Selling on TikTok Shop Issues - Watch Before You Start

Introduction

I've been selling on TikTok shops since it was in Early Access, and it has been pretty good so far. I have created a bunch of videos showing you how to use this new platform and take advantage of its unique features and incentives. However, it's far from a perfect marketplace, and several significant issues need fixing. In this article, I will focus on the top 5 worst issues of the TikTok shop marketplace that could not only make you lose a lot of time and money but potentially get you banned for things outside of your control.

Issue 1: Cancel Orders Due to Collection Timeout

This issue is incredibly frustrating and has already cost me money. When you go to your manage orders page and click on the cancel tab, you will see all the orders canceled for valid reasons like a customer changing their mind or payment failure. However, sometimes you will see orders canceled automatically due to a collection timeout. This happens when TikTok doesn't receive tracking updates within a seven-day collection window, despite the fact that the client has received the product.

Why This is a Bad Rule:

USPS Scanning Issues: Many times, USPS mailmen do not scan packages when they collect them.
Delayed Tracking Updates: It can take 48 to 72 hours for tracking information to update.

In a perfect world where USPS gives the best service, this wouldn’t be an issue. But services can vary greatly depending on your location.

Issue 2: Hidden Customer Information

When you look at a new order's details, TikTok hides the customer's name. This creates a few issues:

Packing Errors: If I mess up an order, finding the correct one in the TikTok shop seller center is difficult because I have to match it with an anonymized label.
Customer Database: I can't keep a database of repeat customers for retargeting or special offers.

I suspect this is not because TikTok wants to protect user privacy but because they want to keep customers for themselves, similar to Amazon.

Issue 3: Unfulfilled Free Samples

TikTok allows you to offer free sample products to people in exchange for content. However, many approved creators fail to make the promised content after receiving their free products.

Required Fixes:

Repercussions: Creators should face consequences such as paying for the product or returning it if they fail to deliver content.

Issue 4: Printed Shipping Labels and Packing Slips

When using TikTok's template to print shipping labels and packing slips, there's no identifiable information to match labels with specific orders if they get mixed up. This creates massive confusion.

TikTok's platform navigation needs improvement due to the multiple clicks required to access basic information, such as order details and revenue.

Example:

To check how much money I made from an order requires multiple steps:

Click on orders.
Click on manage orders.
Click on individual order number.
Click on financial details.

Conclusion

While I am generally happy with TikTok shop and acknowledge its significant opportunities for sellers, these issues need to be addressed for a smoother and more efficient experience.

Keywords

TikTok Shops
Collection Timeout
Hidden Customer Information
Unfulfilled Free Samples
Shipping Labels
Platform Navigation

FAQ

Q: What happens if my order gets canceled due to collection timeout? A: TikTok might cancel your order if they don't receive tracking updates within seven days, even if the customer has received the product.

Q: Why can’t I see my customers' information on TikTok Shops? A: TikTok hides customer information, possibly to keep those customers for themselves rather than for privacy reasons.

Q: What happens if a creator doesn’t post content after receiving a free sample? A: Currently, there are no repercussions for creators who fail to deliver content, which TikTok needs to fix.

Q: How do I match shipping labels to orders on TikTok Shops? A: TikTok's current template doesn't provide identifiable information to match labels with orders, causing potential confusion.

Q: Is it difficult to navigate TikTok Shops platform? A: Yes, accessing basic information like order details and how much money you made requires multiple steps.