How to Dropship on TikTok Shop the Right Way

TikTok is highly popular, with features like TikTok Shop making it a hit among ecommerce sellers. Merchants can source products and sell directly on TikTok, or they can dropship for a more hands-off approach.

We'll talk about how to dropship on TikTok today. From setting up your store to marketing strategies, you'll learn how to do it correctly. 

What is TikTok Dropshipping?

TikTok dropshipping is where you sell goods on TikTok, but a third-party supplier handles the shipping. You create engaging marketing videos to attract buyers and sell products at a higher price than the supplier's wholesale rate.

Start by setting up a dropshipping store on platforms like Shopify. Then, link it to your TikTok account and promote your products there.

Alternatively, set up a TikTok shop and upload your products directly. You need at least 1,000 followers for this, and it can take more time.

Once you have enough followers, TikTok will approve your account, and you can link your shop with Shopify or other platforms.

Pros of Dropshipping on TikTok

Easy Customer Connection

Connecting with customers on TikTok is simple. Direct messages and comments allow easy interaction. You can quickly answer questions and engage with your audience. Building stronger customer relationships becomes simpler with these direct interactions.

Ad Optimization

Think TikTok's $20 daily ad minimum is too much? Think again. Performance matters more than the price. Studies show TikTok can have lower CPM and CTR than other platforms. But TikTok’s younger audience means your ads need to match their interests. Selling trendy, age-appropriate products can lead to better results.

Interactive Audience

If you haven't had much interaction with your posts and ads on other platforms, you’ll be glad to know that TikTok users are different. Studies reveal they engage with personal and business accounts more than users of other platforms. So with the targeting and content, you should be able to drive more awareness for your dropshipping business. 

Quick Market Testing

TikTok dropshipping is great for quick market testing. TikTok trends give instant feedback on what’s hot and what’s not. Check the #tiktokmademebuyit hashtag to see trending products. You can adjust your product sourcing strategy based on what you find popular.

Cons of Dropshipping on TikTok

Saturated Platform

It's no secret that TikTok is extremely popular right now. For dropshippers, this raises a challenge as you'll need to capture attention among countless others. Think about how you can make your TikToks engaging. Some ideas include behind-the-scenes videos of your product sourcing or fun unboxing videos. With creative content and unique approaches, you should be able to drive eyeballs to your store.

Shipping Hassles

Shipping can be problematic with TikTok dropshipping. You have to think about getting products across different regions. Timely and cost-effective shipping is a must, especially for small businesses. Make sure you have a solid shipping strategy to keep your customers happy.

Regional Restrictions

TikTok's regional restrictions are a major drawback. If you’re not in the US, you can’t advertise there. This limitation means advertisers from Asia, for example, can't reach US customers. The workaround? Have someone in the target country set up a TikTok business account and provide you with the login details.

How to Dropship on TikTok: The Essential Steps

1. Find Products to Sell 

Picking the right products to sell on TikTok is key. TikTok users love trendy, fun, and useful items. Think about things like fashion accessories, quirky gadgets, or beauty products. Here are some ways to find those hot products.

First, check out the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt hashtag. It’s packed with popular items that people are loving. You can get a good sense of what’s trending and what’s likely to catch on.

Another way is to spy on your competition. See what other successful dropshippers are selling. Watch their TikTok videos and take notes on what seems to be working for them. You can also use tools like Apify that let you quickly scrape relevant data from TikTok.

You can also use Google Trends. It’s great for seeing what’s hot right now. Just type in potential products and see how their popularity is trending. It helps you spot rising stars before they peak.

Pro tip: Go over to your dropshipping platform and filter for items. For instance,you can search for Best  Sellers and Premium products on Spocket.’ Products with a proven sales record are likely to do well on TikTok too.

Lastly, don’t forget to check supplier best-seller sections. Many suppliers list their top-selling products. It’s a quick way to find items with high demand.

2. Look for Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers

You want customers who come back and leave great reviews. To do this, find reliable suppliers with high-quality products and quick shipping.

We've talked about platforms that vet suppliers well. But, go further. Check reviews from other merchants. On Spocket, look at the star rating. It's based on order success, shipping times, and product quality.

If you’re yet to partner with a dropshipping supplier, ensure they offer the following before committing to working with them:

• International warehouses: Suppliers with warehouses in the US, the UK, India, etc. to reduce shipping times.
• Fast shipping: Suppliers should have a record of delivering orders quickly and efficiently.
• Vast product range: A wide selection of affordable products to cater to different customer preferences.
• Positive reviews: High ratings and positive feedback from other dropshippers on Spocket.
• Various payment options: Multiple payment methods like PayPal, Apple Pay, and credit cards for smooth transactions.
• Responsive customer support: Access to knowledgeable and helpful customer service for resolving issues.
• Practical return policies: Clear and fair return, shipping, and payment policies that protect your business.

3. Build a Dropshipping Store

The next step is to build a dropshipping store. Choose a platform that makes it easy and offers everything from hosting to tools needed to build a dropshipping business. I recommend using Shopify for dropshipping because it covers all your bases.

• Choose a theme: Pick a clean, responsive theme that highlights your products. A good theme enhances user experience and can boost sales.
• Add relevant pages: Besides product pages, add About Us, Contact Us, and FAQ pages. These pages help build trust and answer common customer questions.
• Think about legal matters: Add essential pages like Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, GDPR Compliance, and Refunds and Returns Policy. These make your site look professional.
• Work on marketing: Use apps for discounts, upsells, and bundles. But avoid too many pop-ups and offers.

And don’t forget to install the TikTok app from the Shopify App Store. It helps with:

• One-click TikTok pixel installation: Launch conversion campaigns easily.
• Sync: Auto-sync your warehouse address, product catalog, and inventory with TikTok.
• Shipping: Use your dropshipping provider’s shipping service.
• Order widget: Get notified about orders needing attention.
• TikTok Shop: Sell directly on TikTok with features like live shopping and in-feed videos.

4. Import Products to Your Store

Once you’ve created a dropshipping store, 

Once you’ve created a dropshipping store, import the products you picked earlier. If you're using Spocket, you can follow these steps:

1. Hover over the product you want on your Spocket dashboard.
2. Select “Add to import list.”
3. From the left side of your dashboard, select “Import List.”
4. Customize your item’s listing to fit your store’s style.
5. When you're ready, click “Push to Store.”

5. Create a TikTok Account 

Creating a TikTok account is easy. You have two options: Personal and Business. Go for the Business account and sign up through TikTok Business.

If you start with a Personal account, you can switch to Business later. But it's best to choose the right one from the start.

A TikTok Business account gives you:

• Post scheduler to upload now and schedule for later
• Ability to add your dropshipping store link to your profile
• Email visibility for contact purposes
• Access to business analytics for tracking growth
• Access to a music library with songs free from copyright

To set up a business account, log into your TikTok account and follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your profile icon (top right corner).
2. Select 'Settings.'
3. Toggle 'ON Business Account' (at the bottom of the page).
4. Choose a category that describes your account.
5. Tap 'Next' to complete the process.

TikTok will ask for details like your business name, location, currency, time zone, industry, and mobile number. The process is simple, and TikTok guides you through each step.

After setting up, you can link to the ad manager to create basic or advanced ads. If you don’t plan to advertise yet, you can skip this part.

Also, you can add your store’s email address in your TikTok profile. Doing so will make it easier for customers to contact you.

6. Apply for TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop lets you sell products right on TikTok. No need to send users to another site. You still need an online store, but TikTok Shop boosts conversions by selling directly in the app. Apply with your business name, EIN, and business address.

Once you're approved, start selling through in-feed videos, livestreams, and the Shop tab. Users can browse and buy products right in the TikTok app.

7. Promote Your Items on TikTok

Now it’s time to market your products on TikTok. Marketing is what will drive your sales and build your brand. Keeping that in mind, here’s how you can effectively promote your products:

Use Hashtags

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Start by using hashtags. TikTok users love hashtags to find content. So, pick ones your ideal customers use. TikTok’s Creative Center tool can help you find trending hashtags in your niche.

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Collaborate with Influencers 

Partner with influencers in your niche. Influencer marketing is a great way to reach new audiences. Make sure the influencers match your brand values to keep it real and authentic.

Build Your Brand

Create a brand and a following by making engaging content. Consider your style, then make unique videos that reflect it. For example, a quirky home decor brand could show fun DIY projects or quick room makeover tips to engage their audience.

8. Fulfill Orders

When you get an order from TikTok, there are a few steps you need to undergo.

First, you’ll receive the order details, including the product ordered, shipping address, and contact info. Next, forward the order to your dropshipping supplier. If you’re using Spocket, simply click a few buttons to send the order automatically.

The supplier will then prepare and ship the product directly to your customer, providing you with tracking information. It’s important to keep your customer informed throughout this process. Send a confirmation email when they place the order and follow up with tracking details once the product is shipped.

Finally, provide after-sales support by handling returns, answering customer queries, and addressing any issues that arise to ensure customer satisfaction.

Advertising Dropshipping Products on TikTok

Marketing your dropshipping products on TikTok can be a lot of fun. Let’s go through a few ways to engage and impress TikTok users:

Create original content

Creating original content is the cheapest way to catch people's eyes. Make fun, engaging videos that can go viral. Think POV videos, unboxings, funny sketches, or trending challenges. Aim to make content that really speaks to your followers' interests and needs.

Run paid ads

Next, you can use TikTok Ads Manager, which works like Google Ads or YouTube Ads. Instead of a boring sales pitch, make ads that are fun and engaging. Show happy customers or cool product demos. Adjust your campaigns based on which videos are doing well. Use TikTok’s targeting features to reach people interested in similar products.

Stay on Top of Trends

TikTok trends change quickly. Keep up with trends to keep your content fresh and interesting. Look out for new challenges, content formats, etc. so you can stay on top of the mind of TikTok users.

Final Verdict

So there you have it—how to dropship on TikTok the right way. With this guide, you’re ready to expand your dropshipping store's reach.