TikTok Dropshipping: A Complete Guide for 2024

TikTok dropshipping is challenging. Trends move fast, and competition is fierce. We’ve been there, trying to pick products and create videos that actually work. It wasn’t easy at first, but we figured out what clicks with TikTok’s audience. Now, we want to share our insights with you.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to find winning products, set up your store, and create videos that grab attention. Let’s begin.

What Is Tiktok Dropshipping?

TikTok dropshipping means selling products directly on TikTok without holding any inventory. You act as the middleman. When someone buys from your TikTok Shop or linked store, you order the product from a supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.

There are two main ways to do this:

• Through an online store: This method involves finding trending products, promoting them on TikTok, and listing them in your store (like Shopify). When a customer places an order, you buy the product from a supplier who handles shipping. It gives you more control over branding and customer experience. However, managing the link between TikTok and your store takes a bit of extra work.
• Building a TikTok shop: Setting up a TikTok Shop allows customers to browse and buy directly on TikTok, making shopping seamless. However, there are requirements. You need to have a TikTok business account, meet a minimum follower count (usually around 1,000), and your account must be at least 30 days old. Additionally, TikTok often requires you to link your business license to verify your legitimacy.

How To Dropship On Tiktok?

To dropship on TikTok, you need to create engaging content, set up a TikTok Shop or link your store, and use TikTok’s features to attract and convert customers. Let’s break it down:

1. Find A Winning Product/Niche

First things first: you need a product that pops on TikTok. Trust me, this is crucial. TikTok is all about grabbing attention within the first few seconds. Your product should have a ‘wow’ factor or solve a problem in a unique way.

In my experience, the best TikTok dropshipping niches that are visual or interactive work best here. Think beauty gadgets, quirky home decor, or trending fashion accessories.

Here’s a trick: if you see lots of creators using a particular product in their videos, it’s probably worth looking into. These tools will show you sales data, so you can make an informed decision. I’d recommend sticking to products that have a steady upward trend—spikes can be risky.

It’s tempting to go with whatever is trending, but I suggest you pick something that aligns with your interests. If you’re excited about the product, your videos will reflect that enthusiasm, making them more authentic.

Say you notice that beauty tools are popular. Consider this product on Sell The Trend. We used our NEXUS tool to explore trending products under this niche and found out the following:

This product has a solid performance record. It has made over 40,000 orders in the last 6 months, with total sales exceeding $1,061,198.

In the same way, you can use the data from tools like Sell The Trend to explore other products in your niche. Look at the order trends, sales volume, and profit margin to make an informed decision.

2. Choose A Reliable Dropshipping Supplier

Finding the right supplier is a big deal for your TikTok dropshipping business. Trust me, this is not a step you want to rush through. Your supplier will handle the products, packaging, and shipping. If they mess up, it reflects on you, so picking a reliable one is key.

These are things to consider when choosing a supplier:

• Product quality: Order a sample first to check if it meets your standards.
• Shipping speed: Look for suppliers with fast, reliable shipping options.
• Ratings & reviews: Look for suppliers with high ratings and positive customer feedback. A rating above 4.5 stars is usually a good sign.
• Communication: Choose a supplier who responds quickly and provides clear answers.

When you find a supplier that meets your standards, reach out to them. Ask about their shipping times, especially to your main market. Quick and reliable shipping can make or break your business, so make sure they can deliver on time.

I suggest going for suppliers who specialize in your niche. For example, if you’re planning to sell beauty products, find a supplier known for skincare tools or makeup accessories. They’ll likely offer better options and understand your market’s demands.

3. Create A Dropshipping Store

Now, let’s get your store set up. This is where your customers will place orders, so it needs to be clean, simple, and user-friendly. You don’t need to be a tech wizard for this.

There are many platforms that make it easy to build an online store, including:

• SellShop
• Shopify
• WooCommerce
• Wix
• BigCommerce
• Squarespace

First, choose a platform that fits your needs. I recommend starting with SellShop if you’re new to this. It’s simple to set up, has built-in tools for finding products, and connects easily with TikTok.

They have themes you can use to make your store look professional. Pick a theme that suits your niche.

If you’re selling beauty products, a minimalist, sleek design works well. Once you’ve selected your theme, it’s time to add products.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind when building a dropshipping store:

• Use high-quality images to showcase your products.
• Write clear, concise product descriptions highlighting key benefits.
• Include customer reviews to build trust with potential buyers.
• Set up easy navigation with clear categories for different products.
• Add essential pages like “Contact Us,” “Shipping Policy,” and “Returns.”
• Ensure the checkout process is simple and secure for customers.
• Connect payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe for easy transactions.

4. Set Up A TikTok Business Account

You need a TikTok account to get started. It gives you access to important features like analytics and links to your store. You have two options:

Option 1: TikTok Business Account

This is the best choice for selling products. It gives you tools to grow your brand and drive sales. Here’s why you might pick a business account:

• Analytics: See how your videos are performing and learn about your audience.
• Links: Add clickable links to your store in your profile.
• Access to Ads: Run ads to reach more people.
• Music Library: Use royalty-free music for your videos.

How to set up:

1. Download TikTok and create an account.
2. Go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner.
3. Select “Manage Account” > “Switch to Business Account.”
4. Pick a category that matches your business.

Option 2: TikTok Personal Account

A personal account is great if you want to build a following first. You can always switch to a business account later.

How to set up:

1. Download TikTok and create an account.
2. Complete your profile to start making content.

Your profile is like your store’s front window. Make sure it’s inviting. Use a catchy profile picture, and write a short bio that tells people exactly what you’re offering. For example, “Your go-to for trending gadgets” works way better than a generic bio.

For example, here’s a TikTok dropshipper who is making a lot of money:

Based on interviews and reports, MiniKatana has made millions in revenue. By 2022, the store had made over $2 million in sales, mostly through social media. TikTok played a big role in this success.

5. Apply For TiKTok Shop

Now, let’s take it a step further by applying for TikTok Shop. This feature lets you sell products directly on TikTok, which can really boost your sales. Before you jump in, check TikTok’s requirements. You need to have a TikTok Business Account in good standing (no recent violations).

You need at least 1,000 followers to qualify for the TikTok Shop program.

If you meet this, head to the TikTok Shop Seller Center and log in with your TikTok Business Account.

Here’s where you fill out the application. You’ll need to provide your business information, like your store name, contact details, and business registration. TikTok will also ask you to upload documents like your business license or tax ID. Make sure these documents are clear and up-to-date.

After you submit everything, TikTok will review your application. If it gets approved, you’ll get a confirmation email. Now you can start adding products to your TikTok Shop.

6. Market Your Products Using TikTok Ads

When it comes to marketing your TikTok products, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to be strategic. Having worked with multiple dropshipping stores, I’ve seen how TikTok’s unique platform can skyrocket sales if approached correctly. Here are 3 ways how:

6.1 TikTok Ads

They are game-changers for new dropshippers. Unlike other platforms like Facebook, TikTok’s ad creation process is simpler and more tailored toward engaging audiences.

The “Creative Center” feature is a treasure trove of inspiration; it shows what’s working and gives you a head start on crafting ads that resonate with TikTok users.

From my experience, ads that look like native content perform the best. I’ve run campaigns where short, entertaining videos featuring product demos converted far better than overly polished ads. For example, showing your product in use—quick, simple, with a catchy caption—often leads to higher click-through rates.

6.2 Influencers

Yes, they can be costly, but the payoff can be massive. The key here is to choose influencers wisely. It’s not about the size of their following; it’s about engagement.

I’ve seen small influencers with only 10,000 followers generate more sales than those with hundreds of thousands. Why? Because their audience trusts them. They have a real connection with their followers.

One tip: When negotiating with influencers, offer them an affiliate link. This gives them an incentive to push your product harder and helps track sales directly from their content.

6.3 Growing Your Own Following

This is where most brands fall short. They post a few videos, get discouraged, and give up. But here’s the truth: TikTok rewards consistency. Posting regularly (at least once a day) and engaging with trends can turn your brand into a recognizable name.

Leverage the “Duet” feature—it’s an easy way to engage with others and add your twist to viral content. Don’t just repeat what others are doing; add your own spin to the trend.

For example, if there’s a viral challenge, show how your product fits into it or offer tips related to your niche. This not only boosts engagement but also showcases your brand’s personality.

Also, don’t shy away from experimenting with different types of content. Some of the most successful brands on TikTok mix product showcases with behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, and even funny skits. The goal is to keep your content fresh and diverse while subtly promoting your products

Just recently, I saw a small dropshipping brand grow to 50,000 followers in under a month by jumping on a simple “Unboxing Reaction” trend. They encouraged customers to share their reactions, which not only built trust but also created a continuous stream of user-generated content.

7. Fulfill Orders

When you receive an order from TikTok, follow these steps to fulfill it:

1. Receive order information: As soon as the customer places an order, you’ll get their details, including the product they bought, shipping address, and contact info.
2. Forward order to supplier: Send the order to your dropshipping supplier. This can be done manually or set up to happen automatically, depending on your store’s system. Ensure the supplier has all the necessary details for processing.
3. Supplier ships the product: The supplier will package and ship the product directly to the customer. They should provide you with a tracking number once it’s shipped.
4. Communicate with the customer: Keep your customer in the loop. Send a confirmation email when the order is placed and another one with the tracking details once the product is shipped.
5. Provide after-sales support: Handle any post-purchase support, including returns, customer queries, and resolving issues to maintain customer satisfaction.

What Are The Best Products For Dropshipping On TikTok

TikTok users often look for items that are interesting, useful, or have a unique appeal. Here are some of the best products you might consider:

• Beauty tools
• LED lights
• Fitness equipment
• Fashion accessories
• Phone accessories
• Kitchen gadgets
• Pet products
• Home decor
• Tech gadgets

The key is to pick products that can be shown in a quick, engaging way. Always keep an eye on trending hashtags and videos to spot what’s popular on TikTok right now.

Here’s an example of a trending product that we found on Sell The Trend:

This simple kitchen gadget has taken off on TikTok. It has over 14.8 million plays, 157.4K likes, and 81.6K shares in just nine days. This shows how practical, unique items can go viral. Look for products like this that are fun and easy to showcase.

Pros Of Tiktok Dropshipping Business

1. High Engagement & Reach

TikTok has over 1 billion active users as of 2024, making it one of the most popular social media platforms globally. The platform’s algorithm allows even new accounts to go viral quickly, giving your products a chance to gain massive exposure with just one well-made video. For instance, videos with the hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt have over 58 billion views, showing how much influence TikTok content has on buying behavior.

Here’s the thing: TikTok’s high engagement is a goldmine for dropshipping. It’s one of the few platforms where even small businesses can achieve viral status without a huge marketing budget.

2. Cost-Effective Marketing

Creating content on TikTok requires minimal investment. All you need is a smartphone and some creativity. Unlike other platforms that rely heavily on paid ads, TikTok allows businesses to market their products through organic content.

According to statistics, 68% of TikTok users say they find new products through TikTok videos, which shows how powerful organic marketing can be.

3. Access To Viral Trends

TikTok is built on trends, challenges, and viral content. By tapping into these trends, you can easily boost your product visibility. For example, beauty products and gadgets often go viral, leading to a spike in sales for those who act quickly. Dropshippers can ride these trends to increase sales and grow their brand presence.

Pro tip: If you stay alert to trending challenges and hashtags, you can position your products right where the audience is looking. It’s like free advertising when your content matches a viral trend.

4. Seamless Integration With eCommerce Platforms

TikTok integrates easily with platforms like Shopify, allowing you to sync your product catalog and run TikTok ads directly from your store. TikTok’s “Shop Now” buttons let users shop without leaving the app, simplifying the buying process and boosting conversion rates.

5. Creative Flexibility

TikTok’s short video format lets you showcase your products in fun and engaging ways. Tutorials, reviews, unboxings, and quick demos all fit well within TikTok’s style, helping you capture the audience’s attention fast. 73% of users feel more connected to brands that entertain them on social media.

Cons Of TikTok Dropshipping Business

1. Quickly Changing Trends

TikTok trends change rapidly. What’s viral today might be old news tomorrow. This fast-paced environment requires constant adaptation and creativity to stay relevant. If you don’t catch trends at the right time, you might miss out on potential sales.

While TikTok’s dynamic nature can be exciting, it also means that you need to be constantly on top of trends. This requires time and effort, which might be challenging for some dropshippers, especially if they manage multiple platforms.

2. High Competition

As of 2023, TikTok has over 1 billion active users, which also means a lot of competition. Many businesses, including large brands, are using TikTok to promote their products. Standing out in this crowded space can be difficult, especially if your content doesn’t catch on quickly.

The high competition means you need to find your unique voice or niche. Dropshippers who can create original, engaging content are more likely to succeed despite the competition.

3. Short Attention Span

The average TikTok user spends about 10.5 minutes per session, which is shorter than other social media platforms. You have just a few seconds to grab viewers’ attention. If your content doesn’t hook them immediately, they’ll scroll past it.

This can be a major challenge. You need to create eye-catching, fast-paced videos to keep viewers engaged. It’s a lot of work, especially if you’re not used to video content creation.

4. Limited Shopping Features

While TikTok offers features like the TikTok Shop and “Shop Now” buttons, it doesn’t have as many e-commerce options as platforms like Instagram or Facebook. This can limit how you showcase your products and how you interact with potential customers.

Although TikTok is adding more shopping features, it’s still not as eCommerce-friendly as other platforms. You need to be creative in how you present your products to encourage purchases.

5. Longer Shipping Times

Dropshipping often involves longer shipping times, especially if your supplier is overseas. TikTok’s primarily young audience is used to fast deliveries and might not have the patience for long shipping periods. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction and hurt your brand reputation.

TikTok Dropshipping Store: FAQs

Here are some common questions about starting and running a TikTok dropshipping store:

1. Is TikTok Good For Dropshipping?

Yes, TikTok is great for dropshipping! The platform has a huge audience and can help you reach potential buyers quickly. Many successful TikTok dropshipping store uses short, engaging videos to promote their products and attract viewers. The dropshipping business model works well on TikTok because you can test different products and see what sells without holding inventory.

2. Can I Sell On TikTok Without Shopify?

Yes, you can sell on TikTok without Shopify. While Shopify makes it easier to manage your own dropshipping stores, TikTok allows you to sell directly through your personal and business accounts. You can link to other eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce or even direct customers to your website.

3. Is TikTok Good For eCommerce?

Absolutely! TikTok is perfect for eCommerce because it gives you a chance to showcase your products creatively. Many TikTok dropshipping stores have found success by posting product demos, reviews, and fun content. The platform’s algorithm helps boost visibility, making it easier for your dropshipping products to go viral and attract customers.

4. How To Use TikTok To Sell Products?

To sell on TikTok, start by setting up a personal or business account. Then, create engaging videos that show off your TikTok dropshipping products. Use trends, hashtags, and challenges to reach a wider audience. If you link your TikTok to a platform like Shopify, you can create a profitable store filled with products and make buying easy for viewers.

Conclusion

Starting a dropshipping store on TikTok can be a smart way to reach a large audience and grow your business. Focus on creating engaging content, choosing the right products, and finding reliable suppliers.

Remember to stay consistent with your posts and keep up with TikTok trends to stay relevant. The most important thing to keep in mind is to be flexible and adapt quickly, as trends on TikTok can change fast. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can make your store a success.