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TikTok Shop Seller Review PROS & CONS Is it worth selling on Tiktok shop #tiktokshop #smallbusiness

TikTok Shop Seller Review: PROS & CONS - Is it worth selling on TikTok shop? #tiktokshop #smallbusiness

Hey there, crafty friends! It's me, Annie from Annie Crickets DIY. I am so excited to spill all the tea—my true personal opinion on being a seller on TikTok Shop. I could talk about this for hours, but I've summarized everything—all the good and the bad. Yes, there's a lot of good about selling on TikTok Shop, but there are also some cons as well. I really wanted to write this article because I went viral twice, and I hope to reach you if you're thinking about selling on TikTok Shop.

A Little Back Story

I opened up my TikTok Shop in early 2023 when it was first approved for the US. I was extremely nervous, even scared, about putting my personal documents into the TikTok Shop app. But in reality, I think that was probably the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I know you guys are seeing a lot of horror stories and also some really good stories about sellers on TikTok Shop, but personally, here's what it really is.

The Good

1. Audience Reach

The reach to your targeted audience on TikTok is amazing when you have a business account. TikTok wants to be the next Amazon and YouTube combined; they want everyone to buy within the app. This translates to a spectacular reach for businesses.

2. Viral Moments

Going viral on TikTok can be both a blessing and a curse. A video of your product can bring in a large number of orders, but you must be prepared both financially and operationally to handle this influx.

3. Low Fees

Compared to other platforms like Etsy, TikTok Shop's shipping and transaction fees are much lower, making it an attractive option for sellers.

The Bad

1. Preparedness for Virality

If your product goes viral, you need to fulfill your orders within TikTok’s stringent timeframe, which can be stressful. You need to be mentally, physically, and financially prepared for such scenarios.

2. Shipping Timeframe

TikTok expects you to ship your product within 1 to 3 business days. This is almost impossible for those of us who make handmade items. It puts a lot of pressure and can even cause financial strain if you're not adequately prepared.

3. Tier System for Payment

TikTok Shop has different payment tiers based on your performance. Faster shipping means you get paid quicker. If you are in the lowest tier, you might get paid 1 to 2 weeks after delivery, which is not ideal.

4. Customer Service

TikTok Shop customer service is primarily automated, which can be frustrating. They do have a chat option, but it's usually AI responding, and it's not always helpful.

Conclusion

After two years, I believe I've covered most of the pros and cons of selling on TikTok Shop. It's an excellent platform with its own unique challenges. If you have any questions or want a part two, leave your comments below. And stay tuned for my upcoming video on how to be a successful seller on Etsy!

Thank you all for reading. Remember to like, subscribe, and hit that little bell for notifications on new videos. In my next article, I'll provide my secrets to getting sales on Etsy. Just a hint—I do not pay for Etsy ads!

Keywords

  • TikTok Shop
  • Small Business
  • Viral
  • Audience Reach
  • Low Fees
  • Shipping Timeframe
  • Payment Tiers
  • Customer Service
  • Etsy

FAQ

1. How reliable is TikTok Shop for small businesses?

TikTok Shop is reliable but comes with its own set of challenges like stringent shipping timeframes and automated customer service.

2. What are the shipping requirements for TikTok Shop?

You need to ship your products within 1 to 3 business days, which can be stressful for small businesses, especially for handmade items.

3. How does TikTok Shop compare to Etsy in terms of fees?

TikTok Shop generally has lower shipping and transaction fees compared to Etsy.

4. How does the payment tier system work on TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop has different payment tiers based on your shipping speed, which affects how quickly you get paid.

5. Is customer service on TikTok Shop helpful?

Customer service is primarily automated, which can be frustrating as it often fails to answer specific questions effectively.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further details!

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