Ready to Start Selling on TikTok? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If you're thinking about joining the TikTok Shop wave, you're in the right place. Whether you're a small brand, solo entrepreneur, or growing e-commerce seller, TikTok Shop offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products directly to a content-hungry, purchase-ready audience.

But before you go live, you need to get set up the right way. Let’s walk through every step — clearly, simply, and with a few bonus tips to help you avoid the common headaches.

Step 1: Sign Up for TikTok Shop

Start by heading over to the TikTok Shop Seller Center. You can sign up using your email or phone number.

🔍 Pro tip: Make sure your region is set to United States if you're a U.S.-based seller. This ensures you're matched with the right tools, tax forms, and platform policies.

Once you register, you’ll be prompted to accept TikTok Shop’s terms and conditions — read them carefully. If you’ve received an invitation code from a business partner or TikTok rep, enter it now to get connected to their network.

Step 2: Verify Your Business

This step is essential. TikTok Shop needs to verify that you’re a legitimate business — and providing the right documentation upfront will make the process smooth.

What You’ll Need:

• Your business type (sole proprietor, LLC, partnership, etc.)

• Official documents (business license, utility bill, tax documents)

Verification Tips:

• Your submitted details (name, address, etc.) must match exactly across all documents.

• File formats should be JPG, JPEG, PNG, or PDF — and make sure they're clear and easy to read.

If your submission is rejected, don’t worry. You can re-upload corrected or clearer documents. Just double-check everything before resubmitting.

Step 3: Submit Your Tax Information

Once your business is verified, it’s time to set up your tax profile so you can start getting paid.

For U.S.-based sellers:

You’ll need to fill out the W-9 form.

For non-U.S. sellers:

You’ll be asked to complete a W-8 form.

Also read:

Important:

Your Taxpayer Name, EIN/SSN, and other tax info must match your legal documentation exactly. If there's a mismatch, your form may be rejected and require resubmission.

Step 4: Set Up Your Warehouse Logistics

Before you start selling, make sure you’ve sorted out how your orders will be fulfilled. TikTok Shop allows you to manage logistics through its own systems or third-party fulfillment services.

You’ll define:

• Pickup address

• Return address

• Shipping methods

Having this information ready ensures a smoother transition once your products start getting orders.

Step 5: Add Your First Product

With the backend in place, it’s time to stock your TikTok Shop!

Uploading Products:

• Use the “Upload Now” button in your Seller Center.

• You can:

  • Upload individual products

  • Use bulk upload for speed

  • Sync products from your existing e-commerce site

⚠️ Reminder: Your products won’t go live until your verification steps are fully complete. Double-check everything before expecting to see your items listed.

Want a detailed breakdown? TikTok’s Product Upload Guide can walk you through each field and formatting requirement.

Step 6: Link Your Official TikTok Account

This is the final — and arguably most exciting — step. Connecting your TikTok account turns your social presence into a shoppable storefront.

Why This Matters:

• Your linked TikTok account becomes your public-facing brand hub.

• Products automatically display on your account profile.

• Live content, product showcases, and influencer collabs all drive traffic to your shop.

💡 Each shop can only be linked to one official TikTok account at a time. You can switch it (up to 3 times), but choose wisely to maintain consistent brand visibility.

You’re Officially Live on TikTok Shop

With your store verified, products uploaded, and your TikTok account connected, you're ready to go. But this is just the beginning.

Success on TikTok Shop comes from consistent content, engaging storytelling, and creator collaborations that drive trust and discovery. That’s where we come in.

How Zorilla Marketing Can Help

At Zorilla, we specialize in helping brands like yours turn TikTok into a serious sales channel. Whether it’s product positioning, live selling strategy, or partnering with the right creators, we bring deep experience in TikTok Shop growth and influencer marketing.

So while you focus on creating great products, we’ll help you tell your story — in a way that converts. Book a free strategy call with our team today to discover how compelling storytelling can become your most powerful conversion tool.

Also read:

1. Why TikTok Shop Is Changing the Way We Buy (and Sell) Online

2. TikTok Shop opens for business in Japan as US fate hangs in balance