How to Sell on TikTok Shop and Maximise Your Sales in 2025?

TikTok has transformed from a social media giant into a powerful e-commerce platform. With millions of active users in the UK, TikTok Shop offers businesses, creators, and brands an exciting opportunity to sell products directly through the app.

But how exactly does TikTok Shop work, and how can you maximise sales in 2025? Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a content creator, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selling on TikTok Shop.

What is TikTok Shop and How Does It Work?

TikTok Shop is an integrated e-commerce solution that allows businesses and creators to sell products directly within the TikTok app. By enabling seamless shopping experiences through videos, live streams, and a dedicated storefront, TikTok Shop provides sellers with a unique opportunity to convert engaged viewers into customers.

The platform offers two primary ways to make money:

• Merchant Selling: Businesses or individuals can list their own products for sale.
• Affiliate Selling: Influencers and creators can promote and sell existing products for a commission.

Sellers can link their products directly to their videos or showcase them in live sessions, making the shopping experience more interactive and engaging. With the increasing popularity of social commerce, TikTok Shop offers a powerful alternative to traditional e-commerce platforms.

How Do You Become a Merchant on TikTok Shop?

Becoming a merchant on TikTok Shop is a quick and straightforward process, allowing sellers to start their business without requiring a minimum number of followers or prior video creation experience. TikTok Shop also provides extensive learning materials and seller support, making it accessible for both new and experienced online sellers.

Step 1: Sign Up for a TikTok Shop Seller Account

To register as a seller, visit the TikTok Shop Seller Center and sign up using:

• A UK phone number
• A valid email address

If your phone number or email is already registered on TikTok for Business, you can log in directly without additional verification. The sign-up process typically takes about two minutes.

Step 2: Complete the Application and Verify Your Identity

To ensure authenticity and compliance, TikTok requires sellers to submit identity verification documents. The required documents vary based on whether you register as an individual seller or a corporate seller.

For Individual Sellers

• UK citizens: A UK-issued passport or driver’s licence.
• Non-UK citizens: A UK-issued driver’s licence.

For Corporate Sellers

• Business owner’s identification: Passport or driver’s licence.
• Company certificate documents: Proof of business registration.
• Company address: A valid UK business address.

Before submitting your application, ensure that all documents are valid and up to date. Sellers should also check TikTok Shop’s prohibited and restricted product lists to confirm that their products comply with platform regulations. Completing this step typically takes around 30 minutes.

Step 3: Wait for Application Approval

Once you submit your application, TikTok Shop will review your details and verify your documents. This process usually takes 1 to 2 days, and the approval result will be sent to you via email. If any issues arise, TikTok may request additional information to complete the verification.

Step 4: Set Up Your Store and Start Selling

After receiving approval, you can set up and manage your TikTok Shop by:

• Linking your TikTok account to your store.
• Customising your shop settings, including payment and shipping details.
• Uploading your first products and creating listings.

This final step takes approximately 5 minutes, after which you can begin selling on TikTok Shop. With the platform’s built-in audience and marketing tools, sellers can start reaching potential customers immediately.

How Do You Upload and List a Product on TikTok Shop?

Listing a product on TikTok Shop requires following a structured process to optimise visibility and sales potential.

1. Log in to the TikTok Shop Seller Center.
2. Navigate to “Upload a Product.”
3. Enter product details, including name, category, and description.
4. Upload high-quality images (TikTok recommends at least three).
5. Add a product video (optional but highly recommended for engagement).
6. Set pricing and inventory stock levels.
7. Configure shipping details, including processing times and return policies.

To improve search rankings and conversions, product listings should include:

• SEO-optimised titles: Clearly describe the product with keywords.
• Detailed descriptions: Highlight features, benefits, and use cases.
• Clear and appealing visuals: Showcase the product from multiple angles.

Why Should You Sell on TikTok Shop in 2025?

Social commerce is rapidly growing, and TikTok is at the forefront of this transformation. Selling on TikTok Shop provides a range of benefits, including:

• Access to a highly engaged audience: Millions of UK users actively interact with content daily.
• Seamless shopping experience: Customers can purchase without leaving the app.
• High conversion rates: Short-form video content and live selling encourage impulse buying.
• Low competition: Compared to marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, TikTok Shop remains relatively untapped.
• Integration with TikTok’s algorithm: Products can go viral, reaching large audiences with minimal ad spend.

For businesses and independent sellers looking to build brand awareness and drive sales, TikTok Shop offers an efficient and cost-effective solution.

What Are the Best Strategies to Maximise Sales on TikTok Shop?

To succeed on TikTok Shop, sellers must implement strategies that leverage TikTok’s unique algorithm and user behaviour.

• Optimise product listings: Use keyword-rich titles and detailed descriptions.
• Create engaging video content: Demonstrate products in action through tutorials and reviews.
• Leverage TikTok LIVE shopping: Host live events to showcase products in real-time.
• Use influencer collaborations: Partner with TikTok creators through the Affiliate Program.
• Encourage customer reviews: Positive feedback builds trust and credibility.

Regularly analysing TikTok Shop analytics can help sellers refine their approach and identify what content drives the most sales.

How Do You Use TikTok Ads to Boost Your TikTok Shop Sales?

TikTok Ads can significantly enhance product visibility and drive targeted traffic to a TikTok Shop. The most effective ad formats include:

• In-Feed Ads: Appear in users’ For You feed, resembling organic content.
• Spark Ads: Promote existing content to boost engagement.
• LIVE Shopping Ads: Directly link to products during live streams.

When setting up an ad campaign:

• Define clear objectives: Focus on conversions, traffic, or brand awareness.
• Target the right audience: Use demographic, interest, and behaviour filters.
• Test different creatives: Experiment with video styles to identify high-performing content.

Running ad campaigns with small budgets initially allows sellers to test performance before scaling.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell on TikTok Shop?

Selling on TikTok Shop UK comes with no set-up or product listing fees, making it an attractive platform for businesses looking to expand their online sales. Instead, TikTok Shop charges a commission fee only when products are sold.

1. Reduced Commission for New Sellers

To support new sellers, TikTok Shop UK offers an exclusive reduced commission rate:

• 1.8% commission for the first 90 days, applicable if a product is uploaded within 60 days of account activation.
• After 90 days, the commission reverts to 5% per sale.

2. How to Qualify for the Reduced Commission?

To benefit from the 1.8% commission offer, sellers must complete the “Minimum one active product in TikTok Shop” mission in the Seller Centre. This ensures that sellers are actively engaging with the platform and listing products early.

With no upfront costs and a lower initial commission, TikTok Shop provides an affordable way for businesses to reach new customers and scale their sales efficiently.

What Exclusive Benefits Do New Sellers Get on TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop offers a range of exclusive perks to help new sellers get started and maximize their success on the platform. From reduced fees to expert support, TikTok provides the tools necessary to grow and scale quickly.

1. Reduced Commission and No Listing Fees

New sellers enjoy lower commission rates and zero product listing fees, making it easier to start selling without upfront costs. This allows businesses to focus on boosting sales while keeping more of their profits. (T&Cs apply)

2. Education & Dedicated Support

Joining TikTok Shop grants sellers exclusive access to a community of experts and fellow sellers. With direct guidance from TikTok Shop Experts, new sellers can navigate the platform more effectively, learn best practices, and optimize their selling strategies.

3. Earn as You Learn with Seller Missions

TikTok Shop encourages new sellers to engage and grow with its mission-based rewards system. By completing certain tasks within the first 60 days, sellers can earn customer vouchers, helping to attract buyers and drive early sales.

These benefits make TikTok Shop an ideal platform for new businesses looking to expand their online presence, connect with a vast audience, and grow sales through innovative e-commerce strategies.

How Can You Handle Shipping and Returns on TikTok Shop?

Managing logistics efficiently is essential for customer satisfaction. TikTok Shop allows sellers to set up their own shipping and return policies.

Shipping Best Practices:

• Clearly state shipping times: Set realistic delivery expectations.
• Offer free shipping if possible: Increases conversion rates.
• Use reliable couriers: Ensures timely and safe deliveries.

Handling Returns and Refunds:

• Provide a flexible return policy: Helps build customer trust.
• Process refunds quickly: Avoids negative feedback and disputes.
• Respond to customer queries promptly: Improves overall shopping experience.

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling on TikTok Shop?

To ensure long-term success, sellers should avoid common pitfalls that can hinder sales performance.

• Ignoring TikTok Shop guidelines: Listing prohibited products can lead to account suspension.
• Poor product descriptions: Vague or misleading descriptions reduce trust.
• Neglecting engagement: Sellers should respond to comments and messages promptly.
• Failing to optimise videos: Low-quality content struggles to gain visibility.

Regularly updating product listings and keeping up with TikTok’s evolving trends can help maintain strong sales performance.

How Can You Grow Your TikTok Shop Sales Over Time?

Expanding a TikTok Shop business requires strategic planning and ongoing optimisation. Key growth strategies include:

• Creating consistent, high-quality content: Frequent product demos and reviews drive more engagement.
• Leveraging TikTok trends: Aligning products with viral trends increases visibility.
• Scaling with influencer collaborations: Partnering with creators helps reach new audiences.
• Utilising analytics tools: Data-driven decisions improve marketing efforts.
• Expanding beyond the UK market: Selling internationally broadens customer reach.

By continuously refining strategies and staying updated with TikTok Shop’s latest features, sellers can maintain growth and profitability.

How Has TikTok Shop Driven Seller Success?

TikTok Shop has emerged as a game-changer for brands looking to expand their reach and drive sales through engaging content and influencer collaborations. Two brands that exemplify this success are Rebellious Fashion and Benefit Cosmetics, both of which leveraged TikTok’s powerful commerce tools to achieve remarkable growth.

Rebellious Fashion: The Power of Affiliate Marketing

Rebellious Fashion embraced TikTok Shop’s affiliate program, understanding the impact of working with TikTok creators to boost visibility and sales. By collaborating with influencers who aligned with their brand, they experienced:

• 45x increase in revenue within just three months.
• 400% surge in product sales, showcasing the power of creator-led marketing.
• 80% of sales driven through affiliate partnerships, highlighting the importance of influencer engagement in e-commerce success.

This strategy not only expanded their audience but also created a direct path to conversions, making TikTok Shop a key driver of their online growth.

Benefit Cosmetics: Engaging Audiences Through Live Content

Benefit Cosmetics took a different approach by focusing on LIVE streaming and short-form videos to create buzz around their TikTok Shop launch. Through engaging content directly from their boutique, they achieved:

• 62.5K LIVE audience views, demonstrating strong real-time engagement.
• 280K total LIVE likes, reflecting the effectiveness of interactive content.
• 2.5K new followers gained within just three days, proving the organic growth potential of TikTok Shop.

By leveraging a mix of affiliate marketing and live video content, both brands maximized their presence on TikTok, turning engagement into substantial revenue growth. Their success showcases how brands can utilize TikTok Shop to build an authentic connection with their audience while driving impressive sales figures.

Conclusion

Selling on TikTok Shop in 2025 presents huge opportunities for UK sellers. Whether you’re a brand, entrepreneur, or influencer, you can leverage TikTok’s social commerce to grow your business.

Now is the perfect time to set up your TikTok Shop and start selling!

FAQs

How do I register as a seller on TikTok Shop?

To register, visit the TikTok Shop Seller Center, sign up with an email or TikTok account, and submit the required documents for verification.

Can I sell on TikTok Shop without a registered business?

Yes, you can register as an individual seller, but you will need to provide personal identification and proof of address.

How long does it take for TikTok Shop to verify my seller account?

Verification typically takes 24 to 48 hours, but in some cases, it may take longer if additional checks are required.

What products are not allowed on TikTok Shop?

TikTok has a list of prohibited products, including alcohol, tobacco, counterfeit goods, and hazardous materials. Always check TikTok’s product guidelines before listing items.

Can I use TikTok Ads to promote my products?

Yes, you can run TikTok Ads like In-Feed Ads, Spark Ads, and LIVE Shopping Ads to boost visibility and sales.

How do I handle returns and refunds on TikTok Shop?

You can set your return policy in the Seller Center, ensuring clear guidelines for refunds, return shipping, and customer support.