TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. With about 150 million US users, TikTok presents an exciting opportunity as a new sales channel for ecommerce entrepreneurs.
One way merchants can sell on TikTok is by using a dropshipping model with a third-party supplier managing inventory and shipping logistics. Learn how you can start your own TikTok dropshipping business, as well as what types of products work well on the platform and what marketing strategies you can use to start generating sales.
What is TikTok dropshipping?
TikTok dropshipping is an ecommerce model in which goods are sold on TikTok, then supplied and shipped by a third-party vendor. By creating compelling marketing campaigns playing to TikTok’s strengths, dropshippers can sell products at a markup from a supplier’s wholesale price, earning a profit.
How to dropship on TikTok
- Research products
- Choose a dropshipping supplier
- Launch an online store
- Set up your TikTok account
- Apply for TikTok Shop
- Market your products
- Fulfill orders
Here are some broad steps to consider taking as you launch your dropshipping business on TikTok:
1. Research products
Research what products sell best on TikTok. Some of the most popular categories include cosmetics, accessories, toys, and fashion products. Watch videos and learn from other dropshippers successfully selling products on the platform.
Identify a niche market with less competition; it’s difficult to sell products that established merchants already offer on TikTok. Search through dropshipping suppliers’ websites and catalogs for unique products that are entertaining, stylish, or useful for your target audience.
2. Choose a dropshipping supplier
Dropshipping suppliers handle the packaging, storing, and shipping of the products you sell. Research which dropshipping suppliers offer the products you want to sell on TikTok. Read product reviews and any feedback you can find from merchants who’ve worked with the suppliers you’re considering.
Some of the most popular dropshipping suppliers include large international vendors like SaleHoo, Worldwide Brands, and Megagoods, though you’ll want to ensure they can integrate with your ecommerce store. For example, the dropshipping supplier Spocket has an app on the Shopify App Store that integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store.
3. Launch an online store
Create a high-quality dropshipping storecustomers can find easily when engaging with your TikTok account and content.
Choose a reliable ecommerce platform like Shopify, which offers merchants useful tools like Shopify Inbox for managing customer communications, and Shopify Checkout for secure payment processing. TikTok also offers a Shopify app, making it easy to sync your product catalog with your TikTok account and linkTikTok ads to your Shopify store.
Use high-quality product images and write compelling product descriptions. Considering TikTok is designed for mobile users, make sure your online store is optimized for mobile with features like a fixed navigation bar for easy scrolling and clear call-to-action buttons for purchasing products.
4. Set up your TikTok account
Sign up for a TikTok business account by providing some basic information about your dropshipping company. The difference between a TikTok business account and a regular TikTok account is that business accounts give merchants comprehensive analytics and access to tools, like a commercial music library with more than one million pre-approved songs and sounds you can use with your content.
Connect your TikTok business account with your online store so potential customers can click on your account or content and go directly to your store. Use brand assets like logos to keep your online store and TikTok account aligned with your overall brand identity.
5. Apply for TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop lets ecommerce merchants sell products from their online store on TikTok without redirecting users to another website. Although you still need an online store to link to, TikTok Shop can increase conversions by making it possible to sell products within the app itself. Sign up for TikTok Shop by completing an application including your legal business name, employer identification number (EIN), and registered business address.
Once approved, you can start selling your products directly on the TikTok app through in-feed videos, livestreams, and on the Shop tab. This in-app marketplace lets users browse and purchase products from merchants approved for TikTok Shop.
6. Market your products
Develop a marketing strategy combining the main methods available for reaching potential customers on TikTok, including advertisements, influencer content, and organic content. Create a TikTok Ads Manager account to monitor how your video advertisements are performing and adjust your campaigns based on which are performing well.
Reach out to relevant influencers and send product samples, if possible. Film engaging and entertaining original videos featuring the products you’re selling. For example, you could create an entertaining dance video featuring footwear products or a makeup tutorial video demonstrating the effect of an eyeshadow product.
7. Fulfill orders
Set up an order fulfillment process for dropshipping sales made on TikTok. Although you can fulfill orders manually by placing an order directly with your dropshipping supplier after a purchase, you can save time and reduce human error by automating the order fulfillment process. This involves using software to automatically notify suppliers of orders placed through your ecommerce store.
The Shopify App Store features apps like AutoDS and Dropified, which are designed to automate order fulfillment for your online store. Automation can help you fulfill orders quickly, which is essential, because TikTok requires US sellers to ship products within two business days.
Maintain quality customer service and answer any questions or concerns from customers promptly. Consider integrating an AI chatbot into your ecommerce store to provide customers with 24/7 customer support.
What are the best products for dropshipping on TikTok?
The best products for dropshipping on TikTok are trendy and viral items that are visually engaging for video content. For example, some of the top products on TikTok include casual dresses, sunglasses, bodysuits, jewelry, and other fashion products that are easy to feature on the platform.
Useful tools like cleaning supplies, water bottles, and kitchen accessories also tend to perform well on TikTok, as they’re easy to demonstrate in a visual format.
In 2023, around 37% of TikTok users made purchases via the app.. Search for dropshipping products that are likely to inspire an impulse buy from potential customers.
📖Read more: TikTok Success Stories: 9 Small Businesses That Went Viral
Advertising dropshipping products on TikTok
There are a few ways to market your dropshipping products on TikTok, including:
Paid advertisements
Advertise your products through TikTok Ads Manager, which works similarly to tools like Google Ads or YouTube Ads. Rather than a more traditional sales pitch, create advertisements to feature your products in fun, entertaining, and immersive ways. For example, you could create ads that feature interviews with happy customers or product demonstrations.
Adjust your ad campaigns based on which videos are making an impact. Use TikTok’s built-in automatic targeting features to aim your advertisements at people searching for products similar to what you’re selling.
Influencer marketing
Influencer marketing involves working with influencers on TikTok who can promote your products to their viewers. Although you’ll likely have to negotiate payment for influencers with a large following, you may be able to work with influencers with fewer followers by sending product samples they can feature in their videos.
Before contacting influencers, research those with a legitimate audience base aligned with your brand identity and product lines. Finding and working with the right influencers through a platform like Shopify Collabs can open up a wider audience on TikTok than if you only use paid ads.
Original content
The least expensive path for reaching potential customers on TikTok involves creating original content for your account with the potential to go viral and gain organic traffic. Create fun videos speaking to your followers’ style and needs. POV videos, unboxing videos, humorous sketches, trending challenges, and educational videos are all examples of content that can work well on TikTok.
📖Read more: 15 TikTok Video Ideas Your Customers Will Love
Although it can take some time, building an organic following is one of the best ways you can earn customers for your dropshipping business on TikTok. Remember to stay consistent with your brand messaging and engage with your viewers as much as possible through videos, comments, and livestreams.
TikTok dropshipping FAQ
Is TikTok good for dropshipping?
Yes, TikTok is a popular social media platform offering ecommerce merchants an active sales channel for selling dropshipped products directly to customers.
How do I promote my dropshipping store on TikTok?
Promote your dropshipping store on TikTok by creating paid advertisements through TikTok Ads Manager, partnering with influencers who can promote your products, and creating original content designed to earn organic traffic for your online store.
Can I sell on TikTok with Shopify?
Yes, you can sell on TikTok with Shopify by connecting your Shopify store with your TikTok business account and applying for TikTok Shop, an in-app marketplace for products.
