Temu has officially opened its marketplace to sellers with US-based warehouses, marking a shift in its strategy that previously focused on shipping orders from China. The move is expected to allow Temu to offer quicker shipping times and better compete with US e-commerce players like Amazon.
The new model allows sellers in the US to handle fulfillment and logistics themselves, with product listings from these sellers featuring a “local warehouse” badge for faster delivery. Some sellers are offering a different assortment in their US stores compared to their Chinese ones.
Analysts believe this shift will help Temu put bulkier, higher priced items on the platform and reduce exposure to volatility in long-haul shipping costs. The move could also help the company compete more effectively with US e-commerce giants.
US Amazon sellers have shown interest in selling on Temu, with Chinese sellers who have warehouses in the US currently dominating the new marketplace. Offering faster shipping options could give Temu an edge in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
The company’s use of de minimis shipments has attracted attention from US lawmakers, prompting discussions around potential regulatory reforms. Temu has expressed willingness to support fair reforms to the provision.
Overall, the move to open its marketplace to US-based sellers is seen as a strategic shift that could position Temu for greater success in the US market.