TikTok isn’t just for viral dances and inside jokes anymore – it’s become a powerful tool for business owners looking to connect with new audiences and sell products directly. The introduction of TikTok Shop gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell products seamlessly to millions of people every day.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up a TikTok Shop. Whether you’re an eCommerce entrepreneur, dropshipper, or print-on-demand (POD) seller, this guide will help you harness the popularity of TikTok shopping for your business.
Key takeaways
- TikTok Shop lets you sell products directly on the TikTok app, offering a seamless shopping experience.
- You must meet TikTok Shop’s requirements to get started.
- Listings with high-quality product images, clear descriptions, and informative product titles attract more buyers.
- TikTok tools, like the shopping tab and shoppable videos, help you connect with potential customers and snag more sales.
- Printify integrates seamlessly with TikTok Shop, making it easy for POD entrepreneurs to sell custom products.
- The right mix of creative direction and entertaining videos will help you tap into TikTok’s algorithm, attract new audiences, and grow your brand.
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is a platform that lets businesses sell products directly on TikTok. Sellers create a dedicated page in their TikTok account to post their product listings, where users then browse and buy without ever leaving the app.
Features like Live shopping, videos, and the shopping tab let businesses showcase their products creatively while simplifying the purchasing process for TikTok users.
TikTok Shop creates a natural connection between videos and purchases, making it ideal for new brands to attract loyal customers.
How to create a TikTok Shop: Main steps
Becoming a TikTok Shop seller is a straightforward process requiring some verification and profile setup.
Create a TikTok seller account
There are two main TikTok seller account types: individual and business. If you have a registered business, we recommend using a business account for your TikTok Shop. Otherwise, stick with an individual account.
One benefit of selling with a business account is access to TikTok Shop’s full suite of marketing tools, like analytics, ads, special audio, and more.
Read our article comparing TikTok Shop personal accounts vs business accounts to decide which is right for you.
Verify your account
There are several required documents for verifying your TikTok Shop, but the list is a little different depending on whether you’re creating an individual or business account and where you’re based. We’ll focus on the verification requirements for sellers in the US.
TikTok Shop verification requirements for individual sellers:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- A US passport, driver’s license, or proof of legal US residency.
- A social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
- A phone number and email address that isn’t already used by another TikTok account.
- Proof of address in the US.
- A completed W-9 form.
- US bank account details to receive payments.
In addition to the requirements for individual sellers, business sellers must also provide a legal US business, complete with an employment identification number (EIN), registered address in the US, and information about the official business owner (OBO).
TikTok does not allow governments, politicians, and political parties to sell on TikTok Shop. If they discover that you fall into this category, your TikTok Shop verification will be rejected.
These requirements ensure a safe and reliable TikTok shopping environment for all users.
Enable the TikTok Shop feature in your account settings
Once your account is verified, activate the TikTok Shop feature in your settings. This feature integrates your Shop with your TikTok page so users can see your products in videos, live streams, and your profile.
Upload products to your TikTok Shop
Time to list some products! When adding items, use high-quality images that showcase your products from multiple angles and highlight important details.
Write accurate descriptions highlighting product features, materials, and dimensions. Set competitive yet profitable pricing that reflects the value of your products while remaining attractive to your target audience.
Well-thought-out product listings elevate your store’s image and increase the likelihood of turning browsers into buyers.
Tools like Printify make managing and uploading your products easy through a seamless integration.
Set up payment and shipping methods
TikTok shopping supports multiple payment options, such as major credit and debit cards, PayPal, buy-now-pay-later programs, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Choose which ones you’ll offer customers. The more payment options you provide, the higher your chances of landing sales.
List which shipping methods you offer, how much each option costs, and estimated delivery times. This sets accurate customer expectations from the start.
Customize and brand your TikTok Shop
Showcase your brand identity to make your TikTok Shop unique. Add your logo and brand colors to create a professional look that stands out.
Keep your TikTok Shop well-organized. A neat and cohesive setup builds trust with users and encourages them to buy products directly.
How to showcase your products on TikTok
There are plenty of different ways for shoppers to find and buy products from your TikTok Shop, giving you room for creativity in your marketing.
TikTok Live shopping
Live shopping lets you promote products in real time. Viewers can interact, ask questions, and purchase during the Live, creating a more personal and dynamic shopping experience.
This approach has proven effective, with 40% of millennials and Gen Z purchasing products while watching a Live.
Your TikTok Shop storefront
Your TikTok storefront acts as a mini eCommerce site within your profile where users can browse your products and make direct purchases on your page. Make your storefront colorful, welcoming, and easy to navigate to increase your sales potential.
Pin featured products to your profile to make it easy for customers to buy products with just a few clicks.
Add a return policy page to your TikTok storefront so potential customers are well-informed before purchasing.
Shoppable videos
Use creative video content showing your products’ unique features and uses to help viewers picture how they fit into their lives.
Incorporate engaging stories and jump on trends to make your highlighted products more relatable and memorable. Link directly to the product purchase page in the video to make purchasing even easier.
Influencer collaborations
Partner up with influencers to promote your products and expand your reach. Choose influencers who align with your brand and whose followers would like your products for maximum impact. Their endorsements enhance your TikTok Shop’s credibility and introduce your products to a broader audience, driving engagement and sales.
TikTok Ads
TikTok Ads are a powerful way to increase engagement and promote your products to relevant audiences.
Ad types include In-Feed Ads, Branded Content, and TopView Ads. These campaigns let you set your target audience demographics, interests, and behaviors to get your products in front of users who are most likely to purchase.
Keep track of advertising performance with TikTok analytics in the Seller Center and adjust your targeting as necessary.
How to sell on TikTok with Printify
Selling unique and profitable products on TikTok Shop has never been easier, thanks to Printify’s seamless integration.
Create your Printify account
Sign up for a free Printify account to our Product Catalog of over 1,000 popular, customizable items, including t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags, all at the best prices in the industry.
Set up a TikTok Seller account
If you don’t already have a TikTok account, create one, and then get your TikTok Shop verified and ready to start selling.
Connect your TikTok Shop with Printify
Link your TikTok Shop with Printify in seconds for easy listing and order management.
Design and list products
Use Printify’s Product Creator to design products your customers will love. Use the text editor, pattern tool, AI Image Generator, and more to create something eye-catching.
Fill out listing details like title, description, shipping methods, and price, then list your product. Your listings will sync automatically between Printify and TikTok Shop.
FAQ
Create a TikTok account and fill out a seller application. Provide the required documents, like an ID, business information, and proof of address. Once verified, set up your storefront, choose which payment methods you’ll accept, list a return policy, and start listing products.
You must be at least 18 and have a valid ID, SSN or ITIN, proof of a US presence, and not be a political figure.
Setting up a TikTok Shop is free, but TikTok charges transaction fees for each sale. Additional costs may include marketing, shipping, and product sourcing.
Conclusion
Setting up a TikTok Shop is an incredible opportunity to tap into a massive audience and elevate your eCommerce business.
Whether selling custom-printed products with Printify or offering other unique items, TikTok Shop helps you reach a younger, engaged audience ready to click buy now.
By following the steps in this guide on how to open a TikTok Shop, you’ll have a smooth setup and product listing experience.
Start your TikTok Shop with Printify today and take your business to the next level!
