How to Get on and Sell on TikTok Shop - Ultimate Guide for Beginners

TikTok stands out as the ultimate e-commerce platform, with its 1.5 billion monthly users and an astounding 90% daily login rate. Unsurprisingly, many are eager to learn how to sell on TikTok. This vibrant app offers an exhilarating opportunity for businesses to engage with their target audience in a novel and captivating way. 

If you've ever pondered how to sell on TikTok Shop, you're in for a treat. Every piece of data lines up in your favour, making this the perfect time to promote your store, regardless of how niche your product might be.

In this article, we plan to break down the ins and outs of selling, requirements, and everything you need to know to be a successful seller.

‍What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop seamlessly integrates e-commerce within the TikTok app, transforming it into an interactive space where users can view and appreciate videos and discover, shop, and interact with products and brands they love.

Is TikTok Shop Legit?

Yes, TikTok Shop is safe and TikTok takes significant measures to ensure user safety. Approved sellers undergo thorough vetting processes and adhere to stringent guidelines that leave no room for fraudulent or misleading content.

Nonetheless, like any e-commerce platform, scams are not entirely preventable. It is vital to exercise caution when encountering offers that appear too good to be true, suspicious URLs, and stores needing more visible customer service and contact information.

TikTok Shop Requirements

Selling on TikTok in the UK and the US is an exciting prospect, but it comes with specific requirements you must meet to become a seller. 

Let's outline the essential TikTok Shop requirements and how to set up TikTok Shop in both regions:

UK Requirements

Individual Applicants:

• Full legal name.
• Proof of a UK address.
• Must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years.
• A valid UK government-issued passport or driver's license.
• Bank statement that matches both the bank name and the application type.

Business Applicants:

• Business name.
• Company registration information.
• Proof of registered business address in the UK.
• Government-issued identity documents for relevant representatives.
• Bank statement that matches both the bank name and the application type.

US Requirements

Individual Applicants:

• Date of birth.
• Full legal name.
• Proof of a residential US address.
• Photocopy of a valid US government-issued passport or driver's license with an expiration date.
• The last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Business Applicants:

• Business type.
• Company name.
• Registered business address.
• Company registration information.
• The last four digits of SSN or ITIN (except for public companies).
• Business address (if different from the registered business address).
• Beneficial company owners may need to provide their legal name, date of birth, residential address, and percentage of ownership (only if "beneficial owner" is chosen).

How to Get on TikTok Shop in 7 Steps

Now, let's walk you through the seven simple steps to get started on TikTok Shop:

Step 1: Create a TikTok Account

Your TikTok profile is your online storefront. Therefore, crafting engaging content that resonates with your brand is crucial. If you're not a TikTok user, you can join by signing up on the TikTok website or downloading the TikTok app.

If registering on the website, click "Log in" in the top-right menu. A pop-up message will appear, and you can proceed by clicking the "Sign Up" button at the bottom. Sign up using your phone number, email, Google account, or other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. If you're using the app, tap the "Profile" in the bottom menu to access the sign-up options.

Step 2: Sign up for TikTok Shop

After setting up your profile, the next step is to apply for TikTok Shop. 

Here's how to do it: 

1. Apply for TikTok Shop by visiting the TikTok Shop Seller Center.
2. Choose your selling region: Europe, North America, or Asia.
3. Log in using your TikTok account, which you've set up in Step 1, or sign up by providing your phone number and email.
4. Alternatively, you can directly log in if your phone and email are already registered on TikTok for Business platforms.

Step 3: Complete the Application

TikTok will request business information and additional requirements that can differ based on your region and whether you're signing up as an individual or business seller. Your application will undergo review, and you can expect the result via email within 1-2 days.

Step 4: Link Your TikTok Shop and Account

Upon approval, linking your TikTok Shop and account is essential to ensure smooth store management and operation. 

Here's how to do it:

1. Visit the TikTok For Business Sign Up page.
2. Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
3. Sign up with TikTok.
4. Click the "Authorise" button to complete the linking process.

Step 5: Upload Your Product(s)

To get your products listed on TikTok Shop, you must submit basic product information, upload images, write a description, configure your sales information, and set up your shipping preferences. 

To learn more, visit our guide on how to add products to TikTok Shop. This resource will walk you through the process, ensuring your products are ready to shine on the platform.

Step 6: Start Creating Content

After adding your products to your TikTok Shop, it’s time to dive into content creation. 

Creating relatable content is key, and here are some creative ideas to kickstart your content strategy:

• Leverage TikTok’s short-form video format to showcase your product. 
• Boost credibility by sharing user testimonials, offering valuable insights into the actual experiences with your products.
• Give your audience a peek behind the scenes, humanising your business and making a genuine connection with your customers.
• Engage your audience with captivating product demos that put your items in the spotlight, and remember to add your TikTok Shop link to your videos.

Step 7: Explore Paid Ads

Organic content allows you to understand which content engages your audience. As your store grows, combining organic posts with paid campaigns and creator collaborations will drive your business to its full potential. Paid ads, in particular, offer more in-depth metrics to amplify your reach and target an even wider audience.

Types of TikTok Shop Ads

• In-Feed Ads: Seamlessly blend into users' feeds, offering a prime opportunity for engagement. These ads range from 5 to 60 seconds and often receive in-app likes and comments.
• TopView Ads: Similar to in-feed ads, they enjoy priority placement, ensuring at least three seconds of attention.
• Brand Takeover Ads: The first thing users see upon opening the app, these auto-play full-screen ads make a bold impact and require creative planning.
• Branded Effects: User-generated content can be enhanced with filters, stickers, and AR effects, making them perfect for brand awareness and cause support.
• Branded Hashtag Challenges: Encourage user-generated content effectively by launching a challenge alongside your other ads.
• Spark Ads: Like in-feed ads, with the added benefit of users being able to engage with your brand's TikTok account.

How to Get on TikTok Shop in 7 Steps

How Much Does TikTok Shop Pay?

TikTok Shop is an exciting opportunity for both e-commerce sellers to earn money. It is a platform where you can register for free and pay a commission. 

TikTok Shop allows brands to display their products, manage orders, and integrate third-party e-commerce platforms, all while charging only a 5% commission fee from merchants. You can learn more about this by reading our complete guide on TikTok Shop Fees.

Is it Worth Selling on TikTok? 5 Benefits of TikTok Shop

The answer to whether it's worth selling on TikTok depends on various factors, including your target audience, creativity, time investment, competition, and budget. 

To help you decide, we've listed five compelling benefits of selling on TikTok Shop:

1. Wide Reach: TikTok boasts over 3 billion downloads worldwide and 50 million daily active users, providing access to a vast and engaged audience.
2. Direct Sales Through Video: Businesses can sell products directly through engaging video content with shoppable video ads, making the shopping experience seamless and visually appealing.
3. Live-Stream Shopping Events: TikTok Shop allows you to host live-stream shopping events to showcase a wide range of your products in real time, creating a sense of urgency and excitement for potential customers.
4. Personalised Branding: You can customise your in-app shop with your branding, helping you establish a unique and memorable presence on the platform.
5. No Upfront Costs: TikTok Shop operates on a commission-based model, meaning there are no initial fees to get started. You only pay a commission based on your sales, making it a low-risk option for businesses looking to expand their reach and boost sales.

5 Tips for Selling on TikTok Shop

To make your TikTok Shop journey successful, consider these tips:

1. Authenticity: Be authentic and relatable in your content. TikTok users appreciate real, unfiltered experiences.
2. Consistency: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged and updated about your products.
3. Engage with Comments: Interact with user comments and create a community around your brand.
4. Hashtags: Use relevant and trending hashtags to increase the visibility of your content.
5. Experiment with Ad Formats: Test different ad types to understand what resonates best with your audience and drives conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's address some of your most frequently asked questions about TikTok Shop:

Why is my TikTok Shop Not Showing?

If your TikTok Shop is not appearing as expected, consider these factors:

• Verification: Ensure that your TikTok Shop account is fully verified and approved.
• Settings: Check your account settings, including your visibility status. Your shop may be hidden if set to private.
• Compliance: Ensure you adhere to TikTok Shop's guidelines and policies. Any violations could lead to your shop being hidden.

Is it Free to Sell on TikTok?

Creating a TikTok Shop and listing products is free. However, TikTok Shop charges a commission on each sale—Review TikTok's official guidelines for the most current fee structure.

How Do I Withdraw Money From TikTok Shop?

Start by adding a supported withdrawal method. Then, access the Finance menu within your Seller Center account. It's important to note that service fees and minimum withdrawal amounts can differ from country to country. Additionally, the time it takes for the funds to arrive in your account may range from 1 to 5 business days.

Can You Dropship on TikTok Shop?

Yes, you can dropship on TikTok Shop. TikTok's vast and engaged user base makes it a promising platform for drop shipping. Set up your online store on a selling platform and import it to your TikTok Shop. Popular options include Shopify, Wix, and eBay. 

However, managing finances with these platforms may be tricky. Fortunately, you can check out our recommended accounting software for Shopify and eBay.

Can You Sell Digital Products on TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop currently only supports the sale of physical products, making it unsuitable for selling digital items. However, you can use TikTok to promote your digital products and include a link in your bio to direct interested users to your online store.

Conclusion

TikTok Shop is an exhilarating and legitimate e-commerce platform that offers businesses unique opportunities to reach their target audience innovatively. If you want to explore how to sell products on TikTok, this platform is your opportunity to make the most of its engaging potential.

If you're serious about running your TikTok Shop like a pro, there's one crucial aspect that you need to pay attention to your finances. A top-notch TikTok accounting software will ensure your e-commerce store is financially streamlined and efficient. Investing in reliable TikTok Shop bookkeeping software is a game-changer. It's not just about crunching numbers; it's about minimising tax liabilities, freeing time to focus on business growth, and finding peace of mind in automating accounting processes that deliver accurate financials.