How to Open a TikTok Shop in 5 Easy Steps

Want to know how to open a TikTok Shop and maximize your sales opportunities? You’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll cover what a TikTok Shop is, why itshould sell on it, how to set up one and best practices. We’ll also show you thesuccesses businesses have had with TikTok Shop.

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is a built-in shopping feature that allows brands and sellers to showcase their products directly on the TikTok platform. This feature integrates seamlessly with the user’s content consumption, allowing viewers to discover, browse, and purchase products without leaving the app.

Why Sell on TikTok Shop?

TikTok is a global sensation with over a billion active users, especially popular among younger demographics. TikTok Shop taps into the rising trend of social commerce, which is reshaping how people shop online.

Traditional e-commerce methods are being disrupted by this new approach, where users are inspired to purchase based on viral trends, influencer endorsements and authentic content. It’s a huge opportunity to meet consumers where they already spend most of their time.

With social commerce expected to grow by over 30% annually, platforms like TikTok are becoming pivotal in shaping the future of online shopping. TikTok Shop is one of the leading forces behind this trend, giving brands the tools to combine entertainment with commerce and drive impulse buying directly through engaging content.

Access to TikTok’s Large User Base

TikTok has an enormous, highly engaged user base, with Gen Z dominating its user base. This group is known for their affinity for discovering new products through social media and are more likely to make impulse purchases based on trends or influencer endorsements.

This gives sellers on TikTok Shop direct access to millions of potential customers who are already primed to shop based on content they enjoy.

Real-Time Interactions Through Livestream Shopping

TikTok Shop enables businesses to host live shopping events, where sellers can engage directly with viewers in real-time. Livestream shopping combines entertainment and commerce, where brands can demonstrate products, answer questions, and offer limited-time promotions during the stream. This direct interaction helps encourages immediate purchasing decisions.

Potential for Viral Sales

TikTok’s algorithm gives businesses the chance to have the potential to reach massive audiences if their content gains traction. Products showcased in engaging, creative ways can quickly go viral, driving exponential growth in sales.

Market Trends Favoring TikTok

Recent studies show that users are spending more time on TikTok than any other social platform. With more eyes expected to be on the platform, businesses need to take advantage of this trend and solidify themselves as a solid choice in the market.

If you’re still not convinced, here are more reasons to use TikTok Shop. Next, let’s learn how to open and start a TikTok Shop.

How to Open a TikTok Shop?

There are a few things you need to know before setting up a TikTok Shop account. Sellers need to provide proof of their business registration, including company licenses and tax identification numbers.

TikTok also requires sellers to have a verified business bank account, as this is where sales revenues will be deposited. Additionally, sellers must confirm that their products comply with TikTok’s selling policies, particularly regarding product categories and safety standards.

How to Set Up a TikTok Shop

Now, let’s learn how to open a  TikTok Shop in 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Sign in to your local TikTok Seller Center.

Step 2: Select the Business Type, Shop Name and Product Category

Step 3: Fill in and verify your personal information. You may need to submit identification, depending on the requirements for your region or country.

Step 4: Fill in your business info including address, contact person name, postcode, phone number and return address.

Step 5: Check the Terms and Conditions box and click Start Your Business.

That’s it. You’re done. Once your business documents have been verified, you will need to link a bank account to your shop so you can get paid for purchases and process returns.

Now that you know how to open a TikTok Shop, you can create your product listing and start selling. Next, let’s look at how you can make the most out of your shop.

TikTok Shop Best Practices to Boost Sales

If you’re setting up a shop, you want to make money. But setting up a shop isn’t enough. You need the right tactics to help you get started.

In this section, we’ll explore simple tips you can easily implement to boost sales. Here are 3 best practices to get your sales growing.

Create Engaging Product Listings

Craft your product listings around video content instead of relying on static images or text descriptions. It’s the format that resonates most with users.

Focus on creating short, impactful videos that showcase the value of your products. This could include product demonstrations, user testimonials, or behind-the-scenes content that humanizes the brand. To further boost product appeal, jump on popular TikTok trends or challenges.

Lastly, remember to abide by TikTok’s listing restrictions when creating a listing. Failure to do so might get your listing blocked or removed.

Monitor Competition and Algorithm Changes

TikTok’s algorithm constantly evolves, and sellers need to stay aware of changes that might affect product visibility. Regularly reviewing competitors' content can provide insights into what strategies are working, while keeping up-to-date with TikTok’s algorithm ensures that sellers are optimizing their content for maximum reach.

Use Paid TikTok Ads to Boost Visibility

TikTok’s advertising platform allows you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring that your ads are shown to users most likely to buy your products.

Retargeting is a powerful way to re-engage users who have viewed your videos or interacted with your product listings but haven’t made a purchase. TikTok Ads Manager lets you run retargeting campaigns to bring these users back to your TikTok Shop.

If you’re still not sold on the value of TikTok Shop, let’s look at a brand that made it big.

What Can Sellers Learn From Successful Brands on TikTok Shop?

Queen Cosmetics used TikTok Shop to significantly increase its return on ad spend (ROAS) by combining organic content with paid ads. It also used TikTok Shop Ads and Spark Ads featuring high-performing videos to reach a larger audience and increase conversions.

Their campaign achieved a ROAS of 7.4x, well above their initial target. With TikTok’s video shopping ads and optimized targeting, Queen Cosmetics saw an 84% reduction in cost per acquisition (CPA), increased video views and boosted sales.

Supercharge Your TikTok Shop Sales with Business Messaging

Setting up a TikTok Shop is just the beginning—turning viewers into buyers requires seamless customer engagement. While TikTok provides basic business tools, brands selling through chat across multiple platforms need advanced automation, analytics, security, and streamlined communication. As a trusted TikTok partner, respond.io equips businesses with the tools to manage inquiries efficiently and maximize conversions.

Why TikTok Business Messaging is Essential for Your Shop

Managing a high volume of messages from potential buyers? Respond.io simplifies TikTok conversations, helping businesses respond faster and convert interest into sales. Whether answering questions about products in your TikTok Shop or handling leads from TikTok Messaging Ads, businesses can engage customers at the right moment to drive more purchases.

With TikTok Business Messaging integrated into respond.io’s omnichannel suite, you can manage TikTok chats alongside WhatsApp, Instagram, and more—all from a single, unified inbox. Currently in Beta and available in most regions except the U.S., EEA, Switzerland, and the U.K., TikTok Business Messaging enables brands to turn inquiries into transactions effortlessly.

Get Started with TikTok Messaging Ads Today

Exciting news! TikTok Instant Messaging Ads is now available in Beta for LATAM. Businesses can now connect with TikTok leads via WhatsApp and Messenger to provide consultations, book appointments and close sales — all in one chat.

Access is available via whitelisting for select LATAM countries. To apply, fill out the appropriate form:

• Spanish Form

• Portuguese Form

Special Offer: Receive 50% off TikTok Instant Messaging Ads spending from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, when you integrate with respond.io and optimise your campaigns toward conversations.

🌏 For APAC: Integration is open to all countries — no whitelisting required. Book a consultation to get started today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I promote my products with TikTok Shop?

After setting up your TikTok shop, promote your products. Ideas include using influencers to market your products and using TikTok ads.

How much does it cost to sell on TikTok?

While setting up a TikTok Shop and product listings are free, there are some costs for selling on TikTok, namely: Marketplace Commission, Transaction Fee and Shopping Fee Program.

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading these TikTok blogs and want to learn more, check out these articles:

• 6 Eye-Catching TikTok Ad Examples Every Business Should Learn From

• TikTok Ads: Harness TikTok Messaging Ads to Boost Sales

• How to Sell on TikTok: Turn Scrolls into Sales with TikTok Shop and Beyond