Over the years, TikTok transformed from a platform solely focused on short-form video content to a multifaceted ecosystem that offers various features and services. From entertaining dance challenges to informative tutorials, TikTok serves as a hub for creativity, connection, and commerce. With its expansive user base and growing influence, TikTok has expanded into new territory, including the realm of eCommerce. One significant addition to TikTok’s offerings is “Fulfilled by TikTok” (FBT), a feature within TikTok Shop that revolutionises the order fulfilment process for merchants.
In this blog post, we will explore Fulfilled by TikTok, shedding light on its functionality, benefits, and potential impact on eCommerce. Additionally, we’ll delve into other crucial aspects of TikTok commerce, such as TikTok Merchant, examples of brands thriving due to Fulfilled by TikTok, and the various methods of fulfilling TikTok Shop orders. From FBT to third-party logistics (3PL) and direct seller fulfilment, we’ll examine the pros and cons of each approach, providing insights to help merchants make informed decisions.
What is TikTok Merchant?
TikTok Merchant isn’t your typical online store setup. It’s a feature designed to help businesses establish their own storefront directly within the TikTok app. With TikTok Merchant, businesses can manage inventory, fulfil orders, and provide customer support—all without leaving the TikTok platform.
This tool offers valuable insights and analytics to track performance metrics and optimise eCommerce strategies. Plus, with TikTok’s vast user base with 1 billion monthly visitors, businesses can reach millions of potential customers and expand their online presence effortlessly. In short, TikTok Merchant is a powerful tool for businesses looking to thrive in the digital marketplace.
So, how do I become a TikTok Merchant?
- Set up an account – you probably have already completed this step, but if you haven’t then you need to create a TikTok account. You’ll need this to access the TikTok Merchant features.
2. Switch to a TikTok Pro Account – Once you’ve created your account, you’ll need to turn it to a pro account. This provides access to additional features and analytics that are helpful for businesses.
3. Set Up Your Business Profile: Go to your TikTok profile settings and set up your business profile. Fill in all the necessary details about your business, including your contact information and website.
4. Apply for TikTok Merchant Access: Once your business profile is set up, you can apply for access to TikTok Merchant. Look for the “TikTok Merchant” option in your account settings or check the TikTok Business website for more information on how to apply.
5. Wait for Approval: After applying for TikTok Merchant access, you’ll need to wait for approval. TikTok will review your application and notify you once your account has been approved for TikTok Merchant access.
6. Set Up Your Storefront: Once your account is approved, you can set up your storefront within the TikTok app. This includes uploading product listings, setting prices, and adding product descriptions.
7. Manage Inventory and Fulfil Orders: Either use, Fulfilled by TikTok, partner with a 3PL company, or fulfil orders yourself. We’ll discuss his further in the next section.
8. Promote Your Products: Utilise TikTok’s powerful marketing features to promote your products and reach a wider audience. You can even partner with a TikTok affiliate programme to create engaging content to promote your products.
What is Fulfilled by TikTok?
“Fulfilled by TikTok” is a feature within TikTok Shop that allows merchants to store their products in TikTok’s fulfilment centres. When an order is placed, TikTok handles the entire fulfilment process, including picking, packing, and shipping the products directly to the customers. This service is similar to other fulfilment services offered by platforms like Amazon (Fulfilled by Amazon) and eBay (eBay Managed Delivery). By using “Fulfilled by TikTok,” merchants can simplify their operations and ensure timely delivery to their customers, ultimately enhancing the shopping experience and driving sales on TikTok Shop.
3 ways to fulfil TikTok Shop orders:
3PL Partner
Consider teaming up with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to efficiently fulfill your TikTok orders. By outsourcing your logistics needs, including inventory management and shipping, to a trusted 3PL partner, you can simplify your operations and dedicate more time to growing your business.
If you’re interested in leveraging the support of a 3PL partner, consider PackPro. Simply send your products to our warehouse, and we’ll handle the rest. With PackPro managing your fulfilment needs, you can focus on driving sales and expanding your brand’s presence on TikTok without the hassle of logistics.
Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT):
As we’ve previously mentioned, Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) offers merchants a convenient solution for managing their order fulfilment process, allowing them to concentrate on business growth while TikTok takes care of logistics. With FBT, merchants store their products in TikTok’s fulfilment centres. When an order is placed, TikTok handles picking, packing, and shipping directly to customers. This service ensures prompt delivery and enhances the overall shopping experience for TikTok users.
PackPro’s Integration with Fulfilled by TikTok:
PackPro recognises the significance of efficient order fulfilment in eCommerce. Therefore, we offer easy integration with Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) through our Warehouse Management System (WMS). Our WMS is equipped with advanced features to optimise fulfilment operations without unnecessary complexity.
By integrating FBT with PackPro’s WMS, merchants gain improved visibility and control over inventory, orders, and shipments. Our system automates tasks such as inventory management, order processing, and shipping, ensuring speedy and accurate order fulfilment. Additionally, merchants have access to real-time tracking and reporting, providing valuable insights for operational enhancements and customer satisfaction.
With PackPro’s integration with FBT, merchants can harness the convenience of FBT’s fulfilment services alongside PackPro’s WMS efficiency to optimise their fulfilment operations effectively
In-House fulfilment:
Another fulfilment option involves fulfilling your TikTok orders from home. This approach entails managing fulfilment tasks independently, such as order processing, inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping. While this grants you complete control over the fulfilment process, it also comes with significant responsibility.
What are the pros of being fulfilled by TikTok?
Time-saving:
Time-saving: By outsourcing fulfilment to TikTok, merchants save time that would otherwise be spent on tasks like inventory management, order processing, and shipping. This frees up time to focus on other aspects of their business, such as marketing and customer engagement.
Scalability:
FBT is scalable, allowing merchants to easily manage fluctuations in order volume. TikTok’s fulfilment centres can handle large volumes of orders during peak seasons or promotional events without the need for merchants to invest in additional resources or infrastructure.
Access to TikTok’s Audience:
Using FBT can give merchants access to TikTok’s vast and engaged audience. Products fulfilled by TikTok may receive preferential placement or promotion within the TikTok app, increasing visibility and potentially driving more sales.
Convenience:
Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) offers a convenient solution for managing order fulfilment. Merchants can store their products in TikTok’s fulfilment centres, allowing TikTok to handle the entire fulfilment process, from picking and packing to shipping.
What are the cons of being fulfilled by TikTok?
Even though there are good points to using fulfilled by TikTok, it’s also important to consider the downsides to it to ensure you’re making the bets decision to your business.
Loss of Control:
When using Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT), merchants relinquish some control over the fulfilment process to TikTok. This means they may have less visibility and control over aspects such as order processing, packaging, and shipping.
Costs:
While FBT offers convenience, it also comes with costs. Merchants may incur fees for storing their products in TikTok’s fulfilment centres, as well as fulfilment and shipping fees for each order fulfilled by TikTok. These costs can eat into profit margins, particularly for smaller merchants or those with lower order volumes.
Limited Customisation:
Merchants using FBT may have limited ability to customise packaging or include personalised inserts or marketing materials in orders. This can impact branding and customer experience, as orders fulfilled by TikTok may not reflect the merchant’s unique branding or messaging.
Dependency on TikTok:
Relying on FBT means merchants are dependent on TikTok’s fulfilment infrastructure and processes. Any disruptions or issues with TikTok’s fulfilment centres or systems could potentially impact order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, TikTok’s journey from a video-sharing platform to a versatile ecosystem now includes eCommerce, notably with the introduction of “Fulfilled by TikTok” (FBT). This feature simplifies order fulfilment for merchants and underscores TikTok’s commitment to innovation.
Throughout this post, we’ve explored FBT’s functionality and its impact on eCommerce. We’ve also discussed other essential aspects of TikTok commerce, like TikTok Merchant and different order fulfilment methods. Whether using FBT or other approaches, businesses can adapt their strategies to suit their needs.
As TikTok continues to evolve, businesses should stay flexible and informed. By embracing new trends and forming strategic partnerships, they can thrive in TikTok’s ever-changing commerce landscape.