Social Selling: The Growth Of TikTok Shop And Why It Matters

eCommerce is ever-evolving, with new trends popping up all the time. One trend we are following right now is social selling, specifically TikTok Shop. Social selling is changing the way sellers interact with consumers, and creating new opportunities for the logistics industry. 

What is social selling?

Social selling is a strategic method being used to actively engage with potential buyers and build a connection so that these potential buyers are turned into repeat customers. Social selling is about using social media to build meaningful relationships and trust that ultimately leads to sales. Consumers who are scrolling social media every day to check out new brands and products are ready to buy, and social selling is a way to catch the consumer right when they are ready to make a purchase. 

What does TikTok Shop have to do with this?

TikTok Shop has revolutionized how consumers discover and purchase products by providing a seamless in-app shopping experience. Many users discover new brands through the app and then can easily purchase (or impulse buy) those products right away. At first consumers were unsure about the quality and credibility of items sold on TikTok Shop, but those fears have since subsided as consumers have come more accustomed to this online marketplace. TikTok shop is now growing tremendously, providing another platform for eCommerce brands to get their product in front of consumers. 

Where do 3PLs fit in?

With new trends appearing all the time, TikTok shop sellers need to be able to adapt quickly. One of their items could go viral, and next thing you know, they are unable to fulfill the mass amount of orders that have come through. This is where a 3PL and a Warehouse Management System (WMS) steps in. When a TikTok shop partners with a 3PL they are able to prepare for a spike in sales and scale to meet demand, utilize a range of shipping options that are best for their customer, and create a positive shipping experience for their customers. 

A 3PL with a WMS that integrates with TikTok is vital to be able to seamlessly track orders, inventory, and shipping information. The ability to integrate with TikTok allows for optimized speed and accuracy which is game-changing because TikTok Shop buyers (like all other consumers) want swift and precise deliveries.

So let’s break it down. The seller captivates their audience on TikTok and gets orders of their product. The 3PL (and their WMS that has a TikTok integration) seamlessly integrates orders into their system which allows for instant processing. The 3PL picks, packs, and ships items to ensure satisfied customers, and then the process begins again. 

Why does this all matter?

TikTok Shop gives brands a new and exciting way to reach their target audiences, and 3PLs need to be ready to jump on this trend. As you can see in the chart to the left from ShipHero, TikTok eCommerce orders have grown immensely in the last 6 months or so. There is a surge of companies who want to build revenue through TikTok Shop, so your 3PL needs to have a WMS, like ShipHero, that has a TikTok integration for seamless fulfillment from when the order is placed to when the order is shipped. TikTok Shop just might be the next big thing - are you ready to embrace it?

P.S. Brandfox uses ShipHero as a WMS and is ready to help you take your TikTok Shop to the next level 🥳

Looking for more trends in the industry? Check out how we think technology trends will impact the future of 3PL operations!