Guide to selling on TikTok for beginners

With a sales growth rate of 113.8%, accounting for 35% of total e-commerce sales in Q1/2025, selling on TikTok has become a booming trend that opens great opportunities for Vietnamese sellers. Not sure where to start? This article is your foundational handbook.

1. Selling on TikTok: Current Situation and Trends

Launched in 2022, TikTok Shop debuted as an integrated e-commerce feature within the TikTok platform. Here, sellers can showcase their products through livestreams or by attaching product links to their videos. As a result, products reach customers naturally—even those who may not have had an initial purchase intent.

According to YouNet ECI’s H1/2025 e-commerce report, TikTok sales are experiencing an impressive breakthrough. In the first six months of 2025, TikTok Shop’s gross merchandise value (GMV) grew by 148% year-on-year, while other e-commerce platforms declined. This indicates that more and more consumers are choosing TikTok Shop as their shopping destination.

GMV market share – H1/2025 (YouNet ECI, 2025)

With the Shoppertainment model - sales built on the combination of shopping and entertainment - TikTok sellers can effectively attract and retain customers. Beyond showcasing products, sellers also integrate entertainment elements such as short videos, livestreams, and minigames to create a fun shopping experience.

Gen Z is strongly influenced by Shoppertainment and influencers when shopping on TikTok (YouNet ECI, 2025).

2. How to Open a TikTok Seller Account (Super Easy)

With free participation and a simple registration process, you can easily set up a TikTok Seller Account from home.

2.1. Conditions for Opening a TikTok Seller Account

There are two common types of sellers on TikTok: individual sellers and business sellers.

For individual sellers:

Must be a Vietnamese citizen registering as an individual seller
Must be 18 years or older

For business sellers:

Only legal entities registered in Viet For business sellers: nam are eligible
All business licenses and certificates must be verified and recognized in Vietnam

2.2. 4 Steps to Create a TikTok Seller Account

Step 1: Create a TikTok Seller Account

Visit TikTok Shop’s website [here]. Choose to Register using your TikTok account if you already have one, or create a new TikTok account.

Step 2: Review and Accept TikTok Terms & Policies

TikTok Shop will request access to your TikTok account. Click Continue.

Step 3: Set up Business Center information

Fill in all required details accurately. Once submitted, these details cannot be changed. Tick the box “I agree…” and click Submit.

Review the submitted information, then click Confirm.

Step 4: Wait for approval

TikTok will verify your information. Once approved, your shop will be activated, and you can start selling on TikTok.

3. Building a Fast-Growing TikTok Channel in 9 Steps

To grow your TikTok sales channel quickly and reach the right customers, you need a clear growth roadmap. Follow these 9 steps:

3.1. Set the right sales goals on TikTok

Goals are the foundation of your TikTok growth. Identify whether your main focus is brand awareness, attracting customers, or direct sales. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, and adaptable.

At the same time, clearly position your product (benefits, uniqueness). Once goals and positioning are set, your content strategies will be much more effective.

3.2. Identify your target audience

Knowing your audience helps you:

Create relevant content
Save time and costs
Attract and retain the right viewers
Convert viewers into customers

To determine who your target audience is, you can answer the following questions to know more about this.

Describe the target audience

3.3. Research competitors

Since TikTok selling is easy to start, competition is intense. Your competitors are channels with similar goals, audiences, or content ideas.

Method 1: List well-known competitors in your field
Method 2: Search hashtags related to your products (e.g., #OfficeWear, #Shirts, #Trousers, #WorkOutfits).

Then, perform a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats - this helps shape your strategy comprehensively.

SWOT analysis framework to evaluate competitors on TikTok

3.4. Optimize your TikTok seller profile

Complete your profile, write a clear bio, and use an eye-catching profile picture to build credibility and attract customers.

3.5. Create unique content

Unique, engaging content keeps viewers watching longer. If your video goes viral, it boosts both sales and brand awareness. Viewers may even become “free promoters” by sharing your content.

3.6. Produce and upload high-quality videos

High-resolution visuals, clear audio, and vibrant colors are essential. Well-produced videos improve credibility and increase your chance of being featured on TikTok’s “For You” page.

3.7. Use relevant hashtags

Correct hashtags improve discoverability. Always use keywords relevant to your video content and trending hashtags to maximize reach.

3.8. Leverage trends and trending music

Incorporate trending songs and challenges into your content to make it more engaging and increase watch time.

3.9. Run TikTok ads and cross-share content

TikTok ads help boost views, engagement, and brand awareness while reaching potential customers directly.

Additionally, share your TikTok videos across other platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to reinforce recognition.

4. Key Costs to Know When Selling on TikTok

Before starting, be aware of these costs:

4.1. Platform commission fee

A percentage paid to TikTok for maintaining the system, processing orders, and providing seller tools. Rates vary by product category.

Latest commission fee table (TikTok Shop Academy, 2025).

The formula for calculating platform commission is as follows:

4.2. Transaction fee

5% per successful order (after refunds), covering payment processing and system maintenance. Specifically:

4.3. Shipping fee

Usually paid by buyers, but sellers can partially subsidize shipping during promotions to stay competitive. Fees vary depending on package weight, size, and courier.

5. Conclusion

With its rapid growth, TikTok is becoming the top choice for anyone wanting to start an online business. With the insights from this article, you’re ready to confidently launch your TikTok sales channel and secure your first orders.

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AGlobal – Amazon’s account and advertising management partner in Vietnam, helping over 200+ exporters operate simply, efficiently, and effectively.