While Amazon is a preferred shopping platform for many, it’s not the only place for instant gratification. TikTok Shop is the e-commerce platform part of the popular social media app that helps users find the latest gadgets and gifts.
With the pressure to find the perfect gift, TikTok Shop may be where you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you haven’t used a TikTok Shop before, you may wonder how it works, whether it’s safe to use, and what you can buy.
Let’s lessen those doubts and see if the TikTok Shop will help you check off your Christmas gift list.
What is TikTok Shop, and how does it work?
TikTok Shop reminds me of the programs in the ’90s when businesses showcased a product on TV. You’d call the number on the screen to order a new set of knives or whatever product was being sold. In a somewhat similar fashion, TikTok is following this method.
With TikTok Shop, users can browse and buy products showcased during a livestream or in-feed video. So imagine you open your app and see a creator doing a GRWM or “get ready with me” video. You see them put on some mascara that makes their eyelashes pop. You want to know which product they are using so you can have stunning eyelashes, too. To get your hands on this magical mascara, you only have to click the product tag, and you can purchase it directly from the app.
If you shop through a live stream, you’ll tune into a creator showcasing different products, and you can click on the product tag to see more information and make a purchase. Shopping via live stream is how 50% of TikTok users buy products.
TikTok Shop has taken off. However, it is only available in Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Is TikTok Shop safe?
We know that TikTop Shop seamlessly combines social media and e-commerce, but does that mean it’s safe to use?
TikTok Shop has implemented many safety regulations to ensure users feel safe shopping on the app, according to the company’s own newsroom. These measures include:
- Seller verification process.
- Secure payment features.
- Buyer protection in case of any issues.
Furthermore, there are steps you can take as a buyer to protect yourself, such as
- Reading seller and product reviews.
- Checking for seller verification.
- Buying from creators or influencers you’re familiar with.
- Using TikTok’s official payment options and avoid making payments off of the app.
- Comparing product prices across other apps to ensure you are getting a good deal.
Like any e-commerce platform, buying things online can be risky; however, if you’re aware of your purchases, you can protect yourself.
What kind of items can you buy in the TikTok Shop?
One of the most appealing things about TikTok Shop is that you can buy almost anything from everyday products to the most random yet useful items. Some of the main categories include:
- Womenswear and underwear.
- Menswear and underwear.
- Phones and electronics.
- Fashion accessories
- Home supplies
- Beauty and personal care.
- Shoes
- Sports and outdoor gear.
Some trending and random products that users love include:
- Mini air inflator.
- At-home photo printer.
- Meat tenderizer.
- Open ear earbuds.
- Vapor hair comb for pets.
Who to buy from
Now that you know it’s safe to buy, you know what you can buy, the question is, who do you buy from? With influencers and content creators promoting and selling products, this can lead to a sense of security or suspicion.
How do you know a creator isn’t just pushing a product to make money? Some creators have bought items from Temu and Shein and are reselling them on TikTok Shop. Yes, this is shady, but not illegal.
The first step is reading the reviews. You can read reviews on TikTok or a third-party site by googling the product’s name. Feedback from other people who have bought and used the product will give you insights into whether it is worth buying.
Second, try to buy from local businesses or artists who made the product. Shopping locally in the real and virtual worlds often leads to better quality products and customer service.
Third, buy from accounts you are familiar with. A creator might pop up on your For You page with the exact product you’re looking for. Yet that doesn’t mean you need to buy from them right away. Follow the creator and see if they have a good track record.
Supporting Black creators
Another great advantage of TikTok Shop is the opportunity to support Black-owned businesses. Here are some creators you can follow and shop with.
Word to the wise
Since it’s the holiday season, spending temptation is at an all-time high. So, before you spend your savings on a TikTok Shop, here are some things to consider.
Have a list of what you want to buy before shopping to avoid buying things you don’t need.
Remember, you don’t have to buy something just because it’s on sale. Be conscious and intentional about your purchase.
Lastly, with the possibility of TikTok being banned in the new year, now might be your only chance to stop, but don’t let that added pressure make you spend more than you should.
