(Boston) — Temu, the fast-growing online marketplace operated by PDD Holdings, is rapidly emerging as a global competitor to Amazon, eBay, and Walmart Marketplace. But beyond its low prices and viral consumer appeal, it’s Temu’s seller program that’s drawing increasing attention from small businesses, manufacturers, and online entrepreneurs. With a model designed to minimize costs and maximize exposure, Temu is redefining how merchants enter and grow in global e-commerce.
A Zero-Barrier Entry Model
Unlike most established marketplaces, Temu’s seller program removes many of the traditional barriers to entry. There are no subscription fees, no upfront listing charges, and minimal commission rates — typically between 5% and 10%. Sellers can register, upload products, and start selling in a matter of days through the company’s “Sell on Temu” portal.
In contrast, Amazon requires monthly seller subscriptions, fulfillment fees, and ad spend for visibility. eBay charges listing and final value fees, while Walmart Marketplace maintains stricter approval criteria for new merchants. Temu’s simplified structure and low costs make it especially attractive to small businesses, first-time sellers, and liquidation resellers looking to expand internationally.
Built-In Marketing and Discovery
One of Temu’s defining features is its algorithmic promotion system, which automatically exposes products to targeted buyer segments. Instead of relying on paid ads, sellers benefit from Temu’s AI-driven merchandising engine that analyzes user behavior, price trends, and product performance.
This approach levels the playing field for new entrants. A seller with no advertising budget can still gain significant visibility if their products generate engagement. On Amazon or Walmart, by contrast, visibility often depends on how much sellers spend on pay-per-click campaigns or sponsored listings.
By handling marketing internally, Temu turns product performance — not ad budgets — into the main growth driver.
Global Reach With Simplified Logistics
Temu’s seller program is designed for international scale from day one. The platform manages global shipping through its logistics partners, including 4PX, YunExpress, and DHL eCommerce, covering more than 90 markets. Sellers can ship directly from their own facilities or store goods in Temu’s regional warehouses located in California, New Jersey, and Texas for faster domestic and international delivery.
This system contrasts sharply with Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) model, which requires inventory to be stored exclusively in Amazon’s network at a premium cost. Temu’s fulfillment partnerships allow sellers to keep logistics flexible and avoid storage penalties for unsold inventory.
No Advertising or Brand Pressure
Temu’s marketplace operates differently from platforms that emphasize brand identity or aggressive marketing. Sellers don’t need to build standalone storefronts, invest in brand visuals, or manage customer acquisition. Instead, Temu’s algorithm prioritizes competitive pricing, product quality, and delivery speed.
For small and mid-sized sellers, this model eliminates the marketing overhead typically required on Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon, making it easier to compete against established brands. Temu effectively handles customer engagement, allowing sellers to focus purely on sourcing and fulfillment.
Data-Driven Price Optimization
Temu uses real-time market data to help sellers set competitive prices. The platform provides performance insights, conversion data, and category-level benchmarks so merchants can align pricing with global trends. This analytical support — drawn from PDD Holdings’ expertise in data commerce through its Chinese platform Pinduoduo — helps sellers identify which products perform best in different regions.
That analytical advantage allows even small sellers to operate with the kind of market intelligence typically reserved for large retailers.
Lower Risk, Higher Volume
Temu’s model prioritizes turnover over margin, encouraging sellers to focus on volume-driven profits rather than premium pricing. Because Temu’s buyers are primarily value-focused, sellers can achieve consistent sales velocity by offering competitive prices and efficient delivery.
This strategy aligns closely with Temu’s global positioning as a discount-oriented marketplace — but with a modern infrastructure that supports scalability. Sellers who adapt to this model often use Temu to liquidate excess inventory or test new products before rolling them out on other platforms.
A Platform Built for the Next Generation of Sellers
Temu’s seller program represents a structural shift in e-commerce: a move from pay-to-participate ecosystems toward performance-based opportunity. By removing the financial friction and marketing complexity that dominate traditional marketplaces, Temu has opened international e-commerce to a wider range of participants — from small manufacturers and Shopify entrepreneurs to liquidation resellers and private-label brands.
As Temu continues expanding its global reach, its seller-first approach could reshape how online merchants enter the market — making global retail participation as simple and affordable as uploading a product and letting the algorithm do the rest.
For a growing number of sellers, Temu isn’t just another marketplace — it’s the new standard for accessible, data-driven, global e-commerce.
https://seller.temu.com/registration.html?merchant_exclusive_invitation_code=28f00d1853b281f9Zdf8232ccce6d6a59