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How to set up TikTok shop (from overseas)

Introduction

If you’ve been paying attention to the world of e-commerce lately, you’ve probably heard about TikTok Shop. It has quickly become a buzzworthy topic across the e-commerce landscape, including Amazon FBA, as a lucrative channel for brands to sell their products directly and earn revenue. However, individuals and businesses located outside the U.S. often faced challenges in accessing TikTok Shop, as it seemed that only U.S.-based sellers could register. Thankfully, we've cracked the code and set up a TikTok Shop in the USA from overseas. In this article, I'll share the step-by-step process that worked for us so that you can also start benefiting from TikTok Shop.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the setup process, there are a few prerequisites you need to have in place:

  1. VPN: You'll need a VPN set to the USA to make it appear as though you are accessing TikTok from within the United States.

  2. U.S. Entity: You must register a U.S. entity. Setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in states like Wyoming is common. This process can typically take about 30 days, and you'll need to acquire an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

  3. U.S. Representative: A U.S. representative is essential. This person needs to be a U.S. citizen and will act as your legal representative for TikTok Shop. They will also need to submit their personal details, like Social Security Number and home address.

Once you have these prerequisites sorted, you can proceed with registering for TikTok Shop.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Register Your TikTok Shop Account

  • Ensure your VPN is active and set to the USA.
  • Go to TikTok Shop and register using your email address.
  • Enter the details of your U.S. representative.
  • Upload your LLC documents and provide the beneficial owner information (anyone owning 25% or more).

2. Add Tax Information

  • Input your company’s address (which should match your LLC documents) and provide your EIN.
  • If you have a partnership LLC, your EIN will serve as your tax number.

3. Set Up Shipping and Return Warehouse

  • Use a third-party logistics (3PL) address for your shipping and return addresses.
  • TikTok is currently promoting Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT), which may be beneficial for your business.

4. Add Products to TikTok Shop

  • It may be tedious to upload products one by one; consider using a software solution like Webby, which can sync your listings directly and facilitate fulfillment through Amazon.

5. Connect Your TikTok Account

  • Have your U.S. representative create the TikTok account since this must be verified in the U.S.
  • After verification, the TikTok account can then be linked to your TikTok Shop account.

Conclusion

Once you complete these steps, your TikTok Shop should be set up, and you’ll be ready to start receiving orders and earning money. TikTok Shop offers a fresh avenue for driving traffic to your brand and increasing sales.

Keywords

  • TikTok Shop
  • E-commerce
  • VPN
  • U.S. Entity
  • LLC
  • U.S. Representative
  • EIN
  • Shipping Warehouse
  • Third-party Logistics (3PL)
  • Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)

FAQ

Q: What is TikTok Shop?
A: TikTok Shop is a platform where brands can sell products directly to consumers on TikTok.

Q: Do I need a VPN to access TikTok Shop from overseas?
A: Yes, using a VPN set to the USA is essential for the registration process.

Q: What kind of U.S. entity do I need to register?
A: A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is commonly used, and you’ll need to get an EIN from the IRS.

Q: Is a U.S. representative necessary?
A: Yes, having a U.S.-based representative is a key requirement for setting up your TikTok Shop.

Q: Can I fulfill TikTok Shop orders through Amazon?
A: Yes, using third-party logistics (3PL) or integrating with Amazon FBA can streamline your order fulfillment process.

Q: Is TikTok's support reliable for business inquiries?
A: Yes, TikTok's support has been reported to be more responsive and helpful compared to other platforms like Amazon.

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