TikTok Shop lets people buy products straight from videos and livestreams, and for the right products it can move a lot of units fast. It also works differently from Amazon or Walmart: creators drive much of the demand, and TikTok controls more of the shipping. Here is what it costs and how to get started.
What TikTok Shop charges
Referral fee. TikTok Shop takes a percentage of each order, and in the US that fee includes payment processing. TikTok's published rate table lists 6% for most categories and 5% for some jewelry and pre-owned items. Several seller resources report that the standard rate rose to 8% for most categories on August 4, 2026, so check the rate Seller Center shows for your products.
New-seller rate. TikTok has offered new US sellers a reduced 3% referral rate for 30 days after an eligible first sale. Check Seller Center for current terms.
Refund administration. When an order is refunded, TikTok keeps part of the referral fee: 20% of it, capped at $5 per item.
Getting set up
Sign up in TikTok Shop Seller Center with your business details and tax information, connect a bank account, and list your first products. Link your shop to a TikTok account so you can tag products in your own videos. Start with a few products that show well on camera and have room in the margin for creator commissions.
Working with creators
Most TikTok Shop sales start in videos and livestreams. Through the affiliate program you set a commission that creators earn when their content sells your product, often somewhere between 8% and 20% depending on the category. Send samples to creators whose audience matches your buyers, and treat commission as a marketing cost when you price.
Shipping and fulfillment
In 2026, most US sellers ship through TikTok's own logistics programs, such as Fulfilled by TikTok or TikTok's shipping labels, instead of their own carrier accounts. Check the current options in Seller Center, and include fulfillment costs when you work out your margin.
Keep stock in sync with your other channels
Viral moments can sell out a product in hours. If the same stock also sells on Amazon, Walmart or Shopify, keep one shared count and a safety buffer, so a spike on TikTok doesn't oversell your other channels. Our multichannel inventory guide explains how.
Questions sellers ask
Does TikTok Shop charge a monthly fee?
No. There is no monthly subscription for a standard shop. You pay a referral fee on each order, plus any creator commission you choose to offer.
Do I have to work with creators?
No, you can sell through your own videos and livestreams. But creator content drives a large share of sales on the platform, so most sellers budget for affiliate commissions.
Sources: TikTok Shop Seller University fee pages and independent seller fee reports, checked November 2026. TikTok changes fees often, so confirm current rates in Seller Center.