Ecommerce marketplace Temu made a splash when it launched. Customers were intrigued by stories that the app was handing out free products—and even free money. For a time, it was true. Initially, new app users could earn money through a PayPal account simply by joining and referring friends—despite some privacy concerns.
Temu’s referral program still includes a signup bonus and relatively generous commissions. If you’re dedicated and have a large social media following, you can make money on Temu as an affiliate. Or, you can also become a Temu seller and market your products on the app’s marketplace.
Here’s how to earn money on Temu as an affiliate, seller, or app user.
What is Temu?
Temu is an ecommerce marketplace that sells a wide range of products at low wholesale prices, often shipped directly from warehouses in China. PDD Holdings launched Temu in 2022 as the foreign-market version of its popular Chinese ecommerce platform, Pinduoduo.
Temu’s gamified app, ubiquitous advertising on Instagram, Super Bowl spot, and referral program have brought widespread attention since its launch.
Ways to make money on Temu
Whether you’re an established ecommerce merchant looking for new sales channels, an influencer with an engaged following, or that one friend in the group chat with good taste and an eye for deals, you can earn money on Temu. Here’s how:
Become a seller on Temu
The app was originally available only to companies based in China, and Temu sold products exclusively on a consignment basis. However, as of 2024, Temu allows US sellers to list products and choose either direct fulfillment or a model similar to Fulfillment by Amazon. If you already have an ecommerce store, you can apply to become a seller on Temu.
To start, contact Temu to apply for a seller code, then log in to the Temu Seller Center. From there, submit proof that your business is legitimate, create a profile, list products, and set up fulfillment. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to sell products on Temu and make money just like you would on marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy.
Join the Temu affiliate program
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based strategy where businesses reward affiliates for driving sales. If you’re interested in making money by spreading the word about Temu, you can join the Temu affiliate program. (Note that Temu used to offer a separate influencer program, but it’s since merged this with its affiliate program.)
The app offers a $2 bonus when you join the program. From there, it offers a $10 bonus when your referrals sign up and make a purchase, plus 20% commission on all orders they place within 30 days of signing up.
When existing Temuusers buy a product you share through a unique affiliate link, you get 3% commission from every purchase. (Note that Temu requires a minimum of $20 earned before you can withdraw your funds.)
You’ll also get access to discounts as an affiliate, all accessible via Temu’s affiliate hub page.
Earn credits and free gifts
If you’re looking to simply gain some extra spending power, the Temu app features a section where you can earn Temu credits and free products. It’s located at the bottom of the menu on the “You” page.
These offers are gimmicky, gamified promotions where the free gift is partially contingent on referring friends. (You’ll notice, for example, that you always win the “best” prize when you spin the wheel or play a shell game). Talk your friends into signing up, and you can unlock free items or Temu credit.
How to make money on Temu as a seller
A few tried-and-true strategies can help you make money on Temu as a seller:
Use search engine optimization
When listing products on Temu as a seller, you’ll find yourself in a crowded marketplace. To get your listings in front of customers, use SEO best practices to optimize your product names and descriptions. Analyze how your competitors position similar items and choose clear, descriptive names to ensure your listings appear when userssearch for relevant terms.
Set low prices
Temu has a reputation for low prices and unbeatable deals, so set competitive prices. Choose a pricing strategy that maintains a strong profit margin while appealing to buyers on the Temu app.
Consider using psychological pricing: Guide customers’ spending behaviors by appealing to their psychological needs for savings, high quality, or perceived value. For example, strikeout pricing (where a discounted price is presented beside a crossed-out “original” price) can make shoppers feel like they’re getting a great deal. Limited-time-only sales can prompt impulse buys.
Provide a high-quality product
One downside of Temu’s massive rollout and ultra-cheap products: Sometimes product quality suffers, and customers get frustrated when a product arrives damaged or ineffective. Although Temu has a generous return policy, it’s still a hassle and a disappointment for customers to send back a product they were eager to receive.
To avoid this problem and set your brand apart, ensure rigorous quality assurance and source from trustworthy suppliers. As a backup, invest in excellent customer service to address any problems or inquiries.
How to make money on Temu FAQ
How do you make money with the Temu affiliate program?
To make money with Temu’s affiliate program, create an account and share referral codes with friends and followers. New user signups earn you the most money—for the first 30 days, you get a 20% commission on all their purchases.
What types of products are sold on Temu?
Temu sells a wide variety of products, including clothing, appliances, electronics, and home goods.
Does Temu give away free money?
Temu occasionally offers free items and credit to catch your attention, although it typically gives away money only as part of a referral program. That said, if you’re able to convince your friends and followers to joinTemu and make purchases, you can earn generous commissions compared to other ecommerce.
