Scaling involves generating more sales and leads with minimal financial input. Doing this on the TikTok shop requires getting your logistics perfect.
Social media is now much more than just a method of sending messages to friends. It is a way of life, where we shop, share stories and anecdotes, discuss politics, and get our news. Thus, TikTok’s store integration was just a matter of time. With around 58% of the platform’s users making purchases through its shop, scaling needs to be done properly.
What is the TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is the e-commerce arm of the popular social media site. Estimates are that it has around 1.59 billion global users, and the shop is a way for those who have social influence to sell products directly to their fans. TikTok itself describes this method of selling as an infinite loop, where content is made about products, pushing sales conversions, and helping others discover the product.
There are several ways in which sellers can display and advertise their products. The first is with an integrated shop on their TikTok profile. Secondly, they can create shoppable videos within the feed itself. Lastly, they have the ability to create live shopping and demonstration sessions, almost like the old days of television shopping channels.
What Are the Benefits of TikTok Shop?
TikTok shop has some distinct advantages for brands and businesses. It does have a younger demographic, though this is becoming less so with older generations now joining the platform. For sellers, this means the ability to reach those beyond their normal customer base. It can allow them to find people in different age groups, genders, locations, and other demographics.
This can be done through collaboration, either with other brands or social media personalities. Doing this can build trust, brand awareness, and generate new revenue streams. Added to this is the ability to leverage social media to reach more people, either through discussion or participation in viral trends.
The Importance of TikTok Shop Fulfilment
As your business grows, you will need to consider scaling up, and TikTokshop fulfillment is a key part of this. It involves getting the products from the warehouse to your customer. In a crowded marketplace, there is no room for error. Mess up orders, and people will go elsewhere, damaging your brand.
TikTok does have its own fulfilment centres. However, they are not ideal for scaling unless TikTok is the only way you sell. Once you decide to use other platforms, websites, and so forth, their limitations become visible.
Many people choose third-party logistics services (3PL) for these reasons. These companies are specialists in handling fulfilment for a range of businesses, including those who desire TikTok shop logistics. With state-of-the-art technology, they can handle everything from delivery to inventory management.
There are many options for 3PL providers for those who want TikTokshop fulfilment. One of the operators with the best reputation and track record is Shipfusion. They are able to provide warehouses that can manage drastic fluctuations in order volumes, ideal for those who sell seasonal-based products. Not only does it provide easy inventory management, but it also has easy integration with TikTok itself.
Scaling vs Growing a Business
Scaling a business is very different from growing one. Growing a business involves adding to the staff, product range, and investments as profit increases. This is a big task. Scaling involves boosting profits and sales with the minimum amount of strain on your time and balance. This is an attractive prospect for any business.
In a world where competition is fierce, such as in social commerce, retaining customers and getting them back is essential. Thus, a customer retention strategy is imperative. Statistics show bringing people back to a shop again is five times cheaper than acquiring a new customer, and TikTok is the perfect place to do it. You can do this by offering discounts and incentives to long-term or recurring customers.
You should also consider leaning into social proof. This is the use of customer reviews and comments to boost engagement and sales. You may see this on sites like Trustpilot, where people leave reviews of businesses and products.
What to Look for in 3PL Providers When Scaling Your TikTok Shop
When scaling, there are elements that are essential to know when approaching 3PL providers. The first is to ensure they provide extremely flexible services. This should not just be limited to spikes and tails in order volumes. Being able to manage new products, including those in different sizes, along with service to new locations, is also vital.
To achieve this, make sure your 3PL provider is continually evolving. You don’t want to be tied into a contract as others move on, and you are left with a substandard, outdated company. Ask them how they invest in new technology and infrastructure, and how they can help your business as it scales up.
How to Gain More Exposure for Your TikTok Shop
When you use a 3PL provider, sudden surges in demand are easy to deal with. This makes flash sales a great tool for your TikTok shop. Limited-time discounts and promotions can be used not just for boosting sales, but also for attracting new customers. You can also use them to learn existing inventory. Imagine you have a whole batch of dresses that have not sold, and you want to get rid of them to get new stock in. Then have a flash sale on them!
Partnering with other social media accounts, particularly influencers, is also a good strategy for increasing the size of your operation. Considering working with them on live streams, reviews, or offering products. Make sure you get someone who aligns with your brand values, but manages to bring you to a new audience.
Thus, scaling is not so much an option, more a given. It can let you sell more with the minimum of input. By using 3PL services, you have even less to do, allowing you to concentrate on building a brand and social following.
