Should You Trust TikTok Influencers Selling On Its New Shopping Platform?

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If you’re on TikTok, you’ve probably noticed a lot more videos with links to in-app shopping. That’s because TikTok is the latest app to launch its own e-commerce platform. TikTok Shop began testing back in November 2022, and is now in full swing, with hundreds of creators signing up to sell products directly through the app.

Read: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

Like Temu and other online shopping platforms, TikTok Shop promises great deals for consumers and awesome opportunities for retailers. But TikTok Shop has also raised a lot of red flags from critics. So, should you trust TikTok influencers selling on the new platform? We’ll break down what you need to know about TikTok Shop and what it means for your consumer safety. 

Key Takeaways:

• TikTok Shop lets users buy products directly through the app.
• Some users are concerned about scammers and dangerous products on TikTok Shop. 
• TikTok Shop is safe to use in most cases.
• It’s important to exercise caution and think twice before you buy. 

What Is TikTok Shop?

Influencer marketing is nothing new. TikTok has been used to promote products for years. For most of the app’s history, influencers have used TikTok to drive traffic to e-commerce businesses on platforms like Amazon or Shopify. TikTok Shop takes out the middleman by allowing creators to sell products directly on the app.

TikTok offers resources for sellers, creators, partners, and affiliates using its shopping platform. Although TikTok Shop is still in its testing phase, users report that it’s extremely easy to use — maybe even too easy to use. Some people are concerned the app has become too commercialized and makes it easier than ever to overspend on low-quality products made in China. 

Is TikTok Shop Available in the U.S.?

You may be wondering, “How do I access the TikTok Shop?” TikTok Shop is available in the U.S. to select U.S.-based merchants. The platform is still in its early days, so you can expect new features and merchants to be added in the coming months. 

Here’s how it works: Approved retailers post their products directly on TikTok Shop. They can then partner with creators and influencers who promote those products for a commission. As a TikTok user, you can click a link on the creator’s video and go directly to the product without leaving the app. Then you’ll pay through a third-party platform like PayPal or Stripe. 

The Pros and Cons of TikTok Shop

It’s no secret that TikTok is an effective marketing tool. The hashtag #tiktokmademebuyit is the most frequently used hashtag on the app. TikTok videos are short, eye-catching, and targeted to each viewer through a smart algorithm. That’s why a lot of sellers have found success on the platform.

TikTok shop makes it even easier for sellers to promote their products because there is no extra step — users can find their shop on the app and buy their products right away. It’s a promising opportunity for small business owners or content creators looking for a profitable dropshipping side hustle. 

That said, there are some concerns over the safety of TikTok Shop. Some users have already discovered scammers on the platform. Because it’s so easy to click and buy in the app, buyers may not be taking the time to verify the source and legitimacy of a product. On top of that, research has shown that potentially dangerous products, such as diet pills, can be accessed through the app.

Another drawback is the commercialization of TikTok. According to one TikTok user, the shopping feature has turned the app into “one big ad.” It was already easy to scroll through TikTok for hours. Now, it’s easy to buy as you scroll, which could cause problems for someone trying to stick to a budget and cut out unnecessary spending. 

Should You Trust TikTok Shop Influencers?

All things considered: should you trust influencers promoting products on TikTok Shop?

It’s important to understand that TikTok makes money from every product you buy in the app. Influencers also get a cut of the profits for the products they promote. In other words, the platform wants you to spend money. It’s easy to feel like you absolutely need a product when it’s promoted through influencer marketing, but the videos you’re seeing might be misleading. Low-quality, overpriced, and even potentially dangerous products can make their way onto TikTok Shop. 

Does that mean TikTok Shop is a scam? No. Most retailers selling on the platform are legitimate and offer safe, reputable products. There is nothing wrong with shopping on TikTok as long as you exercise caution. 

Tips to Shop Responsibly on TikTok Shop

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and make sure you aren’t being misled on TikTok Shop:

• Do your research. Before you buy a product linked in your For You Page, take a look at the seller’s page. See if you can find the same brand on other platforms to know if it’s legitimate.
• Slow your scroll. Remember that TikTok’s algorithm is designed to target your lifestyle and needs. Ask yourself why you’re being shown a product and if you actually need it. You might want to put your phone down and take a breather before you decide to buy a product. 
• Compare prices. Look up the product on other websites. You might find better deals or coupons somewhere else. 
• Don’t overfill your cart. Consider keeping only one or two items in your cart at a time. Carefully review each item before you check out. 
• Practice online safety. Whenever you shop online, be sure to use a safe payment platform, enable two-factor authentication, and take other internet safety precautions. 

Final Thoughts: Treat TikTok Shop Like Any E-Commerce Platform

For better or worse, TikTok Shop is probably here to stay. It makes it easy for content creators to promote and sell products directly through the app. Regardless of how you feel about TikTok Shop or influencer marketing, one thing is clear: it comes with the same pros and cons as other e-commerce sites.

To avoid scams or overspending on TikTok Shop, treat it like other e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress and Temu. Do your research, compare prices and try not to overfill your cart. TikTok Shop can be a convenient place to find and buy new products — just don’t trust every influencer ad you see. 

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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