TikTok shop has absolutely exploded in popularity since it launched just a couple of months ago. TikTok has launched a new feature that allows users to shop directly from their app, and people have been making hundreds of thousands of dollars on it.
TikTok shop spending has surpassed huge brands like Shein in the last quarter of 2024. This is not going to be just another Instagram shop. This is already proving to be very successful. Let’s understand what a TikTok shop is, how to set up a TikTok shop, and how it works.
When somebody is on TikTok, they're swiping through, they're watching TikTok videos, and they find a creator that talks about a product, the TikTok viewer can link to the product and sell it directly within the video. So as a user, you'll see a little box on the bottom that says shop now, tap on it.
It'll bring up a quick little window where you can see a little bit more about the product. And you can simply tap buy now. This is way more streamlined than affiliate links or other ways to link to products. Having everything within the TikTok app makes it incredibly easy for a user to just see and buy the product.
To get a shop on TikTok, you have to complete a 5-step procedure.
1. Registering your business
2. Add tax information
3. Set up shipping
4. Add your products
5. Connect to a TikTok account
Let’s discuss the five steps in detail to develop a better understanding.
Registering your business on TikTok is a very easy process involving three steps discussed below. Follow the steps as it is to successfully register your business on TikTok shop.
Switch your TikTok profile into a business account once you are logged in, you will be asked a couple of questions about your business. If you're setting up just under your name, you don't have a business registered yet, an individual is going to be your option. If you're running your business as a sole proprietor, which is an individual, but it's set up as a business, that's going to be your option there.
Now, you will land on a page, it'll either ask for your name and your social security, or because it's a business, it'll be your business name, your EIN, your employer identification number, and your tax information, just to prove that you're a real entity. It's worth noting that you can only set up one account per identification number.
Next, you can select if you have any beneficial owners. If you do not have a parent company, you can click on “No” and then you are going to click on Next. Now, it's going to ask some questions about the primary business person, which is you. So, you are going to enter the information.
The next step is to enter your shop information. so you can create a shop name, TikTok recommends, that it is not like a flagship or official name. You can use what your business name is, or your name, or whatever the brand is intended to be called. Only use letters, don't use any special characters in the name.
Next, select the primary product you're selling on TikTok Shop, this is gonna be tough to find exactly the right product. But you can browse through and find something that's close enough, or you could search for it. Then, add your phone number. Lastly, review and confirm your information and click submit. Congratulations, you have registered your business on TikTok.
In the Tax Information section, you have to provide tax information. In the US, it is the W9 form that you have to fill out. It is generally the same information that we have already submitted in the business registration section of the TikTok shop. Once you add the information, click on submit, and the second step will be completed.
To set up shipping, add warehouse addresses for pickup and return locations. Create shipping templates. Add flat rates in the template if you are operating from the U.S. For the UK, you can add weight-based tiers. Don’t forget to exclude areas that cannot be reached through suppliers. You can use TikTok’s carriers or third-party suppliers according to your budget and requirements.
Click on Add a product, There are a lot of different styles of products. You can choose your product and write a little description. Next, add some media to make your product attractive and get more TikTok likes.
Add the weight of your product and also add some variants. These could be size, color, or scent. You can customize that if you want to. Now, this is ready to go and it can sync over with TikTok very easily.
The last step is to connect your TikTok shop with your TikTok profile and tag products in the video. It will expand the reach of your business to your TikTok followers. Here are the steps you should follow.
i. Log in to TikTok Shop Seller Center as the Owner account.
ii. Go to My Account and tap Linked Accounts.
iii. Tap “Link Official Account” and generate a “QR code”.
iv. Open your TikTok profile, click on the three-line menu, then “My QR Code” and scan the Seller Center QR code.
v. “Authorize TikTok Shop” to access your TikTok account.
vi. Once approved, your shop icon will start to appear in your TikTok bio.
TikTok shops allow users to buy products directly through the app, unlike other social media platforms. Creators tag products in TikTok videos and livestreams for TikTok viewers so they can purchase the product instantly with a single tap. Payments for the products of a TikTok shop are handled safely through a platform like PayPal.
A seller on TikTok can set up a TikTok shop by linking the business account with the TikTok profile and syncing the products from platforms like Shopify. Moreover, they can also partner with influencers for better reach. TikTok shops are available in regions like the US, UK, and Southeast Asia, blending social media and shopping, which is beneficial for creators, businesses, and influencers.
TikTok shop is an amazing opportunity for users looking for a way to make money. You need to meet the eligibility criteria to start your business. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID. You must reside in regions like the US, UK, or Southeast Asia.
You can follow the guide in this blog to set up your store. Just follow a simple 5-step process, and you will get a TikTok shop and start selling. If you are a beginner on TikTok, you can grow your TikTok views, followers, and likes by availing the services of Likesforyou, without waiting months for organic growth, and start your business instantly.
Is the TikTok shop safe?
Yes, the TikTok shop is safe to shop from. TikTok shops use safe and secure methods of payment and focus on reliability. Moreover, the user-friendly policies make it safer.
Why can't I view the TikTok Shop?
There are multiple reasons why you can’t view the TikTok shop. Some of the major reasons are it might not be available in your area, you might not be eligible, or the app is facing some technical glitch.
How do I access the TikTok Shop?
To access the TikTok Shop follow the steps given below.
i. Open the TikTok app.
ii. Tap the search button.
iii. Enter your search query.
iv. Tap "Shop" at the top, and then find what you want to buy.
Is the TikTok shop OK to buy from?
Yes, the TikTok shop is ok to buy from. Businesses on TikTok shops use secure ways like PayPal for transactions and make sure that users have a seamless experience and that policies are also user-friendly.