If you were naming the top three social media platforms to drive businesses in 2019, you would have also said “LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook”. However, that is not the case in 2024, especially now that e-commerce is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of profitability in business.
Chances are you have heard of TikTok before. You know it’s a social media app where millions of people post all forms of content, mostly dancing videos. And you are right, but let’s reintroduce TikTok to you. TikTok now also has a feature named TikTok Shop that allows businesses to sell products directly to users. Many TikTok Shop users claim their sales have gone over the roof since they leveraged TikTok Shop. However, the Shop is not available in every country and that limits the potential growth of businesses where it’s not yet available.
So what can be done?
If you are an entrepreneur, e-commerce vendor, digital nomad, content creator as well as freelancer operating from countries where TikTok Shop is unavailable, this blog will guide you through legitimate practical steps on how to access and leverage TikTok Shop from anywhere in the world.
To get started on creating a TikTok shop, you need to create an account at the TikTok Seller Center and also enter the location where logistics services will pick up and return your products.
Go to the TikTok Seller Center
For merchants in the UK, go to https://seller-uk.tiktok.com/
For merchants in Indonesia, go to https://seller-id.tiktok.com/
For merchants in Malaysia, go to https://seller-my.tiktok.com/
For merchants in Thailand, go to https://seller-th.tiktok.com/
For merchants in Vietnam, go to https://seller-vn.tiktok.com/
For merchants in the Philippines, go to https://seller-ph.tiktok.com/
For merchants in Singapore, go to https://seller-sg.tiktok.com/
For US merchants, go to https://seller-us.tiktok.com/
Become a seller by signing up with a TikTok Account or with a phone number and email.
Once you sign into TikTok Seller Center, you will need to set up your shop’s warehouse/pickup address.
Select a country/region and enter the street address.
Enter the name of a contact person.
Input your postcode.
Add your phone number.
Next, you will need to provide a return address for your shop.
You can check ‘Set’ as the return address to use the Warehouse/Pickup address for returns.
Or you can set up a return location by adding a Return Warehouse Address, Contact Person, Postcode, and phone number.
Check the box to agree to the relevant terms and conditions, and click Start Your Business.
With these first requirements for setting up a TikTok shop, you see that a lot of business owners from countries that were not mentioned here may not set up the shop. Plus, there are a good number of document verification that comes with setting up a TikTok shop. So the question is, what is the best way to set up a TikTok shop from anywhere?
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing TikTok Shop from Anywhere.
Step 1. Set Up a Business in a Supported Country
To operate a TikTok Shop, you need a business address in a supported country, which also means you need to have your business formed and registered in a supported country. This is where GoNomad comes in. GoNomad will assist you in setting up a global office with a mailing address and phone number in a desired location. This service not only helps in accessing the Shop but also enhances your business’s credibility.
Step 2. Acquire a Tax ID
A Tax ID (EIN/UTR) is often required for opening a business account and processing payments through platforms like TikTok Shop. GoNomad also provides services to help you secure a Tax ID efficiently.
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Step 3: Set Up a Multi-Currency Bank Account
Handling transactions in multiple currencies is crucial when dealing with international customers and running a TikTok shop.
Advantages:
– Easily manage and convert currencies.
– Simplify payment processes for international transactions.
– Ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Step 4: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN allows you to mask your IP address by connecting to a server in a country where TikTok Shop is available. This can also help you access and operate the TikTok Shop as if you were in that region.
Accessing TikTok Shop from countries where it’s not available requires strategic planning and the right tools. Also with our comprehensive business solutions, you can as well have an edge to level the playing field and tap into the lucrative opportunities offered by the Shop.
Take the step now and expand your business reach through GoNomad.
