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TikTok Shopify Dropshipping: Everything To Know About In 2024

May 21, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

TikTok Shopify dropshipping has become a rising trend in recent years as millions of people have joined the game. If you are also interested in switching to this dropshipping model, this article will provide essential tips and strategies to gain success with TikTok Shopify dropshipping business.

TikTok Shopify Dropshipping
TikTok Shopify Dropshipping

Make sure you read till the end to get every crucial detail, including the answer to the question: “Is TikTok a good place to do Shopify dropshipping?”

1. What is TikTok Shopify dropshipping?

What is TikTok Shopify dropshipping
What is TikTok Shopify dropshipping

TikTok Shopify dropshipping is a powerful online business model that harnesses the immense reach of TikTok to promote and sell products sourced from third-party suppliers. You create captivating TikTok videos to showcase your products, and when a customer places an order through your Shopify store, the supplier handles the fulfillment directly, eliminating the need for inventory management on your end.

Two Approaches to TikTok Shopify Dropshipping: 

  • Marketing on TikTok, Selling on Shopify: This approach involves using TikTok as a marketing platform to drive traffic to your Shopify dropshipping store. You create engaging TikTok videos that highlight your products and direct viewers to your Shopify store to complete their purchases.
  • Setting Up a TikTok Shop: While more challenging than on other platforms like Facebook, establishing a TikTok shop allows you to sell products directly on TikTok. To qualify, you need to have at least 1,000 followers and obtain approval from TikTok. Once approved, you can integrate your TikTok shop with platforms like Shopify for seamless management.

2. Step-by-step guide on performing TikTok Shopify dropshipping

Step 1: Identify a profitable niche or product

Identify a profitable niche
Identify a profitable niche

Based on our extensive research, we recommend selecting a specific niche – such as fitness gear, home decor, or pet supplies – to establish yourself as an authority and face less competition than general stores. 

By focusing on a niche you’re passionate about and understand well, you can effectively target and engage a specific customer base, making marketing and community building more straightforward.

Concerned about limiting your growth potential? Start with a broader niche and gradually narrow your focus. For example, begin with women’s fashion and eventually specialize in a specific type of clothing or accessory.

Step 2: Partner with a dependable dropshipping supplier

Partner with a dropshipping supplier
Partner with a dropshipping supplier

Shopify and TikTok don’t handle dropshipping logistics directly. You’ll need a trusted third-party supplier to fulfill your orders. Prioritize suppliers who offer high-quality products, fast shipping, excellent customer support, and hassle-free returns.

We recommend exploring reputable platforms like AliExpress and CJDropshipping, which boast a vast selection of products and reliable service.

Step 3: Build the Shopify store

Build the Shopify store
Build the Shopify store

Building a store on Shopify is a must-have action for starting your TikTok Shopify dropshipping business. Begin with the Shopify Basic Plan for $39/month (or choose a plan that aligns with your needs). Enjoy a 3-day trial and $1 for the first month before paying the full price.

Personalize your store with essential features, showcase your chosen products, set up secure payment gateways, and install helpful apps to streamline your operations. Consider themes that complement your niche and products, making your store visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Step 4: Register on TikTok and integrate dropshipping capabilities with your Shopify store

Integrate Tiktok dropshipping capabilities with your Shopify store
Integrate Tiktok dropshipping capabilities with your Shopify store

After setting up your Shopify store, it’s time to create a TikTok Business account. Signing up is simple, with options for both Personal and Business accounts. However, we strongly recommend registering a Business account initially for its added benefits.

A TikTok Business account unlocks powerful features like a copyright-free music library, post scheduler, direct linking to your Shopify store, a visible email contact, and comprehensive analytics to track your performance.

Once your TikTok account is established, you can apply for a TikTok Shop, which requires at least 1,000 followers to qualify. Integration of your TikTok Shop with Shopify is facilitated through the Sales Channel section on your Shopify dashboard, enabling seamless management of your inventory, orders, and customer data.

Step 5: Promote your dropshipping products on the market

Marketing your Shopify dropshipping products on TikTok is not just about posting videos; it requires a strategic approach. Here are a few effective ways to market your Shopify dropshipping products on TikTok:

TikTok ads

Running TikTok ads
Running TikTok ads

Advertising on TikTok is straightforward and often simpler than on platforms like Facebook. TikTok’s ads manager provides a step-by-step guide to help you create and launch campaigns. Craft eye-catching TikTok ads that entertain or informatively demonstrate your product’s benefits, avoiding overly formal styles.

TikTok influencers

TikTok influencers
TikTok influencers

Partnering with influencers can significantly expand your reach and introduce your products to a wider audience. Thoroughly research and select influencers who align with your brand identity and target audience. 

Remember that costs can vary depending on the influencer’s reach and engagement. Negotiate clear terms and maintain control over the campaign’s direction to ensure it aligns with your brand’s messaging.

Grow the TikTok followers naturally

Cultivate an engaged following on TikTok by creating authentic and entertaining content that showcases your products in a natural, non-intrusive way. 

Participate in trending challenges, leverage popular sounds and effects, and interact with your audience to boost visibility and reach a wider audience. Consistency is key to building a loyal community and driving organic traffic to your online store.

Dumb Club on TikTok
Dumb Club on TikTok

→ Case study: The Dumb Club leveraged guerrilla marketing tactics on TikTok, integrating their products into viral, interactive content. This approach resulted in a massive surge in sales and a dedicated follower base.

Step 6: Implement order fulfillment and customer service

Efficient order fulfillment and exceptional customer service are the backbone of a successful dropshipping business. Here’s how to streamline the process:

  • Order Confirmation: Upon receiving an order from TikTok, meticulously verify the details, including the product, shipping address, and contact information.
  • Supplier Communication: Transmit this information to your dropshipping supplier promptly, either manually or through automated systems. Ensure they have all the necessary details to fulfill the order accurately.
  • Tracking and Communication: Once the supplier ships the product, obtain the tracking information and promptly share it with the customer through confirmation and shipping update emails.
  • After-Sales Support: Provide robust customer support to address inquiries, handle returns, and resolve any issues that may arise. Proactive communication and prompt resolution contribute significantly to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

3. Pros & Cons of TikTok Shopify dropshipping

Pros:

  • Engaged Audience: TikTok boasts a younger, highly active audience, resulting in superior engagement rates compared to other platforms.
  • Cost-Effective Advertising: While TikTok ads have a minimum spend, effective targeting and product selection can lead to lower costs per impression (CPM) and higher click-through rates (CTR).

Cons:

  • Regional Limitations: TikTok operates on a regional basis, restricting advertising to a specific target market.
  • Fierce Competition: Success on TikTok requires consistent effort and creativity to stand out from the crowd.
  • Geopolitical Concerns: TikTok faces scrutiny and restrictions in some countries, necessitating adherence to local regulations.

4. Is TikTok a good place to advertise your Shopify dropshipping?

TikTok is a good place to conduct dropshipping business
TikTok is a good place to conduct dropshipping business

The answer is YES! TikTok has transformed into a powerhouse for e-commerce, attracting countless marketers to leverage its immense potential for dropshipping. By integrating your Shopify store with TikTok, you can tap into this vast audience and create a thriving business.

FAQs

Tools like Shopify's TikTok app and third-party apps like Vop and Sixads effectively integrate TikTok marketing with Shopify dropshipping. These apps facilitate seamless integration, allowing for easy syncing of products and enabling TikTok ad campaigns directly from the Shopify dashboard.

TikTok's live streaming feature can be utilized for real-time sales and promotions by showcasing products live, engaging directly with viewers, and providing instant purchase options through links or QR codes that direct to the Shopify store. This interactive approach can significantly boost engagement and conversions.

A specific challenge of integrating TikTok with a Shopify store is aligning TikTok's fast-paced, trend-driven content with the more static nature of Shopify product listings. This can be overcome by regularly updating product pages and promotions to reflect the dynamic content and trends popular on TikTok.

Products that are visually appealing, trending, or have a strong visual or practical appeal, such as fashion items, gadgets, and beauty products, are most successfully promoted on TikTok for Shopify dropshipping. These products often perform well due to TikTok's highly visual and trend-sensitive user base.

Examples of successful TikTok campaigns for Shopify dropshipping stores include TikTok challenges and influencer partnerships to drive traffic to stores. For instance, a Shopify store selling skincare products saw significant sales increases by partnering with influencers who demonstrated the products in viral skincare routine videos.

In conclusion

TikTok Shopify dropshipping offers a unique opportunity to tap into a younger, highly engaged demographic that is particularly receptive to visual and trend-driven products. This dynamic approach allows you to leverage the platform’s immense popularity to drive traffic and sales for your Shopify store.

Feel free to leave us a comment or note if you have any questions regarding this TikTok Shopify dropshipping business or any other queries related to eCommerce.


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.