Australian businesses can now sell their products on the rapidly growing Chinese-owned e-commerce platform, Temu. Launched in Australia in 2023, Temu is set to empower local sellers by providing them with a new avenue to reach consumers. This initiative aims to enhance the shopping experience for Australian buyers by offering faster delivery options.
A spokesperson from Temu explained that with the introduction of local sellers, consumers will benefit from a wider selection of products sourced from Australian businesses. For these sellers, the platform represents a cost-effective opportunity to connect with millions of shoppers and expand their customer base.
Currently, Temu offers standard shipping at no charge, although it typically takes between six to twenty days for items to arrive. For those opting for express delivery, costs range from $19.95 to $89, as Temu does not yet ship locally from Australia; most products are still dispatched from China.
Temu has successfully established local partnerships in several countries, including the UK, US, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. The platform claims that over half of the sellers are able to secure sales within the first 20 days of listing their products. Australian businesses interested in selling on the platform can start registering immediately.
Temu, a subsidiary of PDD Holdings, first entered the US market in 2022 and has gained a reputation for offering products at exceptionally low prices. Since then, it has expanded its presence to over 90 markets worldwide, having started operations in Australia in March 2023. In that brief time, it became the fastest-growing website in Australia, boasting a remarkable 72% increase in web traffic year-on-year. Furthermore, it was the most downloaded iPhone app in Australia last year.
The platform incentivises users through campaigns that allow them to accumulate credits, which can be used for purchases essentially at no cost. Notably, approximately 3.8 million Australians have shopped from Temu in the year leading up to August 2024, according to Roy Morgan data.
In summary, Temu’s entry into the Australian market represents a significant opportunity for local businesses, enhancing consumer choice while providing a low-cost platform for sellers to thrive.