In this day of age, whenever you want to buy a product, the most convenient way to do it is online. Some of the most popular online shopping websites include Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. Recently, a new front for online shopping has come into popularity. TikTok shop, accessible on the app TikTok, has recently skyrocketed in fame. With over one billion active users per month, it features its shop through the use of influencer advertising and daily coupons for consumers to use on products sold through the app.
Although this may seem like any ordinary shopping platform, it has its individualities. For example, Tik Tok shop offers coupons and discounts for almost every single item sold in the shop. Some of these deals seem too good to be true. Many users believe there has to be a catch and are skeptical about buying from the app’s shopping platform.
At first I was skeptical because I didn’t think it would come in time and thought I would get scammed. But when my package arrived and I received my goods I was very happy with my purchase.
— Kailey Dinh 11
TikTok Shop is a platform where individual companies or resellers can sell viral products they see on their “for you page” directly on the app. For example, sellers must be eighteen years or older to sell products through the app and must meet a number of other security-related requirements.
No matter how much security the sellers have to go through to be able to sell their products, what consumers are truly curious about is how safe it is to buy from the shop. In short, it depends on the product you are buying and who you are buying it from on the app. The platform itself is safe and reliable to buy products from… that is, if you are buying from a well-reviewed reliable seller on the app. Kailey, a junior at YLHS says, “At first I was skeptical because I didn’t think it would come in time and thought I would get scammed. But when my package arrived and I received my goods I was very happy with my purchase” (Kailey Dinh 11). Kailey said that she bought from a reliable company and made sure to check reviews first before purchasing her “Chamoy Pickle Kit” from the TikTok shop and it is recommended that consumers do the same as well. To make sure that the seller you are buying from is legit, always check the reviews and see how many times the item has been bought as well as how many positive reviews there are. You should also do your research on the product to not become easily influenced by any fake or counterfeit products. Remember that everything you see advertised on your “for you page” might not be the most legitimate product! Most importantly, buy from the brand of the product you are purchasing directly on TikTok shop and not from a 3rd party brand that might be in it to scam you from the product’s real value.
Kailey Dinh, a junior at YLHS, recommends, “I do recommend buying a pickle kit from TikTok shop” (Kailey Dinh 11). Ultimately, knowing exactly what product you are investing in and who you are giving your money to is the number one rule of internet security and shopping. These rules apply to not only the TikTok shop but to Amazon and eBay as well. As more people shuffle onto the app TikTok, more purchases will be made through the TikTok shop. Always remember to look for anything sketchy before purchasing through the internet!
