4 things to know before joining TikTok shop

Starting with TikTok Shop can seem hard at first. There are many sellers already doing well. You need a US phone number and an email. You also need some basic info about you or your business. Signing up does not cost anything. Both people and companies can join. If your documents are clear and correct, TikTok checks your registration fast. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Here is a quick look at what is happening now:

• More than 500,000 TikTok Shop sellers are in the US

• Around 171,000 are small businesses

• Many new sellers get approved in a few hours if their files are right

So, get your documents ready. You can expect things to go smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• Make sure you can join before you apply. You need to be the right age and have the right papers.

• Collect all the papers you need. You will need a government ID and proof of where you live if you are a person. If you are a business, you need business setup details.

• Learn about the fees. Know about referral fees and special rates for new sellers.

• Learn the TikTok Shop rules. Following the rules helps keep your seller account safe and stops you from getting in trouble.

• Get ready for problems. Stay neat and answer customers fast to make selling easy.

TikTok Shop Registration Requirements

Who Can Register

You can sign up for TikTok Shop as a person or a business. If you want to join as a person, you need a U.S. passport, driver’s license, or proof that you live in the U.S. You must be 18 years old or older. You cannot be in trouble with the law or being checked by the government. If you are a business, your company must be set up in the United States. Your business papers must be real and given by a U.S. government office.

Note: You need to meet these rules before you can sell on TikTok Shop.

Required Documents

You have to get some papers ready before you sign up. What you need depends on if you are a person or a business. Here is what you should have:

You also need a U.S. phone number and an email. Make sure all your details match your official papers.

Restrictions

TikTok Shop has some rules you must follow. You have to be at least 18 years old. The site checks your age with your ID, a credit card, or sometimes by looking at your face. TikTok Shop is only in some places, like the US, UK, and a few Southeast Asian countries. You need to give a local address for the place you want to sell. Both people and businesses can join, but some places may need extra business papers.

The main reasons people get denied are:

1. The system cannot check your details.

2. Your info does not match what the state has.

3. You did not send all the needed papers.

If you want to sell on TikTok Shop, look over your papers and info before you send your application. This helps you avoid problems and makes things easier.

Set Up a TikTok Shop Seller Account

Making a TikTok Shop seller account might seem hard at first, but you can do it step by step. You will use the TikTok Shop Seller Center for most things. This place helps you run your shop, add products, and handle orders. Let’s look at each part so you know what to do.

Sign Up Process

First, you pick if you want to sell your own products or help promote other products as a creator. Most people here want to be sellers. Here is how you set up your TikTok Shop:

1. Go to the TikTok Shop Seller Center.

2. Pick if you are signing up as a person or a business.

3. Fill in your name, address, and contact info.

4. Upload your ID or business papers.

5. Link your bank account so you can get paid.

6. Wait for TikTok to check your info.

7. When you get approved, upload your products. Add good pictures, details, and prices.

8. Connect your TikTok account to your shop. This lets you tag products in your videos.

Tip: Check your info before you send it. Small mistakes can slow things down.

The website is easy to use. Each step has clear directions. You can see how far you are. If you need help, the help center has guides and answers.

Account Verification

TikTok checks your business info very carefully. Your info must match on all your papers. The system checks your business record, EIN, and bank account name. Even small mistakes can slow things down.

Here is what TikTok looks at during checks:

If you are a person, you still need to give a government ID and sometimes a selfie. For businesses, you must give more info about owners and how your business is set up. If your papers are clear, the check takes one or two days.

Note: If TikTok cannot match your info, you may not get approved. Always check your papers before you send them.

Seller Center Navigation

After you finish signing up and getting checked, you can use the TikTok Shop Seller Center. This is your main tool for running your shop. You can add products, track orders, and talk to buyers here.

Here are some things you can do in the Seller Center:

You can use the Product Showcase Tab to make a digital store on your TikTok profile. If you want help with shipping, Fulfilled by TikTok can store and send your products. Shop Ads help you sell more, and you can connect with Shopify or WooCommerce to make things easier.

To link your TikTok account, go to the Seller Center dashboard. Find Account Linking in the menu. Click Settings, then Account Linking or TikTok Account. Follow the steps to log in and connect. Make sure your TikTok account is checked first. This lets you tag products in your videos and reach more buyers.

If you get stuck, the Seller Center has guides and support. You can always go back to the dashboard to check your shop or update your info.

Setting up a TikTok Shop seller account gives you great tools, but you might have some problems. The checks can take longer if your papers are not right. The Seller Center has lots of features, which can feel like a lot at first. Take your time to learn each part, and you will get better as you use it.

TikTok Shop Fees & Policies

Seller Fees

When you join tiktok shop, you need to understand how much it costs to sell. As a seller, you pay a referral fee for each order. Right now, this fee is 6 percent. On July 1, 2024, the fee will go up to 8 percent. If you are new, you get a special rate for your first 60 days after you become active. During this time, you pay only 2 percent plus 30 cents for each order.

Here is a quick look at the main fees:

• Referral fee: 6 percent per order (8 percent after July 1, 2024)

• New seller promo: 2 percent + $0.30 per order for the first 60 days

• Fulfillment by TikTok: Starts at $3.58 per item if you use their shipping service

You might wonder how these fees compare to other platforms. Check out this table:

Platform Policies

You need to follow tiktok’s rules to keep your shop open. The platform tracks your actions with a point system. If you break the rules, you get points. More points mean bigger penalties. For example, if you get 12 points, you can only sell up to 90 percent of your usual orders for a week. If you reach 48 points, your account gets suspended for good.

Tip: Each mistake adds points. Try to keep your record clean to avoid losing your shop.

Compliance Rules

You must follow some important rules when you list products and handle orders. Here are the basics:

• Use real, clear photos of your products. Do not use stock images.

• Make sure your product names and descriptions are true. Avoid exaggeration.

• Do not send buyers to other websites or use QR codes for outside sales.

• Follow tiktok’s community guidelines in your content.

• Collect and report sales tax as needed.

• Some products need safety certificates or special documents.

You also need to ship orders within three business days, use valid tracking, and keep cancellations low. If you miss these steps, you could face warnings, temporary suspensions, or even a permanent ban.

Note: Keeping your listings accurate and your paperwork ready helps you avoid most problems as a seller.

Benefits & Challenges of TikTok Shop

Opportunities for Sellers

You can reach lots of people on TikTok Shop. The app helps you find buyers who want new brands. Here are some facts:

People in the US spent $32 million each day on TikTok in 2024. Almost half of US users bought something on the app at least once. If you use popular sounds or join challenges, more people can see your products. The app’s algorithm likes real and honest videos. Try to make videos that look natural and give good info. When you show your products in a way that fits TikTok, you help people go from watching to buying.

Common Challenges

You will have some problems as a seller. Many sellers find it hard to follow TikTok Shop’s rules. You must ship orders fast and answer buyers in 24 hours. Handling shipping and orders can be hard if you have many items. Staying organized helps you avoid mistakes and keeps your shop working well.

• Following TikTok Shop seller rules

• Meeting service level agreements (SLAs)

• Handling shipping and orders well

Limitations

Growing on TikTok Shop is not always easy. The app uses a tier system that controls which affiliates you can work with. If you are new, you may not reach top creators unless you are in the same tier. This can slow your growth and make it harder to get bigger. TikTok gives you a Shop Quality Score based on how fast you ship, your return rate, and how you fix problems. A low score means fewer people see your products. You must keep cancellations under 5 percent and answer buyers fast. Sometimes, new rules or mistakes can hurt your progress.

• Tier rules make it hard to work with top affiliates.

• Shop Quality Score changes how many people see your products.

• New sellers can have trouble with rules and growing fast.

Here are the four things you need to know before joining TikTok Shop:

• Check if you meet the registration requirements.

• Prepare your documents and information.

• Understand the fees and platform rules.

• Know the benefits and challenges.

Take a moment to review your details and get your papers ready. You can visit TikTok’s official help center for updates and tips. If you feel ready, start your seller journey today.

FAQ

How long does TikTok Shop approval take?

You usually get approved in 24 to 48 hours. If your documents are clear, you might finish even faster. Sometimes, TikTok needs more time if your info does not match.

Can you sell on TikTok Shop without a business?

Yes, you can join as an individual. You need a U.S. government ID and proof of address. Businesses must show company papers and an EIN.

What happens if you make a mistake in your application?

TikTok may ask you to fix your info or send new documents. You can update your details in the Seller Center. Double-check everything before you submit.

Are there any hidden fees on TikTok Shop?

No, TikTok lists all main fees up front. You pay a referral fee for each sale. If you use Fulfilled by TikTok, you pay extra for shipping.

How do you contact TikTok Shop support?

You can reach support through the Seller Center dashboard. Use the Help Center for guides or chat with an agent. TikTok also has email support for sellers.

Tip: Always keep your documents ready. Quick answers help you solve problems faster.

See Also

Simple Steps To Launch Your Business On TikTok Shop

Setting The Right Prices For Your TikTok Shop Products

Essential Advice For Newcomers In Choosing TikTok Products

EchoTik ｜Managing Your Orders Effectively In TikTok Shop

EchoTik ｜Three Effective Ways To Locate TikTok E-Commerce Accounts