A new feature of TikTok is the TikTok Shop. TikTok shops are an opportunity for brands to market and sell their products through an online community. TikTok users have access to discounts through the app and creators can even collaborate with the brands on TikTok. But there is the question, is TikTok shop a legitimate e-commerce site? Some of the products on their shopping page seem too cheap to be true. Influencers are marketing products off of TikTok shops left and right now so it is hard to know if you can trust them or not.
There is a worry that TikTok sellers are scamming users. Since the products through TikTok Shop are sold by third-party sellers, not TikTok themselves, there is the possibility for consumer error and foul play. An important way to avoid this if you are planning to use the resource is to purchase your items through the TikTok app directly, rather than other pages that links may direct you to. This is also just a standard precaution to make when purchasing from any site. It is also important to read reviews before purchasing an item, similar to how consumers should approach platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
For the most part, TikTok Shop seems to be legitimate, but as with all decisions you make online, it is important to take precautions. Just from scrolling through TikTok Shop, I have seen many knock-off products. Make sure that you buy the right item because knockoffs can look very similar to the originals.
Another tip to keep in mind is, “TikTok doesn’t handle the payment itself – it uses the third party services PayPal and Stripe to process the transaction.” PayPal and Stripe are considered relatively safe, but there is still worry over whether you should trust them with your personal information or not. For reference, Forbes rates Stripe higher than Paypal overall.
Currently, TikTok Shop doesn’t seem worth it to me since it still seems to be in its developing stage. Although the products are heavily discounted, your personal information is worth more than a $10 pair of knockoff Ugg boots. However, I can see this shop becoming more successful in future years when TikTok sorts out the kinks and better ensures that it is a safe and useful resource for shopping needs. TikTok Shop does not seem to be a horrible e-commerce site, and can be legit if you take necessary steps to make it so. If you are a safe shopper and take the right precautions, TikTok Shop can be useful. In its current state, TikTok Shop may be helpful for smart and careful shoppers, but has less value otherwise.