Imagine this: you’re a budding entrepreneur with a brilliant idea for an online business.
You’re eager to embark on your ecommerce journey, but you’re faced with a crucial decision – Who should you entrust with your business success, TikTok Shop or Shopify?
TikTok Shop, launched last year, is the new kid on the block, offering built-in commerce solutions for sellers, creators, and affiliates.
On the other hand, Shopify, established nearly two decades ago, has solidified its position as a leader in the ecommerce industry, boasting over a million businesses on its platform.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the features, ease of use, and cost implications of both these platforms, equipping you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Let’s get started.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop is the built-in commerce solution offered by the TikTok social media app. It allows TikTok users with business accounts to sell products directly on the platform.
With TikTok Shop, businesses can leverage the immense popularity of TikTok and reach a wide audience of over 55 percent of the digital population in the United States alone.
One of the key features of TikTok Shop is Live Shopping. This innovative feature enables sellers to showcase and sell products in real-time through live video streams.
Users can interact with the seller, ask questions, and make purchases seamlessly without leaving the app. Live Shopping on TikTok has gained immense popularity, with users turning to their favorite creators for recommendations and making influencer marketing a valuable strategy.
In addition to Live Shopping, TikTok Shop also offers shoppable videos. Sellers can create engaging and creative videos where products are directly linked for purchase.
This encourages impulse buying and capitalizes on the authentic and viral nature of TikTok content.
TikTok Shop focuses on a social commerce model with in-app purchases, live selling, and direct product promotion within videos.
It caters to younger audiences, such as Gen Z and younger millennials, who are highly engaged on the platform.
By integrating TikTok Shop into their marketing strategy, businesses can tap into the viral marketing potential, increase reach and engagement, and optimize advertising campaigns for better brand awareness and sales.
Unlike traditional ecommerce platforms like Shopify, TikTok Shop does not operate on a fixed pricing structure.
Instead, it operates on a commission model, where TikTok takes a percentage of sales and additional fees. Common fees include a transaction fee, currency conversion fee, payout fees, and advertising fees.
Overall, TikTok Shop offers a unique and innovative way for businesses to sell products directly within the TikTok app, leveraging the platform’s authenticity, creativity, and massive user base.
By embracing TikTok Shop, businesses can unlock new possibilities in social commerce and drive ecommerce success.
Shopify
Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform that has been serving businesses since its establishment in 2004.
With over a million businesses relying on its robust features, Shopify has cemented its position as a trusted solution for online selling.
One of Shopify’s key strengths is its user-friendly interface, which allows merchants to easily navigate and manage their online stores.
Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your ecommerce journey, Shopify offers a seamless experience for all levels of expertise.
Shopify provides a wide range of features to help you build and grow your online business. With inventory management tools, you can efficiently track and control your stock.
The platform supports various payment gateways, including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay, ensuring a convenient checkout experience for your customers.
Customizable themes are another standout feature of Shopify. You can select from a diverse range of professionally designed themes and tailor them to match your brand’s unique identity.
This allows you to create a visually appealing and cohesive online presence.
Try Shopify free followed by first month at just $1. No credit card required. Limited Time Offer.
In addition to these features, Shopify integrates smoothly with social media platforms like TikTok. By connecting your Shopify store with TikTok, you can expand your reach and tap into TikTok’s engaged user base for effective marketing campaigns.
Shopify’s customer support system is highly regarded, providing assistance via various channels, including 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support.
This ensures that you have the necessary guidance and support at every step of your ecommerce journey.
In short, Shopify offers a reliable, scalable, and feature-rich ecommerce platform that caters to businesses of all sizes.
Its user-friendly interface, customizable themes, and seamless integration with various marketing channels make it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs seeking a comprehensive solution to establish and grow their online stores.
Features
TikTok Shop, primarily targeting Gen Z and millennial users, emphasizes engaging video content that resonates with the TikTok user base.
It offers features like Live Shopping and shoppable videos that enable interactive and captivating product showcases.
On the other hand, Shopify empowers businesses to create online stores across various industries. It provides a comprehensive set of features, including inventory management, customizable themes, and support for multiple sales channels.
Shopify also boasts a vast app ecosystem that allows integration with different tools and services, offering merchants flexibility and customization options.
Try Shopify free followed by first month at just $1. No credit card required. Limited Time Offer.
While TikTok Shop focuses on the TikTok platform for reach and engagement, Shopify provides extensive marketing channels like social media, email marketing, SEO, and paid advertising to help businesses maximize their visibility and promote their products effectively.
Take a quick look at how do they compare:
| TikTok Shop | Shopify | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Gen Z and millennial users on TikTok | Businesses of all sizes across industries |
| Product Promotion | Engaging video content, Live Shopping, shoppable videos | Social media, email marketing, SEO, paid advertising |
| Integration Capabilities | Limited integration options focused on social media and ecommerce within TikTok | Extensive integration options with various third-party apps, social media platforms, and ecommerce tools |
| Scalability | Good for small to medium-sized businesses, scalability limited by platform reach | Highly scalable, suitable for small businesses to large enterprises with Shopify Plus |
| Customization Options | Limited customization options compared to traditional ecommerce platforms | Extensive customization options, including a wide range of themes and code editing |
| Fulfillment | Basic fulfillment features often reliant on third-party services | Robust fulfillment and order processing options, including the Shopify Fulfillment Network |
As you can see, both platforms have their strengths and cater to different business needs. TikTok Shop is ideal for businesses targeting a younger demographic and seeking to leverage the TikTok app’s reach and engagement.
Shopify, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive suite of features, extensive customization options, and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
Explore: ThriveCart vs Shopify
Ease of Use
Both TikTok Shop and Shopify aim to provide a user-friendly experience for their users, albeit with some differences in their approach.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop offers a straightforward platform that is easy to navigate, even for users new to ecommerce.
Setting up an account and listing products on TikTok Shop doesn’t require any initial payment, making it a cost-effective option for businesses looking to start selling online.
The platform provides user-friendly tutorials that guide users through the entire process, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
However, it’s important to note that as order volumes grow, manual effort may be required to list and process orders, which can be time-consuming and hinder business scalability.
Try Shopify free followed by first month at just $1. No credit card required. Limited Time Offer.
Shopify
Shopify is renowned for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
The platform offers a guided setup process that takes users through each step, ensuring a seamless experience even for those new to ecommerce.
With its drag-and-drop website builder and straightforward backend management, Shopify simplifies the process of building and scaling an online store.
It also provides extensive resources, such as a comprehensive knowledge base, webinars, and community forums, which further contribute to the ease of use.
Additionally, by connecting a Shopify store with TikTok Shop, businesses can automate order processing and inventory management, saving time and allowing for more efficient operations.
Both TikTok Shop and Shopify strive to simplify the ecommerce experience, but the ease of use may vary depending on personal preference and familiarity with the platforms.
Cost Implications
TikTok
TikTok Shop charges various fees for sellers to facilitate transactions. These fees include:
- Transaction Fee: TikTok charges a transaction fee of 2.85% + $0.30 per order. This fee covers the cost of processing the payment and is deducted from the total amount of the sale.
- Currency Conversion Fee: If you sell items in a currency other than your local currency, TikTok charges a currency conversion fee, usually around 2%.
- Payout Fee: When withdrawing earnings from TikTok Shop, you may need to pay a withdrawal fee, which varies depending on the payment method chosen. For example, using PayPal, you would pay a fee of 1% of the total sale.
- Advertising Fees: If you choose to advertise your products on TikTok, you will need to pay additional fees, which vary depending on the type of ad and targeting options chosen.
- Referral Fee (US only): In the United States, TikTok Shop has introduced a referral fee, which combines the marketplace commission and transaction fees into a single fee. The referral fee rate varies by product category, with a rate of 6% as of April 1, 2024, and increasing to 8% on July 1, 2024.
- Shipping Costs: If using TikTok’s logistics services, additional shipping costs may apply. Sellers need to factor these costs into their pricing or handle shipping independently.
To manage these fees effectively, consider strategies like offering free shipping or bundling products to increase average order value, which can help offset the cost of transaction fees and make products more attractive to buyers.
Try Shopify free followed by first month at just $1. No credit card required. Limited Time Offer.
Shopify
Turning to Shopify, the platform offers a clearer cost structure. It provides different pricing tiers to accommodate businesses of various sizes and needs.
The pricing plans include monthly subscription fees ranging from $29 to $2300, in addition to transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments.
Shopify’s pricing plans may seem higher compared to the unknown costs of TikTok Shop. However, the well-defined cost structure of Shopify allows businesses to budget and plan for their expenses more effectively.
Explore: Shopify vs Whop
Eligibility for TikTok Shopping
To take advantage of TikTok Shop’s ecommerce capabilities, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria for sellers, creators, partners, and affiliates.
TikTok Shop is currently available in select markets, including the US, UK, and China.
To be eligible for TikTok shopping, sellers must meet specific requirements. This category of TikTok Shop users, which accounts for the majority, needs to provide identification documents, proof of residency, and a valid business license.
By ensuring compliance with these criteria, sellers can tap into the vast potential of TikTok’s global user base and boost their online sales.
Alongside sellers, creators, partners, and affiliates can also participate in TikTok Shopping. Each category has its own set of eligibility requirements and documentation.
Being aware of the latest information regarding TikTok Shop’s eligibility criteria is crucial, as it may vary depending on your location and the specific type of commerce you engage in.
To stay informed about eligibility, refer to TikTok’s official resources, guidelines, and announcements. These will provide up-to-date information on the countries where TikTok Shop is available and the specific requirements for each category of users.
By meeting these criteria, you can unlock the full potential of TikTok Shop and reach a wider audience of potential customers.
Explore: Shopify Payments vs Third-party
| Eligibility Requirements for TikTok Shopping | Documents to Provide |
|---|---|
| Sellers | ID, proof of residency, business license |
| Creators | TikTok account documents, identification |
| Partners | Partnership agreement, identification |
| Affiliates | Affiliate program documents, identification |
Setting Up TikTok Shop
Setting up TikTok Shop is a straightforward process that allows eligible users to sell their products directly on the TikTok platform.
To get started, follow the steps outlined below:
Create a Business Account
The first step is to create a business account on TikTok. This will enable you to access the necessary tools and features to sell your products.
Simply download the TikTok app and sign up for a new account. If you already have a personal account, you can easily convert it into a business account.
Register for TikTok Shop
After creating your business account, proceed to register for TikTok Shop through the seller registration portal.
This is where you’ll provide important information about your business and the products you plan to sell. You’ll also be required to submit documents such as your ID, proof of residency, and proof of business ownership.
Application Review
Once you’ve completed the registration process, TikTok will review your application within one to two days. They will verify the information you provided and assess your eligibility to sell on the platform.
During this period, it’s essential to remain patient as TikTok evaluates your application.
Approval & Account Linking
If your application is approved, you will receive an email notification confirming your acceptance into TikTok Shop. From there, you can link your TikTok account to TikTok Shop and start selling your products.
The platform provides user-friendly tools and resources to help you showcase your products, engage with potential customers, and drive sales.
By following these steps, you can set up your TikTok Shop and begin leveraging the power of the TikTok platform to reach a vast audience and maximize your sales potential.
Also Read: Shopify vs Durable
Selling on TikTok with Shopify
If your business is ineligible for TikTok Shop, don’t worry. You can still tap into the massive potential of selling on TikTok by integrating it with your Shopify store.
With Shopify’s seamless integration, you can leverage the power of both platforms and expand your reach to millions of TikTok users.
To get started, all you need to do is set up a Shopify store and install the TikTok for Shopify app.
By connecting your Shopify store to TikTok, you can create compelling ad campaigns using product photos and videos that will catch the attention of TikTok’s highly engaged user base.
The Shopify integration with TikTok allows you to manage your inventory, track sales, and create targeted advertising campaigns across platforms all from one centralized dashboard.
This unified approach streamlines your operations and maximizes your reach and sales potential.
With over a million businesses using Shopify for online sales, it’s no wonder that it’s a trusted and reliable platform.
Shopify offers a variety of payment options including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay, ensuring a seamless checkout experience for your customers.
Additionally, Shopify boasts an extensive app ecosystem and robust customer support, making it a user-friendly platform for both beginners and experienced users.
Try Shopify free followed by first month at just $1. No credit card required. Limited Time Offer.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, Shopify has the tools and resources to support your ecommerce journey.
Integrating TikTok into your Shopify store allows you to tap into the growing trend of social commerce. With the hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt generating one billion views per week globally, TikTok has a significant influence on consumer behavior.
By leveraging TikTok’s shopping features, you can effectively reach potential customers and drive sales.
Furthermore, the availability of TikTok Shop in select markets such as the US, UK, and China, along with its unique features like Live Shopping, shoppable videos, and the Shop Tab, provides ample opportunities for you to showcase your products and captivate your target audience.
Check Out: Shopify vs Contentful
| TikTok Shop | Shopify |
|---|---|
| Caters primarily to social media influencers and creators | Offers a comprehensive platform for businesses of all sizes |
| Provides features such as a profile shopping tab, shoppable videos, live shopping events, and TikTok ads | Offers inventory management, customizable themes, and support for multiple sales channels |
| Relatively new, indicating ongoing potential for growth and evolution | Established since 2004 with a proven track record of reliability and security |
| Offers integration with Shopify, enabling businesses to sync their product catalog and manage orders | Allows merchants to manage inventory, sales, and advertising across platforms |
| Available in select markets and has specific requirements for each type of commerce user | Accessible to businesses worldwide with no specific eligibility requirements |
Conclusion
Both TikTok Shop and Shopify offer unique features and benefits.
TikTok Shop provides seamless product discovery and direct sales within the TikTok platform, making it ideal for businesses targeting Gen Z and Millennials active on the app.
On the other hand, Shopify is a robust ecommerce platform catering to a broad audience ranging from small to large businesses across various industries.
Shopify stands out for its extensive features, excellent customer support, and global reach in almost every country and market.
While TikTok Shop has limited customization options compared to Shopify, it offers seamless integration within the TikTok platform, leveraging its strong reach among TikTok users.
In making a decision between TikTok Shop and Shopify, carefully evaluate your specific business needs, budget, and target audience.
Consider factors such as features, ease of use, customer support, global reach, customization options, fulfillment capabilities, and payment processing options.
Daniel is an ecommerce expert specializing in the print-on-demand and dropshipping industry. With a background in software development, he has successfully turned his tech-savvy insights into a thriving 6-figure dropshipping business. He is a contributing writer for numerous top-tier tech & ecommerce blogs.