FAQ
Straight answers, before you book.
What clients ask us most about cost, ownership, timelines and how we work. If your question is not here, email [email protected].
01
Getting started
Do I need any prior experience to get started?
No. Many clients have never sold on TikTok Shop. We handle the operational work and explain each decision in plain terms. What you do need is capital for your chosen model, timely decisions and realistic expectations.
What is the difference between Private Label and Wholesale?
Private Label means selling your own brand: more control and long-term value, with more upfront cost and time. Wholesale means selling established brands bought at wholesale: existing demand and a faster start, with thinner margins and less control. We recommend one on the strategy call.
Do you work with established brands?
Yes. Brands already selling on Shopify, Amazon or their own site use us to add TikTok Shop as a channel. We can connect your existing catalog and work alongside your in-house team.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, where TikTok Shop is available and your business can meet its seller requirements. Some markets require a local business entity, address or bank account. We confirm what applies to you on the strategy call.
What happens on the free strategy call?
We learn about your goals, budget and products, and you can ask us anything. If TikTok Shop fits, we outline the right model and next steps. If it does not, we say so. There is no obligation.
02
Costs & ownership
How much capital do I need to get started?
It depends on the model and the products. Private Label needs funds for samples, a first production run and packaging; Wholesale needs funds for opening inventory. Both need budget for creator samples and ad spend while products are tested. We work through realistic figures for your situation on the strategy call.
How much do your services cost?
Pricing is quoted per store on the strategy call, based on your model, catalog size and the services you need. You see the full scope and fee in writing before you commit to anything.
Who owns the TikTok Shop store?
You do. The store is registered to your business with your documents and bank account. Listings, customer data, content rights and supplier relationships stay with you, and we work through user access you can change or revoke at any time.
Who pays for ad spend, samples and inventory?
Your business does, directly. Ad spend, inventory and samples are paid from your accounts, and creator commissions come out of your sales through TikTok Shop. All of it is separate from our fee, so you can see exactly where every dollar goes.
How long is the contract, and how does it end?
Term length, notice periods and how an engagement ends are set out in your client agreement. We walk you through those terms before you sign, so there are no surprises later.
03
Results & timelines
How long before I see my first sale?
It depends on the product, the creators who pick it up and the market. Some stores see early orders soon after creators post; others need several rounds of testing first. We set milestones in your launch plan and report against them openly.
Can you promise results?
No. No honest agency can promise sales or profit on TikTok Shop, and you should be wary of any that does. We commit to the work, a clear process and transparent reporting. Results depend on product, market, budget and platform changes.
What happens if my store underperforms?
We diagnose why using the data: product, price, listing, creators, ads or fulfillment. Then we change the plan, and the monthly review shows what changed and why. If it still is not working, your client agreement explains how either side can end the engagement.
How do you report on performance?
Every month you get a written report covering GMV (gross merchandise value, meaning total sales), orders, margin and ad efficiency, plus a review call. You keep full access to Seller Center, so you can check the numbers yourself at any time.
What affects how fast a store grows?
Product demand, margin, creator interest, content volume, ad budget and stock levels all play a part, along with seasonality and platform policy changes. We focus on the factors you can control and are clear about the ones you can’t.
04
Working together
Who will I work with?
A dedicated account team: a strategist, an ad manager and an operations lead who know your store. You are not passed to a ticket queue or a rotating support desk.
How much of my time will it take?
More in the first weeks, for documents, approvals and samples. After that, mainly the monthly review and decisions on budget, pricing and new products.
What access do you need?
User access to your TikTok Shop Seller Center and ads account, plus any connected tools such as Shopify. You remain the account owner and can change or remove our access at any time.
Can you work with my existing team or another agency?
Yes. We can run the whole store or take on specific parts, such as GMV Max or creator management, and coordinate with your in-house team or other partners. The scope is agreed in writing.
How do we stay in touch?
You have a direct line to your account team, agreed at onboarding, plus scheduled review calls. For anything else, email [email protected].
05
Ads & creators
What is GMV Max?
GMV Max is TikTok’s automated ads campaign for TikTok Shop. It draws on organic videos, paid ads, affiliate posts and LIVE content, and optimizes toward a target ROI (the sales you want back for each dollar of ad spend). Since July 2025 it has been the only campaign type for new TikTok Shop ads, which is why our ads work is built around it.
How much should I spend on ads?
Enough to give GMV Max room to learn, set against a target ROI that keeps each sale profitable. We recommend a starting budget based on your margins and review it monthly. The final number is always your decision.
How do creators get paid?
Most creators earn commission on the sales they drive, tracked and paid through TikTok Shop’s affiliate program. For some creators we also negotiate a flat fee or retainer, agreed in writing before they post.
Do you have a creator network?
We recruit and vet creators for each client based on sales history, audience fit and content quality, and creators can apply to work with us through our creators page. We never choose creators on follower count alone.
Do you run TikTok LIVE shopping?
Yes, where the product suits live demonstration. We plan the run of show, brief or source hosts, and support sessions with LIVE GMV Max. For some products, short videos are a better use of budget, and we will tell you so.
NEXT STEP
Still have a question?
Book a free strategy call or email us. We reply within one business day.