Setting up an official TikTok shop, especially for cross-border sales, requires meticulous planning and adherence to platform-specific guidelines and local regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up your shop on TikTok (known as Douyin in China) for cross-border sales:
- Research and Compliance:
- Ensure your business meets TikTok’s criteria for overseas businesses.
- Understand and adhere to Chinese e-commerce and cross-border regulations, including product standards, import duties, and consumer rights.
- Create a TikTok Business Account:
- Sign up for a TikTok for Business account.
- Choose “Commerce” as your objective.
- Verify Your Business:
- Submit necessary documents such as business licenses, tax records, and other relevant certifications for verification.
- This step is crucial for building trust with your Chinese consumers.
- Integrate with a Cross-Border Payment Gateway:
- Ensure you choose a payment solution that is commonly used and trusted by Chinese consumers, such as Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- List Products and Set Up Your Shop:
- Create detailed product listings with high-quality images and videos.
- Write clear and accurate product descriptions, preferably localized in Mandarin to cater to the local audience.
- Include prices in CNY (Chinese Yuan) and provide information about international shipping rates and times.
- Leverage TikTok Advertising:
- Use TikTok’s ad platform to promote your products to the relevant audience.
- Opt for different ad formats like In-Feed ads, Brand Takeovers, and TopView ads to gain maximum visibility.
- Collaborate with Influencers:
- Partner with local influencers to showcase your products. Influencer marketing is incredibly impactful on TikTok, given the platform’s content-driven nature.
- Engage with Live Streaming:
- TikTok’s live streaming feature is a powerful tool for real-time engagement. Showcase products, host Q&A sessions, or even conduct live sales events.
- Focus on Customer Service:
- Consider setting up a Mandarin-speaking customer service to assist potential Chinese customers. This will help in resolving queries, handling complaints, and providing post-purchase support.
- Regularly Update and Engage:
- TikTok’s algorithm favors active accounts. Regularly post engaging content, engage with comments, and keep your product listings updated.
- Analyze and Optimize:
- Use TikTok’s native analytics to monitor your store’s performance. Track metrics like engagement rates, conversion rates, and sales to understand what’s working and where improvements are needed.
- Handle Logistics Efficiently:
- For smooth cross-border sales, partner with reliable international shipping providers.
- Ensure you’re clear about shipping times, return policies, and customs duties to avoid any customer dissatisfaction.
- Stay Updated:
- TikTok, like other platforms, evolves regularly. Stay updated with the platform’s features, tools, and best practices to remain competitive.
Setting up and successfully running a TikTok shop for cross-border sales demands a blend of understanding local nuances, leveraging the platform’s unique features, and maintaining consistent engagement.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, Tiktok, Tmall, Baidu and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search pltfrm for a free consultation!
