How to Sell Merchandise on TikTok: A Guide to TikTok Dropshipping

TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms globally, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to start a print-on-demand (POD) or dropshipping business. However, succeeding on TikTok involves more than just posting videos and trending products. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to sell merchandise and run a dropshipping business on TikTok.

Dropshipping is an ecommerce model where you sell products made by third-party suppliers. You don’t need to handle manufacturing, inventory, or shipping. Instead, you focus on marketing, sales, and customer support. With its low startup costs, dropshipping has become a popular online business model, with the global market size reaching $243.43 billion in 2023.

Yes, you can dropship on TikTok. The platform’s vast user base allows you to reach potential customers effectively. TikTok has grown rapidly, reaching 1.9 billion users worldwide in 2023, and is expected to reach approximately 2.35 billion by 2029. However, keep in mind the platform’s controversies and potential restrictions in various countries.

Here’s a step-by-step process to start selling products on TikTok:

1. Find a Reliable Dropshipping Supplier:

– Look for suppliers with positive reviews, good product quality, reliability, fast shipping, and competitive pricing. Popular platforms include AliExpress and CJDropshipping.

2. Create a TikTok Business Account:

– If you have a personal account, switch to a business account in your settings. Business accounts offer features like TikTok analytics, post scheduler, and business-friendly tools (e.g., auto-messaging, link-in-bio).

3. Open a TikTok Shop:

– Sign up for TikTok’s integrated ecommerce solution, TikTok Shop, and connect it to your account. TikTok Shop allows for live shopping, product showcases, and in-app checkout.

4. Start Selling:

– Once your store is set up, focus on marketing through paid ads, influencer partnerships, and creating engaging organic content.

How to Promote Your Products on TikTok

Promoting products on TikTok involves a mix of paid ads and organic content. Here’s how to effectively market your dropshipping products:

– Paid Advertising:

– Use TikTok ads to target specific audiences, but be aware of geographical restrictions.

– Organic Content:

– Create engaging content that aligns with TikTok trends. For example:

– Get Ready With Me (GRWM): Show someone using your products in a daily routine.

– How to Style This?: Create videos styling one product in different ways, driving engagement by asking viewers for their preferences.

– High Engagement Rates:

– TikTok’s engagement rate (2.65%) is higher than other platforms like Instagram (0.70%), meaning audiences are more active.

– Wide Reach:

– TikTok’s large user base helps in gaining brand recognition and driving sales.

– Integrated Ecommerce Features:

– TikTok Shop allows you to sell products without needing an external ecommerce website.

– Competition:

– Due to TikTok’s popularity, expect stiff competition. To stand out, stay on top of market trends and target a specific niche.

– Geographical Restrictions:

– TikTok’s advertising is region-specific, which can complicate marketing strategies. Workarounds exist but can be challenging.

By following these steps and strategies, you can leverage TikTok’s vast user base and engagement to build a successful dropshipping business. Stay updated with platform changes and continuously adapt your marketing efforts to keep your business growing.