Even if you have no intentions of shopping while on TikTok, the temptation is hard to resist. Since the launch of TikTok Shop in September 2023, advertisements have been everywhere. Most people’s For You Page has been flooded with creators linking and pushing products on the platform’s store.
You may not need a Beachwaver curling iron or a foldable treadmill for your tiny apartment. Still, after seeing these creators sell the products like they are on a TV shopping channel, you find yourself clicking the buy now button and spending a few hundred dollars.
According to The Better Than Business Bureau, 48% of TikTok users say they purchased a product they saw on TikTok. However, after reports of scams and fake or non-existent products on TikTok Shop, users may understandably wonder if it’s safe.
How Does TikTok Shop Work?
Buying an Item on TikTok Shop is easy and takes seconds. After seeing a creator post a video about a product in your feed, you can tap the orange shopping cart button and learn more about the product, from reviews to overall details.
At the bottom of the app are two large buttons that say Add to Cart or Buy Now. If you click Buy Now, you can add your credit card details or link your Venmo and PayPal accounts. Buying things on TikTok is incredibly easy. That ease makes it all the more important to be cautious.
A Guide To Safely Impulse Shopping on TikTok
While TikTok Shop has been around for almost a year, there’s mixed feedback on whether buying from the platform is safe.
Some users have had positive experiences, scoring brand-named products at a steep discount. For example, Tarte Cosmetics, a famous makeup brand known for their outrageous influencer trips, sells makeup items on TikTok Shop that are often discounted 25-30%. Those same discounts aren’t always offered at other online retailers.
1) Buy the item directly from the creator’s video
One creator shared that people tried to purchase a chair, which she shared and linked in her video. They didn’t click on her link from the video; instead, they searched for the chair at the TikTok store and bought it from a fraudulent company. The company sent them a different item.
To ensure you get the product you see in a video, click directly on the orange cart button to be taken to the listing page for that exact item.
2) Shop Reputable Sellers Only
If you’re buying a brand-name item, check who the seller is. You know you’re getting the actual product if it’s from the brand. But you might get a fraudulent product if a different company sells it.
Research who the seller is by looking at their TikTok Shop store. You should also Google the store to see if anyone has issued a warning.
3) Always Check Reviews
If you can’t find out much about them, look at buyers’ reviews on their store page. Check to see if their reviews are low or if they don’t have any reviews at all. If no one vouches for them, you might want to buy the item from another seller instead.
4) Scams or Why Some Items on TikTok Shop Are So Cheap
One popular scam on TikTok plays on the temptation of deals that seem too good to be true. This TikTok user shared a story about how he almost bought a brand-new couch for $150. When he went through the buying process, he noticed something wasn’t right.
After purchasing an item through the store, the seller then asked him to share his phone number. They then texted asking him to PayPal or Venmo them a processing fee.
Eventually, TikTok took down the scam store after a few days of reports of fraudulent and fake items. In these cases, the payment for the product is eventually returned to you. However, the fees you paid them off the platform when they texted you often can’t be recovered.
Not all inexpensive and steeply discounted items are scams. This YouTube creator reviewed a handful of discount premium electronics she bought on TikTok Shop. If you want to buy an item that seems heavily discounted, just read reviews. Make sure to research the seller before making that purchase.
Is Buying Stuff On TikTok Shop Worth It?
While spotting scams or fraudulent items on TikTok Shop can be tricky, TikTok has a robust return and buyer protection policy.
For example, buyers can request a return within 30 days of the product’s delivery date. You can also file a case with TikTok’s Customer Service for 90 days after receiving the product.
Buyers can cancel orders on TikTok Shop before an item ships. If the item is marked as delivered, but they haven’t received it, you can get a refund within 48 hours.
If you find an item you want on TikTok Shop, do some basic due diligence before you hit Buy Now. Investigate the seller by looking at their Shop page, reading reviews, and seeing how many sales they’ve made. If you have more questions, search online to see if you can get that same item at the same price somewhere else instead.
Remember, you don’t need to buy anything this second. It just feels that way when the ad is popping into your feed while you’re watching 100 videos an hour. Take a breath before you buy and TikTok Shop can be safe.
