We all probably spend too much time scrolling on our phones. TikTok has become a staple in our daily lives.
And you’ve definitely heard of TikTok Shop at this point. The shopping section of TikTok launched in Ireland last year and since then we’ve been able to buy directly throught the social media app.
But is TikTok Shop and how do we use it? We sat down with Katey McElroy, lead of TikTok Shop in Ireland.
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is a new feature of the app that lets users with business accounts sell directly and make money on TikTok.
Katey explains: “We have loads of different local businesses and Irish businesses from all over the country, which is great. For the shoppers, they can add items to their basket, shop around.”
Who can use it?
Once you are based in Ireland and are over the age of 18, you can buy from TikTok Shop.
“If you have business in Galway, like Nancy from The Belle Brush, or Rubydo Gifts in Ballina or any corner of the country, you are able to sell and anyone around Ireland is able to buy from them.”
How can you search on TikTok Shop?
Kayte reveals that the search, “Shop Irish,” has doubled in popularity this year.
“We as Irish people love to shop Irish, and I think we have seen the rise of Irishness branding, like House of Guinness, the rise of all these other things like culture, has moved over into TikTok shop, and we can see that in purchasing habits. The term claddagh, is like 300 per cent in the last year as well, and we have Betty and Biddy, who sold thousands of claddagh bangles which we don’t typically see, and Fíor jewelry, those jewelry brands that focus on Irish culture and the heart of Ireland, the emerald, maps, and Claddagh pieces, so from a search perspective, one thing you can really see if the Irishness,” she explains.
“If you open your TikTok app today, there are various ways you can discover products on TikTok shop, so there is a couple of ways you can buy, so in your For You Page, you might see a video or a Live shopping event.”
All you have to do is search for the item you want eg Lip Stain and at the top of your search you will see all of the products! Easy as that!
@itsmycurvylife Happy shopping girlies 🛍️🛒 #howtotiktok #howtotiktokshop #tiktopshopping #tiktokshopireland #tiktokshopexplained ♬ original sound – Charlotte O’Neill
What can you expect when you go through TikTok Shop to buy something?
It’s very simple, if you scroll across a video that has a product on TikTok Shop you will see a yellow icon at the bottom of the video. Once you click on this icon, you are brought through to a product page where you will see options and prices. All you have to do is add the item to your basket or check out immediately!
Once you put your bank details in, you will get updated through the TikTok app, if your order has been processed, shipped, etc.
“End to end, the experience happens on the TikTok shop itself, they can leave reviews on TikTok and let people know they love it or that it arrived in four days,” Katey says.
How has TikTok Shop affected Irish businesses?
“It has been a big year, and a big month so I think we had 190 per cent compared to last month of a sales increase since Black Friday, so I think my favourite part of the job has been discovering new brands and products, and people that have really leaned in to TikTok Shop,” Katey shares.
Katey cites companies like Kash Beauty, Fíor Jewellery, Belle Brush, Wink Lashes Gym+Coffee and KissMyLips as adaptators of the new feature on the app.
What is Live Shopping?
Live Shopping is pretty much what it sounds like. Businesses and creators can go live on TikTok to promote and sell their products.
Katey explains: “What’s really good from a live shopping perspective is you can ask questions, like ‘I’m 5ft 6, what does that look like on me?’ and there is some indication versus a static image when you are trying to think, ‘Will that look nice on me?’ So that element is nice as well to learn a bit more and engage before you make that purchase.”
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What are the benefits of TikTok Shop?
Katey tells us: “It’s a new way to shop and discover things, we are all about discovery on TikTok shop, and you will find new brands to discover no matter where you are in Ireland, so that’s definitely number one.
“The second piece is live shopping, its a really fun new way of shopping that build fun and community with the brand and founder more so than ever.
“The third is that we have partnered with Guaranteed Irish, and they really represent trust, so that you know trusted Irish brands are on the platform and its a really great to support them this Christmas so its that and all year round. So that #shopIrish is really good and trusted and important.”
Is TikTok Shop safe?
TikTok Shop is a reputable retailer. Everything is safe and above board.
Of course, you should always be vigilant and make sure that you are buying from the brand, like on any other platform.