TikTok Shipping vs Seller Shipping: Which One Is Better?

TikTok, as a social media platform, is the most popular recently and has quickly gained popularity. TikTok launched TikTok Shop in September 2021. Therefore, an increasing number of sellers joined TikTok Shop, it is likely to become a major player in the e-commerce market in the near future.



If you want to start your online business on TikTok, which shipping option you should select? This blog will compare TikTok Shipping with Seller shipping, so you can make a well-informed decision  for your requirements.





Shipping Options on TikTok Shop

 
 There are 2 shipping options on TikTok. One is TikTok shipping, the other is seller shipping. If you are a new seller, how to choose and what are the differences and which one is better for you?

 

	
TikTok Shipping:

If you choose TikTok Shipping, you are telling TikTok that you want them to manage all aspects of fulfilling orders, including shipping. 

Sellers can choose to turn on Express shipping, Standard shipping, or both. Each delivery options will show sellers the service provider with essential details about weight and delivery services.

 


Steps:

1. Select the preferred shipping service.

2. Read and sign the agreement with shipping provider.

3. Finished shipping service setting.
 4. Go back to shipping setting page and check.


 


	
Seller Shipping:

 If you wish to opt for your own fulfillment method using Shopify and SK IQ, then you should select Seller Shipping. This option lets TikTok know that you would prefer to use external services to fulfill orders rather than relying on TikTok's own system.

Sellers ship orders on their own provider using seller shipping. There is only a single option if sellers choose to use it. If sellers change to use seller shipping, new orders will be fulfilled by themselves whereas existing ones will not be affected.

 


Steps:

1. Create a shipping template or copy and modify existing templates  before uploading products.

2. Enter the fields including: template name; shipping from(warehouse location); calculate rule; shipping services; shipping to; delivery areas; shipping rules. Customers cannot place orders exceeding the maximum/ weight/ quantity limits defined in the shipping template.

3.Submit the template and check.

 



TikTok Shipping vs Seller Shipping

 


	
		
		
		
	
	

		

			
Shipping options
			
Seller Shipping
			
TikTok Shipping
		
		

			
Enrollment
			
In Seller Center
			
In Seller Center (default setting for new sellers)
		
		

			
Integration solutions
			
Shopify: yes

			WooCommerce: yes

			Channel Advisor: yes
			
Shopify: yes

			WooCommerce: no

			Channel Advisor: no
		
		

			
Inventory storage ahead of shipping
			
Seller
			
Seller
		
		

			
Setting preferred carriers, services, and rates
			
Seller

			Eligible carriers: USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon Logistics, AxleHire, Better Trucks, Deliver-it, GLS US, Lasership, Lone Star Overnight, Ontrac, Spee-Dee Delivery, TForce, Wizmo *
			
Seller

			Eligible carriers: USPS, UPS, Fedex *
		
		

			
Selecting carrier/shipping speed for an order
			
Seller

			 
			
TikTok platform will automatically assign a service (based on buyer's selected shipping options and seller's preferred carrier).

			Seller has the option to reject this selection, and choose from other available options (these options are based on seller's shipping settings/rules). Note that the seller is liable for the cost difference.
		
		

			
Available shipping discounts
			
TikTok offers promotional discounts on eligible orders *
			
TikTok offers most customers free shipping at checkout *
		
		

			
Procuring the shipping label for the parcel
			
Seller
			
TikTok
		
		

			
Splitting orders into separate packages
			
Available, requires seller action prior to arranging pick up/drop off. Seller is liable for the additional cost. *
			
Available, requires seller action prior to label printing. Seller is liable for the additional cost. *
		
		

			
Combining multiple orders into a single package
			
Available, requires seller action prior to arranging pick up/drop off. *
			
Available, requires seller action prior to arranging pick up/drop off. *
		
		

			
Shipping the order (carrier drop off or pick up)
			
Seller (must ship within 3 business days)
			
Seller (must ship within 3 business days)
		
		

			
Uploading tracking numbers
			
Seller (only one edit within 72 hours available after upload)
			
TikTok

			For USPS, Shipping Manifest feature is available
		
		

			
Who bears the cost for the package in case of Return to Sender?
			
Seller
			
TikTok
		
		

			
Returns/Refunds management (approving/rejecting)
			
Seller
			
Seller
		
		

			
Seller compensation claims for logistics issues (if buyer refunded)
			
Not eligible for Seller compensation for any logistics issues
			
Eligible for Seller compensation for logistics issues

			-Delivered not Received (DNR): file a compensation request with TikTok             

			-Other logistics issues (Lost, Damaged):

			USPS/UPS: file with carrier

			Fedex: file with TikTok
		
		

			
Customer service for buyers facing logistics issues
			
Seller
			
TikTok
		
	




                                                                           Source: TikTok Shop Academy

 
  



TikTok Shipping or Seller Shipping: which one is best for you?



As I mentioned the pros and cons of TikTok Shipping and Seller Shipping, I believe you have a certain understanding of the differences between two options. Both TikTok Shipping and Seller Shipping have their own unique advantages, and to select the best one, it will depend on your specific needs.



If  you already have multiple stores or you are looking to open multiple stores on TikTok or have stores on different platforms, you find it difficult to manage them, I recommend using 4Seller. 

It is a multi-channel e-commerce ERP that helps you efficiently manage multiple platforms, as it can help you to copy listings, manage orders, and sync inventory.



Conclusion

Now TikTok Shop only charges commission fees for successful orders and it is less than other platforms. TikTok Shop is a great choice if you want to sell products online, and 4Seller will always help you here!