TL;DR: Setting up a TikTok Shop UK account requires a TikTok for Business account, valid ID or business registration, and a UK bank account. You register through TikTok Seller Center, and verification takes 1 to 3 business days. The standard commission rate is 9%, with select categories qualifying for reduced rates. Over 200,000 UK small and medium businesses now sell on TikTok Shop, and the platform reached record-breaking sales during Black Friday 2025. Once your shop is live, connect eDesk’s TikTok integration to manage orders, messages, and customer support from a single inbox.
If you sell products online and have not started selling on TikTok Shop yet, you are missing a significant revenue channel.
TikTok Shop lets you sell directly inside the app. No redirects. No external checkout pages. A buyer watches your video, taps the product, and completes the purchase without leaving TikTok. For sellers, this means shorter purchase paths and stronger conversion rates.
The growth numbers speak for themselves. TikTok Shop was crowned the UK’s fastest-growing online retailer in 2024, with a 131% increase in shoppers and a 180% rise in annual revenue. By late 2025, over 200,000 UK small and medium businesses were selling on the platform, alongside major retailers like Marks and Spencer, Samsung, and Clarks. TikTok now has approximately 24.8 million active UK users spending an average of 49 hours per month on the app.
We have helped thousands of eCommerce sellers manage their TikTok Shop orders and customer messages through eDesk, and we know the setup process inside and out. This guide walks you through every step, from registration and verification to uploading your first products and landing your first sale.
What Do You Need to Open a TikTok Shop in the UK?
Before you start the registration process, gather these documents. Having everything ready speeds up your approval.
For business sellers, you will need:
- A business email address
- Company registration number (Companies House)
- Government-issued ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address or bank statement
- UK VAT number (if VAT-registered)
- A UK bank account
For individual sellers (sole traders), you will need:
- Government-issued ID
- National Insurance number
- Proof of address
- A UK bank account
Once you have these documents ready, the registration process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 1: Create a TikTok for Business Account
Your TikTok for Business account is the foundation for selling on the platform. This account gives you access to TikTok Ads Manager, the Creator Marketplace, and analytics tools you will need as your shop grows.
Here is how to set this up:
- Go to the TikTok for Business sign-up page
- Click “Sign Up” and follow the prompts
- Use your business email address for easier verification later
Even if you already have a personal TikTok account, you need a separate business account to sell. Your personal account will not give you access to Seller Center or shop management tools.
Step 2: Register on TikTok Shop Seller Center
This is where you officially create your seller profile.
- Go to TikTok Seller Center UK (seller-uk.tiktok.com)
- Choose “Sign Up with TikTok” or register with your business email
- Select “United Kingdom” as your region
- Fill in your business details and contact information
The Seller Center is your control panel for everything related to your TikTok Shop. You will manage products, orders, finances, and promotions from here going forward.
Step 3: Submit Your Verification Documents
TikTok needs to verify your identity and business status before approving your shop. Upload clear, high-resolution copies of your documents to avoid delays.
A few tips to get approved faster:
- Make sure all documents are current and not expired
- Your ID photo should be clear with all four corners visible
- The name on your documents should match your Seller Center registration
- For businesses, your Companies House registration needs to be active
If you are a sole trader, a valid passport or driving licence paired with your National Insurance number will typically be enough.
Step 4: Complete the Verification Process
After you submit your documents, TikTok reviews your application. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
You will receive an email notification once your application is approved. If TikTok needs additional information or corrections, they will email you with specific instructions.
While you wait, put this time to good use:
- Prepare your product photos and videos
- Write your product descriptions
- Plan your pricing strategy (keep the 9% commission in mind)
- Set up eDesk’s TikTok integration so you are ready to handle orders from day one
Step 5: Build Your TikTok Shop Storefront
Once verified, you will build your storefront. This is what shoppers see when they visit your TikTok Shop, so take the time to make a strong first impression.
You need to set up:
- Your shop name (keep this consistent with your brand on other channels)
- Your logo (use a high-resolution image that works at small sizes)
- Product listings with photos, videos, descriptions, and pricing
- Return and shipping policies
- Contact information
A polished storefront builds trust. Shoppers who see professional product images and clear policies are more likely to complete a purchase.
If you sell across other marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify, keep your branding consistent. This helps repeat customers recognize your shop across channels. For managing all these channels in one place, check out our guide on managing Amazon and TikTok Shop from one inbox.
Step 6: Link Your UK Bank Account for Payments
To receive payments from your TikTok Shop sales, you need to connect a UK bank account.
- Go to Seller Center, then Finance, then Payment Settings
- Enter your bank account details
- Confirm through the verification code sent to you
- Make sure the name on the bank account matches your business or personal ID
TikTok pays sellers on a weekly basis after orders are marked as delivered. Keep this payment cycle in mind when planning your cash flow, especially during high-volume periods like Black Friday. During Black Friday 2025, TikTok Shop recorded its highest-grossing day in UK history, with 27 items selling every second and a 50% uplift in sales compared to the previous year.
Step 7: Upload Your First Products
With your shop live, start uploading products. Strong listings make the difference between a scroll-past and a sale.
Each product listing should include:
- High-quality images showing the product from multiple angles
- A short video demonstrating the product in action (this is TikTok, after all)
- A clear, keyword-rich description that answers common buyer questions
- Accurate pricing with shipping costs factored in
- Stock levels and variations (size, colour, material)
- Correct product category (this affects your commission rate)
Optimized listings rank better in TikTok search results and convert more viewers into buyers. Focus on showing your product solving a real problem. On TikTok, 37% of users purchase something immediately after discovering it on the app.
For inspiration on what sells well, read our breakdown of the best-selling products on TikTok Shop UK.
Step 8: Promote Your Shop With TikTok Creators
One of TikTok Shop’s strongest features is the built-in creator ecosystem. Collaborating with creators gets your products in front of engaged audiences who already trust the people they follow.
Here are your main promotion options:
TikTok Affiliate Programme: Creators earn a commission for every sale they drive through shoppable videos. You set the commission rate and creators apply to promote your products. Over 100,000 creators now use the TikTok Shop affiliate programme, and affiliate links on TikTok have an engagement rate 160% higher than Instagram.
TikTok LIVE Shopping: Go live or partner with creators to showcase products in real time. LIVE shopping sales grew 68% during Black Friday 2025, with thousands of brands and creators hosting real-time shopping events throughout the week.
TikTok Ads: Boost posts or run Spark Ads to target specific audiences based on interests, demographics, and behaviour.
The most successful TikTok Shop sellers combine all three. Affiliate content drives organic discovery, LIVE sessions build urgency, and paid ads scale what works.
Step 9: Set Up Customer Support for Your TikTok Shop
Once orders start coming in, customer questions follow. Buyers want fast answers about shipping times, product details, returns, and order status. Slow responses hurt your seller score and lead to negative reviews.
This is where eDesk makes a real difference. With eDesk’s TikTok Shop integration, you get:
- All TikTok messages and order details in one unified inbox
- AI-powered response suggestions to handle common questions faster
- Seamless management of returns, refunds, and enquiries
- Multichannel support across TikTok, Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and 300+ channels
TikTok monitors seller response times and customer satisfaction scores. Maintaining strong service metrics keeps your shop visible in search results and eligible for promotional programmes.
For more on handling TikTok Shop customer service well, read our guide on how to ace customer support on TikTok Shop.
How Much Does TikTok Shop Charge UK Sellers?
Understanding TikTok Shop’s fee structure is critical for setting your prices and protecting your margins.
Here is the current breakdown:
- Standard commission: 9% of the total order value (including buyer-paid shipping and platform discounts)
- Category exceptions: Select Electronics and some Beauty and Personal Care products qualify for a reduced 5% commission rate
- New seller incentives: New sellers who complete onboarding missions (such as uploading a minimum number of active products) are eligible for a reduced commission rate of around 4% for up to 60 calendar days
- Self-ship fee: £0.50 per delivered order if you fulfill orders yourself (introduced July 2025)
- Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT): Starts at around £0.78 per item (including VAT) for parcels up to 0.5 kg
There are no listing fees or monthly account fees. You only pay when you make a sale.
The commission applies to the full order value, not the product price alone. Factor this into your pricing strategy from the start. For a detailed breakdown of all costs, visit our guide on how much it costs to sell on TikTok Shop UK.
Get Started on TikTok Shop UK Today
TikTok Shop is no longer an experiment. With over 200,000 active UK sellers, major brands joining the platform daily, and nearly 58% of TikTok users making purchases directly in the app, this is a sales channel worth prioritizing.
The setup process is straightforward. Gather your documents, register through Seller Center, get verified, and start listing products. The sooner you start, the sooner you build your audience and sales history on the platform.
When orders start flowing, make sure you have the right support tools in place. Book a free demo with eDesk to see how we help TikTok Shop sellers manage orders, messages, and customer support from a single smart inbox.
FAQs
How long does TikTok Shop UK verification take?
Verification typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Delays happen if documents are unclear, expired, or if the name on your documents does not match your registration details. Upload high-resolution copies to speed up the process.
Can I open a TikTok Shop in the UK as a sole trader?
Yes. Sole traders and individuals are eligible to open a TikTok Shop in the UK. You will need a valid government-issued ID (passport or driving licence), your National Insurance number, and a UK bank account. No company registration is required.
What products are restricted on TikTok Shop UK?
Most physical products are allowed, but TikTok restricts certain categories including alcohol, weapons, adult content, tobacco, and some health products. Always review TikTok Shop’s product guidelines in Seller Center before listing.
What is the commission rate for TikTok Shop UK sellers?
The standard commission rate is 9% of the total order value. New sellers who complete onboarding missions are eligible for a reduced rate of around 4% for up to 60 days. Some categories like Electronics qualify for a lower 5% rate. Commission applies to the item price, buyer-paid shipping, and platform discounts.
Do I need a VAT number to sell on TikTok Shop UK?
A VAT number is not required to register. You need one only if your business is VAT-registered (mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds the UK VAT threshold). Sole traders below the threshold do not need to provide a VAT number.
How does eDesk help TikTok Shop sellers?
eDesk integrates directly with TikTok Shop to pull all your orders, messages, and customer enquiries into one inbox. This means faster response times, AI-powered support suggestions, and streamlined returns and refund management. eDesk also connects to Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and 300+ other channels so you manage everything from one place.
How do I get paid from TikTok Shop UK?
TikTok pays sellers weekly after orders are marked as delivered. You link a UK bank account through Seller Center under Finance and Payment Settings. The name on the bank account must match your registered seller details.
What is the best TikTok Shop selling strategy for UK sellers in 2026?
The best strategy combines three elements: consistent content creation with shoppable videos, working with TikTok creators through the affiliate programme, and running LIVE shopping sessions during peak hours. Pair this with fast, responsive customer support to maintain high seller scores and keep your products visible in search results.
