Over a billion people utilize TikTok every month, making it one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. As TikTok's popularity grew and its number of users skyrocketed, the video app decided to launch an online shopping marketplace in November 2022. Since then, more than 55 million TikTok users in the US alone have utilized this platform, with various creators sponsoring products and promoting the shop’s usage.
However, this staggering statistic forces us consumers to ponder the credibility of this site. Is the private intel of all the millions of customers being protected? Are there counterfeit items being sold on this online store? Are buyers being scammed and receiving low-quality goods?
To protect the general safety of consumers, we must address these inquiries and examine the trustworthiness of the TikTok Shop. Thankfully, most will be pleased to know their concerns are largely unfounded. While there are occasional issues, as with any online marketplace, the majority of items are up to par, and users are protected by TikTok’s robust safety features.
How TikTok Shop Functions
This shop operates as an integrated e-commerce platform within the TikTok app, wherein users can discover and purchase popular products directly from their feeds. The shop facilitates the process of obtaining goods with its user-friendly nature; through the mere click of a link on your “For You” page or a scroll to the “Shop” tab, consumers can “add [a product] to cart” or “buy now,” completely skipping the hassle of attempting to find it online.
This straightforward platform allows you to effortlessly buy any imaginable item, whether that is a workout set or even an electric standing desk. This is because, much like other virtual stores, TikTok Shop allows various sellers — from independent creators to small businesses to established brands — to offer a wide range of merchandise.
Anyone can set up a TikTok Shop, given that they meet a few requirements. They must reside in one of the eligible countries, be at least 18 years old, and have a TikTok for Business account. Further, individually owned businesses must upload their passport, national ID, or driver’s license onto the TikTok Seller Center for approval, and corporations need to submit a government-issued ID of the legal representative along with a business license.
These undemanding guidelines create an uncomplicated and lenient application process. Though this great tolerance could potentially allow for untrustworthy sellers, TikTok set a significant preventive measure: a probation period.
While under probation, all new shops must limit the number of daily orders they can accept and of the product uploads they can list. To graduate from said probation, new sellers must actively sell for at least 60 days, complete 500 orders, and meet specific performance metrics. By adhering to these austere rules, not only will new shops inadvertently adjust to the requisites of the platform, but they will also prove their legitimacy and harmlessness as a business.
These careful measures as well as TikTok’s reassuring claim that the app doesn’t store customers’ personal information post-purchase helps ease the minds of shoppers. In totality, while all patrons should act cautiously and responsibly on TikTok Shop, the platform does its best to provide a safe experience for all buyers.
Photo credit: Lucina from Pexels
Where Does the Skepticism Stem From?
The incredible bargains contained in the app tend to seem “too good to be true,” causing most to become doubtful over the honesty of the vendors and items. Many have begun theorizing why this is the case.
Bloomberg has proposed that items are outrageously cheap because the Shop features inexpensive Chinese-manufactured goods. This aligns with how many of these low-priced listings originate from China, where ByteDance Ltd., TikTok's parent company, is based.
Another theory is that since the Shop is relatively new, they are subsidizing purchases to attract buyers. In other words, TikTok’s vested interest in the sales, reflected by the 8% commission cut they take per transaction, drives them to keep prices low. This is done in the hopes that the enticing offers will bring back customers even after their first acquisition.
People have also developed reservations about the platform because of many clients’ horror stories, such as those who have reported never receiving their orders, and dishonest promotions. The influencers sponsoring goods also earn their share of the commission, so it is difficult to trust what they say. Rather than providing their audience with entirely honest reviews, they are likely to talk up an item to convince viewers that it is worth purchasing.
Even so, for the most part, the items are satisfactory and safe, especially given TikTok's safety features. If shopping cautiously, on the lookout for fraudulent behavior, you are sure to have a positive experience.
Photo credit: Summer from Pexels
TikTok Shop Safety Features
TikTok provides its clientele with the opportunity to return items or receive refunds as needed. CommentSold has affirmed that “a customer has 30 days from the date of delivery to request a return or refund.”
Moreover, the TikTok Shop Buyer Protection Program further cushions users. Should they face any problems with a product that can't be resolved with the seller, they have an additional 90 days to file a case with TikTok Customer Service.
How to be Cautious
Although the app does its best to safeguard consumers, you must stay alert of potential threats.
- Check the product reviews: It is imperative that you not only check the star rating but also read the specific comments to scan for negative experiences. To be extra careful, verify if the product has made at least 100 sales and has a minimum of ten positive reviews.
- Before purchasing from an unknown seller, research them: If there are too many red flags, then it is not worth the hassle.
- Look out for verified sellers: The blue check mark symbol ensures that TikTok has verified the account owner; they are significantly more trustworthy.
- Try buying directly from the brand: With over 500,000 US sellers, purchasing from third parties can pose definite risks. For instance, many who tried buying the $38.00 Sol de Janeiro perfume for one dollar or one cent were scammed.
- Do not leave the app: If you are directed outside the platform or see anything luring you to a product online, steer clear. It is likely a scam, as the purchase would not be under the protection of TikTok’s terms and conditions.
In essence, TikTok Shop offers a promising and secure platform for discovering and purchasing a wide range of products directly from the app. It is impossible to say conclusively that users won’t encounter scams, but as long as they remain vigilant, they can confidently navigate the marketplace.
