Temu Dropshipping: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners [2025]

If you’ve been on YouTube or TikTok recently, chances are you’ve come across Temu.

Ads for this eCommerce platform are everywhere—even making a splash with prime-time Super Bowl spots. Temu has quickly gained attention in the U.S. and Europe by offering an enormous variety of products at unbelievably low prices.

Now, the big question is: Can Temu work for your dropshipping business? And how to begin with Temu dropshipping?

That’s also what we are going to discuss in detail in this guide. We’ll break down everything you need to know about using Temu to boost your eCommerce strategy. 

What is Temu Dropshipping?

Temu is a fast-growing online marketplace launched by PDD Holdings (the company behind Pinduoduo) in 2022. In just a short time up to 2024, it’s become one of the most downloaded shopping apps in the U.S., with over 167 million monthly active users across countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Germany. Temu stands out with its affordable pricing and a wide variety of products spread across 29 categories, making it appealing for dropshipping businesses.

(Image Source: Investor’s Business Daily 2024)

However, here’s the catch: Temu isn’t a dropshipping company. While platforms like AliExpress are designed to support dropshipping, Temu doesn’t officially allow it.

That said, some dropshippers still use Temu by ordering products directly to their customer’s address. But this comes with risks. The products arrive in Temu’s signature orange packaging, which can make customers realize the source and potentially lead to refund requests.

While Temu offers low prices, its product quality and shipping reliability aren’t always dependable–key factors to consider for a successful dropshipping business.

Why Choose Temu for Dropshipping?

While it has some limitations, its strengths make it a platform worth considering for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their dropshipping business.

What Temu has over other dropshipping platforms?

• Wide Product Selection: Temu makes it easier for businesses to build a diverse inventory because it offers a vast range of products across categories like fashion, electronics, and home goods.
• Competitive Pricing: Without warehousing and inventory costs, businesses can offer affordable products while maintaining good profit margins.
• Fast Shipping: Quick order processing and shipping times lead to satisfied customers, boosting reviews and encouraging repeat purchases.
• Flexible Return Policy: Temu gives customers confidence in their purchases since it provides a 90-day return policy and a 30-day price adjustment.
• Cost-Effective: Despite not supporting direct dropshipping, businesses can still source products from Temu and manage fulfillment through third-party tools, making it an affordable option for regional dropshipping.

What Temu doesn’t have that you need to consider?

• Inconsistent Shipping: Delivery times can be over two weeks, which may cause customer frustration.
• Quality Concerns: Product quality isn’t always guaranteed and can vary from item to item.
• Limited Branding Options: Temu doesn’t offer blind dropshipping or any way to add your brand to the products.
• Customer Service: Getting quick help can be challenging as support may take time to resolve issues.
• No Official Dropshipping System: You’ll need to use third-party tools for order fulfillment since Temu doesn’t provide a built-in dropshipping service.

Conclusion

Temu offers a unique blend of affordability and variety, making it attractive for dropshipping businesses. However, challenges like inconsistent shipping and lack of branding options mean it may not suit all business models. If you're willing to adapt and prioritize low costs, Temu could be a valuable addition to your dropshipping toolkit.

How to Getting Started Dropshipping with Temu 

Using Temu for sourcing dropshipping products is a smart way to offer trendy and affordable items in your store. 

The process is simple, but like anything, there are some details to consider when picking products from Temu. Here are the main steps to follow, though it’s a good idea to stay flexible and be creative with your choices.

Step 1: Sign Up on Temu Seller Account

Before you start selling on Temu, it’s essential to understand the seller requirements, registration process, and any potential costs.

Key Terms from Temu’s Seller Agreement

• Account Responsibility: Sellers are accountable for all actions taken using their Temu account.
• Rights & Licenses: Sellers allow Temu to use their materials (e.g., trademarks) for the duration of their intellectual property rights.
• Products: Sellers must ensure they have the rights to sell their products and that these comply with legal standards.
• Fulfillment: Sellers are responsible for shipping orders according to Temu’s fulfillment policy.
• Payments: Sellers must agree to terms with payment service providers like Stripe and Hyperwallet.
• Taxes: Sellers handle collecting and paying taxes on their sales. Temu may collect and remit taxes on their behalf if required by law.

How to Register as a Temu Seller

Method 1: Through Pinduoduo:

• Download the Pinduoduo seller app or visit their website to create a cross-border seller account.
• Once approved, use your Pinduoduo credentials to set up your Temu account.

Method 2: Direct Application to Temu:

• Email seller@temu.com to request an invitation code for the Temu Seller Center.

Required Documents for Approval Process

• Business license
• Tax registration certificate
• Personal ID
• Legal representative’s ID

Profile Setup

The approval process typically takes about 3 days. After getting approved, you can set up your Temu seller account and profile through the app. You’ll need to set up your seller profile by providing some essential business details and documents, including:

• Business name
• Business address
• Contact information (email and phone number)
• Billing information
• Bank account details
• Tax identification number

Make sure to carefully read and accept Temu’s seller terms and conditions to ensure you follow their rules and guidelines.

Step 2: Research and Prepare

While exact numbers are hard to come by, it's widely believed that only about 10-20% of dropshipping businesses succeed, and a big reason many fail is choosing the wrong product.

To make your Temu dropshipping business successful, you need to find a product that stands out. Here are some qualities of a winning product:

• Unique and not sold locally
• Solves a problem
• Offers good profit margins (20-40%)
• Small in size (for lower shipping costs)
• Little to no competition
• Not on the banned list

Now, how do you find the best products to sell on Temu?

For beginners, it might be tempting to dive into manual research, but this can be time-consuming and inefficient. With millions of products on Temu, browsing each category can feel overwhelming, and you won’t be able to make data-driven decisions.

A smarter option is using a product research tool like Temu Product Analysis Tool, it gives detailed insights on product orders, profits, ratings, competitors, and more. This data helps you determine which products are likely to succeed.

Or a simpler way is to explore the product categories on Temu. The platform offers a massive range, so you’ll definitely find something that fits your niche. You can check out the best-selling products for ideas on what’s popular right now. It’s better to also read customer reviews to understand the product’s quality and features that matter most. And don't forget to order a sample yourself to check the quality before selling it.

These steps will guide you toward picking the best products for your dropshipping business, setting you up for success.

Step 3: Create Your Online Store

So, you’ve found the perfect product on Temu—great! Now comes the big decision: where will you sell it? Choosing the right sales channel is key because it impacts how successful and sustainable your business can be.

Here are your main options:

Option 1: Sell on Marketplaces

Platforms like Amazon and eBay are great for beginners because they already have a built-in audience. This means you don’t have to spend much time or money on marketing—just focus on picking the right products and providing good customer service.

For marketplaces, cost will depend mostly on your listing fee and item sold. For instance,  Amazon’s Professional Plan costs $39.99/month, but you can start with the Individual Plan at $0.99 per item sold. On eBay, you’ll pay listing fees and final value fees.

Option 2: Create Your Own Store

If you want more control over your business and branding, building your own store is a better option. You can design it from scratch or use eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix:

2. WooCommerce: A flexible option that works directly with WordPress. If you know WordPress, it’s great for customization, and it’s free to use, though you may need to pay for extra plugins or themes.

3. Wix: A website builder that has recently added eCommerce features. Its easy drag-and-drop interface gives you a lot of creative control, but as your store grows, you may need to upgrade to a higher plan. 

Once you choose a platform, you’ll need to pick a domain name and start building your store. 

The cost of starting a dropshipping business will also depend on the platform you choose to sell on. Each platform has its own expenses, which can include selling fees, platform features, marketing costs, and payment processing fees. Here’s a general idea of the starting budget you might need for some popular platforms:

• Facebook Marketplace: $0 – $200
• Shopify: $500 – $1000
• eBay: $50 – $100
• Amazon: $500
• WooCommerce: $500
• Wix: $500
• Etsy: $100

Still wondering which platform to choose? Explore more detail here: 

• Shopify vs Amazon: Which is Better for Business?
• Wix vs Shopify: an Unbiased Comparison
• 17 eBay Alternatives: Pricing, Pros and Cons

Step 4: Set up your eCommerce Store

After selecting your sales channel, it’s time to set up a store that reflects your brand, highlights your products, and encourages sales. While the setup steps might vary depending on your chosen platform, here are some essentials to focus on:

1. Provide Detailed Information

Build trust with your customers by being transparent. Apart from the key pages like Homepage, Collection page and Product Page, you should also include pages like:

• About Us: Share your story and what makes your business special.
• Contact Us: Provide easy ways for customers to reach you.
• FAQ: Answer common questions to reduce doubts and boost confidence.

2. Use High-Quality Images

Great visuals can make or break a sale. Show clear, accurate pictures of your products from multiple angles. Let customers see exactly what they’re getting.

3. Set Up Payment Options

Make it easy for customers to pay by offering popular methods like credit cards, PayPal, or other secure options. Most platforms simplify this step for you.

4. Design Your Store

Your store should look professional and align with your brand’s personality. Use pre-designed templates or themes to create a clean, user-friendly layout. Ensure it’s easy for shoppers to find what they need.

💡 Pro Tip: Use tools like EComposer to design a beautiful dropshipping store with Temu products. Share your business story with touching moments, behind-the-scenes photos, or even fun snapshots to engage customers and make your brand memorable.

Setting up your storefront doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re short on time or need extra help, consider hiring an expert to get things running smoothly!

Step 5: Create Product Listings

(Image Source: Dropshipping Product Page Template)

Now that you’ve chosen your sales channel, it’s time to showcase your products! Creating great product listings is key to catching your customers’ attention and convincing them to buy. Think of your listing as your product’s first impression—it needs to stand out!

Here’s how to create listings that sell:

1. Choose the Right Photos

High-quality images are a must. Show your product from multiple angles, highlight important details, and use good lighting. For example, if you’re selling a pair of sneakers, include close-ups of the stitching, the sole, and even how they look when worn. Customers want to see every detail before they hit “Buy.”

2. Write a Catchy Title

Your title should grab attention and include important keywords. For example, instead of “Running Shoes,” try “Lightweight Running Shoes – Breathable, Perfect for Jogging & Gym.” It’s more specific and gives buyers a reason to click.

3. Create a Clear and Engaging Description

Tell your customers why your product is amazing. Highlight its benefits, not just the features. For instance, if you’re selling a blender, don’t just list “500W motor.” Say, “Powerful 500W motor for smooth and creamy shakes in seconds!”

4. Set Competitive Prices

Research your competitors to make sure your prices are attractive. If you’re selling on a marketplace, remember to account for fees so you don’t lose out on profits.

5. Use Keywords Wisely

Add relevant keywords to your titles and descriptions to help your product show up in searches. For example, if you’re selling eco-friendly water bottles, include terms like “reusable,” “BPA-free,” or “sustainable.”

6. Add Special Touches

Include extras like size charts, videos, or customer reviews if your platform allows. These small details can build trust and make your listing more appealing.

Remember, your product listings are like your online storefront—make them inviting, clear, and trustworthy to attract more customers!

Step 6: Launch your Online Store

Once your store is set up and ready to go, it's time to hit that launch button! This is an exciting step, but before you go live, take a moment to make sure everything is in place.

Here are some things to double-check before launching:

1. Test Your Store

Make sure everything works smoothly. Check that your payment options are set up correctly, the product pages display properly, and links take customers to the right pages. It's also worth testing your checkout process to ensure customers can buy easily.

2. Prepare for Traffic

You don’t need a huge marketing plan to start, but you should think about how people will find your store. Will you be sharing it on social media? Maybe even sending a launch email to your friends and family? Getting the word out early can help bring in those first sales.

3. Have Customer Support Ready

Make sure customers can reach you if they have any questions. You could set up an email address or use chat support if your platform offers it. A quick response can help build trust with your customers.

4. Get Your Business Profile Set

Your store should reflect who you are. Add a catchy, informative bio to your store profile. This is your chance to introduce your brand to your customers in a personal way. Let them know what you're about and why you’re different.

5. Start with a Soft Launch

You don’t need to make a big splash right away. Consider doing a soft launch to a smaller group of people first. This lets you iron out any kinks and get feedback before going fully public.

Think of launching your store like throwing a party. You want everything to be ready so your guests (customers) will have a great time. Once you feel confident, you can open the doors to the world. Now, you’re officially in business!

Step 7: Fulfill Your Dropshipping Orders

Your store is live, and the first few orders are coming in—exciting times, right? But as tempting as it may be to relax, it’s important to stay on top of the fulfillment process. This is where the real work starts.

1. Manually Place Orders with Temu

When a customer places an order, your next step is to place the same order with Temu, making sure to enter the customer's shipping details correctly. Temu will then handle the rest of the fulfillment—packing and shipping the product directly to your customer.

2. Keep Customers Informed with Tracking

But don’t just set it and forget it! It’s crucial to constantly communicate with your customer. Let them know their order is on the way and provide a way for them to track the status of their shipment. After all, 90% of consumers expect to be able to track their orders in real time. You can send them an email with the tracking number or a link so they can follow their package from Temu to their doorstep.

3. Send Branded Order Confirmation

Also, once you receive confirmation from Temu that the order has been processed, send your own branded confirmation to the customer. It shows that you’re on top of things and gives them all the details they need, like what they bought, the total cost, and an estimated delivery time.

*Note that: You’ll need to check product availability regularly on Temu. Since there’s no automatic integration between your store and Temu’s system, you’ll need to manually verify that the products you're selling are in stock. This helps you avoid selling something that may be out of stock or unavailable.

Step 8: Provide Excellent Customer Service

Now that your store is up and running, and customers start placing orders, the next important step is providing excellent customer service. This is what will set you apart from other sellers and keep customers coming back.

Respond Promptly to Inquiries

It’s essential to respond quickly to any questions or concerns your customers might have. You don’t need to wait days to reply—customers appreciate quick, clear communication. For example, if a customer asks how long shipping will take, reply with accurate information about the expected delivery time.

Address Issues with Care

Sometimes, things go wrong—maybe an item gets delayed, or a customer receives a damaged product. It’s how you handle these situations that really matters. Make sure to listen to your customers’ concerns, offer solutions (like issuing refunds or sending replacements), and follow up to ensure they’re happy with the resolution. A little empathy can turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Keep the Conversation Going

Customer service doesn’t end when the order is delivered. Keep in touch! You can send follow-up emails to check if they’re satisfied with the product or ask for feedback. Offering discounts on future purchases or exclusive offers is another way to keep your customers engaged and happy.

After all of this heartfelt caring, you’ll surely create loyal customers who feel valued—and they’ll be more likely to recommend your store to others. Plus, it’s always a good feeling knowing that you’ve gone the extra mile to make someone’s shopping experience great!

Step 9: Market Your Products

Now that your dropshipping store is up and running with products ready to be sold, it might feel like you’ve reached the finish line but it wasn’t time to relax just yet.

This is where many businesses hit a roadblock, so stay sharp.

You need a solid marketing plan to get the word out about your products. There are plenty of other dropshippers out there, so standing out is crucial. Your marketing approach will depend a lot on where you're selling.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are great for reaching customers. If you have your own website, don’t forget about SEO to attract organic traffic, but ads can help you make quicker sales. If you're selling on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, they also offer built-in marketing tools to make things easier.

Don’t forget to consider perks like free shipping. Offering free shipping can really boost sales. Studies show that 70% of shoppers are more likely to buy online if free shipping is available, and 24% will even spend more just to qualify for it.

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. With some creativity and consistency, you can start building a loyal customer base and growing your sales! Just remember, it’s about showing people why your products are worth their time and money.

Step 10: Scale up your Temu Dropshipping Business

One thing anyone has to learn about dropshipping is that you can't afford to relax. To succeed and keep your business growing, you need to think creatively and stay ahead of the game, especially as the eCommerce world keeps changing. In this final step, let’s talk about how to scale your business.

Since your Temu dropshipping business might just be a side project, or you don't have much time to manage it, automating tasks can help a lot. You can set up systems to handle things like product research, importing products, adjusting prices, managing inventory, and even marketing. This frees up your time and reduces the chances of making mistakes.

Next, think about working with a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) partner. Since Temu ships orders with their own packaging, it might be hard to build a strong connection with your customers. To solve this, a 3PL can repackage the orders and send them directly to your customers, so they’ll know you’re the one behind the sale, not Temu. This can help you build trust and keep customers coming back.

Tips for Success with Temu Dropshipping

Starting your dropshipping journey with Temu can be exciting, but success doesn’t come automatically. You need to stay smart and focused as you grow your business. Here are some fresh tips to help you thrive:

1. Focus on the Right Products

Not all products are created equal. Spend time researching what’s trending and what people are really looking for. The right product can make all the difference in your sales. 

For example, if you sell products related to current trends, you might see a boost in traffic. But remember, it’s not just about what’s popular—choose items with good profit margins and high demand.

2. Optimize Your Store for Conversion

It’s not enough to just have a store up and running—you need to make sure it’s easy for customers to buy from you. Make your store as user-friendly as possible. 

Ensure that the checkout process is smooth, your product descriptions are clear, and that you have all the necessary info (like shipping times, return policies, etc.) easily accessible. A well-designed store can encourage visitors to become paying customers.

For more details, you can explore the full article on best practices for conversion rate.

3. Leverage Social Proof

Customers trust other customers. If you have positive reviews or testimonials, make sure to showcase them. Displaying happy customer photos or reviews on your product pages can make a huge difference. Social proof helps build trust and convinces new customers that your store is reliable. If you don’t have reviews yet, encourage your first buyers to leave feedback or offer incentives to those who do.

4. Keep an Eye on Trends

The eCommerce world changes fast, and dropshipping is no different. Keep an eye on industry trends, seasonal changes, and customer behavior. What’s selling today might not be as hot next month. Staying flexible and adapting to trends can help you stay competitive. Follow blogs, forums, and social media influencers in your niche to stay updated on what’s working.

5. Build a Strong Brand Identity

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of other dropshipping stores, but you can stand out with a strong brand. Think about what makes your store unique and highlight it in your messaging, product selection, and customer service. A memorable brand identity helps create long-term loyalty, which is crucial when competing in a crowded marketplace.

The key to success with Temu dropshipping is staying focused, being adaptable, and always learning. Keep testing new things, adjust when needed, and watch your business grow!

Alternatives to Temu for Dropshipping

While Temu dropshipping offers a lot of potential, it does come with a challenge: the company doesn’t offer blind dropshipping, meaning your customers will see that the product comes directly from Temu, and they might go straight to Temu for their next purchase. This makes it harder to build a loyal customer base.

One way around this is by working with a 3PL (third-party logistics) company. However, this could increase your costs and potentially push away some customers.

So, what other options do you have?

1. AliExpress Dropshipping

AliExpress, owned by Alibaba Group, is one of the top dropshipping platforms out there. If you want to try something different from Temu, AliExpress is a solid choice. They have millions of products at great prices, giving you lots of options for your store.

Here’s the best part: You can request AliExpress not to include any invoices or marketing materials in the package, so your customers won’t know the item came directly from them. 

2. Alibaba Dropshipping

Alibaba is a huge global marketplace that also offers dropshipping. They have a special section on their website where you can find suppliers who are ready to dropship for your business.

With Alibaba dropshipping, you can easily import product listings and details directly to your Shopify or WooCommerce store. You can manage everything from orders to shipments and supplier payments right from your Alibaba account dashboard.

If you’re selling on marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, or using a different platform for your store, you’ll need to manually manage orders. This means you’ll have to enter shipping details for each order and share that info with your customers.

Conclusion

That wraps up our Temu dropshipping guide! As you can see, Temu can be a great supplier for starting your dropshipping business. It offers a wide variety of products, great prices, and a solid return policy. 

While it doesn’t allow package customization that can affect how customers see your brand, you can get around this by using a 3PL provider. Overall, Temu is still a fantastic option to consider for dropshipping.

FAQs

1. Why is Temu so cheap?

Temu keeps prices low by sourcing products directly from suppliers, often in bulk, which helps cut out extra costs. With this reason, they can offer great deals to their customers. It’s all about providing affordable options, which makes it easy to find budget-friendly products.

2. Can I trust Temu?

Yes, of course. Temu is owned by PDD Holdings, the same company behind Pinduoduo, which is well-known in e-commerce. They have good customer support and a really fair return policy. Like with any online store, it’s smart to check product reviews, but overall, Temu is a trustworthy choice.

3. Does Temu do dropshipping?

Temu doesn’t offer blind dropshipping out of the box, so your customers will see Temu’s branding on their packages. But don’t worry—you can still dropship with Temu! Simply place orders manually and, if you want to keep things smooth, you can work with a 3PL provider to repackage the products with your own branding.