‘A unique and enjoyable experience’: Two thumbs up as RTIH’s secret shopper ventures into TikTok’s e-commerce realm

As an avid TikTok user, I've spent countless hours scrolling through my feed, entertained by the endless stream of creative content. Yet, despite my regular use of the app, I had never ventured into its online shopping realm. I was a bit sceptical, to be honest. However, a recent irresistible deal changed my mind and, dear readers, I’m now a true convert to TikTok shopping.

For months, I’ve been seeing videos of young women showcasing adorable dresses that perfectly match my style, all at remarkably low prices. These snippets always intrigued me, but I would scroll past without much thought.

This changed one day when I stumbled upon a dress priced at just three quid for 12 hours only. I couldn’t resist the bargain and decided to purchase it to review the experience for you. Spoiler alert: I was pleasantly surprised.

When the dress arrived, I was thrilled to find that it fit like a glove and was incredibly flattering. While the quality was on par with fast fashion brands like Shein, the dress met my expectations, especially considering the price.

This first purchase set the stage for what would become a new favourite shopping experience.

TikTok Shop, launched in September 2023, integrates e-commerce seamlessly within the app, allowing users to buy products directly from seller videos and accounts.

It’s a mix of small businesses, featured brands like Zara, Look Fantastic, Garnier, Free Soul, and PrettyLittleThing, as well as third-party sellers offering branded items at very low prices. 

While the authenticity of some of these branded items can be questionable, I stick to officially branded items from reputable sources. For other items, like random dresses or novelty kitchen tools, I’m happy to pay a cheap price knowing exactly what I’m getting.

The range of items available on TikTok Shop is staggering. You can find everything from expensive skincare products to dresses, novelty lights, kitchen tools, and even delicious snacks. It’s a treasure trove of interesting finds.

However, one thing to note is that items arrive in dribs and drabs. My order of nine items arrived at different times, with some taking over a week, reminiscent of Shein’s delivery times, while others arrived the next day. Despite the varied delivery times, all items were of good quality and met my expectations.

Having been influenced by some of the people I follow on TikTok, I’ve already made two more purchases since my first trial. As a skincare enthusiast, I’ve found some incredible bargains on TikTok Shop, and the platform’s integrated shopping experience makes it all too easy to buy on a whim.

TikTok Shop has brought a new dimension to online shopping by integrating e-commerce directly into the social media experience. It’s designed to be versatile, offering live shopping, shoppable videos, product showcases, shoppable ads, and a shopping centre tab.

This fusion of social media marketing and online shopping makes for a highly engaging and interactive shopping experience.

For those wondering if anyone can buy from TikTok Shop, the answer is generally yes, provided you meet a few basic criteria: you need to be 18 years or older, have the latest version of the TikTok app, and be in a supported region.

The process of buying is straightforward, and the convenience of shopping directly from videos is a game-changer. 

Selling on TikTok Shop, however, is a bit more exclusive. To be a seller, you typically need a business or creator account with a certain number of followers and a track record of high quality content.

Sellers must also comply with TikTok’s policies and guidelines, ensuring they offer quality products and adhere to safe sales and marketing practices. 

The TikTok Shop experience is enhanced by the various ways to shop within the app. Live shopping events allow sellers to promote products in real time, interact with viewers, and make instant sales. Shoppable videos create a seamless shopping experience by linking products directly in the videos.

Product showcases and shoppable ads further enrich the shopping experience, offering users multiple ways to discover and purchase products.

While TikTok Shop continues to expand, it has already made a significant impact. Coco Cosmetics by Chloe, known for its viral Marshmallow Sponge, has sold over 69,000 units through TikTok Shop.

As founder Chloe Walsh told CORQ, “It’s such a visual and authentic platform, and there is no high production required to create content. It makes it the perfect place to show your products to a wide audience.”

TikTok Shop has proven to be an amazing platform for building trust and credibility, driving sales, and fostering brand loyalty. As someone who was initially dubious, I can now confidently say that TikTok shopping has won me over.

Whether you’re looking for a new outfit, skincare products, or just about anything else, it offers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience.

Give it a try - you might just find your new favourite way to shop.