce giant was accused of having malware in its platform last March 2023, with Google suspending the ecommerce app amid security concerns. There are no updates about the app as of this writing.
Temu’s parent company, Pinduoduo, lets you register a cross-border platform seller on their website.
Once you have created an account, log in to the Temu website and confirm your account by entering the verification code sent to your registered email.
Complete the Merchant Registration Process
After confirming your account, complete the merchant registration process. Both would require you to send some requirements to prove seller eligibility.
- Select your business type and the kind of store you will run on Temu (flagship store, department flagship store, exclusive seller, or authorized retailer).
- Submit the necessary business information in their qualification form. The following documents are required: Store Manager’s valid ID, distribution or logistics documentation (proof of warehouse partners), documentation of brand qualification (trademark, authorization letters), legal representative’s ID (passport, driver’s license), and business license. All IDs and documents must have expiry dates at least a year upon application.
Once submitted, expect an email from Temu regarding seller approval in three to seven business days. An SMS will be sent to your registered mobile phone number about your approval.
Step 2: Set Up Your Seller Profile
Once your seller application is approved, you will gain access to your Temu seller dashboard where you can manage your shop, fulfill orders, track inventory, and handle payouts.
To establish trust and build credibility, set up your seller profile. From your seller dashboard, go to your profile section and complete the following:
- Store name: Choose a unique name and one that is easy to remember. Store names must not contain any name that infringes on others and has the name of a country, region, or an international organization.
- Store description: Here, you can write about the items you sell.
- Profile picture: It is best that you upload your store logo.
- Payment account: Provide the bank account details where you want to receive your payouts.
- Return address: Buyers can return items to this address if needed.
- Tax information: Enter your tax ID number and business tax status.
As you can see below, you get to have a single landing page on Temu’s website as a seller. Uploading a logo is the best way to differentiate your business from other sellers. You do not have the ability to upload banners or link to your other websites or social channels.
As a Temu seller, be aware of the following:
- Product samples of your most popular or best-selling items must be shipped to the Temu main office for review. Temu will see if the items meet industry standards and are safe and allowed to be sold within the US.
- Be aware of Temu’s list of prohibited items to sell.
- You are solely responsible for your store setup and operations on the Temu platform.
- You are the first point of contact for any queries about orders, shipping, and products.
- You are required to prepare a projected weekly sales volume and have the set number of products ready as orders are placed.
- Products should be packaged according to Temu’s guidelines on packaging. For example, apparel and accessories should use a clear zipper bag as packaging.
Step 3: List Your Products
Once you are done setting up your seller profile, start listing products to sell. You can do so by going to the “Add Products” section in your seller dashboard.
Adding products in Temu is straightforward. Have the following product information ready:
- Product title and description: Craft an eye-catching product name and description that highlights your product’s features, specifications, and uses. Use our product description worksheet to help you create a product description that sells.
- Product category: Select the most relevant product category from Temu’s classification system.
- Product images and videos: Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase your product to potential buyers. Learn how to create product photos at home and product videos shoppers love.
- Pricing: Be competitive when pricing your products as the platform is known for its deep discounts and low, low prices. Decide your retail price based on target profit margins, demand, and competition. Learn about pricing strategies.
- Product quantity (inventory): Set your stock for the product and Temu will adjust this number automatically as you make sales.
- Product weight and dimensions: Enter the product’s weight and dimensions for shipping calculations.
TIP: Optimize for search. This is crucial as Temu has millions of product listings. Use relevant keywords in your product descriptions to improve visibility in search results. You can read our guide for ecommerce SEO and implement keyword research and optimization on your Temu product listings.
An example of a product listing in the Temu platform
Step 4: Fulfill Orders
Once you set up your product listings, you can start receiving orders. Temu has set the following guidelines for fulfilling orders:
- Discreet packaging should be followed. Items should have added padding for protection during shipping
- Shipping labels are generated in your Temu seller account. You can ship your items with major carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
- Invoices, returns instructions, feedback cards, or other documents must be included in the package.
- Temu has strict fulfillment timelines. You need to ship out orders within one to two business days, ideally.
- Once orders are shipped, they need to be marked shipped in the seller dashboard by entering their tracking details.
Step 5: Promote Your Temu Shop
Once you get the hang of fulfilling orders, the next step is to actively promote your store.
- Run promotions and offer discounts to attract new buyers. Clear older inventory by offering sitewide sales.
- Use Temu’s advertising and marketing tools to increase your store visibility and promote your best-selling items.
How to Receive Payouts from Your Temu Store
Withdrawing sales payments from your Temu store is done manually. Initiate the withdrawal process by navigating to the Account Funds in your Temu Seller Center tool.
- Ensure you have a linked bank account in your Temu account
- Go to Account Funds from your seller dashboard
- Select Funds Center
- Enter your withdrawal amount
- Click Withdraw to confirm
- Your payment will then be deposited into the selected account
You can also use PayPal to withdraw your Temu payouts. On top of PayPal fees, expect to have Temu charge 2%–5% on seller fees for every sale.
Tips for Selling on Temu
The biggest challenge in selling on Temu is competing against the very low prices of other sellers. To help you price your products better, you can do the following:
- Monitor your listings’ analytics for insights on popular and high-converting products.
- Employ dynamic pricing. You can set your pricing based on seasonality and demand.
- Have irresistible new product pricing. Have an incredible promo or early bird discount.
- Offer bulk pricing or bundle deals
- Monitor competitors so you can stay one step ahead. Our top picks for best wholesale suppliers are good gauges on price points.
Related: How to Price a Product (+ Profit Calculators)
However, you can increase your store visibility and rank higher in search results by maintaining a great seller performance so you don’t have to compete with pricing that much.
To get stellar seller ranking, do the following:
- Clearly define your shipping and return policies. Transparency sets customer expectations. This in turn leads to fewer complaints, returns, and disputes.
- Provide great customer service. Temu allows you to directly communicate with buyers. Promptly address any product-related questions or concerns. This helps build trust and credibility, which in turn can lead to high product reviews.
Related:
- Ecommerce Return Rates: Expert Guide for Small Businesses
- What Is Returns Management: Definition & Strategies
- Ecommerce Marketing Strategy Ideas for Retailers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click the tabs below to get answers from the most frequently asked questions about how to sell on Temu.
Yes, you can be a Temu seller if your application is approved. To apply to become a seller on Temu, you need to submit documents to prove your business registration and identity. Your products should also not be included in their list of prohibited items to sell.
To set up a Temu shop, you need to apply to become a seller first. Once approved, you can create product listings, set fulfillment methods, and start selling.
There are two ways to open a seller account on Temu but both would require approval. You can register for a seller account in Temu’s parent company, Pinduoduo, for cross-border selling or send an email to seller@temu.com and ask for a seller code to create an account and apply as a seller.
Selling on Temu is free, but Temu charges 2%–5% on seller fees for every sale.
Yes, Temu is available in the United States. It went live for US consumers in September 2022.
Bottom Line
Temu is a relatively new marketplace that is rivaling Amazon, outpacing Shein, and joins TikTok as trending selling platforms of today. As an online merchant, it is always a good idea to sell on different platforms to reach a wider audience. Consider selling on Temu today.
