Who Bears the Cost of TEMU Last-Mile Delivery?

Who Should Pay for Temu's Last-Mile Delivery Fees?

In the field of cross-border e-commerce, last-mile delivery fees are an unavoidable topic. As a rapidly rising e-commerce platform in recent years, Temu has attracted a large number of consumers with its highly competitive prices and rich variety of products. However, while enjoying low prices and convenience, many users have also focused on the issue of who should bear the cost of last-mile delivery. So, who exactly should pay this fee?

First, we need to clarify what last-mile delivery fees are. Simply put, they refer to the transportation costs from the logistics center or warehouse to the final delivery address. For e-commerce platforms, this part of the cost is often the most uncontrollable link in the entire supply chain, as it involves specific geographical locations, traffic conditions, and the actual operational challenges of the last mile.

According to relevant media reports, when entering international markets, Temu adopted flexible and diverse logistics strategies. For example, in some countries and regions, the platform cooperates with local third-party logistics companies to share resources and reduce operating costs; while in other markets, it may choose to build its own logistics network to ensure service quality. This diversified layout undoubtedly increases management complexity and also poses new challenges for the allocation of last-mile delivery fees.

Theoretically speaking, last-mile delivery fees can be borne by sellers, buyers, or shared by both parties. The specific model adopted depends on various factors, including but not limited to product categories, sales scale, market competition, and policy regulations. For instance, in some highly competitive markets, to attract new customers and maintain market share, sellers may take the initiative to cover these costs; in other cases, if buyers are willing to pay for faster services, they may become the main contributors.

It is worth noting that as consumers' demands for shopping experiences continue to rise, more people are inclined to choose merchants that offer free delivery or even same-day delivery. This not only reflects people's pursuit of convenience but also, to some extent, drives the industry toward greater transparency and fairness. How to reasonably allocate last-mile delivery fees not only affects a company’s profitability but also directly impacts the quality of user experience.

Technological advancements also provide more possibilities for solving this problem. For example, intelligent routing systems based on big data analysis can help optimize delivery routes, reducing unnecessary expenses; the application of blockchain technology could enhance the transparency of the entire process, allowing all parties to clearly understand the details behind each transaction. These innovative measures will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future development of e-commerce.

In conclusion, there is no fixed answer to the question of who should pay for Temu's last-mile delivery fees. It requires balancing considerations based on actual circumstances and continuously adjusting strategies as market environments change. Regardless, we hope to see a situation where companies can achieve sustainable development while meeting consumer needs. After all, only when both sides are balanced can true win-win results be achieved.