Is TikTok Shop Legit? What to Know Before Buying
TikTok Shop, the new integrated shopping experience within the highly popular TikTok app, is making waves in the world of social commerce. This innovative feature allows creators to tag products in their videos which users can then purchase directly, all within the app itself.
As we move towards the end of 2023 and into the early part of 2024, the TikTok Shop is set to roll out in the United States. This development has left many users curious and asking the question - is TikTok Shop legit?
What is TikTok Shop?
First launched in 2021 as a pilot program overseas, TikTok Shop has finally made its way to the US. The aim of this new feature is to leverage the app's massive influence and the power its creators have in driving purchases. For instance, a beauty influencer can tag the specific lipstick they are applying in their video. Their viewers can then directly purchase this product without ever having to leave TikTok.
TikTok Shop functions similarly to a third-party e-commerce platform, much like Shopify. Brands and merchants can create their own TikTok Shop stores where they list their products. These products can then be linked in creators' videos.
How Safe is it to Buy From TikTok Shop Stores?
When it comes to purchasing directly from a brand's TikTok Shop store, it's as safe as buying from the brand's regular website. Well-established retailers, such as Walmart, have already set up their own TikTok Shop stores.
However, when it comes to buying from individual sellers who you may not recognise, it's advisable to exercise a bit more caution. Just like when you're shopping on Amazon or Etsy from individual sellers, it's important to thoroughly vet their reputation first.
TikTok does have several protections in place for shoppers. These include:
Refunds - If an order never arrives or if the item is not as described, TikTok offers refunds.
Purchase Protection - This coverage takes care of issues like defective items or discrepancies from the seller's description.
Report System - Shoppers have the ability to report suspicious sellers or counterfeit product listings.
Tips for Safe TikTok Shopping
To ensure that you shop safely and steer clear of scams on TikTok Shop, here are some tips:
Check seller ratings - Before purchasing, thoroughly vet a shop by looking for reviews and complaints.
Avoid non-branded generics - If the price of a generic unbranded item seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's safer to stick to recognizable brands.
Compare to regular website - Cross-check a product listing against the brand's regular e-commerce site to verify its accuracy.
Use buyer protection - Make purchases with a credit card so you can dispute any fraudulent charges.
Double check viral products - Before buying a product that went viral in a TikTok video, confirm that it is the real deal.
Look for discounts - As TikTok Shop rolls out, retailers are offering coupons and deals to attract customers.
The bottom line
Although TikTok Shop is still relatively new, buying from legitimate major brands should not pose any risk. However, it's wise to thoroughly vet individual third-party sellers, look for any potential red flags, and utilize buyer protection to avoid falling victim to scams. As with any form of social shopping, a certain level of caution is always advisable. Nonetheless, TikTok Shop presents an exciting new platform to discover and purchase products promoted by your favourite creators.
