Shein, Temu Drive Growth in Mexico via Door-to-Door Sales

Shein and Temu are carving out a significant presence in Mexico, leveraging the country’s traditional catalog sales market. These Chinese e-commerce giants have tapped into a sector where millions of independent sellers have long relied on door-to-door catalog distribution, blending physical and digital sales strategies.

In Mexico, approximately 3.1 million people engage in catalog sales. Increasingly, these sellers are integrating products from online platforms like Shein and Temu into their offerings. According to Rest of the World, research by Bitácora Social shows that six in ten catalog sellers now include e-commerce items in their inventory.

Sellers use platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok to promote products, share curated catalogs, or direct customers to Shein’s or Temu’s online catalogs. Orders are placed through the seller, with customers typically paying a deposit upfront and settling the balance on delivery.

Women aged 35 to 44 dominate this space, mirroring the general profile of catalog sellers in Mexico, where 73% are women, according to the Mexican Direct Sales Association. Many are urban homemakers who manage multiple brands simultaneously.

Direct sellers address barriers like distrust and concerns over online fraud by offering personalized service. This approach appeals to customers wary of digital transactions or those with limited internet access. Additionally, unofficial Shein stores serve customers who prefer to see products in person, despite the absence of official Shein outlets in Mexico.