(Boston) — A growing number of small businesses are turning to Temu, the global e-commerce platform owned by PDD Holdings, to tap into millions of international buyers. In less than three years, Temu has evolved from a low-cost retail app into a powerful sales channel that enables entrepreneurs, independent brands, and manufacturers to sell directly to consumers in more than 90 countries.
Leveling the Playing Field for Small Sellers
Temu’s model has disrupted traditional online retail by removing many of the financial and logistical barriers that have historically limited small-business participation in global commerce. Unlike platforms such as Amazon or Walmart Marketplace, Temu does not charge sellers high monthly subscription or listing fees. Instead, it allows small merchants to list products with minimal upfront costs, while its parent company, PDD Holdings, covers substantial portions of logistics and marketing expenses.
This approach has opened the door for businesses that once relied on domestic sales to reach new international markets. Small apparel manufacturers in Los Angeles, home décor artisans in Florida, and gadget suppliers in Shenzhen have all joined Temu’s network, gaining exposure to a rapidly expanding customer base that now exceeds 200 million monthly active users, according to data from Similarweb.
Built-In Infrastructure and Global Reach
Temu’s cross-border infrastructure is one of its biggest advantages for small sellers. Through partnerships with logistics providers such as YunExpress, 4PX, and DHL eCommerce, Temu handles product warehousing, packaging, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery. Sellers can ship items to Temu’s consolidation centers in Asia, Europe, or the United States, where the company manages the rest of the process.
For U.S. merchants, Temu’s domestic fulfillment option—launched in 2024—has been a game-changer. It allows sellers to store inventory in partner warehouses in California, Texas, and New Jersey, cutting delivery times to as little as three days and making their listings more competitive with Prime-enabled products on Amazon.
Marketing Without the Overhead
Another factor attracting small businesses is Temu’s centralized marketing engine. Sellers benefit from the platform’s algorithm-driven product placement, flash-sale events, and social-media promotions—all managed directly by Temu. This structure allows entrepreneurs to reach millions of potential buyers without investing heavily in advertising or brand-building.
Data analytics built into Temu’s seller dashboard also give small retailers insights into buyer behavior across regions, helping them adapt pricing and inventory to market demand.
Competing in a Crowded Marketplace
Temu’s rise comes at a time when competition among global e-commerce platforms is intensifying. Amazon continues to dominate the U.S. and European markets, while SHEIN and TikTok Shop have become major players in fast fashion and content-driven sales. Temu’s broader product range—spanning electronics, home goods, apparel, and beauty—has positioned it as a direct rival to all three.
For small businesses, the platform’s biggest draw remains its accessibility. Temu’s seller network includes micro-brands and independent retailers who might otherwise struggle to afford marketing exposure or international logistics on their own.
A New Era for Global Small Business
By combining ultra-low entry barriers with worldwide reach, Temu is redefining how small businesses participate in global commerce. The platform’s model of centralized fulfillment and global marketing allows even a single-employee operation to sell to customers from Chicago to Paris to Sydney.
For entrepreneurs seeking growth beyond domestic markets, Temu represents more than a sales platform—it is a global storefront that turns local businesses into international retailers overnight. As e-commerce competition intensifies, Temu’s rise signals a new era where small sellers can reach millions without the traditional costs of going global.
https://seller.temu.com/registration.html?merchant_exclusive_invitation_code=28f00d1853b281f9Zdf8232ccce6d6a59