In a move to expand its influence and compete with other prominent shopping platforms, TikTok, the widely popular short-form video hosting app, is gearing up to make a significant move in the United States. According to reputable news sources, TikTok is all set to introduce its very own e-commerce platform in the US, aiming to offer China-made goods to American consumers.
Similar to Amazon’s successful “Sell by Amazon” program, TikTok’s e-commerce venture will involve storing and shipping a wide array of products, ranging from clothing and electronics to kitchen appliances. Reliable sources from IT Home suggest that the platform will handle marketing, sales, shipping, and post-sales services on behalf of Chinese brands and sellers. This approach marks a strategic step towards strengthening TikTok’s market position and is projected to drive the gross merchandise value from under 5 billion USD in 2022 to a staggering 20 billion USD by the end of 2023.
At present, it appears that TikTok’s primary focus will be to offer US buyers access to a diverse range of high-quality products exclusively made in China. Moreover, the platform is set to curate an extensive selection of electronics, fashion items, and much more, enticing American consumers with an array of compelling choices.
Under the umbrella of what TikTok calls a “full-service model”, payments to Chinese brands will only be processed once the platform successfully secures buyers in the United States. By adopting this cautious approach, TikTok can mitigate risks and ensure the demand for products before initiating payments to brands.
This strategic move to introduce an e-commerce platform is expected to not only augment TikTok’s already widespread popularity but also position it as a viable contender in the competitive US market. As TikTok gears up to launch its platform, American consumers can look forward to a seamless shopping experience, offering them a wide array of China-made goods at their fingertips. As for TikTok, the e-commerce platform can tap into influencer marketing in the US and create new opportunities for influencers to promote and sell products on the platform.
With the potential to reshape the e-commerce landscape, TikTok’s expansion into the world of American online shopping is a development worth keeping a close eye on.
