Navigating the complexities of joining Temu as a cross-border seller can be challenging. To help streamline the process, we’ve compiled six essential factors to ensure a smooth onboarding experience and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Approval: The Decisive Factor
Temu’s approval process is rigorous, with key evaluation criteria including product pricing, ownership of manufacturing facilities, prior e-commerce experience, and operational site documentation. The platform assesses these factors to determine eligibility.
Recommendations:
- Accuracy is crucial: Provide truthful and complete information. Inaccurate details may lead to rejection.
- Seek expert advice: Consult successfully onboarded sellers or Temu’s business development managers for insights.
- Highlight strengths: Emphasize competitive advantages such as robust supply chains or unique product designs.
Required documents for mainland sellers (reference):
- Business license
- Legal representative’s ID
- Bank account opening permit
- Store operation plan
- Product certifications (if applicable)
2. Application Rejection and Review Issues
Shop name conflicts: If rejected, submitted shop names cannot be reused, as edits during review are prohibited. Verify all details before submission.
Entity rejection: Currently, reapplications aren’t permitted for rejected entities. Some sellers report success by reapplying with a new phone number. Invitation codes may expedite approval.
Recommendations:
- Double-check all submitted information.
- Contact Temu support or business managers for assistance.
- Utilize invitation codes if available.
3. Language Requirements
Shop information: Names, product titles, and logos must be in English, as they appear on the storefront.
Shop type restrictions: Non-flagship stores cannot use terms like "official" to avoid consumer confusion.
Product details: Titles may be in Chinese or English, but descriptions must be English-only for global buyers.
Recommendations:
- Employ professional translation services for accuracy.
- Use culturally appropriate phrasing for international audiences.
- Avoid prohibited or sensitive terminology.
4. Shop Naming and Platform Compliance
Shop names must exclude contact details (phone numbers, emails, URLs, QR codes, or social media handles) to prevent external traffic diversion, per Temu’s policy.
Recommendations:
- Focus on product quality and user experience.
- Adhere strictly to platform guidelines to avoid penalties.
- Leverage Temu’s official promotional tools for visibility.
5. Product Listing Essentials
Detailed product pages require:
- High-quality images (rotating and static)
- Accurate titles, attributes, and specifications
- Dimensions, weight, pricing, and SKU data
Temu’s Product Management Seller Guide stresses correct category selection and verification with platform managers to avoid misclassification affecting sales.
Recommendations:
- Use professional, multi-angle product photos.
- Provide comprehensive descriptions (materials, features, sizing).
- Maintain competitive yet profitable pricing.
- Update listings regularly.
6. Financial and Legal Compliance
Bank accounts: Each shop links to one corporate account; personal accounts are prohibited for enterprises.
Taxation: Corporate accounts necessitate tax compliance. Sellers must understand local regulations.
Individual shops: Personal stores require only ID verification but must still meet tax obligations. Conversion from corporate to personal shops takes 3–7 days.
Recommendations:
- Consult tax professionals for guidance.
- Select the appropriate shop type for your business model.
- Operate within legal and platform requirements.
Note: Post-submission, approvals occur in batches. For urgent cases, contacting Temu’s business managers via Knock may accelerate the process.