General Questions
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is a one-stop e-commerce solution for driving brand growth and sales directly on TikTok. It brings together brands, merchants and creators and connects them with their communities on TikTok.What does TikTok Shop offer?
For Sellers
TikTok Shop offers sellers a direct channel to tap into TikTok's vibrant and engaged user community.- Reach the right audience: Backed by TikTok's unique, diversified and interest-based content recommendations, TikTok Shop helps sellers to reach the right audience, enhance customer satisfaction, maximize the power of branding and, at the end, helps business to grow and thrive.
- An easy shopping experience and shortened customer journey: TikTok powers direct product purchases through shopping carts embedded in short videos, livestreams or displayed in the TikTok Product Showcase on sellers' profile pages to shorten customer journeys, without compromising inspiration or fun that users get while they watch, share and create short videos on TikTok.
- Attractive product presentations that make shopping more efficient and interesting: Sellers can cultivate influence, attract and engage customers with creative and powerful product presentations through exciting short videos and livestreams.
- To conclude, from initial user engagement to final purchase and product shipping, TikTok Shop provides a seamless, on-platform shopping experience, within TikTok.
TikTok Shop connects sellers with talented TikTok creators and helps sellers easily find the right creators to drive sales.- TikTok creators help to educate and inspire followers through creative videos and authentic livestreams that bring products and brands to life and increase sales efficiency.
- Through the TikTok Shop Affiliate program, sellers can set commission rates to incentivize TikTok creators to sell their products, opening doors to attract diverse follower communities.
TikTok Shop's comprehensive seller support services help merchants easily manage sales and enhances customer satisfaction.- TikTok Shop provides a comprehensive Seller Center where merchants can access core data analytics to formulate effective marketing promotions and easily manage products, orders, logistics and payments.
- TikTok Shop Academy also provides insightful operational guidance and training content, giving sellers an easy on-ramp for kickstarting sales on TikTok.
As a fully on-platform e-commerce marketplace, TikTok Shop partners with top logistics companies to provide shipping and delivery services, bridging sellers with professional logistics experts in an effort to constantly meet customer demands.
For Creators
TikTok Shop provides a new way for TikTok creators to monetize their creativity and influence through collaborating with sellers.- Creators can select products from sellers and market selections through their short videos, livestreams and display the products on TikTok Product Showcase tab of their profile pages.
TikTok Shop offers a new opportunity for creators to showcase their creativity and build personal brands in the TikTok community. - Creators can expand their follower base and build influence by presenting high-quality products through their short videos and livestreams.
- TikTok Shop provides a range of Creator Support Tools within the TikTok app where creators can see detailed data to gain operational insights and help optimize content creation and monetization.
TikTok Shop operations team provides content creation trainings.
For Customers/Buyers
Users can easily discover product and lifestyle recommendations from creative short videos and livestreams.
- TikTok users can easily discover selected products that are displayed on short videos, livestreams, and TikTok Product Showcase tab of a seller or creator's TikTok profile page, thanks to TikTok's interest-based, unique and diversified content recommendations.
TikTok users can now purchase high-quality products directly from within their favorite TikTok content, without ever leaving the TikTok app. - Users can purchase selected products directly from their favorite TikTok videos and livestreams created by their trusted TikTok creators, without compromising the inspiration and fun that these TikTok creators can bring.
The entire shopping process is more immersive than ever - from product selection to payment and pre- and after-sales support - all is completed without leaving the TikTok app.
When is TikTok Shop launched? What is your business plan?
- TikTok Shop has been available in regions like UK and SEA (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore) and we are currently in an initial testing phase for this innovative new shopping feature in the US.
- TikTok Shop is entirely contained within the TikTok app. Known externally as Direct Integration, it enables merchants to tap into a full commerce experience with the capability to upload products and manage everything from shipping to fulfillment and point of purchase, all within the TikTok app.
- Users are not directed to third-party marketplaces, ensuring a seamless shopping experience from beginning to end.
- Buyers complete the entire purchase process - from product selection to payment and pre- and after-sales support - entirely on TikTok.
- Sellers are able to easily open shops, ship orders and launch collaborations with TikTok creators through the TikTok Shop Affiliate program.
Will TikTok Storefront be sunsetting after the TikTok Shop launched?
- As we continue building a seamless commerce experience, we're always testing and experimenting with new commerce opportunities that can enable our community to discover and engage with products that they love.
In the next few months, as we evaluate how we can enhance the TikTok experience, we will no longer be onboarding new merchants to TikTok Storefront.
- Enable brands and sellers to unleash the e-commerce potential of TikTok by making today's most engaging entertainment even easier to shop.
- TikTok Shop is a suite of e-commerce solutions that enables merchants to sell directly through their TikTok account. Powered natively within the platform, merchant products are recommended to TikTok audiences through in-feed videos, livestreams, and a product showcase tab prominently featured on their TikTok profile page.
- We're continuously building a one-stop, seamless e-commerce ecosystem where users can go from discovery to action in a matter of seconds.
- TikTok Shop seeks to develop a trustworthy and seamless shopping experience that is fun and entertaining. We've seen the positive impact of TikTok Shop in markets where it is available, and we're excited to support businesses of all sizes with opportunities to grow their brand, connect with their community as well as enable our community to discover and engage with products they love.
For Sellers
TikTok Shop Onboarding
How can TikTok Shop benefit my business?
- As a fully in-app e-commerce solution, TikTok Shop makes it easy for brands and sellers to open and manage their shops. The Seller Center enables merchants to manage products, orders, logistics and payments, and also access core data analytics and marketing promotions.
- TikTok Shop offers sellers a direct channel to tap into TikTok's vibrant and engaged user community. Adding product anchors embedded in shoppable videos and livestreams is a highly effective way to streamline the purchase process, increase brand exposure and drive business growth.
TikTok Shop Affiliate program connects sellers with TikTok's talented creators who educate and inspire followers through videos and livestreams that bring products and brands to life.
What documentation is required to register for TikTok Shop?
- For a corporation: US certificate of incorporation and a US-issued passport or driver's license.
- For an individual seller: A US-issued passport or driver's license.
- For more guidance: Visit the TikTok Shop Academy.
Why was my document rejected?
- Document rejection may be due to the information and/or documentation provided does not meet the requirements to pass verification. The reason may be the information is unavailable or your name and address has changed. Sellers should refer to the Seller Center for detailed reasons for each specific case:
- For individual seller:
- Proof of Identity - Must be current and not expired
- Government issued ID - Driver's license, Passport
- Proof of Address – dated within the last 12 months, PO Boxes are not accepted
- Utility bill
- Please note: Document must show your full name and address as registered on the account. And it must have Logo or Footer of issuer
- Proof of SSN/ITIN:
- Social Security Card
- Please note: If you have an ITIN on file, you will need to provide proof of ITIN document from the IRS. This document needs to show the legal name and the full 9-digit social security number.
- For corporation:
- Proof of Business Identity
- Current List of Accepted IRS Letters:
- CP 575 A
- CP 575 B
- CP 575 G
- CP 575 E
- 147C
- RS 147C
- IRS 252C
- Please note: Document must show full legal business name and completed 9-digit TIN / EIN
- Proof of Business Address – dated within the last 12 months, PO Boxes are not accepted
- Government issued business license/permit
- Credit Card Statement
- Utility Bill
- Insurance Statement
- Tax Assessment Notice
- Proof of Business Existence – dated within the last 12 months
- Certificate of good standing - A certificate of good standing is a document that says your company is legally registered with your state. The document is proof that you’re authorized to do business there and that you follow all state requirements, like submitting required documents and paying taxes and other fees. It basically proves you’re a legitimate business.
- Government issued business license/permit
Other registration documents filed with the Secretary of State (i.e. Certificate of Organization, Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership agreement, or Comparable business registration document)
Is there any follower requirement to join TikTok Shop as a merchant?
No, you can join TikTok Shop and start selling even if you register a new TikTok account and do not have any followers.
What does it cost me to sell on TikTok Shop?
[Subject to change]
- At this early testing stage for TikTok Shop, sellers will enjoy a platform commission waiver (0% currently) and there will be no fees for registration, subscription and product cancellations.
We will keep our merchants informed for any revision in the fee schedule by providing a written notice.
Selling on TikTok Shop
Where can I sell my products?
- Products can be accessed by consumers via product anchors embedded in shoppable videos, livestreams or displayed in the TikTok Product Showcase tab on the sellers' TikTok profile pages.
Which products are prohibited or restricted for sale on TikTok Shop?
Merchants are not permitted to sell any products set out in the
US TikTok Shop Restricted and Unsupported Products Guidelines and
US TikTok Shop Prohibited Products Guidelines.
What happens when I receive an order?
- You’ll receive an email every time an order is paid. After the order is paid, you will need to pack the corresponding items. Once finished packaging, our logistics partners will collect the package and deliver it to the customer.
- Sellers can monitor orders and logistics status in the Seller Center.
How to set up my TikTok Shop account in Seller Center?
- This video will provide you with a quick walkthrough of TikTok Shop Seller Center: Guide to the TikTok Shop Seller Center
- This article will help you find and customize all your account information and related settings under Seller Center - My Account: Seller Academy
- You may change your Phone Number / Email Address / Password in the Seller Center through the Account Information page.
- Next, you will have to verify your identity through an OTP sent to the currently registered email or phone number before updating your latest account information.
Please note: Business type/ company name / business license / owner name cannot be changed at this stage.
How to Bind a Payment Account?
- To update your payment information, please follow the steps below: Seller Center > My Account > Account Settings > Bank Accounts > Link your settlement account > Fill in your payment information > "Submit"
- You can add up to 5 bank accounts
- For the business/corporation seller, please bind the company's bank account rather than the personal bank account.
- Currently, we only accept the bank account for the payout method
Marketing on TikTok Shop
- You can promote your brand in various ways on TikTok Shop, including creating exclusive deals and promotions such as free shipping. TikTok advertising solutions are also available to promote your shop on TikTok.
Working with TikTok creators also help brands unlock the commerce opportunities on TikTok, connect with their community and build engaging consumer experiences that make shopping exciting and entertaining. You can join our TikTok Shop Affiliate program and leverage on our creator resources.
What is the TikTok Shop Affiliate program?
- Leveraging TikTok's creators resources, TikTok Shop Affiliate program helps brands and sellers connect with creators through commission-based collaboration.
- TikTok Shop enables sellers to promote their products by collaborating with creators through the TikTok Shop Affiliate program.
- Sellers set commission rates to incentivize TikTok creators to sell their products.
We also offer a "TikTok Shop Creator Marketplace" for sellers to review creators' historical data, fan base, profiles and major content categories, to help sellers find the best creator for collaboration.
Operating on TikTok Shop
Since many users will be unfamiliar with LIVE Shopping experiences today, it's important that merchants continue testing this new format on a consistent basis. Being an early tester of LIVE Shopping is an opportunity to interact directly with the TikTok community and learn about their shopping behaviors early on. As more users become comfortable with LIVE Shopping, it's anticipated that performance will improve for participating merchants.
What product strategies should I apply to my livestream?
Select products to feature based on product diversity, quality, and cost effectiveness.
Start your LIVE with a low price product to drive traffic, then
drive profit by providing your best seller product,
retain your customer with desirable Flash Sales, and
end with a low priced product to drive traffic.
How should I introduce my products and convince the audience to buy them?
You can use the same structure below to show each of the products:
- Pin the product to make it top-of-mind for the audience and easily accessible.
- Introduce the product and general features.
- Introduce the use cases and how they solve the audience's pain points - make it fun yet professional.
- Quote a few positive customer testimonials (optional).
- Introduce price, promotion and post-sale services; convince the audience that it's the right time to buy.
What is OBS? What can I do with it?
In addition to streaming with phone, you can also start LIVE with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software).
OBS enables even casual users to learn how to use multiple cameras and switch between them, add professional-looking titles, make smooth transitions between cameras, and then create a smooth recording.
Seller support on TikTok Shop
Does TikTok Shop offer any support?
- TikTok Shop provides a Seller Center where merchants can manage products, orders, logistics and payments, and also access core data analytics and marketing promotions.
- You can also visit our TikTok Shop Academy for more operational guidance and training sessions.
What happens if I receive a refund request?
How do I cash out as a seller?
- Sellers will receive the pay on payment day. You can access all your financial statement status and amount via Seller Center --> Finance --> Statements.
For Creators
Monetizing on TikTok Shop
What is the TikTok Shop Affiliate program?
- TikTok Shop Affiliate program connects creators with sellers through commission-based product marketing. Creators are offered a new way to monetize their creativity and influence by presenting high-quality products in short videos and livestreams.
What benefits can I get from this program?
- Through the TikTok Shop Affiliate program, creators can collaborate with sellers and earn commissions by presenting high-quality products in their short videos and livestreams.
- The program is also a great way for creators to showcase their creativity, and build personal brands in the TikTok community.
TikTok Shop also provides creator support tools where creators can obtain insights for content optimisation and opportunities for TikTok creators through the TikTok Shop Creator Affiliate Program to monetize their creativity and influence through collaboration with sellers to promote brands and products that are relevant to their community.
How are the commission fees set?
- The commission rate for each product is set by the seller.
What kind of support can I receive from TikTok?
Where TikTok Shop is currently available, we have dedicated local creator teams which directly support our creators, and also work with TikTok Shop Partner agencies that manage Creators to provide support through:
- Education: Our team shares the best practice with creators who may be new or unfamiliar to the e-commerce space (For example, we recommend that shorter 'mini LIVEs' of 2 hours tend to perform best). We also have educational resources available through the TikTok Shop Academy to guide creators on how to start, grow and scale.
- Product suggestions : Our team identifies product segments and examples which may resonate well with the Creator's audience, and advise them on those products.
How do I cash out as a creator?
- As a creator, you can manage your commission fees through the TikTok Product Showcase Tab on your TikTok profile page and withdraw money to your bank card.
Eligibility & Application Questions:
What are the requirements of becoming a creator on TikTok Shop?
- 1）Creators must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United States of America.
- 2) 10,000 followers minimum.
- 3) Comply with community and content guidelines. Good Trust and safe score.
During alpha and beta stages, the program is invitation-only. If you are interested in joining the program, please contact us at
tiktokcreator-ec-us@tiktok.com.
How do creators apply for TikTok Shop Access?
- Please refer to the following steps to self-apply:
- i.【Profile TAB】> Click on【≡】button >【Creator tools】>【TikTok Product Showcase】
ii.【Inbox】> Click on the message with the subject: Apply for TikTok Product Showcase >【TikTok Product Showcase】
What is the creator incentive program ?
- A program e-commerce creators are eligible to earn rewards after taking certain actions and achieving certain performance. Please reach out to managed direct-signing creator team to get more details.
Who are the merchants & what kinds of product creators will be working with ? Any restricted product ? Can creators sell concert tickets?
- For beta period, merchants are invitation only, US-based KA brands or small businesses. Our priority verticals are fashion, beauty, home & living , and food & beverages.
- Restricted product includes all 3C products ( PC, Tablet, Phone etc); gold/silver any form of metal; virtual goods are not open for now.
Concert tickets are under Virtual goods.
How to manage inventory for sellers registered through integration apps?
- For most SMB sellers, if they use one of our official or 3rd part integration apps, inventory can be shared across platforms.The integration would synchronize inventory between the merchant's commerce platform and TikTok Shop. For example, when an order is placed on TikTok Shop, the inventory of TikTok Shop and merchant's platform will both decrease. When the merchant receives an order from other channels, again inventory will decrease for both TikTok Shop and the merchant's platform.
However, more sophisticated inventory strategy is also possible. Some merchants may consider allocating inventory to each channel. This would require the merchant to implement the strategy on their ERP system, and develop integration with TTS via our APIs.
How do creators link their account to a CAP (Creator Agency Partner)?
From Creator POV:
- Creators need to apply for e-com access first
- Creators will receive a notification in TikTok notification center or inbox
- Creators can either click "Accept" to accept the invitation and confirm binding or "Decline" to decline the invitation
- Creators will bind with the Creator Agency Partner officially
- Creators will also be able to initiate "Unbinding request" afterwards
Content Related:
Music rights- can creators use their own music?
- For all e-commerce content with shoppable links, creators & brands need to select commercial sound from TikTok or use licensed music from third party apps/libraries.
If creators are also artists and own rights to the music, we can add them to the music exemption list .
What is the content format for TikTok Shop?
- Short Video, Live-streaming. Product links under showcase can be sharable .
Can I save & clip my Live videos? Can I post my showcase link on other platforms or email to my fans?
- Yes creators could save live & edit offline. Product links can be shared.
For TikTok Shop Business Partners (ISV/TSP/CAP)
ISV
WooCommerce
- Is the plugin available for any merchants?
By using the Woocommerce plugin for TikTok Shop you will be creating a new TikTok Shop. If you have already registered for TikTok Shop, you can continue to manage your TikTok Shop through
Seller Center. Remember to complete your registration through the Woocommerce plugin to benefit from the streamlined registration process.
- What documentation is required to register for TikTok Shop?
- 1) For an individual seller: A US issued passport or driver's license.
- 2) For a corporation: Scanned copy of your business registration document and a US issued passport or driver's license of a stakeholder.
- When does my shop become live?
After finishing the onboarding steps, TikTok Shop will review your application and documents. Once approved your products are automatically synced to your TikTok Shop catalog and you may start sales.
- How do I log into Seller Center?
If you have registered for TikTok for Business or TikTok Shop using your phone or email and a password, use that to log in. If you registered for TikTok Shop using your regular TikTok credentials, use your phone number with the “log in with SMS code” option.
- How do I get paid?
To update your payment information, please log in to
Seller Center>>My Account>>Account Setting>>Bank Accounts.
- How and where do I fulfill orders?
When you use the WooCommerce plugin, you will have to use the TikTok Shop shipping solutions. We have predetermined shipping agreements that will enable you to generate shipping labels directly in Seller Center. Once you have created labels for shipment, you will then be able to arrange for orders to be collected from your designated warehouse. Go to Seller Center>Order>Manage Orders to view and fulfill orders.
- How do I cancel , manage returns, or refund orders in WooCommerce?
Order Cancellations, returns, and refunds can only be managed in
Seller Center. To manage cancellations, returns and refunds, please log into your account in Seller Center.
