How To Set Up A TikTok Shop By Partnering With A Custom Manufacturer
If one of your goals this year is to launch a TikTok Shop for your business, you’re on the right track. TikTok, with its over 1 billion monthly active users, is not just a social media platform—it’s a powerful marketplace. With the option for users to shop directly within the app, creating a TikTok Shop is a game-changer for brands looking to connect with engaged audiences and drive sales.
When it comes to selling custom items, you might be weighing your options between a print-on-demand (POD) service or partnering with a custom manufacturer to produce your products and manage your own inventory. While POD services might seem convenient, partnering with a custom manufacturer can offer unique advantages that can set your TikTok Shop apart from competitors.
In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of custom manufacturing and guide you through the steps to set up a successful TikTok Shop. By the end, you’ll be equipped with actionable tips to kickstart your journey and build a thriving presence on one of the world’s fastest-growing platforms.
Custom Manufacturing vs. Print-on-Demand: What’s the Difference?
When deciding how to produce and sell your custom products, two popular options often come to mind: print-on-demand (POD) services and custom manufacturing. Both approaches have their merits, but they cater to different business goals and customer needs.
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Print-on-Demand
Print-on-demand services let you create and sell products—like custom patches for clothing—without the hassle of holding inventory. These services handle production and fulfillment as orders come in, making them a convenient option for entrepreneurs looking to start small or test new designs.
Custom Manufacturing
Custom manufacturing, on the other hand, allows you to work directly with a manufacturer to design and produce your products in bulk. This approach requires holding inventory, but it also offers significant advantages, such as complete control over product quality, the ability to customize materials and designs, and potentially lower per-unit costs as your production scales.
Before we dive into why custom manufacturing might be the better choice for your TikTok Shop, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these two methods—and why understanding them is crucial for building a successful business.
Why Custom Manufacturing is the Better Choice for Your TikTok Shop
While print-on-demand (POD) services might seem like a simpler and more accessible solution, custom manufacturing provides distinct advantages that can help your TikTok Shop thrive. By partnering with a custom manufacturer and holding inventory, you gain greater control over your business and create a stronger connection with your audience. Here are some compelling reasons why custom manufacturing is the smarter choice:
Higher Value Perception
The way customers perceive your products plays a significant role in their decision to purchase—and custom manufacturing gives you a clear edge. With print-on-demand (POD) services, it’s often apparent to customers that there’s minimal investment in inventory or manufacturing, which can diminish the perceived value of your products. POD items can sometimes feel like generic, mass-produced merchandise, making them less appealing to buyers who crave uniqueness and authenticity.
In contrast, custom manufacturing elevates your brand by showcasing a commitment to quality and originality. When customers order a product that has been meticulously designed and crafted by your brand from the ground up, it conveys a sense of care, effort, and exclusivity. This higher perceived value not only justifies premium pricing but also fosters stronger trust and loyalty among your audience.
More Unique and Tailored Options
One of the biggest limitations of print-on-demand (POD) services is the lack of flexibility in product design. However, custom manufacturing, on the other hand, gives you unparalleled creative freedom. You have complete control over the design process, enabling you to create products that truly reflect your brand’s identity and resonate with your target audience. For example, at THE/STUDIO, you can design custom enamel pins, patches, or apparel in virtually any shape, size, and color. From intricate details to bold, eye-catching features, every aspect of your product can be tailored to meet your exact specifications.
Fashion-Quality Products: Elevate Your Brand’s Standards
When it comes to clothing and accessories, quality is non-negotiable—especially in a marketplace as dynamic and competitive as TikTok Shops. Products that look and feel premium are far more likely to capture attention, earn customer trust, and inspire repeat purchases.
With print-on-demand (POD) services, the emphasis is often placed on speed and convenience rather than product quality. This trade-off can result in items that don’t meet the expectations of discerning customers, potentially harming your brand’s reputation.
In contrast, custom manufacturing prioritizes quality at every stage. By designing products from the ground up, you have full control over materials, construction, and finishes. Additionally, since you manage your own inventory, you have the opportunity to inspect every item before it’s shipped to your customers. This hands-on approach allows you to perform thorough quality control, ensuring that each product aligns with your brand’s standards and leaves a positive impression.
Higher Profit Margins: Maximize Your Earnings
By partnering with a custom manufacturing facility—such as a custom patch factory—you gain more control over production costs. This allows you to set competitive yet profitable prices for your products. Additionally, manufacturing in bulk often reduces the per-unit cost, further increasing your profit margins as your sales volume grows.
Still, you might wonder if the potential risks of holding inventory are worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. The key is to collaborate with a reliable manufacturing partner, like THE/STUDIO, who can help you navigate these challenges. For example, THE/STUDIO offers flexible solutions such as low minimum order quantities and reasonable pricing, making it easier to test the market without overcommitting to inventory.
In the early stages, you may need to handle shipping yourself, which provides an opportunity to ensure a seamless customer experience. As your TikTok Shop grows, you can transition to third-party logistics (3PL) services to streamline your operations and focus on scaling your business.
By embracing custom manufacturing, you not only increase your earning potential but also position your brand for long-term success. With the right strategy and manufacturing partner, you can confidently create high-quality, profitable products that stand out in a competitive market.
How to Set Up a TikTok Shop with Custom Products
Launching a TikTok Shop is an exciting opportunity to showcase your brand and sell products directly to one of the most engaged audiences on social media. Setting up a TikTok Shop follows a process similar to creating a traditional e-commerce store but with unique considerations tailored to TikTok’s platform and user base. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Research Your TikTok Audience
Before diving into sales, take the time to understand the TikTok audience. TikTok’s user base is predominantly younger, progressive, and highly engaged, which means your products should align with their preferences and interests.
Start by exploring popular hashtags and trending videos to identify what’s capturing attention. Analyze the most successful TikTok creators and businesses in your niche:
- What products are they selling?
- What content strategies are they using?
- How are they engaging with their audience?
Competitor research can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t, helping you refine your product offerings and marketing strategy.
2. Decide What to Sell
Choosing the right products is key to your TikTok Shop’s success. For beginners or small businesses, it’s smart to start with small, lightweight, and cost-effective items that are easier to produce and ship. Popular options include:
- Accessories: Stickers, keychains, enamel pins, and custom patches.
- Apparel: Custom baseball hats, beanies, or socks.
These items are not only affordable to produce but also appeal to TikTok’s creative and trend-driven audience. Additionally, their compact size makes them easy to store at home or in a small storage space—perfect for startups operating on a budget.
Partner with a Custom Manufacturing Company
Once you’ve decided what products to sell in your TikTok Shop, the next step is partnering with a reliable custom manufacturing company. This partnership is key to ensuring the quality and success of your products. When choosing a manufacturer, look for one that:
- Specializes in Your Desired Products: Choose a company that understands the specific products you want to create, whether it’s custom patches, enamel pins, apparel, or accessories. Expertise in your niche ensures better results and a smoother production process.
- Offers High-Quality Products: Quality is crucial for building a strong brand on TikTok. Customers expect products that are not only unique but also durable and well-made. Working with a manufacturer who prioritizes craftsmanship ensures that your items reflect your brand’s commitment to excellence.
- Can Produce Low Order Quantities: Low minimum order quantities (MOQs) are essential, especially when you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest heavily in inventory. Ordering in small quantities lets you test the market and gauge demand without taking on unnecessary risks..
Register for a TikTok Business Account
There are four types of users who can set up a TikTok Shop:
- a. Sellers
- b. Creators
- c. Partners
- d. Affiliates
You likely fall into one of the first two categories: Sellers or Creators.
1. Registering as a Seller
If you’re registering as a Seller, all you need to do is create a TikTok business account. When you register, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- A copy of your government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license
- Business registration documents
- The address where your business is registered
If you already have a regular TikTok creator account, you can convert it into a business account. Simply go to your account settings and select “Switch to Business Account.”
2. Criteria for Switching to a Business Account
There are a few requirements to switch your TikTok creator account to a business account:
- Have 1,000+ followers
- Have 50+ video views in the last 28 days
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have posted a video on TikTok in the last 28 days
3. Register for a TikTok Shop Account
Next, you need to register for a TikTok Shop account and link it to your business account. After you’ve submitted your application, TikTok will verify your account, which can take up to 2-3 business days.
4. Setting Up Your TikTok Shop
Once your TikTok Shop account is verified, you can begin setting up your shop. This includes uploading your products and optimizing your shop to attract potential buyers.
Start Adding Products
To begin adding products to your TikTok Shop, go to the “Products” tab within your TikTok Shop account. From there, you have two options for adding products:
- Manually adding products
- Importing your product feed from another online store
If you already have an e-commerce store on a different platform, importing your product feed can save you time. Just ensure that your product feed contains all the necessary details, such as product name, description, and pricing, so that everything is properly synced.
It’s also crucial to invest in high-quality product photography. Visuals play a significant role in online sales, especially on platforms like TikTok, where aesthetics matter. Make sure your products are displayed in the best possible light to attract potential customers. High-quality images not only highlight the features of your products but also help build your brand’s credibility and professionalism.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll be able to showcase your custom products effectively and increase your chances of making sales in your TikTok Shop.
Promote Your Products Using TikTok Ads
In addition to creating organic content for your own TikTok account, you can amplify your reach by using TikTok Ads to showcase your products. TikTok is all about creativity and authenticity, so when promoting your TikTok Shop products, focus on creating engagix`ng content that resonates with users. Overly polished or sales-driven ads typically don’t perform well—people want to see genuine, unique content.
TikTok offers over 8 different ad formats, each designed to help you connect with your target audience in different ways:
- In-Feed Native Video Ads: Short video ads that appear directly in users' For You feed, blending seamlessly with other TikTok content.
- Brand Takeover Ads: Full-screen, high-visibility ads that appear when users first open the TikTok app, giving your brand prominent exposure.
- Branded Hashtag Challenges: Interactive campaigns where brands create specific hashtags and encourage users to create content around it, driving engagement and user participation.
- TopView Ads: These ads appear at the top of the For You page, offering the first in-feed post users see. Similar to Brand Takeovers, they grab attention right away.
- Branded Effects: Customizable filters, stickers, and special effects that brands create for users to integrate into their own TikTok videos.
- Spark Ads: Native ads that allow brands to boost organic content from their own TikTok account or with permission from other users, amplifying its reach.
- TikTok Shopping Ads: Ads that directly link to your TikTok Shop, allowing users to shop your products without leaving the TikTok platform.
By leveraging these diverse ad formats, you can effectively reach and engage potential customers on TikTok while showcasing your products in an authentic and creative way.
Partner with TikTok Influencers
Influencer marketing is a powerful way to reach and engage with potential customers. By partnering with TikTok influencers who have a large and relevant following in your target market, you can increase brand exposure and drive traffic to your TikTok Shop. When working with influencers, you'll need to determine your budget for influencer campaigns and negotiate the scope of their promotions.
There are various types of influencer collaborations you can leverage when selling on TikTok:
- Sponsored Content: The influencer creates a video featuring your product or service, showcasing it to their audience.
- Takeovers: An influencer takes over your brand’s TikTok account for a day to create and share content, offering a unique and engaging experience for their followers.
- Live Streams: Influencers host live streams on their own TikTok accounts to promote your brand or products in real-time.
- Event Promotion: Influencers attend and promote your brand’s events on their TikTok accounts, helping you gain exposure for special occasions or product launches.
While it may seem tempting to partner with influencers who have large followings, sometimes working with smaller influencers can be more effective. Smaller influencers often have a more engaged and loyal audience, which can lead to higher conversion rates for your brand. Plus, their rates are typically more affordable, allowing you to maximize your marketing budget by running multiple collaborations with different influencers.
By working with the right influencers, you can create authentic, engaging content that resonates with TikTok users and drives traffic to your TikTok Shop.
Use TikTok Live
TikTok Live is a powerful tool to promote your TikTok Shop and connect with your audience in real time. Hosting live streams is an excellent way to showcase your TikTok products, engage with viewers, and build stronger relationships with potential customers.
TikTok Live allows you to interact directly with your audience, answer questions, and demonstrate your products in action. Unlike static images, customers appreciate seeing products used and discussed in real-time, which can lead to higher engagement and trust. Whether you're launching a new product, hosting a Q&A session, or showing your products in action, TikTok Live offers a unique opportunity to boost your TikTok Shop’s visibility.
Open Your TikTok Shop with THE/STUDIO
If you’re looking for a reliable manufacturing partner to help you set up your TikTok Shop, the team at THE/STUDIO is here to assist. As a leading custom manufacturing company, we specialize in creating unique products for your TikTok Shop, including personalized patches, pins, hats, socks, and stickers.
Our simple ordering process and low minimums allow you to test the market and reduce the risk of holding large amounts of inventory. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, THE/STUDIO can help you create high-quality, custom products to sell on TikTok.
FAQs
How many followers do you need to sell on TikTok Shop?
To start selling on TikTok Shop as a TikTok creator, you need at least 1,000 followers. Additionally, your account must be in good standing, meaning you should adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Once you meet these requirements, you can switch your account to a business account and start selling on TikTok Shop.
Can you sell custom items on TikTok Shop?
Yes, you can sell custom items on your TikTok Shop! In fact, offering custom products is a fantastic way to set your brand apart and attract a loyal customer base. Partnering with THE/STUDIO allows you to create unique and high-quality custom products that can help your TikTok store stand out. Whether you’re selling personalized patches, pins, hats, or other custom items, our manufacturing services can help bring your vision to life and boost sales on your TikTok Shop.
What is the difference between a TikTok Shop for creators and sellers?
A TikTok Shop for creators is designed for individuals who have a substantial following on TikTok and wish to sell merchandise related to their content or brand. This type of shop allows creators to directly connect with their audience, promoting products through their personal profile and leveraging their established influence. On the other hand, a TikTok Shop for sellers is intended for businesses and brands that want to use TikTok as a sales channel, reaching a broader audience through the platform's commerce features.
Do you get commission from TikTok Shop?
Yes, if you register as an affiliate on TikTok Shop, you can earn a commission by promoting products from other TikTok stores. Typically, affiliates earn between 5% and 30% commission for each sale they generate, depending on the specific product and the terms set by the seller. This provides an opportunity for creators and influencers to monetize their presence on TikTok by promoting products and earning commissions on successful sales.
What is the difference between a TikTok Shop for creators and sellers?
A TikTok Shop for creators is designed for individuals who have a substantial following on TikTok and wish to sell merchandise related to their content or brand. This type of shop allows creators to directly connect with their audience, promoting products through their personal profile and leveraging their established influence. On the other hand, a TikTok Shop for sellers is intended for businesses and brands that want to use TikTok as a sales channel, reaching a broader audience through the platform's commerce features.
Do you get commission from TikTok Shop?
Yes, if you register as an affiliate on TikTok Shop, you can earn a commission by promoting products from other TikTok stores. Typically, affiliates earn between 5% and 30% commission for each sale they generate, depending on the specific product and the terms set by the seller. This provides an opportunity for creators and influencers to monetize their presence on TikTok by promoting products and earning commissions on successful sales.
