Meta Description: Master temu seller onboarding full-managed and semi-managed models in 2026. Registration steps, fee comparison, deposit rules, and policy updates for sellers.
Quick Facts
| Metric | Fully-Managed | Semi-Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | ¥1,000 (spot) / ¥5,000 (pre-sale) | ¥10,000 / $1,400 |
| Commission | 0% | 0% base / 8%-15% comprehensive |
| Pricing control | Platform sets price | Seller sets (75%-90% benchmark) |
| Logistics | Platform handles | Seller (overseas warehouse) |
| Settlement | ~31 days | ~8 days |
| Sample review | Required | Not required |
What Are the Two Seller Models?
Temu seller onboarding full-managed and semi-managed pathways represent distinct approaches to cross-border selling. Launched in September 2022, the platform has expanded to over 70 buyer markets source. According to Goldman Sachs analysis from early 2026, the platform reached 516 million monthly active users globally and is projected to surpass $100 billion in annual GMV source.
The fully-managed model requires sellers to supply products at wholesale prices while the platform handles retail pricing, logistics, and returns. Sellers sacrifice pricing autonomy but face minimal operational demands. Deposits start at ¥1,000 for spot-goods sellers source.
The semi-managed model, launched in 2024 and expanded to nine regions within two months, shifts logistics to the seller. Sellers maintain overseas inventory and fulfill orders within zero to two business days, retaining pricing control at 75%-90% of marketplace benchmarks. The deposit is ¥10,000 or approximately $1,400 source.
How Do Costs Compare?
| Cost Component | Fully-Managed | Semi-Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free | Free |
| Deposit | ¥1,000-¥5,000 | ¥10,000 / $1,400 |
| Comprehensive fees | 2%-5% | 8%-15% |
| Advertising | None | CPC (min $5/SKU/day) |
| Compliance testing | Seller pays ($300-$2,000/SKU) | Seller pays |
| Penalties | Minimal | ¥40 per delay or stock-out |
| Settlement | ~31 days | ~8 days |
| Return window | 90 days | 90 days |
According to community data from established cross-border sellers, semi-managed fees of 8%-15% remain competitive against marketplaces charging 15%-45% source.
What Policy Changes Affect Sellers?
De minimis elimination. Executive Order 14256 (May 2, 2025) removed the $800 duty-free threshold for China and Hong Kong shipments. EO 14324 (August 29, 2025) extended this globally source. Per Reuters reporting, US daily active users fell roughly 48% between March and May 2025 source.
Local warehousing pivot. US warehouse fulfillment now accounts for 20%+ of US GMV source.
Brand certification. A Mall program requires registered trademarks, 60 days of sales history, and conversion thresholds. Brands including Anker, Dreame, and Baseus have joined this track source.
Compliance upgrades. Electronics, children's products, and beauty SKUs must upload CE, FCC, UL, or CPSC certificates. Testing runs $300-$2,000 per SKU.
Parent investment. PDD Holdings announced a three-year, ¥100 billion investment in first-party business source.
Step-by-Step Registration
| Step | Action | Fully-Managed | Semi-Managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create account | Required | Required |
| 2 | Submit entity documents | Required | Required |
| 3 | Qualification review (1-3 days) | Required | Required |
| 4 | Sign platform agreement | Required | Required |
| 5 | Pay deposit | ¥1,000/¥5,000 | ¥10,000/$1,400 |
| 6 | Product submission | Sample + image review | Direct upload |
| 7 | Stock and go live | Ship to domestic warehouse | Maintain overseas inventory |
Supported entities include mainland Chinese individuals, registered individual businesses, mainland enterprises, and Hong Kong companies. Business entities can open 20 sub-stores; individuals are limited to one. US and Singapore entities are not supported for semi-managed. Per industry data, roughly 50% of new sellers reach their first sale within 20 days source.
Both models operate as separate store systems — running both requires independent registration and deposits.
Conclusion
The choice between models hinges on logistics infrastructure, capital reserves, and appetite for operational control. Fully-managed offers the lowest barrier but surrenders pricing power. Semi-managed demands more capital yet returns pricing autonomy and faster cash flow. As de minimis exemptions disappear, sellers building resilient local supply chains will be best positioned.
The operational complexity described here — entity requirements, compliance certifications, and model selection — is precisely the gap that CNBusinessHub was built to close. Contact the CNBusinessHub team at consult@cnbusinesshub.com to evaluate your optimal entry pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the fully-managed model?
The fully-managed model requires sellers to ship inventory to domestic warehouses while the platform handles pricing, logistics, and after-sales. Deposits start at ¥1,000 for spot goods. Contact the CNBusinessHub team for advisory.
Q2: How does the semi-managed model differ?
Semi-managed sellers retain pricing control (75%-90% of benchmarks) and manage their own overseas logistics. Deposits are ¥10,000 or $1,400, with fees of 8%-15%.
Q3: How much deposit is required?
Fully-managed deposits are ¥1,000 (spot) or ¥5,000 (pre-sale). Semi-managed deposits are ¥10,000 or $1,400. New sellers may defer payment until reaching $1,500 in sales or 100 orders.
Q4: Which entity types can register?
Supported entities include mainland Chinese individuals, registered individual businesses, mainland enterprises, and Hong Kong companies. US and Singapore entities are not supported for semi-managed. The CNBusinessHub team advises on structuring.
Q5: How long does registration take?
Qualification review takes 1-3 business days. Full onboarding typically completes within one to two weeks.
Q6: What are the settlement timelines?
Fully-managed settles in approximately 31 days. Semi-managed settles in about 8 days, a significant cash-flow advantage.
Q7: What compliance certifications are required?
Electronics, children products, and beauty SKUs require CE, FCC, UL, or CPSC certificates. Testing costs $300-$2,000 per SKU. The CNBusinessHub team can advise.
Q8: How did the de minimis change affect sellers?
Executive Order 14256 (May 2025) and EO 14324 (August 2025) eliminated the $800 duty-free threshold. US users dropped roughly 48%, accelerating the shift to local warehousing.
Q9: What is the Mall program?
Mall requires a registered trademark, 60 days of sales history, and conversion thresholds. The CNBusinessHub team assists with applications.
Q10: Can sellers run both models?
Yes, but each operates as an independent store requiring separate registration and deposits.
Q11: What penalties apply to semi-managed sellers?
Fines include ¥40 per shipment for late delivery and stock-outs, plus penalties for false shipping and quality defects.
Q12: Is the deposit refundable?
The platform has not published an explicit refund policy. Community reports indicate difficulties obtaining timely refunds. The CNBusinessHub team recommends maintaining separate reserves.
Q13: Which model should new sellers choose?
Manufacturers without overseas logistics should start fully-managed. Experienced sellers benefit from semi-managed pricing autonomy. Email consult@cnbusinesshub.com for guidance.
Disclaimer
This article is written by the CNBusinessHub team for informational and educational purposes only.
The content of this article does not constitute any form of investment advice, business advice, or legal opinion. Readers should exercise their own judgment regarding the applicability of the information and should consult qualified professionals before making any business decisions.
The data and information cited in this article are sourced from public channels. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information. Policies and regulations may change at any time; please verify the latest information before taking action.
© 2026 CNBusinessHub. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
This article is written by the CnBusinessHub team for informational and educational purposes only.
The content of this article does not constitute any form of investment advice, business advice, or legal opinion. Readers should exercise their own judgment regarding the applicability of the information and should consult qualified professionals before making any business decisions.
The data and information cited in this article are sourced from public channels. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information. Policies and regulations may change at any time; please verify the latest information before taking action.
© 2026 CnBusinessHub. All rights reserved.
