How to use refundable samples

Overview

Refundable Samples is a TikTok Shop feature that allows you to connect with creators through performance-based collaborations. Starting 4/3/25, sample refunds are exclusively tied to sales performance rather than content creation alone.

Benefits

• Higher ROI: Sellers using Refundable Samples see 25% higher return on investment compared to traditional free samples*
• Performance-driven investment: Control your marketing spend by ensuring refunds are tied directly to sales
• Creator discovery: Identify motivated creators who believe in your products enough to make the initial investment
• Scalable strategy: Adapt thresholds based on your business goals, from product launches to scaling bestsellers

*Source: TikTok Shop Sample Analysis US, Feb-March 2025

How It Works

1. Set up your refundable samples in Affiliate Center
   1. Navigate to Open Collaboration
   2. Under Offer Samples, toggle refundable samples
   3. Select your sales thresholds
2. Creators purchase your products
   • Creators buy your products at full price with the intention to promote
   • They create content featuring your products
3. Sales-based refunds
   • If a creator's content drives your specified number of sales, they receive a refund
   • You identify high-performing creators for ongoing partnerships

FAQs

Q: What changed with refundable samples?A: Starting 4/3/2025, refunds will only be issued when creators meet sales thresholds you set. Refunds for content creation alone will no longer be available.
Q: What happens to my existing refundable sample settings?A: If you're currently using content-only refund requirements, you'll need to update your settings before 4/3/2025. If you do not update the settings, the sample will no longer be available to creators.
Q: How do I determine the right sales threshold for my products? A: Consider your product price point, margin, and business goals. Lower thresholds (1 sale) work well for new products or audience expansion, while higher thresholds are ideal for established products.
Q: Does the Creator's own purchase of the product count towards the order threshold?A: No. Sales generated by the Creator’s own purchases of the product for which the refundable sample was requested—whether used in a short video, LIVE session, or showcase—will not be counted toward the sales criteria, even if such orders are successfully settled and not canceled. Only sales made to shoppers other than the Creator will be considered valid for refund eligibility.
Q: Can I still use free samples? A: Yes, you can still send free samples to creators. Visit our Sample feature guide to learn more.Q: Can I set up SKU-level samples for refundable samples?A: No. SKU-level control applies to free samples, not refundable samples.
Q: What action do I need to take if I am using content-based samples?A pop-up message will appear, indicating how many of your products were previously using the content-based sample criteria.
You will be able to view a list of products that were previously set up with content-based sample criteria. Once you click confirm, all listed products will be switched to sales-based sample criteria. With a default threshold of 1 sale, you can also edit any number between 1-3You can view your settings in open collaboration
If you close the pop-up, you can still reset your refundable samples by navigating to the Open Collaboration tab and clicking the Reset Refundable Samples button.
To edit the sample criteria, click on the desired product, select the Edit button, and adjust the sample criteria as needed.
All images are for reference only.