How to Find a Supplier for Tiktok store?
Table of Contents
Is TikTok Shop Legal?
Yes, TikTok Shop is legal. It operates within the framework of local laws and regulations in the regions where it is available. TikTok Shop is a legitimate e-commerce feature provided by TikTok, allowing businesses to sell products directly within the app.
How to Find a Supplier for TikTok Business?
If you’re looking to purchase products for selling on TikTok, follow these steps:
Research and Identify a Profitable Niche
Begin by identifying a niche or product category with high demand and potential profitability. Take into account factors such as competition, market trends, and customer preferences.
Conduct Market Research
Utilize tools like TikTok’s Best Sellers Rank, Google Trends, and keyword research tools to identify popular products within your chosen niche. Evaluate competition, pricing, and customer reviews to gain insights into market dynamics.
Set a Budget
Determine the amount of capital you’re willing to invest in purchasing inventory. Consider not only the product costs but also additional expenses like shipping, storage, and marketing.
Find Reliable Suppliers
Identify dependable suppliers for your chosen products. You can source products from wholesale suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, or online marketplaces such as Alibaba, AliExpress, or Global Sources. Conduct thorough due diligence, compare prices, and ensure suppliers meet your quality standards.
Evaluate Supplier and Product Quality
Request product samples from potential suppliers to assess quality and suitability for your target market. Verify certifications, quality control processes, and any necessary legal compliance requirements.
Calculate Profit Margins
Analyze costs involved, including purchase price, shipping, packaging, storage fees, and TikTok’s selling fees. Calculate potential profit margins to ensure alignment with your business goals.
Place Orders and Manage Inventory
Once you’ve chosen suppliers, negotiate terms and place orders for products. Keep diligent track of inventory levels and ensure timely reordering to avoid stockouts.
Prepare Products for TikTok
Ensure products meet TikTok’s guidelines and requirements, including packaging, labeling, and compliance with safety regulations. Create compelling and accurate product listings with descriptions, images, and competitive pricing.
Choose a Fulfillment Method
Decide between handling fulfillment yourself (merchant fulfillment) or using TikTok’s fulfillment services (Fulfillment by TikTok or FBT). FBT provides benefits like storage, shipping, and customer service but comes with associated fees.
Optimize Your Listings
Continuously optimize your product listings by monitoring customer reviews, analyzing keyword performance, and updating product content to enhance visibility and increase sales.
Monitor Sales and Performance
Regularly track sales, customer feedback, and product performance metrics. Utilize this data to make informed decisions, improve your offerings, and expand your product portfolio.
Remember, adhering to TikTok’s policies and guidelines is essential throughout the entire buying and selling process to maintain a successful and sustainable business on their platform.
How to Find a Warehouse for TikTok Shop?
While TikTok itself doesn’t directly provide warehouses, you can find fulfillment solutions for your TikTok shop through third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
Does TikTok have suppliers?
No, TikTok itself doesn’t have suppliers in the traditional sense. They are a social media platform, not a retailer or manufacturer.
However, when it comes to selling on TikTok Shop (their e-commerce platform), there’s a different supplier scenario:
- You, the seller, are responsible for finding your own suppliers. This could involve manufacturers, wholesalers, or dropshipping suppliers depending on your business model.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Manufacturers: You can source products directly from manufacturers, especially if you plan to sell private-label goods.
- Wholesalers: They buy products in bulk from manufacturers and resell them to businesses like yours at a markup.
- Dropshipping: You partner with a dropshipping supplier who holds the inventory and ships directly to your customers after you receive an order.
Where to Buy Products to Sell on TikTok?
1. Dropshipping suppliers:
These companies store and ship products directly to your customers, so you don’t have to handle inventory. Some popular dropshipping suppliers for TikTok Shop include:
- CJdropshipping
- Trendsi
- Avasam
- Printify
- Printful
2. Online Marketplaces:
Websites like AliExpress and Alibaba are great places to find suppliers for a wide variety of products. You can search for suppliers based on product category, location, and price.
2.1 Use Alibaba
Alibaba connects you with manufacturers from China. It’s a common marketplace to find existing products, but you can also use Alibaba to connect with manufacturers to create custom products. Simply search for the products you’re looking for and browse through the various suppliers and manufacturers. By the way, you also can looking for other China online wholesale websites.
Top 20+ Best China Wholesale Website List to Buy Wholesale From China
3. Use Free Online Website to Find Manufacturers Directories
Another place to find a manufacturer for your brand is free online supplier directories. These directories act as manufacturer catalogs that contain profiles for hundreds or thousands of manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most popular ones for both domestic and overseas suppliers:
Online US Wholesalers and Distributors Directories
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ThomasNet – quote and buy online platform
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Maker’s Row – Made in US products
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MFG – Manufacturer directory
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Kompass
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Council of Manufacturing Associations Member Organizations
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Gobizusa
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Dollardays.com – electronics, office, food, and more
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Liquidation.com – well respected and a variety of product conditions
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Big Lots – US and Canada – closeout deals
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Tuesday Morning – luggage, electronics, toys, home, and garden categories.
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Gabes -branded closeout stock
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SaleHoo – membership
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World Wide Brands – paid directory
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Price Master – lots of different categories
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Lotus Light – health, beauty, and other categories
UK Wholesalers and Distributors
Here are some UK Wholesale Suppliers for Amazon:
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Esources – directory – free and paid options
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The Wholesaler – directory
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Gem Wholesale – stockist
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The Wholesale Forums
Online Overseas Directories
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Wholesale Online Manufacturers Websites – list
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Indiamart
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Supplyia – manufacturing sourcing company
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Alibaba
Find Manufacturers Near Me
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Yelp
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Manufacturersnearme
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Google Search+Location
5. Search Wholesale Company on Google
In recent years, we’ve become accustomed to being able to easily search Google and find what we’re looking for in the first few search results. However, many suppliers haven’t kept pace with the internet or Google’s algorithm changes. Their websites are usually old, sparse on information, and have poor search engine optimization.
So how do you find a manufacturer of a product on Google? For possibly the first time ever, you’ll need to explore page two of Google search results and beyond. You’ll also want to use a variety of search terms. For example, words like “wholesale,” “wholesaler,” and “distributor” may be used interchangeably, so you should search for all of them.
It may help to make yourself familiar with Google’s search shortcuts to improve the quality of your searches and, thus, your results.
6. Use Referrals
Some of the best leads can come from referrals. Don’t be afraid to ask connections in your professional networks if they have any recommendations or if they know someone who might. Look for individuals who’ve found success in an area you’d like to pursue and see if they’re willing to share their contacts.
Social networks have made it much easier to get the word out, so make sure to use these channels. Join Facebook groups and other online communities of ecommerce business owners and see if anyone there has a glowing review.
As you do start to uncover suppliers, even if they aren’t the right fit for you, be sure to ask them if they can point you in the right direction. Being in the industry means they’ll likely have great contacts and would be happy to refer you to an option that might be a better fit.
7. Use NAICS Codes
How do you find where a product is manufactured? A possible way is by searching for the NAICS code.
NAICS is the North American Industry Classification System, and pretty much every single manufacturing industry and product you can think of is attached to a NAICS code. Sometimes manufacturers and suppliers list products by their NAICS code, which can make manufacturers and suppliers easier to find, especially if you’re using professional directories.
The NAICS directory can be found at your local library or online. Here is the link for the United States’ NAICS code and the link for Canada’s NAICS code.
You’ll also want to make sure you properly vet your potential manufacturer. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few possibilities, dig deeper in your research to make sure they’re credible.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there have been any complaints filed, browse the manufacturer’s Facebook page reviews, and use those Google search tricks to query the company name + reviews to see if any red flags come up.
Lastly, when you decide how to find a manufacturer for your product, where you make it might be the most crucial decision.
Source Products for TikTok with China Sourcing Agent:
We are a sourcing company that helps TikTok sellers source products in China, customize packaging, and ship them to their customers.
We have a vast network of suppliers across China, so we can help you find the products you need at the best prices. We also offer a variety of packaging options to help you create a unique and memorable unboxing experience for your customers. And we handle all the shipping logistics, so you can focus on selling your products.
If you’re a TikTok seller looking to expand your tiktok party supplies business, we can help you make it happen.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
