Refundable Samples
11/21/2025
Summary
What is the Refundable Samples program on TikTok Shop and how does it benefit creators?
- Creators can purchase product samples and earn a full refund (including shipping and tax) by driving the seller’s stated sales goal through their content.
- It bypasses the free sample approval process, doesn’t count against free sample quotas, and allows creators to prove their sales influence while getting free products.
How does the Refundable Samples process work step-by-step for creators?
- Step 1: Order a refundable sample by selecting product options and completing purchase; some coupons apply.
- Step 2: Create and post content with the product link to track sales within 90 days.
- Step 3: Upon hitting the sales goal, the system initiates a refund after the return period ends.
What key tips and rules should creators know to maximize success with Refundable Samples?
- You cannot order a refundable sample if you have a pending free sample request for the same product; clear one first.
- Posting multiple videos or LIVE sessions about the same product is encouraged; all sales count toward the refund goal.
- Sales must be to other shoppers; self-purchases do not count.
- Orders can be canceled before shipping or returned within the standard return window after shipping.
What happens if a product goes out of stock after purchasing a Refundable Sample?
- TikTok notifies the seller to restock and pauses the refund timeline for 10 days.
- If restocking doesn’t occur within 10 days, the refund goal is marked complete automatically, and creators receive a full refund without needing to post content.
Product Overview
Purchase samples directly and earn a full refund—including shipping and tax—once your content drives the seller's stated sales goal. Refundable samples is a pathway to skip the free sample approval process and get samples without it counting against your free sample quota. When your influence turns viewers into shoppers, you get refunded and your sample becomes free (sellers usually require 1-3 orders generated).Benefits
- Get samples without the wait: Discover and grab refundable samples from tons of brands with zero approval hassles. They don’t count against your free sample requeat quota, so you can keep exploring new products.
- Show off as a conversion creator: Go beyond just making content and show brands you're a sales-driving force. This is your chance to prove your impact and turn viewers into shoppers.
- Turn your sales power into a free product: Show off your influence by creating content that drives purchases. When your viewers buy, your sample becomes free.
| Example of a product offering Refundable samples | Where to find the order refundable sample button | Tracking your progress | Cancelling your refundable sample order |
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How It Works
Here’s your step-by-step guide to turning product samples into cash back in your pocket.Step 1: Order your sample
- Find a product you’re excited about and tap the Order refundable sample button. Select your preferred options (like size or color), fill in your shipping details, and complete the purchase. You can also apply most coupons and promotions to the order, though not all will be applicable to Refundable samples.
- Once you receive your sample, get creative! Film your video or plan your LIVE session. When you post, make sure to attach the product link so your sales can be tracked. Focus on generating the number of sales needed within 90 days from receiving the sample to get your refund. View full Terms and Conditions for more.
- You can create multiple pieces of content about the same Refundable sample to hit your sales goal. Once you do, the system will initiate your refund (this only begins after the return period for your qualifying order ends, which may differ based on campaigns/promotions). View full Terms and Conditions for more.
Tips
- Check for open requests first. If you already have a pending free sample request with a seller for a specific product, you won't be able to purchase a Refundable Sample of that same product. Clear one before trying the other!
- Post more than once. You can create multiple videos or go LIVE several times for the same product. All sales from content featuring that product link will count toward your refund goal.
- To qualify for the refund, sales must be made to other shoppers. Any purchases you make yourself using your own promotional content will not count toward the refund.
- Canceling is an option. If you change your mind, you can cancel the order from your Order Details page before it ships. If it has already shipped, you can request a return within the standard return window.
FAQ
- Can I post multiple times about the same Refundable Sample? Yes, absolutely! We encourage it. All settled sales from any of your content featuring the product will be combined to help you meet the refund goal.
- What happens if the product goes out of stock after I’ve bought a Refundable Sample? We’ve got your back. If a product goes out of stock, we notify the seller to restock it. Your refund timeline will be paused for 10 days to give them time. If the seller doesn't restock within 10 days, we will automatically mark your refund goal as complete and no further action is required. You will also receive a full refund without needing to post any content.



