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Why TikTok Shop is Suspending So Many Sellers Now

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Introduction

Another day, another TikTok Shop ban. If you clicked on this article, it’s likely your shop has been deactivated or you're bracing yourself for an inevitable shop suspension. While it’s not fun to make these kinds of videos that could discourage entrepreneurs from leveraging TikTok Shop, it's essential to provide an honest report—both the good and the bad. Despite the current issues, TikTok Shop can still be a lucrative avenue. Instead of throwing in the towel, let’s prepare ourselves for what's coming.

I've experienced multiple suspensions on my TikTok shops, which were later reinstated. Just a few weeks ago, a massive glitch caused thousands of accounts, including mine, to be suspended without cause. Prior to that, another round of suspensions occurred due to CopyCat violations, which were partly justified as many were selling counterfeit goods. However, even legitimate shops got caught in this sweep.

The latest reason for suspensions is that TikTok wants more information about sellers. This lack of specificity adds yet another layer of complexity.

Why Are These Suspensions Happening?

When you receive a violation, you’ll get an email stating:

"This is to inform you that you have received a violation record due to we have noticed activity from your shop that violates our TikTok Shop policies. As a result, your shop has been deactivated. The shop has been permanently closed. The settlement and withdrawal of shop earnings are suspended."

The email will ask for:

  1. State business registration document
  2. ID card next to a handwritten note with your shop name and the date
  3. Supporting documents such as warehouse documents, inventory invoices, bank statements, IRS documents, or recent utility bills.

There’s no specific information on what caused the violation, making it a frustrating experience for sellers.

The Immediate Impact

When you check your TikTok Shop Seller Center, you will see a message indicating your account has been deactivated, thus suspending shop settlements. Essentially, you won't receive payments for delivered and upcoming orders for up to 90 days, assuming you haven’t violated other policies or sold counterfeit products.

Steps to Appeal

You have two appeal attempts:

  1. Submit the required documents via the appeal button.
  2. If you're an individual seller and do not have a state business registration, you must open a ticket with customer support.

Warning: You should not attempt to Photoshop or alter any documents. These must be entirely unedited to avoid further complications.

Why The Suspensions?

The rapid and relatively easy sign-up process for TikTok Shop is likely a root cause. While this expedites onboarding, it also allows for potential misuse. Consequently, TikTok is now ramping up its verification process, albeit in a rather flawed manner.

Contributing Factors

  • Third-party logistics: Shops using warehouses in different states may raise flags, prompting a review.
  • Automated suspensions: Even shops that haven’t listed any products can get suspended.

Recommendations for Sellers

  • Ensure all documents are authentic and unmodified.
  • Keep support tickets open and persist if initially rejected.

For further discussion and assistance, I’ve created a dedicated channel on the Eon Discord server for TikTok Shop.

Conclusion

While the landscape is challenging, understanding and navigating these policies can help ensure that your TikTok Shop remains compliant and operational. For more insights, join the discussion or watch related videos.

Keywords

TikTok Shop Suspension, Seller Verification, Third-party Logistics, Identity Theft, Shop Deactivation, TikTok Policies, Appeal Process

FAQ

1. Why is TikTok Shop suspending so many sellers?

  • TikTok is tightening its verification process to curb identity theft and misuse.

2. What kind of documents do I need to submit for reinstitution?

  • State business registration, ID card, and various supporting documents related to business operations.

3. How long is the payment suspension period?

  • Payments are typically suspended for 90 days unless you were selling counterfeit products.

4. How can individual sellers appeal?

  • Open a ticket with customer support to explain your situation, as state business registration requirements do not apply to individual sellers.

5. Are there limitations on appeals?

  • Yes, you only have two chances to appeal a violation. Make sure your documents are accurate and unedited.

6. Can I start selling if I’m pending verification?

  • Yes, but your store might still be subject to suspension if TikTok's system flags it for review.

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