TikTok Shop Influencers: To Trust or Not to Trust?

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably been scrolling through your TikTok feed and noticed an interesting trend – more and more videos featuring links to in-app shopping. Well, that’s because TikTok has jumped on the e-commerce bandwagon with its very own TikTok Shop. This platform started testing the waters back in November 2022, and now, it’s in full swing with hundreds of creators eagerly signing up to sell products directly through the app. But here’s the million-dollar question: Should you really trust TikTok influencers who are peddling products on this new platform? We completely understand if you’re feeling doubtful. That’s why we’re here to break it all down for you, giving you the lowdown on TikTok Shop and what it means for your shopping experience. Introducing TikTok Shop: A New Frontier In the world of influencer marketing, TikTok is no stranger. For years, this social media powerhouse has been a hotspot for influencers promoting products. Traditionally, these influencers have been redirecting traffic to e-commerce giants like Amazon or Shopify. But TikTok Shop is here to change the game by allowing creators to sell products directly within the app. TikTok provides a range of resources for sellers, creators, partners, and affiliates using its shopping platform. Even though TikTok Shop is still in the testing phase, early users report that it’s incredibly user-friendly. Some might even say it’s almost too easy to use. This ease of use has sparked concerns that the app might be getting a tad too commercialized, making it a breeze to overspend on products that might not live up to your expectations. The Pros and Cons of TikTok Shop We all know TikTok is a marketing powerhouse. Just check out the hashtag #tiktokmademebuyit, and you’ll see how effective it can be. TikTok videos are short, eye-catching, and delivered to you through a smart algorithm. No wonder so many sellers have struck gold on this platform. TikTok Shop takes this one step further by eliminating the need for a redirection to external websites. With the shop right there on the app, it’s a golden opportunity for small business owners or content creators looking to start a profitable dropshipping venture. But (you knew there was a “but” coming, right?), there are concerns about the safety of TikTok Shop. Some users have already encountered scammers lurking in the corners of the platform. Because it’s so easy to click and buy within the app, buyers might skip the crucial step of verifying the source and legitimacy of a product. And to add to the concern, studies have shown that potentially dangerous products like diet pills can find their way onto the platform. Another issue is the commercialization of TikTok. One TikTok user aptly described it as “one big ad.” We know how addictive it can be to scroll through TikTok for hours, but now, it’s just as easy to buy while you scroll. This convenience could spell trouble for anyone trying to stick to a budget and cut out impulse spending. The Burning Question: Can You Trust TikTok Shop Influencers? So, here’s the deal – should you really trust those influencers who are raving about products on TikTok Shop? It’s important to realize that TikTok makes a tidy profit from every product purchased within the app. Influencers also get their share of the pie for the products they promote. In other words, the platform wants you to open your wallet. When you’re bombarded with influencer marketing, it’s easy to feel like you absolutely need a product. But remember, the videos you’re watching might not tell the whole story. There’s a possibility of low-quality, overpriced, or even unsafe products lurking in the shadows of TikTok Shop. But does this mean TikTok Shop is a total scam? Nope, not at all. Most of the retailers on the platform are legitimate, offering safe and reliable products. There’s nothing inherently wrong with shopping on TikTok Shop, as long as you proceed with a healthy dose of caution. Tips to Shop Responsibly on TikTok Shop Now that you’re armed with the knowledge about the potential pitfalls, here are some tips to help you navigate TikTok Shop safely and ensure you’re not being led astray: Do Your Homework: Before you dive headfirst into buying a product linked in your For You Page, take a moment to check out the seller’s page. Try to find the same brand on other platforms to verify its legitimacy. Slow Your Scroll: Tik Tok’s algorithm is like your personal shopping assistant. But ask yourself why you’re being shown a product and whether you genuinely need it. Consider putting your phone down and taking a breather before hitting that “buy” button. Price Comparison: Don’t be too hasty. Look up the product on other websites to see if you can snag a better deal or find some juicy coupons elsewhere. Cart Control: Try to limit yourself to just one or two items in your cart at any given time. Give each item a careful once-over before proceeding to checkout. Online Safety: Whenever you shop online, ensure you’re using a secure payment platform, enable two-factor authentication, and follow other internet safety precautions. Cybersecurity is no joke! Final PopStar Tip For better or worse, TikTok Shop is here to stay. It’s simplifying the process for content creators to hawk their wares directly through the app. Regardless of your feelings toward TikTok Shop or influencer marketing, one thing remains crystal clear: it comes with its own set of pros and cons, just like other e-commerce sites. To steer clear of scams and the allure of overspending on TikTok Shop, treat it like any other e-commerce platform you’ve encountered, such as AliExpress or Temu. Do your research, compare prices, and exercise restraint. TikTok Shop can be a fantastic place to discover and purchase new products, but remember not to place blind trust in every influencer ad that pops up on your screen. Your wallet will thank you for it! Send us a message or contact our Team at contact@pop-star.me for more information on how PopStar can help your TikTok influencer marketing here in the Philippines.