What is TikTok Marketplace?
TikTok Marketplace is a feature within the TikTok app that allows creators to set up online stores to sell products directly to their followers. It transforms TikTok from an entertainment platform into a shopping destination where users can browse and purchase items without leaving the app.
The TikTok Marketplace feature first launched in October 2020 in select markets including the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. It has since expanded to more regions and is now available to TikTok creators globally (though shoppers may still be geo-restricted).
All sorts of products can be sold through TikTok Marketplace stores, including arts and crafts, baked goods, clothing, accessories, beauty products and more. Both new and used, handmade and manufactured goods are allowed. Sellers simply need to have physical products to ship to buyers.
TikTok Marketplace provides a streamlined mobile shopping experience. Fans can discover and buy products from their favorite creators without interrupting their TikTok viewing. Everything from browsing to purchasing occurs seamlessly within the app.
Signing Up For TikTok Marketplace
To start selling on TikTok Marketplace, you’ll first need to download the TikTok app and create an account. This can be done for free through the Google Play or Apple App Store. Once you have the app, open it and follow the prompts to create your profile.
After your TikTok account is set up, you can create a seller profile. This is done through the TikTok Seller Center website. You’ll need to provide some basic information about your business and link your TikTok account. According to TikTok’s Seller Center site, “To access TikTok Shop, you will create a shop on TikTok Seller Center, submit the required business documents for verification, and bind your bank account.” (Source)
Once your seller profile is approved, you’ll be ready to add products and open your TikTok Marketplace store.
Adding Products to Sell
To add products to sell on TikTok Marketplace, you first need to take high-quality photos and videos that showcase your items. Use good lighting and clear backgrounds so the details of your products stand out. Take photos from multiple angles and include short video clips to give potential buyers a full view.
Next, you’ll need to write compelling product descriptions that convince shoppers to buy. Include key product details like materials, sizing, and features. Use tags and keywords throughout the descriptions so your items appear in relevant searches. Provide enough information to answer common customer questions.
Finally, set competitive prices for your marketplace products. Research similar items to price yours appropriately. Consider factors like materials, brand reputation, product quality and uniqueness when setting prices. Remember you keep 80% of sales proceeds while TikTok takes a 20% commission on each transaction.
With high-quality images, descriptive listings, and attractive pricing, you’ll maximize sales potential for your TikTok Marketplace products. Just follow their guidelines for imagery and information to successfully add items to sell. Check their seller policies so your listings comply with all requirements.
Managing Your Store
Once your store is set up and you have products listed, managing your TikTok Shop seller account is easy through the Seller Center. Here are some key things you can do to manage your store and orders:
Edit and update your product listings at any time by logging into your Seller Center account and accessing your product catalog. You can add new products, edit details or pricing on existing ones, and remove products that are no longer available. Keeping your listings fresh and accurate will help drive more sales (TikTok Shop Seller Sign Up | United States).
Stay on top of your orders and sales by regularly checking the Orders section of Seller Center. You’ll be able to see order details, track shipment status, and manage returns and refunds. Quickly fulfill orders to keep customers happy.
Respond promptly to any customer inquiries that come through Seller Center by using the Messages section. Provide helpful information about your products, shipping times, returns, or any other questions. Handling communication professionally is key for a successful TikTok Shop (TikTok Shop | buy, sell and discover on TikTok).
Promoting Your Products
There are several effective ways to promote your products on TikTok:
Using Hashtags and Trends
Leverage popular hashtags and trends to get your products in front of more users. Check out trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags each day and find creative ways to use them to showcase your products. Using the right hashtags can help you tap into specific niche communities that may be interested in your products. You can also create your own branded hashtags to build an engaged community.
Collaborating with Influencers
Partnering with relevant influencers is a great way to expose your brand and products to new audiences. Reach out to influencers in your niche and offer to send them free products in exchange for featuring your brand in TikTok videos. Make sure to vet influencers carefully based on engagement rates and audience fit. Use TikTok’s influencer marketplace to find creators open to sponsorships. Provide influencers with sample videos and captions they can reuse to easily integrate your products.
Running Ads
TikTok’s self-serve ad platform makes it easy to create and optimize ad campaigns to boost your products. You can choose objective-based campaign types like traffic, conversions, or video views. Target your ads using detailed audience filters like interests, behaviors, and demographics. Test different ad formats like in-feed videos, brand takeovers, and TopView. Analyze performance data to identify top-converting audiences and creatives. Investing in TikTok ads can help scale your promotions and increase product discovery.
Delivering Orders
Once an order has been placed on TikTok Marketplace, sellers are responsible for preparing and packaging the items for shipment. According to TikTok’s seller guidelines, all orders must be shipped with a tracking number within 3 days of the order being placed. Sellers should use packaging materials that protect the products during transit and include any necessary documentation such as invoices, packing slips, and care instructions.
Sellers on TikTok Marketplace have two main options for shipping orders: they can utilize TikTok’s self-fulfillment services or handle fulfillment themselves using their own logistics provider. If opting for self-fulfillment, sellers must integrate with one of TikTok’s approved carrier accounts to import tracking information. Popular shipping carriers used by TikTok sellers include USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Using a carrier that provides tracking numbers is essential so that sellers can keep buyers updated on their order status.
In terms of returns and exchanges, TikTok Marketplace sellers must have clear return and refund policies listed in their storefront. It’s recommended that sellers offer at least 14 days for returns and exchanges. When a customer initiates a return request, the seller can approve or deny it within 3 days. If approved, the seller should provide a prepaid return shipping label to the customer. Once the returned item is received, the seller can issue a refund or exchange. Streamlining this process helps maintain positive seller ratings and customer satisfaction.
Receiving Payment
To receive payment for your sales on TikTok Marketplace, you’ll first need to link a payment account. TikTok uses its own payment system called TikTok Creator Marketplace Pay (TTCM Pay) to facilitate transactions between sellers and buyers. This allows for streamlined, fee-free payments within the platform (https://tiktokcreatormarketplace-academy.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/TTCM-Pay-Guide.pdf)
To set up TTCM Pay, you can connect either a debit/credit card or PayPal account. TTCM Pay supports multiple currencies depending on your location. Once your account is linked, any earnings from your Marketplace sales will be directly deposited into your connected payment method automatically. You don’t need to manually withdraw your earnings (https://www.tiktokcreatormarketplace-learninglab.com/apac/payment-guide/)
TikTok does not charge any fees or commissions to sellers for Marketplace transactions. You will receive 100% of your listed price for each item sold. The only potential fees would be third-party payment processing fees from your bank or PayPal if applicable.
TikTok Marketplace Tips
Here are some tips for succeeding on the TikTok Marketplace:
For listings, make sure to include high-quality photos and videos that show off your products. Write detailed descriptions that highlight features and benefits. Include keywords shoppers may search for. Offer competitive pricing and be sure to keep inventory updated.
Provide excellent customer service by responding to messages and comments quickly and resolving any issues promptly. Consider offering free shipping or returns to give shoppers more incentive to buy from you.
To stand out, interact with potential customers on your TikTok account. Create content that showcases your products being used. Offer limited edition or unique products not found elsewhere. Run special promotions just for your TikTok followers.
Check your metrics often and see which products get the most engagement. Lean into what’s working well. Stay on top of trends and tailor offerings to what’s popular at the moment.
Marketplace Rules and Restrictions
TikTok has strict rules and policies regarding prohibited products and practices on their Marketplace. According to their Prohibited Products Policy, certain types of products are not allowed for sale including:
- Illegal, counterfeit, or dangerous products
- Tobacco, vaping, and related paraphernalia
- Weapons, explosives, and ammunition
- Drugs and related paraphernalia
- Unsafe health or cosmetic products
In addition, practices like price gouging, bait-and-switch tactics, fake reviews, and improper branding are prohibited. Violating these policies can result in account suspension or termination. Sellers may also have listings removed. According to the Terms of Service, TikTok has the right to suspend accounts for any reason.
There are other limitations to consider as well. Marketplace only allows vendors to list physical products, not digital goods or services. And all products must ship from the same country as the vendor’s account location. Sellers also cannot presell items or take orders for out-of-stock products.
Marketplace Alternatives
While TikTok Marketplace is a unique platform, there are some alternatives to consider for social commerce:
Other Social Commerce Platforms
Some other top social platforms like Instagram and YouTube have launched their own marketplace features. Instagram Shopping allows businesses to tag products in posts and drive sales through checkout. YouTube now offers integrated shopping capabilities as well.
Facebook Shops is another major social commerce competitor, allowing businesses to set up an online store directly on Facebook and Instagram. It offers integrations with major ecommerce platforms.
Differences from TikTok Marketplace
While these platforms offer social commerce capabilities, they differ from TikTok Marketplace in some key ways. TikTok’s marketplace is focused on creators specifically selling products through the app and directly engaging fans. It also utilizes TikTok’s unique short-video format.
Other platforms may have broader ecommerce functionality, but lack TikTok’s creator-first approach and immersive, short-video shopping experience.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of alternatives like Facebook Shops are wider consumer reach and platform maturity. Cons may be less creator-centric features and lack of short-video integration. TikTok Marketplace conversely benefits from TikTok’s massive creator community and video-first experience, but has a smaller total user base currently.
Testing different platforms can help determine the right fit based on product, target audience, content format and other factors.
