How to Set Up Your TikTok Shop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Right now, TikTok Shops are one of the best opportunities to start a business. I recently went looking for a TikTok Shop setup guide online but couldn’t find one that matched my learning style. So, I decided to create one myself! In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of setting up your TikTok Shop from start to finish. By the end, you’ll have a fully set-up TikTok Seller Account and the ability to link your products to your TikTok account. This means you can post videos with your product displayed at the bottom, just like you see all over TikTok these days.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Visit the TikTok Seller Center

The first step is to head over to the TikTok Seller Center. You can find it by clicking the first or second link in the description below this article, or simply go to seller.tiktok.com. Once you’re there, select your region. Since I’m in the United States, I’ll choose North America. If you’re in a different region, make sure to select the correct one.

Step 2: Sign Up for a New Account

Next, click on “Sign Up.” While you can sign up using an existing TikTok account, I highly recommend creating a fresh account specifically for your shop. Why? Because if you sign up with an existing account, you won’t be able to unlink it later. Starting fresh gives you more flexibility, and you can always link other TikTok accounts to your shop in the future.

You can sign up using either an email or a phone number. I chose email for this guide. After entering your verification code, you’ll be prompted to create a password.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Type

On the next page, you’ll need to select your business type. If you’re just starting out and don’t have a corporation, LLC, or other business entity, choose “Individual.” This is perfect for most beginners. If you do have a business entity, select the appropriate option. Don’t stress too much about this—you can always change it later.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

TikTok requires you to verify your identity by uploading a valid ID. This could be a US passport or driver’s license. Once you’ve uploaded your ID, click “Next.”

Step 5: Enter Your Address and Taxpayer ID

After verifying your ID, you’ll need to provide your address and taxpayer ID. If you selected “Individual” as your business type, you’ll use your Social Security Number (SSN) as your personal tax ID. If you don’t have a business address, that’s okay—you can certify that you only have a residential address.

Step 6: Confirm Compliance and Region

TikTok will ask you a few compliance questions, such as whether you work with third parties or subcontractors (most likely, you don’t). You’ll also need to confirm that TikTok user data will only be used in accordance with their terms. Once you’ve done that, click “Next.”

Step 7: Name Your Shop and Select a Product Category

Now, it’s time to name your shop and select a primary product or service. Don’t overthink this—you can always change it later. For example, I chose a generic name like “Cedar Hills Co” and selected “Home Goods” as the product category.

Step 8: Confirm Your Information

Once you’ve entered all your details, confirm your information, and you’re almost done! Your TikTok Shop will now be in the review process, which typically takes up to 48 hours (but often completes in under two hours).

Exploring the TikTok Seller Center

While you wait for approval, let’s take a quick tour of the TikTok Seller Center:

• Orders Tab: Manage your orders, returns, and shipping options here.
• Marketing: Create deals, discounts, and live giveaways.
• Ads: Run paid ads on TikTok. (Pro tip: Check the description for a link that gives you up to $1,500 in free TikTok ad credit!)
• Campaigns: Set up special promotions like Black Friday sales.
• Analytics: Track your shop’s performance and health.

Keep an eye on your shop’s health metrics. If you delay shipping, respond slowly to customers, or have other issues, TikTok may penalize you.

Step 9: Connect Your TikTok Account

Once your shop is approved, the final step is to connect your TikTok account. If you don’t already have one, create a fresh TikTok account using the email you signed up with. Then, log in to your TikTok Seller Center and click “Connect TikTok Account.” You can either log in directly or scan a QR code using your TikTok app to sync the accounts.

Bonus Tip: Use a Sourcing Agent

To avoid TikTok Shop violations and streamline your operations, consider using a sourcing agent. My agency, Dropship Agent, offers fast worldwide shipping (5-12 days), custom packaging, and 100% package insurance. If a package is lost or damaged, we’ll replace it at no cost to you. Click the link in the description to request a free quote and see how we can help your business.

Final Thoughts

And that’s it! Your TikTok Shop is now set up and ready to go. Once approved, you can start posting videos and linking your products. Remember, the approval process usually takes less than two days, so be patient.

Before I go, I want to give a shoutout to my friend Jason from Option Swing and Ternary Developments. Their recent acquisition by Asset Entities is a huge milestone, and I’m proud to have been part of their journey. If you’re interested in stock and options trading, check out the link in the description for more information.

Happy selling, and I’ll see you in the next guide!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always review TikTok’s official guidelines and policies to ensure compliance.