Watch This BEFORE You Start TikTok Shop Dropshipping in 2024

Introduction

So, there's a couple of things I wish someone told me before I started dropshipping on TikTok. For instance, I learned that phone cases are great products to drop on the platform because many TikTok users love buying gadgets for their phones. While it’s been a profitable industry, I’ve faced some issues too. In this article, I’ll cover the things I wish I knew earlier when I first jumped into this trend last year, what I’ve learned since then, and the challenges I faced when I tried to get back into TikTok shops.

Why TikTok Shops is a Great Platform

If you’re thinking about starting dropshipping on TikTok Shop, go for it! The platform is still in its early stages, which means there’s a lot of opportunities and changes. I was initially hesitant, but once I saw the flow of orders coming in for the amount of work I put in, I was really happy. You’re not risking much money because you buy the product only once you receive an order.

The Violation Point System

The most problematic part is TikTok's violation point system. TikTok assigns violation points to sellers, and you can accumulate 50 points in six months before getting banned. Many sellers face violations for listing products in the wrong category, though this is usually easy to appeal. I got banned myself, and it was difficult to come back from it.

Skillshare: Investing in Your Skills

Learning new skills can be straightforward, especially using platforms like Skillshare. Skillshare offers thousands of classes led by industry pros. Whether you're looking to improve your email marketing or explore new ventures like AI, Skillshare has resources to help you grow. Get started today with a free month from Skillshare.

Dropshipping from Amazon to TikTok Shop

I’ve been dropshipping from eBay to TikTok Shop and was always against using Amazon due to potential account shutdowns. But many people, including a friend named Moises, successfully do this by opening multiple burner accounts. Fellow YouTuber Andre has even started a service where he opens these accounts and fulfills orders. This is something I plan to try in my dropshipping ventures.

The Power of Live Streaming

Live streaming is becoming extremely popular in e-commerce. It’s an excellent method to drive people to your TikTok Shop. Although it requires buying some products and being active on camera, it can generate significant sales. One of my group members frequently does live streams and manages around 60 orders in a two-hour session.

Fee Changes

TikTok Shops currently have low fees of 2%, but they are increasing. By July, they'll be up to 8%. While this might sound bad, it’s still lower compared to other platforms like eBay or Amazon, where fees are around 13-15%. Even in April, when the fees increase to 6%, TikTok Shops will remain competitive.

Managing Listings and Compliance

Always remember that more listings mean more views and sales, but also more risks. That’s how I got banned — I had too many products, and one of them, a fake Gucci bag, violated the policy. It’s crucial to keep track of your inventory and ensure all listed items are safe and non-branded. Stick to general products like phone cases, wallets, blankets, etc.

Conclusion

Dropshipping on TikTok Shop can be very rewarding. Learn from my mistakes and be cautious with your listings. Stay away from risky products and always ensure compliance with TikTok’s policies. And don't forget to utilize platforms like Skillshare to invest in your skills. Good luck!

Keywords

TikTok Shop
Dropshipping
Violation Points
Skillshare
Amazon
Live Streaming
Fee Changes
Inventory Management

FAQ

What makes TikTok a good platform for dropshipping? TikTok is still in its early stages, providing ample opportunities and lesser risks. Plus, the flow of orders can be significant for the amount of work you put in.
What is the violation point system in TikTok Shops? TikTok assigns violation points for policy breaches. Accumulating 50 points in 6 months leads to a ban, and some violations are easy to appeal.
Is it safe to dropship from Amazon to TikTok Shops? While Amazon can close accounts with too many orders, some sellers use multiple burner accounts to manage this risk. Services are also available to handle this for you.
How effective is live streaming for TikTok dropshipping? Live streaming can effectively drive sales. Sellers can generate dozens of orders in a short live stream session by showcasing products.
What changes are coming to TikTok Shops' fee structure? Current fees are 2%, but they will increase to 6% in April and 8% by July. Even with the increase, TikTok’s fees are still competitive compared to other platforms.
What precautions should I take with my inventory? Keep track of your listings, ensuring they are safe and comply with TikTok’s policies. Avoid branded, electronic, or uncertified products. Stick to general, unbranded items.