While TikTok shops are a recent phenomenon, the concept of entertainment-based shopping is centuries old. Grand bazaars would host experiences like live performances and elaborate demonstrations to sell products. 

But here’s what’s new about TikTok shops: they integrate with entertainment across the world and offer shipping options. So a new seller or brand is never bogged down by logistics and can focus on creating incredible products. 

In this article, we talk about what TikTok shops are, how to set up TikTok Shop shipping, strategies for controlling your shipping costs, and the importance of technology on this journey. 

Let’s dive in. 

What is a TikTok Shop?

A TikTok shop is a storefront that opens up when you follow a shoppable link inside the TikTok app. This feature integrates shopping with the entertainment format of TikTok, allowing users to purchase products without leaving the app. Sellers can showcase their items through creative content and profit from TikTok’s massive user base and potential to boost sales.

Say you’re scrolling through your TikTok feed when suddenly you see a creator showcasing an amazing gadget and notice a small shopping bag icon right there on the screen. Curious, you tap it, and within seconds, you’re taken to a sleek, in-app storefront where you can purchase that exact gadget without ever leaving TikTok. 

That’s the world of TikTok shops. Multiple TikTok shops together comprise TikTok Shop, an ecommerce platform for selling directly through TikTok.

Here’s how it works: TikTok Shop allows creators to set up in-app storefronts where they can list their products. When creators post videos featuring these products, you can tap the embedded shopping links to browse and buy.

What are the benefits of TikTok Shop for sellers and buyers?

Here are a few key benefits of TikTok Shops for sellers and buyers: 

For sellers:

• Direct access to an engaged audience that spends hours on the platform every day
• A seamless experience where sellers can integrate their products directly into content, instead of redirecting potential customers
• Enhanced brand visibility thanks to TikTok’s algorithm 
• Data and insights on customer interactions and preferences

For buyers:

• Users can discover, explore and purchase products without leaving the app — conveniently combining entertainment and shopping. 
• When a favorite creator endorses a product, it carries more weight than a typical advertisement, which means buyers feel more confident in their purchases. 
• Sellers often provide exclusive offers and discounts through TikTok Shops which add value for online shoppers. 
• Through product demonstrations and reviews by creators, buyers get a better understanding of the product’s features and benefits, helping them make informed purchasing decisions.

What are the basics of TikTok Shop shipping? 

The shipping process kicks off when a customer places an order. Sellers can either select their own logistics partner (Ship by Seller) or use TikTok Shop’s logistics services (Ship by TikTok), available only in certain markets. 

Ship by TikTok: TikTok Shop handles the entire order fulfillment process.

Ship by Seller: Sellers use their own logistics service provider to fulfill orders. This option is limited to specific situations, such as:

• Products needing installation (e.g., air conditioning units, ceiling or wall-mounted fans)
• Products requiring special handling (e.g., temperature-sensitive items like flowers, chocolates and vegetables)
• Hazardous items such as batteries and lighters
• Large or heavy products
• “Working days” are defined as Monday to Saturday, with Sunday and public holidays being non-working days

How to set up shipping for your TikTok Shop

Setting up your TikTok shop can be exciting, but ensuring your products reach customers quickly makes you reliable and referrable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up shipping for your TikTok Shop.

Step 1: Access your seller dashboard

Start by logging into your TikTok Shop seller account. Navigate to the seller dashboard where you’ll find all the tools you need to manage your shop.

Step 2: Set up shipping preferences

In the dashboard, locate the ‘Shipping’ section to configure your shipping settings, including the regions you ship to and the shipping methods you offer.

Step 3: Add your shipping address

Enter your warehouse or business address to calculate shipping costs and create accurate shipping labels.

Step 4: Choose your shipping carriers

TikTok Shop partners with various shipping carriers. Select the carriers you want to work with based on reliability, cost and delivery speed. Popular choices include USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL.

TikTok Shop’s shipping policies and guidelines

These guidelines cover everything from the moment a customer places an order until the package is handed over to the shipping carrier. Sellers can either use TikTok Shop’s logistics services or their own preferred logistics providers, based on their needs. 

Key shipping policies on TikTok Shop

1. Shipping timeframes
   • Ship by TikTok: Orders must be shipped by 23:59, two working days from when the order was placed.
   • Ship by Seller: All orders must be delivered within 15 calendar days from order placement.
   • Pre-orders: Must be shipped by the expected ship date, which is calculated by adding two calendar days to the number of days chosen by the seller to ship the order.
2. Packaging requirements
   • Sellers must use appropriate packaging materials to prevent damage during transit.
   • Special products (e.g., liquids and hazardous materials) must follow specific packaging guidelines provided by the carrier.
3. Labeling
   • All packages must have a shipping label with the customer’s name, full postal address, order number and the seller’s full name and address.
   • Shipping labels must not include hyperlinks, QR codes or irrelevant information.
4. Order confirmation
   • Sellers must confirm that the requested item is in stock and can be delivered. If unable to fulfill the order, sellers must follow the cancellation procedure.
5. Shipping updates
   • For Ship by TikTok: Carriers will update the order status to “Shipped” in the system.
   • For Ship by Seller: Sellers must update the order status to “Shipped,” including the tracking ID and carrier’s name.
6. Delivery timelines
   • Orders are considered “lost” if not received by the customer 12 days after order creation.
   • Sellers are responsible for customer complaints related to logistics issues for Ship by Seller.
7. Auto-cancellation
   • Standard Orders: Canceled if not shipped by 23:59, four working days from when the order was placed.
   • Pre-orders: Canceled if not shipped by the expected shipped date.
8. Prohibited shipping behaviors
   • Shipping empty packages, incomplete units or products not matching the order details.
   • Misusing customer information.
   • Fraudulent shipping practices, including invalid tracking numbers and misrepresentation.

Penalties on TikTok Shop

1. Late shipment
   • Orders not shipped within the specified timeframes will be auto-canceled and refunded to the buyer.
   • Repeated violations can result in your account being suspended. 
2. Incorrect or damaged items
   • Sellers are responsible for resolving issues related to incorrect or damaged items when using Ship by Seller.
   • If the seller used the shipping type Ship by TikTok, then TikTok Shop will investigate whether it’s the seller’s or the carrier’s responsibility. If the item is damaged because of improper packaging, the carrier will not be liable. 
   • If the seller and the customer cannot address the issue themselves, TikTok will intervene. 
3. Non-compliance with packaging and labeling
   • Sellers using inappropriate packaging or incorrect labeling may face chargebacks or customer rejections.
   • Repeated non-compliance can lead to stricter penalties, including account suspension.

How to control shipping costs and set pricing strategies on TikTok Shop

Carefully calculating your shipping costs on TikTok Shop can be the difference between highly profitable sales and barely keeping afloat. Let’s dive into the essentials of controlling shipping expenses and setting smart pricing strategies.

Factors Influencing Shipping Costs on TikTok Shop

Shipping costs aren’t just about slapping a label on a box and sending it off. Several elements come into play:

• Product weight and dimensions: Heavier and larger items cost more to ship so measure your products carefully.

• Shipping distance: The farther the destination, the higher the shipping cost. Domestic shipments are usually cheaper than international ones.

• Carrier rates: Different carriers offer varying rates and services so compare your options when picking a carrier. 

• Packaging materials: Don’t overlook the cost of boxes, padding and foam peanuts — these add up quickly, especially for fragile items. 

Tips for Setting Competitive Shipping Rates

Here are three pro tips for setting competitive shipping rates: 

• Offer free shipping over a certain amount to increase average order value (AOV).
• Simplify your shipping costs with a flat rate that protects your margins. This method is straightforward for customers and can save you time on calculations.
• Slightly increase product prices to cover shipping costs, making the shipping seem free to the customer.

How can efficient shipping enhance customer experience on TikTok Shop? 

In the bustling marketplace of TikTok Shop, efficient shipping is as big an expectation as entertainment. When e-commerce giants like Amazon offer next-day delivery, customers grow to expect the same from every retailer. In fact, our 2024 State of Commerce Operations Report found that free shipping (52%) and real-time package tracking (49%) are the biggest expectations when it comes to shopping.

Reliable shipping also builds trust. When customers receive their orders on time and in perfect condition, they feel a sense of satisfaction and relief having bought from you. This reliability is a key driver of repeat purchases. 

In other words, efficient shipping can make or break your TikTok shop. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re building enjoyable shopping experiences. 

Strategies to improve shipping efficiency on TikTok Shop 

Shipping efficiency can never be an added layer, it has to be built in. Here are five ways you can build shipping efficiency into your systems:

Invest in the right technology

Use automated shipping solutions to streamline order processing and label generation so you can focus on the creative and strategic side of your business. Platforms like ShipStation or EasyShip integrate with TikTok Shop and help speed up fulfillment. What’s more, ecommerce operations platforms like Linnworks integrate with TikTok Shop give you a centralized source of truth for your entire business. 

Optimize inventory management

When you keep your inventory organized and updated, your shipping pre-work becomes quicker. You no longer have to manually check stock levels across warehouses or consult complicated directories

Use software that syncs your stock levels with your TikTok Shop, so you never accidentally sell something you’ve sold out. Efficient inventory management can reduce order processing times by up to 30%.

Choose carriers carefully 

Partner with reliable shipping carriers. Negotiate rates based on your shipping volume and ensure they can consistently meet your delivery timelines. Also, keep carriers on backup should anything go wrong (strikes, vehicle breakdowns) with your first choice. 

Implement Batch Processing

Group similar orders together and process them in batches. This reduces the time spent on individual orders and makes your operations faster. 

Communicate Frequently with Customers

Transparency is your ally. A study shows that 83% of customers expect regular communication about their orders, and more than half (53%) won’t complete an order if they don’t know when it will arrive. Keep your customers in the loop with real-time updates on their order status. Here’s how:

• Automated notifications: Send automated emails or SMS updates at every stage of the shipping process—order confirmation, shipping confirmation and delivery notification.
• Tracking information: Provide tracking numbers and links. Allow customers to monitor their shipment’s journey. 
• Clear shipping policies: Clearly outline your shipping policies on your TikTok Shop page. Include details on processing times, shipping options and delivery estimates. This sets realistic expectations and reduces anxiety on both ends. 

Efficient shipping doesn’t just mean getting your orders out in time, it also means creating a journey where the customer isn’t left wondering about their order. When you prioritize timely and reliable shipping, you’re not just delivering products — you’re delivering satisfaction, trust and a reason for customers to keep coming back. 

Why is inventory management software important when it comes to TikTok Shop shipping?

Imagine your TikTok Shop as a bustling digital marketplace. Your products are flying off the virtual shelves, your followers are eager to hit that “Buy Now” button and your notifications are blowing up. But behind the scenes, chaos can quickly reign without the right tools. This is where inventory management software steps in.

When a single notification saying “your order was canceled because the product went out of stock”— can estrange a customer, you can’t afford to backtrack on commitments. But many times, inventories don’t match up at the end of the day. That’s why you need inventory management software like Linnworks. 

Such a tool connects your TikTok Shop with your inventory, orders and even shipping carriers. This integration means you’re not juggling multiple systems or manually updating stock levels. Instead, you have real-time updates and a reduced risk of overselling. 

Master TikTok Shop shipping with Linnworks

As you can see, selling on TikTok Shop relies on effective shipping practices. By getting this right, you’re not only keeping your customers happy, but you’re also safeguarding your standing on the platform, and ring fencing your profits.  

Inventory management plays a vital role in managing this process, and the right technology investments here will pay dividends. When selecting inventory management software, look for features like robust integrations, ease of use and scalability. You want a tool that grows with your business and offers centralized management. A tool like Linnworks. 

If you’d like to find out more about how Linnworks can help level-up your TikTok Shop shipping game, book a free demo today and find out more.