Somerce Presents: A Beginner’s Guide to TikTok Shop

If you’re a brand or business wondering how to sell on TikTok, you’re in the right place. TikTok Shop is one of the fastest-growing social commerce platforms out there — and it’s packed with potential for sellers of all sizes. Whether you're running an established e-commerce brand or just starting out, this guide will help you understand what TikTok Shop is, how it works, and how to get set up.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to start selling on TikTok Shop — the smart way.

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is TikTok’s built-in shopping feature that lets businesses sell directly through the app. Products can appear in videos, live streams (called TikTok LIVE), and on a brand’s product showcase tab.

This means your customers can go from watching a video to checking out — all without leaving the app. It combines entertainment, community, and instant shopping into one seamless experience.

Here’s why it’s a big deal:

Over 60% of TikTok users use the app for shopping inspiration
48% have made a purchase after watching a TikTok LIVE
TikTok Shop hit $100 million in sales in the U.S. alone during Black Friday 2024

Why Should Brands Care About TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop isn’t just another online store. It’s a chance to:

Reach highly engaged audiences
Sell through native, entertaining content
Leverage creators to boost sales
Tap into viral trends like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt
Offer a frictionless shopping experience right in the app

In short: It’s a goldmine for forward-thinking brands that want to build visibility and sell more.

How to Set Up a TikTok Shop

Setting up your TikTok Shop through the TikTok Seller Center is pretty straightforward — here’s a step-by-step guide to get you going.

Step 1: Check if TikTok Shop is Available in Your Country

TikTok Shop is currently available in the UK, US, and several countries across Europe and Asia including:

Indonesia
Ireland
Malaysia
Mexico
Philippines
Singapore
Spain
Thailand
Vietnam

Step 2: Create an Account

Go to TikTok Seller Center
Sign up using your TikTok account, email or phone number
Choose your country and business type (individual or company)

For businesses, you’ll need your legal business name and ID documents like an EIN or business registration certificate.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

You’ll need to upload the following:

A valid ID (passport, driver’s licence, etc.)
Business documents (for companies)
Proof of address
Contact details (phone and email)

TikTok will review your info and let you know if you're approved. If anything’s missing, they’ll email you with next steps.

Step 4: Add Your Warehouse and Return Address

Make sure to set up your:

Pickup/warehouse location
Return address (this can be the same as your pickup location)
Main contact person and phone number

Step 5: Link a Bank Account

To get paid, link a bank account that matches your business or personal name. You’ll need:

Bank name
Account number
Account holder’s name
Billing address

Once that’s sorted, you’re ready to start adding products and making sales.

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How Do People Shop on TikTok?

There are three key ways TikTok users discover and buy products:

🟣 LIVE Shopping

Go live and showcase your products in real time. Viewers can buy directly from the stream — it’s engaging and drives impulse buys.

🟣 Shoppable Videos

Add product links to in-feed videos. These are perfect for short, snappy content that feels native to the TikTok feed.

🟣 Product Showcase

Your shop has a tab where users can browse your full product range. It acts like your own mini storefront within TikTok.

Tips for Success on TikTok Shop

🟣 Prioritise Entertainment

Hard selling doesn’t work on TikTok. Focus on fun, relatable, or educational content that entertains first — sells second.

71% of TikTok shoppers are more likely to buy after spotting a product in their feed or Stories.

🟣 Build Community

Create content that connects. Encourage reviews, replies, duets, and stitch content from your customers. TikTok thrives on social proof.

🟣 Make Shopping Seamless

Keep your product listings clear, offer good customer service, and make the checkout experience easy. Every tap should feel natural and quick.

Tools TikTok Shop Offers to Help You Grow

TikTok gives sellers loads of tools to help them succeed:

🟣 Creator Marketplace

Find and partner with creators to promote your products through organic-looking videos.

🟣 Creative Exchange

Work with creative experts to make scroll-stopping TikTok content.

🟣 TikTok Shop Academy

A free course that walks you through all the features and best practices.

🟣 Follow Me Programme

A multi-channel guide designed to help small and medium-sized businesses grow.

FAQs About TikTok Shop

❓ How much does it cost to use TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is free to set up, but they take a small commission on each sale (varies by region).

❓ Can I sell on TikTok Shop without going live?

Yes! You can sell through in-feed videos and the product showcase tab without doing TikTok LIVEs.

❓ What kind of products can I sell on TikTok Shop?

You can sell most physical products, including beauty, fashion, FMCG, electronics and more. Some items are restricted — check TikTok’s product policies.

❓ Do I need a TikTok business account to sell?

No, but it’s recommended. A business account gives you access to analytics and ad tools.

❓ Can Somerce help me manage my TikTok Shop?

Absolutely. Somerce is a full-service TikTok Shop partner. We help brands with setup, content creation, daily LIVE management, affiliate partnerships, and more.

👉 Get in touch with us if you’d like help getting started or levelling up your shop.

Final Thoughts

TikTok Shop is changing the e-commerce game. It’s fast, engaging, and built for the way people shop today. If you’re a brand looking to grow your sales and connect with new customers, there’s no better time to get involved.

Ready to start selling on TikTok Shop?

Let Somerce help you make it happen.

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