TikTok Shop Tips: Avoid These Common Violations

Stay compliant on TikTok Shop and protect your handmade business.

Welcome to the final installment of our TikTok Shop series! Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared strategies for working with affiliates and leveraging livestreaming to boost your sales. Today, we’re diving into an equally important topic: common TikTok Shop violations to avoid.

The holiday season is one of the most critical shopping periods for handmade sellers. The last thing you want is to face suspension—or worse, a ban—from TikTok Shop. Unfortunately, accumulating violation points has caused many sellers to lose access to this powerful platform.

Let’s explore the most common violations, how they can affect your shop, and actionable steps you can take to stay compliant with TikTok’s policies.

Why TikTok Shop Compliance Matters

TikTok Shop is a high-growth sales channel that connects sellers with millions of shoppers. But it comes with strict rules designed to protect users and maintain a fair marketplace.

Failing to comply with TikTok’s guidelines can result in:

• Violation Points: Accumulating points can limit your shop’s functionality.

• Temporary Suspension: Repeated violations can lead to a suspension of selling privileges.

• Permanent Ban: Severe or repeated violations can result in your shop being banned entirely.

To keep your shop running smoothly during peak shopping periods, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with TikTok Shop’s rules.

Common TikTok Shop Violations to Avoid

1. Running a Dropshipping Business

TikTok has strict rules for U.S. shop owners, making dropshipping a risky business model on this platform.

Key Rules to Know:

• Orders must be fulfilled and shipped from the address provided in the Seller Center.

• Sellers are prohibited from using international suppliers for U.S. orders.

• All orders must be fulfilled within three days of purchase.

Why It’s a Problem:TikTok doesn’t explicitly ban dropshipping, but its fulfillment rules make it challenging for dropshipping businesses to operate without incurring violations.

Actionable Tip:If you’re considering dropshipping on TikTok Shop, weigh the risks carefully or shift to a model where you control inventory and fulfillment directly.

Learn more from TikTok’s policies here.

2. Using Trademark Images and Terms

TikTok is vigilant about protecting intellectual property, and this applies to both sellers and creators promoting products.

What to Avoid:

• Using trademarked images or logos in product listings or promotions.

• Including brand names in creator videos without permission.

How It Impacts Sellers:Even if a creator unintentionally includes a trademarked name or logo, your shop could receive a violation point.

Pro Tip:

• Provide creators with clear guidelines on what to avoid in their videos.

• Emphasize the importance of omitting brand names while still showcasing the product’s value.

3. Competitor Comparisons

TikTok Shop is not the place for direct comparisons to your competitors. Using another brand’s name or logo in a disparaging way violates the platform’s rules.

What to Avoid:

• Negative comments about competitor products.

• Including competitor logos in your product images or videos.

Why It’s a Problem:These actions can lead to violation points and damage your credibility with potential customers.

Actionable Tip:Focus on highlighting the unique benefits of your handmade products rather than criticizing competitors.

How to Protect Your TikTok Shop

1. Stay Informed

Familiarize yourself with TikTok Shop’s policies. The platform updates its rules periodically, so check their policy page regularly.

2. Create Clear Guidelines for Affiliates and Creators

If you’re working with influencers, provide them with:

• A list of terms to avoid (e.g., trademarked names).

• Specific talking points about your products.

3. Monitor Your Shop Activity

Use TikTok Shop’s Seller Center to:

• Track your compliance status.

• Resolve violations promptly to prevent further penalties.

4. Err on the Side of Caution

When in doubt, keep your content clean and professional. It’s better to be cautious than to risk accumulating violation points.

The Takeaway

TikTok Shop is a powerful tool for handmade sellers, but staying compliant is crucial to protect your shop and maximize your sales potential.

Key Violations to Avoid:

1. Running a dropshipping business without meeting TikTok’s strict fulfillment rules.

2. Using trademarked images or terms in your listings or creator promotions.

3. Making negative comparisons to competitors or using their branding.

By understanding TikTok’s policies and implementing clear guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary violations and focus on growing your handmade business.

For more details on TikTok Shop’s rules, visit their official policy page.